Hey guys! I have a 14-hour flight coming up and really need great noise cancellation. I am torn between the WH-1000XM4 and the XM5 models. I mainly care about:
Which Sony pair do you think is better for long-distance travel?
Adding my two cents... quick question tho, are you a side sleeper? If you are, over-ears might be a struggle. Technically, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones has the superior Integrated Processor V1 for high-frequency ANC, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are a great alternative for sleep comfort. Both support LDAC, but the earbuds wont get in the way of your travel pillow.
Just found this thread and I totally agree with the first reply about the folding design. Its honestly a dealbreaker for me when I am packing light. I have been using my gear for years and that hinge is just way more packable for long hauls. Plus, from a cost perspective, you are saving a ton of money opting for the older flagship without losing much on actual performance. If you want a different vibe that is even easier on your budget and neck, look at the Sony WH-CH720N Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. They are way lighter than the premium series, which is a massive plus for a 14-hour flight because heavy headbands start to cause real pressure points after a few hours. Pro tip: turn off the speak-to-chat feature in the app before you board. If you cough or clear your throat, it pauses your audio, which is super annoying when you are trying to sleep!
Stick with the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. The XM5 model doesn't fold, which makes the headband way more prone to snapping in a tight carry-on. I always prioritize durability for long hauls. Quick tip: keep them in the original hard case whenever you're not wearing them. It protects the hinges from stress while you're sleeping on a cramped flight.
Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.