Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Hit $248 Low Before Black Friday

Sony's popular WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones have dropped to a record low price of $248 ahead of Black Friday, a discount of $152 from their original $400 list price. The deal, available on major retailers like Amazon, applies to most color options and highlights the model's enduring appeal as a high-performing alternative to newer, pricier flagships.

The WH-1000XM5, released in 2022 as Sony's top noise-canceling headphones, features dual custom processors and eight microphones that enable adaptive noise cancellation. This system uses an Auto NC Optimizer to adjust performance based on environmental factors, such as atmospheric pressure during flights, effectively blocking low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and higher-frequency noises including voices and street chatter. Officials from Sony note that the headphones provide up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a quick-charge option delivering three hours of playback from just three minutes of charging via the included USB-C cable.

Comfort is a key strength, with the lightweight design weighing 8.8 ounces and oval-shaped earcups made from soft-fit leather that distribute pressure evenly...