Sony’s XM5 over-ear headphones are cheaper than ever — and they come with free wireless earbuds

If you’re looking for a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great option. While they’re not the latest version in Sony’s lineup — that’s the WH-1000XM6 — they still offer excellent active noise cancellation, detail-rich sound, and enhanced voice call quality thanks to the inclusion of eight microphones. And right now, they’re down to their best price of $248 at Amazon — and the deal includes a free pair of WF-C700N earbuds, which would make for a nice stocking stuffer. The bundle price is listed at $519.98, so you’re saving nearly $272 with this deal.

The WH-1000XM5 feature an ultra-comfy design, with ear pads that are wider and offer just the right amount of cushion. The headphones have recently been bolstered by new features, too, including audio sharing and Google’s Gemini Live conversational AI assistant. If you travel a lot, though, the XM5’s design may be seen as a downgrade compared to the older WH-1000XM4 or newer XM6. That’s because the headphones can’t fold. Instead, only the ear cups turn to lay the headphones flat, so they’re not as easy to pack for a trip.

Meanwhile, Sony’s WF-C700N earbuds offer a great fit, decent sound, and plenty of software tricks. In his review, former senior reviewer Chris Welch said he was particularly impressed by the in-ear fit, which offers a secure seal that naturally blocks out a lot of ambient noise and makes them a decent option at the gym. You don’t need to worry about them getting wet either: they feature an IPX4 rating against water and sweat. They also deliver great sound, with full-bodied bass and pleasing mids.

At $248, the XM5 are a great deal by themselves, but you’re getting more bang for your buck with the free earbuds. Even if you don’t need earbuds right now, you can use them at the gym without worrying that they’ll get ruined somehow. Or, if you’re feeling generous, you can gift the earbuds to a friend or family member for the holidays.

Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

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Three more great deals

• If there’s a PlayStation 5 owner in your life, you may want to take note of this deal at Best Buy. The retailer is currently offering a bundle that includes a DualSense Wireless Controller and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for $69.99 ($74.99 off). Considering the game retails for $69.99, the discount means you’re getting a free controller, allowing you to get two gifts for the price of one. There are some other great ongoing PlayStation deals available for a limited time, including a $21 drop on the PlayStation Portal.
• The Keychron V1 Max is an excellent entry point into the world of mechanical keyboards, and right now the model with the quieter Silent K Pro Red switches is back to its best price of $95.99 ($24 off) at Amazon. The V1 Max is among the most reliable options out there, with hot swappable switches, QMK/VIA programming, and gasket-mount construction. Personally, we like the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, but that’s the beauty of mechanical keyboards: it invites endless experimentation to find the perfect typing experience.
• The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 Deluxe is currently on sale for $59.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Twelve South’s online storefront, its second lowest price yet. The Bluetooth transmitter / receiver plugs into any 3.5mm audio jack, including cars, treadmills, and in-flight entertainment systems, allowing you to listen using your own wireless headphones. The deluxe version is the same as the standard AirFly Pro 2, but it comes with Twelve South’s international airline adapter and a premium travel bag.