Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones
These are the same Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones listed under two names, so the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and battery are identical. The real difference is price and seller. The A listing shows $159.99 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026, and its price has swung between $90.00 on October 28 and $159.99 on November 2, so it is worth watching. Buy whichever listing is cheaper from a reputable store, and check the price history before paying.
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Sony WH-1000XM5
2Choose the WH-1000XM5 if it is the cheaper listing from a store you trust, since it is the same headphone as B.
- Industry-leading ANC with 8 microphones and two processors
- Up to 30 hours of battery with fast charging
- LDAC and Hi-Res Audio support, plus multipoint pairing
- Lightweight at about 250 g with soft synthetic leather cushions
- Clear call quality from the microphone array
What separates them
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones | |
|---|---|---|
| Product identity | Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear noise cancelling headphone | Sony WH-1000XM5, sold under a longer model name (1000XM5SA) |
| Noise cancelling | Adaptive ANC with two processors and 8 microphones | Noise cancelling, per listing |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC, fast charging | Up to 30 hours |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC; multipoint | Bluetooth, codecs not listed |
| Weight and fit | About 250 g, over-ear with synthetic leather cushions | Over-ear, weight not listed |
| Wired option | 3.5 mm AUX input and cable included | Not listed |
| Price | $159.99 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026; 10 stores sell it new | Price not given |
Price history
- Sony WH-1000XM5: lowest $90.00 on Oct 28; $159.99 on Nov 4.
- Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones: lowest $99.99 on Oct 30 at eBay.
Prices at every store
Sony WH-1000XM5
- WalmartNew
In stock
$199.99Observed at 10:33 PM - SonyNew
In stock
$199.99Observed at 9:45 PM - Best BuyNew
In stock
$199.99Observed Nov 3, 2026, 5:53 PM - B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew
Availability unknown
$298.00Observed at 9:45 PM
Also available at
- GreentoeCheck price at Greentoe
- VerizonCheck price at Verizon
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones
Specs compared
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| color | Black | Black |
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| With Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Style | On-ear | On-ear |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Max Battery Life | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Driver | 30mm dynamic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, SBC, AAC, LDAC, Multipoint | — |
| Over-Ear | Yes | — |
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.
- Sound quality and bass
- Comfort for long wear
- Microphone performance on calls
- Strong noise cancellation
- Bulkier case because it does not fold
- Touch controls that trigger by accident
- Price relative to older models
Sony WH 1000XM5SA Noise Cancelling Wireless Over Ear Headphones
Owners and reviewers rate it among the best noise-cancelling headphones available, praising the quiet, the light fit and call clarity. Complaints center on the larger case, fiddly touch controls and the price gap over the older XM4.
Questions and answers
- Are these two the same headphone?
- Yes. Both are the Sony WH-1000XM5; B just uses a longer model name. Sound, ANC, battery and comfort are the same.
- Which is better for flights?
- Either one. The WH-1000XM5 has strong ANC with 8 microphones and up to 30 hours of battery, enough for long-haul flights.
- Is the WH-1000XM5 worth $159.99?
- Yes, that is a good price for a flagship ANC headphone that launched at $399.99. It dropped to $90.00 on October 28, 2026, so check the price history before buying.
- Does it work for calls and meetings?
- Yes. It has a microphone array for voice pickup and multipoint pairing, so you can stay connected to a phone and a laptop at once.
- Can I use it wired?
- Yes. The WH-1000XM5 has a 3.5 mm jack and ships with a headphone cable, so it works with no battery.
- How long does it last?
- Sony rates the battery at up to 30 hours with ANC on. The build is plastic and does not fold, so treat the hinges with care.
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