The Scout's Verdict

"Still the benchmark for ANC headphones — but at $278, the Beats Studio Pro at $169 is now the better value pick for most buyers."

The Sony XM5 remains the gold standard for active noise cancellation. Price is confirmed at $278 — unchanged. However, with the Beats Studio Pro now available at $169.99 (deal #441), the XM5 requires a $128 premium to justify. If you are a frequent flyer or work in loud environments daily, the XM5 ANC edge is worth it. For everyone else, the Studio Pro closes the gap considerably at nearly half the price.

Why this matters

Best-in-class ANC headphone. Buy if you need the absolute top ANC performance. Otherwise see Beats Studio Pro at $169.99 for better value.