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Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if noise cancellation, call quality and LDAC sound matter most; it is $199.99 at Sony as of November 5, 2026. Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT if you want long battery life and low cost; it is $89.00 at Walmart as of November 5, 2026. The Sony costs about $111 more and has dropped as low as $90.00 since October 28, 2026, so watch its price. The M20xBT has held near $89 all week.

Today the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT costs $110.99 less at its best price.

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Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5

2· 1 rating
$199.99at SonyObserved at 8:45 AM
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Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you fly, commute or take calls in noisy places and want the best active noise cancellation and microphone quality in this pair.

Pros
  • Best-in-class active noise cancellation for planes, trains and open offices
  • Eight microphones make voice calls clear in noisy rooms
  • LDAC and Hi-Res Audio support for higher-quality wireless streaming
  • Adaptive Sound Control adjusts to your activity and surroundings
  • Comfortable synthetic leather cushions for long sessions
Cons
  • Costs more than twice the M20xBT at current prices
  • About 30 hours per charge, half the M20xBT's runtime
  • No folding design, so the case is bulky for travel
  • Price has swung from $90.00 to $199.99 in a week, so timing matters
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

4.2· 20 ratings
$89.00at WalmartObserved at 8:44 AM
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Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT if you want roughly 60 hours per charge, a wired option and studio-style sound for under $90.

Pros
  • About 60 hours of playback per charge
  • Rapid charge gives 3 hours from a 10-minute top-up
  • 40 mm drivers deliver strong bass and full-range sound
  • Light at about 216 g with professional-grade pads
  • Multipoint pairing and a wired option at $89.00
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation, only passive isolation
  • No LDAC or aptX, so SBC and AAC only
  • Bluetooth 5.0 rather than 5.2
  • Built-in mic is basic for calls compared with the Sony

What separates them

Sony WH-1000XM5Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Price$199.99 at Sony as of November 5, 2026$89.00 at Walmart as of November 5, 2026
Noise cancellationAdaptive active noise cancellation with 8 microphones and two processorsPassive isolation only, no ANC
Battery lifeAbout 30 hours, rated up to 32About 60 hours, 10-minute charge gives 3 hours
Bluetooth codecsSBC, AAC and LDAC for Hi-Res streamingSBC and AAC only
Drivers30 mm carbon fiber dynamic drivers40 mm dynamic drivers with rare earth magnets
WeightAbout 250 g (listed shipping weight 2.1 lb)About 216 g (7.6 oz)
Wired listening3.5 mm jack with included cableWired mode supported, detachable cable
MultipointYes, two devicesYes, two devices

Price history

$159.99$88.95
Oct 28Nov 5
  • Sony WH-1000XM5: lowest $90.00 on Oct 28; $159.99 on Nov 5.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT: lowest $88.95 on Nov 1 at Amazon; $89.00 on Nov 5.

Prices at every store

Sony WH-1000XM5

  • SonyNew

    In stock

    $199.99Free shippingObserved at 8:45 AM
    Visit store
  • mercari.comNew

    In stock

    $199.99Observed Nov 4, 2026, 1:00 PM
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  • Swiftronics USANew

    In stockReturn policy

    $209.99Observed at 8:44 AM
    Visit store
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $224.99Free shippingObserved at 8:45 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • VerizonCheck price at Verizon
  • GreentoeCheck price at Greentoe
All 14 stores and price history →

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Electronic Express

    $89.00Free shippingObserved at 8:44 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • BelkCheck price at Belk
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSony WH-1000XM5Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
colorBlackBlack
StyleOn-earWireless, on-the-go design, Over-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Max Battery Life30 hours60 hours
Battery life32 hMax. approx. 60 hours
MaterialFoamProfessional-grade earpad and headband material
Bluetooth® versionBluetooth Specification Version 5.2Bluetooth version 5.0
Frequency Response4 Hz–40,000 Hz (JEITA)5 to 32,000 Hz
Water ResistantfalseNo
WaterprooffalseNo
Actual ColorBlackBlack
Driver30mm dynamic—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WH-1000XM5Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Bluetooth5.2, SBC, AAC, LDAC, Multipoint—
Noise CancelingYes—
With MicrophoneYes—
Over-EarYes—
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa—
Height10.36″ tall—
Headphone styleOver-Ear—
Noise control technologyAdaptive Noise Cancellation—
WirelessY—
Wireless technology

What reviewers say

Sony WH-1000XM5

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the sound, comfort and call quality of the WH-1000XM5. Noise cancellation is widely rated among the best in its class. Complaints center on the non-folding design and touch controls.

Pros
  • Sound quality and bass
  • Comfort for long wear
  • Microphone performance on calls
  • Strong noise cancellation
Cons
  • Bulkier case because it does not fold
  • Touch controls that trigger by accident
  • Price relative to older models

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Owner feedback is generally positive, with the long battery, comfort and sound-for-price standing out. Complaints center on the lack of ANC and the basic codec support.

Pros
  • Battery life that lasts days of normal use
  • Comfortable for long sessions despite the low price
  • Bass-forward sound close to the wired M20x
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation
  • No aptX or higher-quality codecs
  • Controls take some getting used to
Reviews
  • Best Wireless Headphones 2026: Go wire-free with these top performers
  • The best wireless headphones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET - Skip to content
  • Best Over-Ear Headphones 2026: The best wired and wireless pairs
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 review
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
  • Quality microphone

Questions and answers

Which is better for flying and commuting?
The Sony WH-1000XM5. Its adaptive noise cancellation with eight microphones cuts engine and traffic noise that the M20xBT only partly blocks with its ear pads.
Which has longer battery life?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT, at about 60 hours versus roughly 30 hours for the Sony. A 10-minute charge on the M20xBT gives about 3 hours of use.
Is the Sony worth the extra money?
If you need noise cancellation, LDAC and clear calls, yes. At $199.99 versus $89.00 the gap is about $111, and the Sony has sold as low as $90.00 since October 28, 2026, so a price alert is worth setting.
Which sounds better?
The Sony is more balanced and detailed, with LDAC support for Hi-Res sources. The M20xBT has bigger 40 mm drivers and a bass-forward studio sound, but tops out at AAC and SBC.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The M20xBT is lighter at about 216 g. The Sony is heavier but has soft synthetic leather cushions and low clamping pressure, so both suit long sessions.
Can I use either one wired?
Yes. The Sony includes a 3.5 mm cable, and the M20xBT supports wired listening with a detachable cable.

More comparisons

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  • Sony WH-1000XM5 vs JBL Live 770NC

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Bluetooth
—
BrandSony—
Rec. useCasual Listening, Classroom, Sports—
Works withMobile Phones, Computers—
Assembled product weight2.1 lb—
In/Out typeWireless—
Inputs/OutputsInputs - 3.5 mm AUX Jack—
AccessoriesHeadphone Cable—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Compatible smart control systemsAlexa, Google Assistant, Siri—
Virtual assistantAlexa, Google Assistant, Siri—
Ear pad materialLeather—
Cord length3.94 ft—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Model nameWH1000XM5/B—
Maximum transmission range32.8 ft—
Video game platformMobile—
ModelWH1000XM5/S—