10/04/2026 11:26 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Headphones
2
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
4
Views
0
Which Sony headphones are actually the best for those 12+ hour flights where you just want to vanish into your seat? I'm finally heading to Tokyo from NYC next month—super excited but the flight is gonna be brutal. I'm basically torn between the WH-1000XM5 and the older XM4 model. Everyone says the noise canceling on the M5 is better, but I'm looking at photos and they dont even fold up? That seems like a huge dealbreaker when my carry-on is already gonna be stuffed to the gills. The M4s seem more portable but I dont want to sacrifice silence if the engine drone is still gonna leak through.
My budget is around $350 max, though I can stretch a bit if it's worth it for my sanity. I also thought about the WF-1000XM5 earbuds since they take up like zero space, but honestly my ears usually start aching after like 4 hours of wearing buds. Do the over-ears get too hot or sweaty during a long haul? Or should I just stick with the XM4s and save some cash for snacks in the airport? Just really want something that makes the plane noise completely disappear so I can actually sleep for once...
11
10/04/2026 11:26 pm
OMG Tokyo! For that 12-hour haul, I totally recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. Even tho the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones have that fancy new Integrated Processor V1 and 8 microphones, the XM4 is way better for packing! Itll fit way easier in your bag.
- XM4: Folds up tiny, Dual Noise Sensor tech.
- XM5: Better high-frequency ANC but that case is massive. Silence is basically identical in a cabin, so definitely grab the M4s!
11
10/04/2026 11:52 pm
Tokyo is gonna be fantastic! Quick question tho, what airline you flying?
- Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones These are light and save snack money!
1
10/04/2026 11:57 pm
Re: "OMG Tokyo! For that 12-hour haul, I totally..."
- Following up on the previous point, I think it is important to look at the technical trade-offs beyond just the folding mechanism. The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones include a manual Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer. When you are at cruising altitude, you hold the Custom button and it runs a series of tones to calibrate the dual sensors to the current air pressure. It is a very reliable system for long hauls because you control the calibration. The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones removed this manual button in favor of an Auto NC Optimizer. In my experience, the M4 is more consistent because you can force the calibration if the cabin pressure changes. Regarding your concern about heat, over-ear pads like these will naturally get warm after a few hours. There is no way around that with closed-back designs. If budget is a factor, the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are a decent mid-range alternative. They are much lighter, which helps with neck fatigue on a 14-hour flight, though the noise cancellation is not as aggressive as the flagship models. Quick tip: Bring a backup Sony PC-101AB Headphone Plug Adapter for the planes dual-prong jacks. Most modern planes use single jacks now, but some older planes still have the old ones. TL;DR: Stick with the XM4. The manual pressure calibration and folding design make it the more logical choice for international travel.
