Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 still worth it in 2026?

Yes — in 2026 the Sony WH-1000XM5 is still worth it if you can buy it at the right price. A fair target is about $220–$300 new and $150–$240 used/refurbished. If it’s priced much closer to newer flagship ANC headphones, it starts to lose value fast.

Rule of thumb: buy the WH-1000XM5 when it’s at least $50–$100 cheaper than the current top-tier Sony/Bose alternatives; skip it if the gap is small or it’s near launch-era premium pricing. Prices move around a lot, so check sold/completed listings before buying.