Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 Still Beats Most Newer Headphones in 2025 — Even Against More Expensive Models

Every year, there’s a flood of new “flagship” headphones claiming slightly better ANC, slightly better drivers, slightly better microphones… but in the real world, most people don’t need a new pair.

In fact, in 2025, one of the smartest buys in the entire headphone market is actually not new at all:

The Sony WH-1000XM5.

Yes — the XM5, released in 2022.

This sounds crazy until you actually compare it to the newer models. Here’s why the XM5 still dominates — and why paying more for “newer” isn’t necessarily smarter.

Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100 (2025)

A deep, practical guide to the best entry-level desktop speakers for music, movies, gaming, and everyday work.

Budget desktop speakers have become surprisingly good over the last few years. Improvements in DSP tuning, efficient Class-D amplifiers, and smarter cabinet design have pushed truly listenable, room-filling sound well below the $100 line. Whether you’re upgrading from your laptop’s built-in speakers or replacing an old pair of tiny plastic satellites, you no longer need to spend big money to get clarity, warmth, and a coherent stereo image.

This guide focuses on speakers that deliver genuine value and real acoustic performance, not gimmicks. They have been chosen for:

• Sound quality

• Daily usability

• Size and desk compatibility

• Build quality

• Real-world reliability

• Price/performance balance

These are the three best desktop speakers under $100 in 2025, each excelling in a different use-case.