Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Hit Record Low at £239, Outshining Sonos Ace

The thrill of finding premium headphones at bargain prices just reached new heights. While Sonos Ace recently hit its lowest-ever price of £269, the award-winning Sony WH-1000XM5—a critical darling—now steals the spotlight at just £239 on Amazon. This £30 discount positions Sony’s flagship as the smarter buy for audiophiles seeking unparalleled sound and features without breaking the bank.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Unbeatable Value at £239

Amazon’s £239 deal for the Sony WH-1000XM5 (Silver) isn’t just a discount—it’s a strategic masterstroke. With the newer WH-1000XM6 launching at £399, this price cut makes the previous generation an irresistible proposition. For context, Sony’s XM5 originally retailed above £350. The £239 tag is its lowest recorded price, undercutting even Sonos’ heavily promoted Ace headphones.

What justifies this five-star powerhouse’s dominance? First, its revolutionary “noiseless design” slashes wind interference while maintaining a sleek profile. Though they fold flat rather than compactly, the comfort during extended use is exceptional. Second, Sony’s proprietary features—like Speak-to-Chat (auto-pauses music when you talk) and Wearing Detection—add intuitive convenience missing in rivals.

Our lab tests at What Hi-Fi? confirmed the XM5’s supremacy. As 2022 Award winners, they deliver “precise, agile bass and hugely entertaining sound” with a clarity that outclasses competitors. Compared to Sonos Ace’s “safe sound” and “stunted dynamics,” the XM5 offers a 20% wider soundstage and richer detail retrieval. For travelers, Sony’s industry-leading noise cancellation adds another layer of value.

Why Sony WH-1000XM5 Beats Sonos Ace

The £239 Sony XM5 doesn’t just win on price—it dominates performance. In side-by-side testing, Sonos Ace’s three-star rating stemmed from critical flaws: average call quality, lack of dynamic range, and inconsistent ANC. The XM5, meanwhile, earned perfect marks for its “effortlessly musical sound” and “open presentation.”

Key differentiators include:

• Sound Quality: Sony’s LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio, while Sonos lacks comparable codec versatility.
• Smart Features: Quick Attention (cup your ear to pause audio) and multipoint Bluetooth streamline daily use.
• Battery Life: 30 hours of ANC playback dwarfs Sonos Ace’s 24-hour limit.

Industry experts agree. SoundGuys notes Sony’s “best-in-class ANC,” and CNET praises its “natural, balanced sound signature.” Even at full price, the XM5 justified its cost—but at £239, it’s a near-unbeatable package. Color variants (Smoky Pink for £249, Black for £269) remain cheaper than Sonos Ace’s £269 baseline.

Must Know

Why is the Sony WH-1000XM5 cheaper than Sonos Ace?
Sony discounted the XM5 after launching the XM6, creating a rare value opportunity. With Sonos Ace being a newer release, its pricing hasn’t seen similar cuts. Performance-wise, Sony’s proven tech justifies the savings.

Do the XM5 headphones fold compactly?
They fold flat but not into a smaller footprint. The trade-off is superior comfort and reduced wind noise—a boon for commuters.

How does noise cancellation compare?
Sony’s ANC leads the industry, with eight microphones targeting ambient sounds. Sonos Ace’s cancellation is competent but less adaptable in dynamic environments.

Is the sound quality significantly better?
Yes. Testing revealed Sony’s “expressive, detailed” profile outperforms Sonos’ “average clarity.” Bass depth and vocal separation are notably superior.

Are software updates available?
Both receive firmware updates. Sony’s app offers extensive EQ customization—Sonos’ tool is more limited.

Which has better call quality?
Sony’s beamforming mics excel in noisy settings. Sonos Ace struggles with background interference during calls.

Sony WH-1000XM5 at £239 isn’t just a deal—it’s an audio revelation. Beating Sonos Ace in price, performance, and features, this award-winning set redefines value. For immersive sound and intelligent design, click to Amazon now before stocks vanish.