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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HifiMan Arya Stealth headphones offer exceptional sound quality and a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical music listening in quiet environments, but their open-back design and lack of a microphone make them less suitable for calls or use in noisy areas. Meanwhile, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds provide good sound quality, active noise cancelling, and are more comfortable for long periods, making them versatile for various situations including travel, exercise, and casual listening, but they may not offer the same level of audio detail as the Aryas for dedicated music sessions. Consider the Aryas for a premium home listening experience, or the Sony earbuds for flexibility and use on-the-go. 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
10.0
8.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Gaming
7.1
5.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.9
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
9.4
5.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$599
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has a price of $599 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
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How the HifiMan Arya Stealth and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Arya Stealth | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$599 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 10/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 408.2 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
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 HifiMan Arya Stealth or the Sony WF1000XM5
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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