Sony WF-1000XM5: eBay vs Amazon price

About the Sony WF-1000XM5

The WF-1000XM5 are Sony's top noise-canceling earbuds, released in July 2023. They are about 25 percent smaller than the XM4, last up to eight hours per charge with noise canceling on, and support LDAC for higher-bitrate audio on Android. The case charges over USB-C or on a Qi wireless pad.

They launched at a high price and have spent long stretches on sale since, which makes the used market less of a bargain than it first looks. Earbuds also wear out in ways photos do not show: battery capacity in each bud, the charging contacts and the foam tips Sony includes. On eBay, refurbished pairs with a warranty are usually the better bet.

Where the savings are

Compare a discounted new pair on Amazon with eBay refurbished units before buying used, because the gap is often narrow. Listings for only the buds or only the case are common, so read titles closely. The left and right earbuds can wear unevenly, so ask about both. Replacement foam tips are cheap, but a worn battery cannot be fixed. Sony's own refurbished units are worth a look.

Thinking about a used one? The Sony WF-1000XM5 new vs used calculator shows how far the used price sits below new and what to check before you buy.

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