Sony WH-1000XM5
Technics EAH-A800
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones receive praise for their excellent sound quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. However, a significant number of users report a fragile plastic hinge that cracks after months of use, often just outside the warranty period. While many love the lightweight design and battery life, the durability concerns and premium price point leave some customers disappointed.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- All-day comfort
- Lightweight design
- Long battery life (30h with ANC)
Cons
- Fragile plastic hinge breaks easily
- Non-collapsible design (bulky case)
- High price point
- Durability concerns after warranty
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
Technics EAH-A800
The Technics EAH-A800 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, which many users compare favorably to wired headphones, especially when using the LDAC codec. Reviewers praise the comfortable fit, effective ANC, and the ability to create an immersive soundstage with clear stereo separation. However, a few users report durability concerns, such as the headband material loosening within a month and faulty components after a year, while others suggest minor improvements like larger ear cups and more EQ bands.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Immersive soundstage with stereo separation
- LDAC codec support for high-quality audio
Cons
- Durability concerns with headband material
- Faulty components after a year
- Ear cups could be slightly bigger
- Headband feels hard on scalp
- Only 5 EQ bands (wants more)
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Technics EAH-A800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.30 kg |
| Ear Cushion | soft fit leather | super-soft earpads |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 34 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Technics - Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones with 2 Device Multipoint Connectivity - EAH-A800-K Black | Technics - Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear | Technics | Black | Over Ear | Over E |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer | Dual Hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1 m |
| Range | — | 10.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 50 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 3 hours' worth of charge after just 3 minutes | 15 Minutes for 10 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8 | 8 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Siri, Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Sony Headphones Connect | Technics Audio Connect |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (12th percentile)12th %ile
Technics EAH-A800
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (95th percentile)95th %ile
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 3 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 38 specs.