Great deal: Sony WF-1000XM5 have amazing sound and cost much less than the new generation

The new generation Sony WF-1000XM6 costs 6,740 CZK, while you can now buy WF-1000XM5 with code 2026ALZAEXTRA30 for 3,940 CZK. These were, until recently, the best earbuds Sony made.

Rychlé shrnutí:
✅ Smysl dává, pokud chcete špičkový zvuk s LDAC a silné ANC za výrazně méně, než stojí nová generace, a sednou vám špunty do uší.
⚠️ Zvažte, že držení v uších je sázka na tvar vašeho ucha, lesklé pouzdro i sluchátka kloužou a appka sbírá data o poslechu.
💡 Za 3 940 Kč je to bývalá vlajka za polovinu ceny nástupce — skvělá hodnota, pokud vám padnou.

Why the XM5 make sense now

The logic is simple: XM5 were, until this year, the best Sony offered in the earbud category. While the arrival of XM6 pushed ANC, transparency mode, and sound spaciousness a bit further, the differences are more subtle refinements than a revolution — and the XM6 costs almost twice as much. An interesting side note: XM6 have a larger case, so if you’re looking for the smallest possible box for your pocket, the more compact XM5 is even more practical. For most people, the XM5 at 3,940 CZK are a more reasonable purchase than the full price of the new generation.

Key parameters

At the heart of the sound are Dynamic Driver X drivers and a trio of chips (QN2e processor, V2, and HD Noise Cancelling) that together produce clean, detailed sound with minimal distortion. Crucially, the headphones support the Hi-Res LDAC codec — with a good source (Tidal, Qobuz, local FLAC), you immediately hear the difference compared to standard Bluetooth. The Sony Sound Connect app also offers a full equalizer and tuning guide, so you can tailor the sound precisely to your liking.

Practical features are top-notch: Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint (connecting two devices at once, such as a laptop and phone), 8 hours of battery life on a single charge and 24 hours with the case, fast charging (3 minutes = one hour of listening), and Qi wireless charging. The headphones are sweat and splash resistant according to IPX4. ANC is among the best in the industry — with well-fitting earbuds on the subway or train, it dampens noise so effectively that music at a reasonable volume drowns out almost everything.

What users say and what to watch out for

Reviews are more mixed than one might expect from Sony. The rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 438 reviews and 83% recommendations — but there’s a fair number of one-star ratings. Satisfied owners speak in superlatives about the headphones: “until I had them, I didn’t know what music was,” praising the sound, bass, battery life, app, and 360 Reality Audio. When the XM5 fit well, many people consider them the best earbuds they’ve ever had.

But then there’s the other side, and the same issues keep recurring. Number one is the fit in the ears — a whole host of people write that the headphones don’t stay in properly with any size of ear tips and fall out during movement; therefore, many owners do not recommend them for sports. It heavily depends on the shape of your ear; it’s truly a lottery. The glossy surface of both the headphones and the case also makes them slippery, and taking them out of the box requires practice. Some people criticize the app, which changes its interface and collects data on what you listen to, and a few owners hear a faint hiss with ANC. It’s fair to know this beforehand — with these headphones, everything truly hinges on how they fit you.

When it doesn’t make sense

If you are looking for headphones primarily for running and sports, consider carefully — many owners confirm that the XM5 fall out during movement, and there are more securely fitting models for active use. Likewise, if you dislike data collection via the app and want to control everything offline, this philosophy won’t suit you. And whoever wants the absolute best ANC and transparency mode that Sony can offer will find it in the newer XM6 — for an extra cost. However, for someone who mainly listens to music while walking and at a desk, wants top-notch sound with LDAC, and wants to save almost two thousand against the regular price, the XM5 are an excellent choice.

Verdict: who it’s worth it for

Sony WF-1000XM5 are former flagship headphones at the price of a better mid-range class. For 3,940 CZK with code 2026ALZAEXTRA30, you get sound and ANC that still belong to the top tier, in exchange for the fact that comfort is a lottery and the app isn’t for everyone. If they fit your ears — which you’ll find out quickly — it’s hard to find better earbuds for this money. Given that a newer generation has already arrived, this is a discontinued model, and discount codes or stock won’t last forever. If you’re eyeing premium Sony headphones, this is a reasonable moment.

Would you take the former flagship XM5 for half price, or would you pay almost double for the latest XM6?