Best Headphones for Music
Sony WH-1000XM4

#2 overall · wireless ANC over-ear

Sony WH-1000XM4

Daily commuting on trains and buses when you want one headphone that does everything.

CommuteNoise cancellingBatteryWireless (for commuting)
Owners on record
23
Threads
7
Say they own it
4
Check price on Amazon · $298
Own these? Vote

Typical price, checked Sep 2026. Sony's own store listed $349.99 for the original XM4; Amazon listed a newer WH-1000XM4C revision at $298 on the check date.

Why people like it

  • By far the most-recommended commuting headphone: 14 separate owners in one 2025 ResetEra thread alone
  • Strong noise cancelling, long battery, folds flat
  • Regularly on sale for $130-250, and owners say it is still the value pick over the XM5 and XM6
  • Works wired too; the XM4 is the last of the line that folds

What owners complain about

  • Bulky and warm on the ears; one owner found the clamp uncomfortable and the ANC weak
  • Sony's default EQ is a little V-shaped (boosted bass and treble)
  • Some units develop a faint white noise; touch controls can be fussy

Where opinions split: Sony versus Bose is the eternal split: Sony for sound and battery, Bose for comfort and slightly stronger noise cancelling.

The 9 sources

Owner = the person says they use it. Recommendation = passed on without saying so. Dates are when the thread started.

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