Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2023
Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear · 2022
Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Sony WH-1000XM5Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony WH-1000XM5 more score per dollar ($399 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Sony WH-1000XM5
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $599, Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Sennheiser HD 660S2 · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.