Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs JBL Live 770NC
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option with top-notch features, while the JBL Live 770NC is a solid mid-range contender. What really sets them apart is the battery life: 30 hours for the Sony vs an impressive 65 hours for the JBL. In real-world use, that means fewer charging sessions, making the JBL a better choice for long trips or daily commutes. The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels with its market-leading noise cancellation and an 8-microphone system for calls. This means if you're in a noisy environment or need crystal-clear audio during calls, the Sony's features deliver unmatched performance. So, if you're prioritizing sound quality and call clarity, the Sony is worth the extra investment, but if battery life is your main concern, the JBL is hard to beat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
JBL Live 770NC
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs JBL Live 770NC
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
JBL Live 770NC
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | JBL Live 770NC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.6(1,519)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready via OTA update) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC (LC3 ready via future update) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 noise-sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Smart Ambient / TalkThru) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (JBL Signature Sound) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | 2 Beamforming Microphones for calls (Wind-noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 65 hours (ANC off) / Up to 50 hours (ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; Full charge in 3 hours; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Multi-point connection for 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (Video Mode available via JBL Headphones App) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (Detachable 3.5mm audio cable included; Microphone DOES NOT work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating stated) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 9.03 oz (256 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Power, Bluetooth) + Touch Control on earcup (Voice Assistant, ANC) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | JBL Headphones App (Personi-Fi 2.0, Parametric EQ, Spatial Sound) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | JBL Spatial Sound; Auto Play/Pause; Google Finder support; Comfort-fit fabric headband |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
JBL Live 770NC
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • Personi-Fi 2.0 adapts the sound profile to your specific hearing capabilities
- • True Adaptive ANC effectively adjusts to changing environments automatically
- • Lightweight design with a fabric headband ensures comfort for long sessions
- • Supports Bluetooth Multipoint for seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Microphone functionality is disabled when using the wired connection
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs like LDAC or aptX at launch
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating makes them unsuitable for heavy workouts
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The JBL Live 770NC is the better buy for most people - its 65-hour battery life crushes the Sony WH-1000XM5's 30-hour capacity. That said, grab the Sony if you need superior noise cancellation and call quality - it's worth the upgrade for those features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you need top-tier noise cancellation, prioritize call quality with 8 microphones, or often use headphones for long sessions.
Choose the JBL Live 770NC if: you require exceptional battery life for extended trips, prefer a customizable sound profile, or want a similar-weight option for everyday use. (9.03 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). JBL Live 770NC is better if you prioritize excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.