If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your audio game without obliterating your wallet, listen up. One of the most consistently recommended noise-canceling headphones of the last few years, the Sony WH-1000XM5, is now available at a stunningly low price—but there's a catch you'll probably be willing to make.
For a limited time, Woot is offering Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones in Grade-A refurbished condition for just $228. That’s a massive $172 discount off the typical $399.99 retail price, making this one of the most compelling deals we’ve seen for a premium audio product.
What Does "Grade-A Refurbished" Actually Mean?
The term "refurbished" can sometimes cause hesitation, but Woot provides clear details to set your mind at ease. According to their listing, these are over-ear headphones that have been "inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage" and offer "like-new functionality."
The one significant caveat is that they do not come with the original Sony warranty. However, Woot bridges that gap of trust by including a one-year limited warranty handled by eReplacements. This provides a solid safety net, ensuring you're covered for a full year should any functional issues arise.
To put this deal in perspective, a brand-new pair of WH-1000XM5s still commands a $400 price tag. We've seen them dip to around $300 on Amazon and at Best Buy during major sales events, and even hit a historic low of $278 last Black Friday. At $228, this refurbished deal undercuts even the best Black Friday price we've seen, making it an incredible value proposition.
You can find this standout deal directly on Woot's website here: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 is Still a Top-Tier Pick in 2025
With the recent release of the WH-1000XM6, you might be wondering if the older XM5 is still worth your money. The resounding answer from experts and users alike is: absolutely.
The jump from the XM5 to the XM6, while nice, is largely evolutionary, not revolutionary. Sony’s fifth-generation model was a significant redesign from the beloved XM4, offering a lighter, sleeker, and more modern look. Its noise-canceling prowess is still among the best you can buy, thanks to its two dedicated processors—the Integrated Processor V1 and the QN1—which work in concert to manage eight microphones. This system is incredibly effective at silencing everything from office chatter and city traffic to the relentless drone of an airplane cabin.
On the sound front, the 30mm carbon-fiber composite drivers deliver a balanced, spacious, and detailed audio experience. For Android users, support for Sony’s high-resolution LDAC codec means you can stream music from services like Apple Music and Qobuz in stunning quality.
The experts at Rtings.com, a go-to source for in-depth tech reviews, continue to rate the XM5's noise cancellation highly. In their comprehensive Sony WH-1000XM5 review, they note it excels particularly in the mid and treble ranges, which is crucial for blocking out voices and the clatter of a busy office.
XM5 vs. XM6: Is the Newer Model Worth the Extra Cash?
The new WH-1000XM6 does bring some improvements, including a sturdier hinge, a flatter headband for better weight distribution, and slightly stronger noise attenuation in the mid-frequencies. However, as discussed in a recent comparison on GSMGoTech, the upgrades are marginal for most users.
Furthermore, the XM6 isn't a strict upgrade in every area. Its softer earpads, while comfortable, can break the noise-canceling seal more easily if you wear glasses. And at its full retail price of $399, it demands a premium. As one analysis from GSMGoTech on Sony's 2025 updates suggests, the value play is firmly with the previous generation when it's on sale.
Unless you absolutely require the absolute latest and greatest in noise cancellation, the XM5 at nearly half the cost represents the far smarter buy for the vast majority of people.
The Final Verdict on This Deal
When you consider the complete package—best-in-class ANC, up to 30 hours of battery life, intuitive touch controls, and seamless multipoint pairing—the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains an easy headphone to recommend in 2025. At a refurbished price of $228, that recommendation becomes a no-brainer.
This deal won't last long, so if you've been wanting to experience what premium noise cancellation feels like, now is the time to act.
For those who prefer shopping on Amazon, you can also check the latest price for a new pair here: Check Sony WH-1000XM5 price at Amazon. However, at almost $170 more for a new unit, the value of the Woot refurbished deal is undeniable.
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