Recent updates
- — "Should you wait?" box added: Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen ($299) and Sport Open ($199, announced September 17) start shipping October 1; Meta and Ray-Ban's camera-free Meta Audio ($349, announced September 23) starts shipping October 13; Anker's Soundcore AeroClip 2 Pro is announced for January 2027. Over-ear pick note: this guide's Sony WH-1000XM5 is the older model — the XM6 has been out since May 2025, and Beats' 360 flagship launched in the US September 24.
Buying headphones is less about chasing the longest feature list and more about matching the form factor to the way you listen. If you listen on the move rather than at a desk, our roundup of the best wireless earbuds under $100 covers the budget end of that spectrum. Fit, noise control, and daily comfort matter more than spec-sheet theatre — and this is the pair that gets that balance right.
Compare the picks
| Product | Key specs | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Active noise control; lightweight over-ear fit; everyday tuning; carrying case included | $298.00 (25% off list price $399.99 — deal verified September 19, 2026) | All-round travel listening |
Sony WH-1000XM5
A strong all-round travel headphone
The XM5 doesn't win on any single headline feature — it wins on the combination. The active noise control handles the travel grind, the lightweight over-ear fit is the thing you actually notice after hour three of a flight, and the tuning is built for the playlists people really listen to, not just demo tracks. It's the comfortable, no-drama choice for daily wear.
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If you buy one pair of headphones for everything, this is the one to audition first.
Sold by Best Buy direct
Verified live 2026-09-28 for the 8th consecutive day: $298.00 with “Top Deal — Save $100” against a $398.00 comparable value; sold by Best Buy direct.
At a glance
| Category | Audio |
|---|---|
| Products covered | 1 |
| Best for | A strong all-round travel headphone |
| How to buy | Retail and official-store options |
| Last reviewed | September 19, 2026 |
What works — and what doesn’t
Pros
- Strong noise control for travel
- Lightweight long-session fit
- Useful everyday feature set
Cons
- The carrying case is not especially compact
- Premium pricing
Verdict
The WH-1000XM5 remains a strong all-round travel headphone because comfort and noise control matter every day. It is not the smallest option, but it is an easy one to live with.
Frequently asked questions
Are the WH-1000XM5 worth it at $298?
The article's verdict calls them the one pair to audition first for all-round travel listening, because comfort and noise control matter every day. Premium pricing is listed as a con, and the $298 deal was verified September 19, 2026 — check the current price before buying.
Do the XM5 win on any single feature?
No. The article says they win on the combination: active noise control that handles the travel grind, a lightweight fit you notice after hour three of a flight, and everyday tuning.
What if I'd rather have earbuds?
This article covers only this over-ear pair. For earbuds, see the site's roundup “5 wireless earbuds under $100”.
Is the carrying case good?
A carrying case is included, but the article flags it as not especially compact.
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How we reviewed these picks
Research-based review. The picks are based on editorial research into documented specifications and identified sources.
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