I’d been searching for headphones that could truly shut out the world, and after trying several options, I finally settled on the Sony WH-1000XM4. It’s easily one of the best purchases I’ve made in recent years.
The first time I turned on the noise cancellation in a busy café, it felt like someone had turned down the world’s volume knob. Conversations became a faint hum, the clatter of dishes disappeared — it was almost surreal. The ANC here is next-level and adapts to your environment, so whether I’m on a train or walking through a shopping mall, it just works.
Sound quality is rich, well-balanced, and detailed. I listen to everything from jazz to electronic music, and these headphones handle both beautifully. The bass is deep without overpowering, and the mids are crystal clear. Plus, the Sony Headphones Connect app lets me fine-tune the EQ to match my mood or playlist.
Comfort is another big win. The ear cups are plush, and the weight distribution means I can wear them for hours without pressure on my head. Battery life is excellent — up to 30 hours on a full charge, and just 10 minutes of charging gives me around 5 hours of playback. Calls are also clear thanks to the superb built-in mic, even when I’m outside.
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation.
- Excellent, customizable sound quality.
- Long battery life with quick charge option.
- Extremely comfortable for long sessions.
- Voice assistant support (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri).
Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Headband can get warm in hot weather.
- ANC slightly reduces battery life.
For me, these are my go-to headphones for travel, work, and just relaxing at home. They’re expensive, yes, but they’ve paid for themselves in peace of mind and sound quality.