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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent sound quality and a more immersive music experience, especially for critical listening, the Audio Technica ATH M40X is the better choice; however, it's not as suitable for use during exercise or travel due to its size and lack of noise cancellation. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are a premium, wireless option with active noise cancelling, making them ideal for noisy environments, travel, and on-the-go use. They also have features like an app with equalizer settings, touch controls, and a longer battery life, but they are more expensive. Choose the Sony pair for convenience and advanced features, or the Audio Technica for superior sound and affordability. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
4.9
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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