Head-to-head · Headphones
MDR-7506 Studio Headphones vs WH-1000XM5 Wireless ANC
Two picks from our home office catalog, compared side-by-side by price tier, features, and suggested uses.
Sony
MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
Typically under $150
The studio standard for four decades. Not fashionable. Not wireless. Just great, honest sound and comfortable enough for long sessions. If you edit audio, buy them.
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Sony
WH-1000XM5 Wireless ANC
Typically under $500
The XM4's replacement. Better ANC, better call quality, new non-folding design. If you can find the XM4 for $250, buy that instead. If they're the same price, get the XM5.
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At a glance
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Category | Headphones | Headphones |
| Price tier | budget | splurge |
| Current price | Typically under $150 | Typically under $500 |
| Best for | podcaster, teacher | suit, therapist, accountant, developer |
MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
Pros
- +Reference-neutral sound
- +Foldable
- +Every part replaceable
- +Decades-proven build
Cons
- −Wired only
- −Coiled cable is long
- −Pleather earpads flake eventually
WH-1000XM5 Wireless ANC
Pros
- +Class-leading ANC
- +30-hour battery
- +Multipoint pairing
- +Best-in-class call mics
Cons
- −No longer folds flat
- −Notably more expensive than XM4
- −Touch controls take practice