Headphones / WH-1000XM5 vs Px7 S2e
WH-1000XM5 vs Px7 S2e
WH-1000XM5
The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
Wins overall by 0.5 points
Quick Verdict
The WH-1000XM5 is the stronger all-around pick, beating the Px7 S2e by 0.5 points overall. The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
The WH-1000XM5 and Px7 S2e are both closely matched headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 is $71 cheaper than the Px7 S2e ($328 vs $399). On value, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.7 vs 7.2/10) — features and performance relative to price. On call & mic quality, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.9 vs 8.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. On durability, the Px7 S2e leads (9.2 vs 8.3/10) — build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.2/10 for the Px7 S2e. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | WH-1000XM5 | Px7 S2e |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $328.00 | $399.00 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 40✓ | 30 |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3✓ | 15 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Weight (g) | 250✓ | 307 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 8 | 8 |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 24 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Anthracite Black, Cloud Grey, Forest Green |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off), while the Px7 S2e is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (30 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM5 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute top-up, versus a 15-minute top-up for the Px7 S2e.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM5 rates 9.3/10 versus 8.6/10 for the Px7 S2e. WH-1000XM5 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and scores 8.8/10 for comfort; the Px7 S2e weighs 307g and scores 8.0/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM5 9.1/10, Px7 S2e 9.5/10. Driver size is 30mm on the WH-1000XM5 versus 40mm on the Px7 S2e — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM5 uses a 8-microphone array and scores 8.9/10 for calls, while the Px7 S2e uses 8 microphones and scores 8.0/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 and does not fold flat; the Px7 S2e scores 8.3/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 7.2/10 for the WH-1000XM5 and 7.0/10 for the Px7 S2e. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- • You want the most performance for the lowest price.
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
- • You wear headphones for hours at a time and need superior comfort.
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM5 scores 9.3/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • You want to spend less — it's $71 cheaper.
Choose the Px7 S2e if…
- • You want the most durable build quality for daily heavy use.
- • Your main use case is professionals.
Pros & Cons
WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Excellent ANC for the price, especially now discounted
- +Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- +Mature, reliable app ecosystem
- +Strong resale/second-hand value given how common it is
Cons
- −Does not fold flat, bulkier to pack than the XM4
- −Fewer mics than the XM6, so calls are a step behind
- −No wear-detection auto pause improvement over predecessor
Px7 S2e
Pros
- +Best build quality and materials in this comparison set
- +Reference-grade sound tuning from a hi-fi speaker brand
- +2-year warranty
- +24-bit audio processing for higher-resolution playback
Cons
- −Heaviest headphone here after AirPods Max
- −Premium price without premium-tier ANC
- −Smaller brand means fewer retail listening demos
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM5 or Px7 S2e better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the WH-1000XM5 or the Px7 S2e?+
The WH-1000XM5 lasts longer, rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the Px7 S2e.
Is the WH-1000XM5 worth the price difference over the Px7 S2e?+
The WH-1000XM5 is the cheaper option at $328 versus $399. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in value.
Which is better for travel, the WH-1000XM5 or the Px7 S2e?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The WH-1000XM5 scores higher here (8.7/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM5 has the stronger ANC, scoring 9.3/10 versus 8.6/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM5 and Px7 S2e for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the WH-1000XM5 scores better for gaming use (7.2/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM5 and Px7 S2e support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint. Yes, the Px7 S2e supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM5 scores higher on comfort (8.8/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and the Px7 S2e weighs 307g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM5 vs the Px7 S2e?+
The WH-1000XM5 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Px7 S2e ships with a 24-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Momentum 4 Wireless — $299.95
Premium Option
QC Ultra Headphones — $429.00