Sony - WH-1000XM4

Thanks very much for this detailed writeup! I reached many of the same conclusions about the XM5s that you wrote above. There were also other things that I liked more about the XM3s and XM4s. One is their slightly wider, flatter headband that was more comfortable for me to wear on an extended basis. I also preferred how the XM3/XM4 earcups attached to the frame. They felt and looked more solid to me as well as permitting those headphones to be folded down. Finally, I think the mechanical design of the XM3/XM4 earcup attachment just leads to a stronger, more modern, and more pleasing visual aesthetic in my eyes. The XM5s just look a bit more fragile and retro to my eyes.

Sony WH-1000XM4 are my daily driver. Great sound, awesome features, long battery life and foldable (not flimsy) with a case. Do not buy heavys, they are a money grab with bad sound.

I will have my XM4’s 5 years this summer. Zero issues still in perfect condition. Best headphones I’ve ever owned. I had studio beats prior that were trash.

I really want these but my AirPods 3 are still going strong and I have Sony XM4 over ear for noise cancelling. Would be nice to have noise cancelling earbuds for cutting the grass, or not having to lug the XM4 on my work commute. Decisions… Also worried about wide reports of the ANC breaking overtime due to the microphones getting clogged.

the xm4 is a fantastic headphone

the sony wh-1000x4. great noise canceling and there’s a feature you can turn on that turns off the noise canceling when you start speaking. also super long lasting battery

Nah i tried both and the xm6 actually stays in place but it doesn’t put pressure to where it’s uncomfortable. Maybe i just have a big head but the xm4 kept slowly sliding off my head.

My xm4 sounds very bassy and muddy. How are these? Are these as good as sennheiser momentum 4?

Try XM4. Great ANC for your situation. The fit and comfort is good. It is the best selling headphone, you likely will find it comfortable like many others. They are often bought below $200, sometime below $160. You might like their Spatial Audio on ambient music. Put you in center of those ambient sounds. Do need to set it up properly in app for it to work.

I would suggest EQ your XM4 to your personal taste or Harman curve. https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/tree/master/results/oratory1990/over-ear/Sony%20WH-1000XM4 XM4 sounds better when using with wire, powered on, ANC off. I pair it with Moondrop Dawn Pro (filter 2). Detail, clarity, separation, bass (not muddy) is a step up from wireless connection. If you want PEQ feature Qudelix 5k is worth checking out. Many more option available.

The XM5s suck. They were markedly worse than the XM4s and the XM6s blow them out of the water