15/05/2026 9:37 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Headphones
2
Posts
3
Users
0
Reactions
82
Views
0
Ive been a Sony fan for a long time, rocking the XM4s for my commute, but I ran into a wall now that Ive started doing heavy HIIT and powerlifting. The ANC is great but they literally slide off my head during burpees and the sweat is already starting to ruin the synthetic leather pads.
Im looking to spend around $250-300 before my training camp in Seattle starts next month. I know about the LinkBuds S but I really prefer over-ears if possible for the isolation. Does Sony even make a pair of over-ears that can handle serious sweat and movement without sliding around or dying on me?
2 Answers
11
15/05/2026 10:42 am
Tbh, been down this road and it's a bit of a struggle since Sony focuses more on lifestyle than rugged gym gear. I remember doing power cleans and having my headset fly across the platform... super embarrassing. If you're dead set on over-ears, you gotta look at the Sony ULT WEAR WH-ULT900N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. They're around $200, well within your budget, and the clamping force feels a bit more secure than the flagship models. Heres what I did to keep things alive:
- Grab some WC Wicked Cushions SweatZ Protective Earpad Covers to stop the sweat rot.
- Check out Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for a lightweight option that wont move as much. Its basically impossible to find a Sony over-ear with a high IP rating for sweat, so those silicone covers are your best bet for keeping that leather from peeling. If they still slide during burpees, you might just have to tighten the band to the point of a headache, ngl.
10
15/05/2026 9:47 am
Saw your post and man, i totally feel that pain! I spent years trying to make over-ears work for my heavy leg days. I used to rock my Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones too, but burpees are basically the enemy of that specific headband design. After ruining two sets of ear pads, I realized most Sony lifestyle cans just arent built for that level of salt and moisture. Technically, there are two main issues here. First, none of these premium over-ears have an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance. Second, the clamping force is tuned for comfort, not explosive movement. If you really want to stay in the Sony ecosystem for under $300, the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are fantastic! They have a much tighter grip than the XM4s so they wont fly off during HIIT, and the bass boost is amazing for heavy triples. They run about $198 usually. Just remember to wipe those pads down every single session... it helps so much!
