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The short answer · Balanced overview
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 81.7–66.7. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Bowers & Wilkins
Make the S2 designation part of your shortlist. Compare this exact model’s connections and battery claims before investigating the performance questions the spec sheet cannot settle. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation, wired playback and USB-C audio.
Bettr Score · Balanced
66.7/100
Sony
Keep the generation exact when comparing Sony’s over-ear options. The XM5 has qualifying independent evidence in this snapshot, so you can inspect the listening trade-offs as well as the features. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and wired playback.
Bettr Score · Balanced
81.7/100
The sourced facts below explain each product’s features. Bettr Scores use the existing category models and available evidence automatically. Reference prices are not live checkout prices.
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Specification | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
$749.00 | Reference price (USD) | $228.00 ✓ Winner |
over-ear | Form factorTie | over-ear |
30 hours | Maximum battery life | 40 hours ✓ Winner |
Not verified | Battery life with ANCNot enough data | 30 hours |
Yes | Active noise cancellationTie | Yes |
Yes | Transparency / ambient modeTie | Yes |
10.93 oz | Weight | 8.82 oz ✓ Winner |
5.3 ✓ Winner | Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
Yes | Bluetooth multipointTie | Yes |
Yes | Wired audioTie | Yes |
Yes | USB-C audioNot enough data | Not verified |
2 hours ✓ Winner | Full charge time | 3.5 hours |
Not verified | Spatial audioNot enough data | Yes |
Not verified | Water resistanceNot enough data | NOT WATERPROOF |
Not verified | FoldableNot enough data | Not verified |
Yes | Carrying case includedTie | Yes |
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads the Balanced Bettr Score.
GearLab test results · checked 2026-10-19. GearLab wireless headphone category tests, July 2026 comparison table. Bettr Than did not perform these tests.
People's Pick
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 26, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$199.00
Item price · shipping unknown
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