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The short answer · Balanced overview
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 81.7–64.3. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Sony
A shorter shortlist should still include the exact model’s evidence. This Sony has qualifying independent results, letting you compare sound, isolation, comfort, and calls directly. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and wired playback.
Bettr Score · Balanced
64.3/100
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.
| Sony WH-CH720N | Specification | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
$179.99 ✓ Winner | Reference price (USD) | $228.00 |
over-ear | Form factorTie | over-ear |
50 hours ✓ Winner | Maximum battery life | 40 hours |
35 hours ✓ Winner | Battery life with ANC | 30 hours |
Yes | Active noise cancellationTie | Yes |
Yes | Transparency / ambient modeTie | Yes |
6.77 oz ✓ Winner | Weight | 8.82 oz |
5.2 | Bluetooth versionTie | 5.2 |
Yes | Bluetooth multipointTie | Yes |
Yes | Wired audioTie | Yes |
No | USB-C audioNot enough data | Not verified |
3.5 hours | Full charge timeTie | 3.5 hours |
Yes | Spatial audioTie | Yes |
NOT WATERPROOF | Water resistanceTie | NOT WATERPROOF |
Not verified | FoldableNot enough data | Not verified |
No | Carrying case included | Yes ✓ Winner |
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.
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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