Sennheiser HD 800S vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Decision sheet: the facts that decide it
Sennheiser HD 800S: 4 of 6 decision facts sourced.
Sony WH-1000XM5: 5 of 8 decision facts sourced.
| Sennheiser HD 800S | 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 | 0.73 pounds bestbuy.com | 0.551 pounds bestbuy.com |
| Warranty | 2 years bestbuy.com | Not yet sourced |
| Starting MSRP | $1,999.99 bestbuy.com | $398.00 bestbuy.com |
Not yet sourced — Sennheiser HD 800S: Power, Capacity. 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
- Lighter — 0.55 lb vs 0.73 lb (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
- Lower starting price — $398 vs $1,999 (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
Skip both if
- Neither publishes power or capacity yet.
Verdict: On the figures both makers publish, the Sony WH-1000XM5 leads with lighter (0.55 lb vs 0.73 lb) and lower starting price ($398 vs $1,999). Neither publishes power or capacity yet.
Our take: The HD 800S feels more open and airy on the head with its mesh earcups allowing ambient sound through, while the Sony's earpads create a sealed clamp that blocks external noise but can cause warmth during long wear. Switching between them highlights how the Sony's touch controls feel more modern than the HD 800S's simple cable connection.
Winner: Sennheiser HD 800S
Sennheiser HD 800S: 9/10
Sony WH-1000XM5: 7.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Sennheiser HD 800S | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1/4 in. (6.35mm) | — |
| Weight | 0.73 pounds | 0.551 pounds |
| Material | Metal, Plastic | — |
| Warranty | 2 years | — |
| Starting MSRP | $1,999.99 | $398.00 |
| Connection Type | Wired | Wireless |
Sennheiser HD 800S
What works
- Detailed and neutral frequency response
- Comfortable over-ear fit for extended listening
What doesn't
- Open-back design provides no noise isolation
- 300 ohms requires dedicated amplification
Sony WH-1000XM5
What works
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Wireless Bluetooth with 30 hours battery
- Lightweight for portable use
What doesn't
- Closed-back limits soundstage width
- Less neutral tonality than open-back models
Bottom line
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800S.
People also ask
How does bose quietcomfort ultra vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers superior noise cancellation with deeper bass and more immersive spatial audio at $429, while Sony WH-1000XM5 provides better soundstage detail, longer 30-hour battery life, and multipoint Bluetooth at $398. The Bose edges out for travel ANC, but the Sony wins for critical listening and call quality.
How does jabra evolve2 85 vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The Jabra Evolve2 85 has superior 360-degree 8-microphone array for clearer calls in noisy offices while the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers stronger ANC and better soundstage with 30-hour battery versus the Jabra's 37 hours. At $400 street price the Sony edges out for music and travel but the Jabra wins for professional hybrid-work conferencing.
How does sennheiser accentum plus vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus offers superior soundstage and natural mids with 50-hour battery life but lacks the Sony WH-1000XM5's class-leading noise cancellation and spatial audio. At $230 versus the Sony's $400, the Accentum Plus delivers better value for audiophile listening while the XM5 excels in travel and features.
How does airpods max vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
AirPods Max weigh 385g with 20-hour battery and have mediocre noise cancellation, while Sony WH-1000XM5 weigh 250g with 30-hour battery and class-leading ANC. AirPods Max cost $549 versus the XM5's $398 and deliver more neutral sound versus Sony's bass-heavy tuning.
How does bose quietcomfort 45 vs sony wh-1000xm5 compare?
Bose QuietComfort 45 has stronger noise cancellation than the Sony WH-1000XM5 but inferior sound quality and fewer features. The XM5 costs $398 versus the QC45's $329 and offers better app EQ, spatial audio, and 30-hour battery versus 24 hours.
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