Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are 40% off at Amazon

This deal is no longer available at Amazon, but Target still has them on sale here.

SAVE $120: As of April 14, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are available for $179.99 at Amazon. That’s $120 off their usual price of $299.99.

I didn’t think I needed another pair of earbuds until I saw Sony’s WF-1000XM5s hanging out at $179.99 on Amazon. Now I’m inventing reasons to upgrade. This is a 40% drop on a set of earbuds that actually lives up to its noise-cancelling flex — and that’s not something I say lightly. Sony claims these are their best truly wireless buds yet. Honestly, I believe them.

What sold me is the balance. They’ve nailed that elusive mix of powerful noise cancellation, rich sound, and decent call quality, which usually means sacrificing one for the other. These don’t. You can pop them in on a noisy train, crank up your playlist, and suddenly it’s just you and Beyoncé. Or doom metal. I’m not here to judge.

The new design is a bit glossier than before, and the earbuds are smaller, so they don’t look like you’re trying to receive a satellite signal from your ear canal. They’re light, comfy, and surprisingly good at staying put, even when I forget I’m wearing them and start acting like a backup dancer in the produce aisle.

• Price: $179.99 $299.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation with dual feedback microphones

• Sound Quality: Wide frequency reproduction, detailed vocals

• Call Quality: Enhanced clarity in noisy environments

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (24 hours with case), 1 hour playback from 3-minute charge

• Design: Smaller, in-ear fit with glossy finish

• Smart Features: Alexa built-in

• Connectivity: Bluetooth

You’ll get up to 8 hours of battery on a single charge, and the case stretches that to 24 hours. Plus, a three-minute charge gives you a full hour of listening time, which is perfect for those of us who remember to charge things only after walking out the door.

I think this deal is kind of a no-brainer. If you’ve been eyeing a pair of high-end earbuds that won’t absolutely destroy your bank account, Sony just made your decision very easy.