I used to commute into the city daily and the engine noise was a nightmare... honestly, go for the Sony WH-1000XM4. * **Portability:** They actually fold up, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5.
* **Value:** ANC performance is basically 95% as good but you save $100.
* **Comfort:** Both utilize high-quality pressure-relieving pads. Lesson learned: dont pay the flagship tax when the older model is more portable lol!! peace

In my experience, picking between these two is like deciding between a luxury sedan and a practical SUV. I remember when I first started my hour-long train commute, I was so stressed about the noise that I almost bought the most expensive thing on the shelf without thinking it through. I ended up trying both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 and honestly, for someone who throws their gear in a bag every day, the choice is pretty clear. If youre looking at the Sony WH-1000XM5, the noise canceling is seriously top-tier. It blocks out those annoying high-pitched sounds and office chatter way better than the older ones. But here's the kicker... they dont fold up!!! The case is massive and takes up so much room in a backpack. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 still has incredible ANC that kills that low engine hum perfectly, and they fold into a nice compact shape. Plus, you can usually find them on sale for like $100 less which is a huge win for the wallet right?? I guess it depends on how much you value that extra 5% of silence versus actual desk and bag space. Personally, I went with the XM4s and havent looked back once. Lesson learned: the "latest" isnt always the "best" for daily life. Id say save the cash and go for the XM4s, they’re basically the gold standard for commuters. Good luck with the new job!! 👍

Yo, ANC uses phase inversion, but I think my Sony set had issues; its SO annoying when the V1 chip miscalculates engine frequencies compared to QN1, right?

> I’m pretty set on getting a pair of Sony headphones because of their reputation for noise cancellation Late to the party but it seems like the debate here is basically between the portability of the older model and the refined ANC of the new one. Sony definitely dominates the market research right now because of their marketing, but I'm curious if ur open to looking at other brands? In my experience, while Sony has a slight tech lead in software, some competitors prioritize better physical build quality or a more balanced sound signature that might be better for 45-minute stretches. Have you had a chance to try on any Bose or Sennheiser sets to see how they feel compared to the Sony fit? Also, are you looking for something that integrates specifically with a certain phone ecosystem, or does that not really matter for ur commute? Tbh, I'm pretty sure the "flagship tax" exists across the whole market, not just with Sony, so it's worth checking if a different brand's middle-tier might actually suit ur bag space better.

Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.

I am always a bit nervous about spending a ton of money on stuff I might lose or break while traveling, so I tend to be pretty conservative with my gear. Honestly, for a daily commute, I would go with the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones over the newer ones. They are much cheaper now, especially if you find them on sale, and they fold up way better for a bag. If you want to save even more, you can do what I do and buy a used pair then just do a little DIY maintenance. I usually swap in some Soulwit Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM4 to make them feel fresh and hygienic. Also, if you are really watching your budget, the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones are a solid, reliable alternative. They arent as fancy but they get the job done for engine noise without the high price tag.

Been using the same set for nearly four years now and the longevity is just amazing! I am usually pretty paranoid about my tech getting beat up in my commuter bag, but my current setup has been a total tank. Honestly, I love it! It is such a relief not having to worry about them snapping or the battery giving out during a long train delay. Investing in something with a proven track record for durability is definitely the way to go... its been a fantastic experience seeing them hold up so well despite the daily abuse on the platform. Totally worth the investment for the reliability alone! My daily ride would be a nightmare without that consistent silence tho.