Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Decision sheet: the facts that decide it
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 2 of 6 decision facts sourced. Missing: Power, Capacity, Weight, Warranty.
Sony WH-1000XM5: 5 of 8 decision facts sourced.
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | Price not yet checked | Price not yet checked |
| Dimensions | 1/4 in. (6.35mm) bestbuy.com | Not yet sourced |
| Weight | Not yet sourced | 0.551 pounds bestbuy.com |
| Starting MSRP | $1,399.98 bestbuy.com | $398.00 bestbuy.com |
Not yet sourced — Sennheiser HD 800 S: Power, Capacity, Weight, Warranty. Sony WH-1000XM5: Codecs, Multipoint, Water resistance. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if
- Lower starting price — $398 vs $1,399 (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
Skip both if
- Neither publishes power, capacity or warranty yet.
Verdict: The HD 800 S excels in pure audio performance and build quality, making it the clear choice for audiophiles and studio work. The WH‑1000XM5 wins on convenience, ANC, and price, ideal for commuters and casual listeners. Because both are legacy models, consider newer alternatives—Sennheiser HD 800 S’s successor (if released) or Sony WH‑1000XM6—for current‑generation support.
Sennheiser HD 800 S lists at $1,699 while Sony WH-1000XM5 lists at $399 — Sony WH-1000XM5 undercuts Sennheiser HD 800 S by $1,300 (326%).
Provisional pick: Sennheiser HD 800 S — not enough sourced decision facts for Sennheiser HD 800 S. We don't rank on specs we can't verify.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1/4 in. (6.35mm) | — |
| Material | Plush | — |
| Starting MSRP | $1,399.98 | $398.00 |
| Connection Type | Wired | Wireless |
| Cord Length | 9.8 feet | — |
| Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | — |
Sennheiser HD 800 S
What works
- Exceptional spatial imaging and soundstage
- Very low distortion across frequency range
What doesn't
- Requires high‑output source and amp
- Open‑back design leaks sound
Sony WH-1000XM5
What works
- Industry‑leading active noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long wear
What doesn't
- Soundstage narrower than open‑back models
- Battery life limited to 30 h
Bottom line
Provisional pick: Sennheiser HD 800 S — not enough sourced decision facts for Sennheiser HD 800 S.
People also ask
How does jabra evolve2 85 vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The Jabra Evolve2 85 has better call clarity with its boom mic and longer 37-hour battery life, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers superior noise cancellation and a more balanced sound signature at $398 versus $370. The Sony edges out for most users due to ANC performance and app features.
How does airpods max vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
AirPods Max weigh 385g with 40mm drivers and up to 20h ANC battery, while Sony WH-1000XM5 weigh 250g with 30mm drivers and up to 30h ANC battery. The XM5 deliver stronger noise cancellation and more neutral sound for $400 versus AirPods Max at $550.
How does sennheiser accentum plus vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus offers superior soundstage and natural timbre with 50mm drivers versus the Sony WH-1000XM5's more bass-forward V-shaped tuning and 30mm drivers. At $230 street price the Accentum Plus has weaker ANC and shorter 30-hour battery life compared to the XM5's class-leading noise cancellation and 30-hour ANC battery for $350.
How does bose quietcomfort 45 vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers superior noise cancellation and more neutral sound, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides better detail retrieval, stronger bass, and longer 30-hour battery life versus 24 hours. At current prices of $229 for the QC45 and $348 for the XM5, the Sony is the clearer audiophile pick.
How does jbl live 770nc vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The JBL Live 770NC has better battery life at 65 hours without ANC versus the Sony WH-1000XM5's 30 hours, but the Sony offers superior noise cancellation and more natural sound. The JBL costs around $200 while the Sony is $400.
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