Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM5
87Outstanding
$250
Full review dataSony WH-1000XM5 vs STAX SR-Lambda Pro: 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.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-Lambda Pro
82Great
$350
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value7.0
STAX SR-Lambda Pro
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 | STAX SR-Lambda Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $250 | $350 |
| HearWiki score | 87 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 30 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40 kHz | 8 Hz - 35 kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 122000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Wireless range | 10 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Full charge time | 210 min | - |
| Quick charge | 3 min = 1 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | adaptive | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | Yes | No |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | No |
| Controls | touch | none |
| Voice assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 250 g | 340 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | No |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
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
STAX SR-Lambda Pro
The STAX SR-Lambda Pro is a classic electrostatic headphone that delivers a remarkably transparent and detailed neutral sound, with exceptional speed and resolution that highlights its high-end heritage. It requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, making it a specialized choice for audiophiles seeking maximum clarity rather than casual listeners. The lightweight design is comfortable, but its wired-only nature and lack of modern conveniences reflect its age and niche positioning.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and transient speed
- Pro:Neutral, highly accurate tonal balance
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires expensive dedicated electrostatic amplifier
- Con:No detachable cable or modern connectivity options
- Con:Lacks any controls, app support, or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.