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Shure Srh1440 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 87. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 - Outstanding overall at around $248.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Shure Srh1440
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Shure Srh1440 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
SpecShure Srh1440Sony WH-1000XM5
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$280$250
HearWiki score78 / 100 · Great87 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20122022
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size40 mm30 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response15 Hz - 27 kHz4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance37 Ω48 Ω
Sensitivity101 dB/mW102 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth-5.2
Codecs-SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-30 h
Full charge time-210 min
Quick charge-3 min = 1 h
Wireless charging-No
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC type-adaptive
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controls-touch
Voice assistant-Alexa, Google Assistant
Design
Weight343 g250 g
Water resistance-none
Foldable-No
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CNoYes
Balanced connectionYes-
Calls
Microphones-8

What reviewers said

Shure Srh1440

The Shure SRH1440 is an open-back, over-ear headphone that offers a detailed and neutral sound signature, making it a solid choice for critical listening. It features a lightweight, comfortable build with detachable cables and velour pads, though its plastic construction and need for adequate amplification are worth noting. Overall, it delivers strong performance for its price, especially for those who prioritize clarity and tonal balance.

  • Pro:Detailed and neutral sound with good tonal balance
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable and included accessories like velour pads
  • Con:Build quality relies heavily on plastic materials
  • Con:Low sensitivity may require a more powerful amplifier for best results
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers little isolation

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone built for immersive listening, featuring top-tier active noise cancellation and support for high-resolution audio via LDAC. With a lightweight frame and up to 40 hours of playback, it's designed for long, comfortable sessions, though it lacks water resistance and a foldable design.

  • Pro:Excellent noise cancellation
  • Pro:Long 40-hour battery life
  • Pro:High-resolution LDAC support
  • Con:No water resistance
  • Con:Non-foldable design
  • Con:Premium price point

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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