Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2022
93
/ 100
From $399
VS
Meze Audio
Meze Audio Elite
Planar magnetic
93
/ 100
From $3,500
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White lands at 93 and Meze Audio Elite at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Meze Audio Elite if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White 93
vs 93 Meze Audio Elite
Score breakdown
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White
93 anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89
Meze Audio Elite
93 anc 0
sound 93
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White | Meze Audio Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Planar magnetic |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Meze Audio Elite
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White vs Meze Audio Elite
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White or Meze Audio Elite? +
Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Is Meze Audio Elite worth the price? +
At $3,500, Meze Audio Elite delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Does Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White or Meze Audio Elite 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.