Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (28,400 owners)

250Ω open-back, analytical treble, wide soundstage, 3m cable. The reference studio monitoring headphone.

Full Review

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

9.4/10 Excellent

4.6★ (32,400 owners)

Industry-leading ANC, 30hr, Multipoint, LDAC, speak-to-chat. The ANC headphone benchmark.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones	Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	9.4/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (28,400)	4.6★ (32,400)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Reviews	28,400 at 4.6★	32,400 at 4.6★

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 9.1/10. Industry-leading ANC, 30hr, Multipoint, LDAC, speak-to-chat. The ANC headphone benchmark. That said, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones is worth considering if 250Ω open-back, analytical treble, wide soundstage, 3m cable. The reference studio monitoring headphone. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones

Open-back design creates an exceptionally wide, natural soundstage for mixing and critical listening
250Ω impedance pairs with DAC/amp for audiophile-grade resolution
Made in Germany — premium materials and build quality designed for studio lifespans
Analytical treble response reveals recording details that consumer headphones smooth over
28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.6★ — studio and audiophile validation across decades

Open-back means sound leaks in both directions — unsuitable for public use
Requires a DAC/amplifier to drive 250Ω properly — additional cost
Bright treble response fatigues sensitive listeners on long sessions

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Industry-leading ANC remains the benchmark after multiple generations of refinement
30-hour battery with ANC active — the highest of any premium ANC headphone
Multipoint connects two devices simultaneously — phone and laptop without re-pairing
LDAC codec delivers 990kbps hi-res wireless audio — better than any other ANC headphone
Speak-to-chat pauses music and activates transparent mode when you start speaking

XM5 ear cups don't fold flat — bulkier carry case than XM4 which folded completely
Premium pricing — Jabra Evolve2 55 matches ANC quality for professional use at comparable cost
Some find the treble slightly emphasised vs competitors' more balanced tuning

FAQ

Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO or Sony WH-1000XM5?

Is the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO worth the extra cost?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO best suited to?

250Ω open-back, analytical treble, wide soundstage, 3m cable. The reference studio monitoring headphone.

Who is the Sony WH-1000XM5 best suited to?

Industry-leading ANC, 30hr, Multipoint, LDAC, speak-to-chat. The ANC headphone benchmark.

What are the main downsides of each?

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones: Open-back means sound leaks in both directions — unsuitable for public use; Requires a DAC/amplifier to drive 250Ω properly — additional cost. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: XM5 ear cups don't fold flat — bulkier carry case than XM4 which folded completely; Premium pricing — Jabra Evolve2 55 matches ANC quality for professional use at comparable cost.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones sits at 4.6★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners, and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones at 4.6★ from 32,400.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.