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The best headphones of 2023 get a record price drop for Black Friday
![sony-wh-1000xm5-hero A top down view of the Sony WH-1000XM5 resting on a dark grey graph patterned surface.](https://www.soundguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sony-wh-1000xm5-hero.jpg)
We ranked the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the best headphones of 2023, with the $400 retail price being one of the few issues we took with the headset. We’re not saying they’re not worth the money, but not everyone has that sort of budget for their audio fix. But this is why we wait for Black Friday week, and the huge sales event has slashed the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5 to an all-time low of $328.
We can say with some confidence that this is the best price we’ll see on these epic cans for some time. If they’re still beyond your price range, you may be interested in the holiday discount on the predecessor. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is also on sale and is still a powerhouse in the headphone market. They’re available for only $248 on Amazon right now — down $100 from the original retail price.
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The WH-1000XM5’s design features soft-fit leatherette ear cups, providing comfort for larger ears and reducing pressure on the head. Its ear sensor pauses music when removed, and the ambient noise passthrough is a convenient addition for uninterrupted listening. Where it really excels is in ANC performance, significantly improving noise isolation compared to previous models. The touchpad controls remain intuitive, and the Sony Headphones Connect App offers extra features like ANC optimization and a custom equalizer. Battery life is impressive, with over 30 hours of playback with ANC on and an extended life of over 50 hours without ANC.
The end of the sale is already in sight, so don’t miss out on this chance. The widget above takes you to the Sony WH-1000XM5 Black Friday deal.