Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, boasting top-tier noise cancellation and excellent call quality. In real-world use, you'll appreciate its 30-hour battery life, making it a no-brainer for long flights or commutes. Meanwhile, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offers a luxurious build and 35 hours of battery with ANC, which is impressive for similar-weight headphones. However, its slower charging time could be a hassle if you're in a rush. Key specs: Weight: 8.82 oz vs 10.05 oz and Battery: 35h vs 30h.
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (premium flagship) and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (high-end) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bang & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (18,670 reviews) | 4.2★ (1,325 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) | Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather |
| Main Drawback | Non-foldable design reduces portability | No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.2(1,325)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (Circumaural) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40 mm Electro-dynamic drivers with Neodymium magnets |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 20 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | 4 x Digital MEMS voice mics (2 shared with ANC) + 4 x Dedicated MEMS ANC mics |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 35 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / Up to 40 hours (Bluetooth only) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C (Approx. 3 hours for full charge) |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5 mm mini-jack; Passive playback supported; Mic does not work in wired mode; USB-C is charging only) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No official IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 285 g (10.1 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Touch interface (Right earcup: Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, ANC toggle, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bang & Olufsen App (Beosonic™ intuitive tone-touch EQ; not a standard band EQ) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair; Made for iPhone (MFi); Replaceable battery (serviceable); Lambskin leather ear cushions; Fabric carrying case included |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Cons
- Non-foldable design reduces portability
- Price increase compared to previous generation
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Transparency Mode)
Pros
- Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather
- Excellent battery life (35 hours with ANC) for a lightweight headset
Cons
- No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only)
- Charging is slow (approx. 3 hours) compared to competitors
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its market-leading noise cancellation crushes the Beoplay HX. That said, grab the Bang & Olufsen if you prioritize style and luxury materials - it's lighter and has a longer battery life with ANC at 35 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you need excellent noise cancellation, want to make a lot of calls, or prioritize fast charging. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you value premium build quality, need up to 35 hours of battery life, or want luxurious materials like lambskin leather.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 18,670 reviews vs 1,325
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Bang &
Market-leading active noise Priority
Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.2★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones or Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offers market-leading active noise cancellation (anc), while Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Consider that Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones non-foldable design reduces portability. Meanwhile, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones no digital audio support via usb-c (charging only). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 12, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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