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

Yes — the Sony WH-1000XM5 is still worth it in 2026 if you buy it at the right price. A fair new price is usually about $250–$330; a used/refurbished unit is more like $170–$260. If you see it much above those ranges, newer flagship ANC headphones may be better value.

It’s still a strong all-around choice for commuting, office use, calls, and travel. The main reason to hesitate is that newer models can bring slightly better noise cancellation or newer Bluetooth features, so the XM5 makes the most sense when it’s clearly cheaper than current flagship alternatives.

Prices move a lot, so check recent sold/completed listings before buying.