What is the best Sony headphone for daily office commuting?

Question

I start my new job in the city on Monday and the commute is gonna be a nightmare without good noise cancelling so I need to buy something today or tomorrow. Im looking at the Sony WH-1000XM4 because theyre cheaper and fold up small for my bag but then the XM5 look better for calls and I might have to take meetings on the train sometimes. Budget is strictly under 300 quid. I found a deal for the XM4 at 220 but the XM5 is on sale for 290 at the shop near my flat. Is the better mic and tech on the XM5 actually worth the extra cash for a loud daily commute or should I just save the money?

RobertSlalm · Accepted Answer

@Reply #2 - good point! In my experience, I bought the Sony WH-CH720N Bluetooth Over-Ear when I was broke and they worked great tho.solid ANCsuper cheap

Spravkiofe · Answer

Just saw this thread while looking for firmware info. I spent weeks debating this exact choice before my last job change. I ended up trying both during my commute so I’ve seen the pros and cons firsthand. Heres the technical breakdown of why they feel different:

Portability: The XM4 folds at the hinges, which is a lifesaver if you carry a small bag. The XM5 has a larger, rigid footprint that doesnt collapse, which I found annoying on a cramped train.

Voice Clarity: The XM5 uses eight microphones and an AI algorithm to isolate your voice. Its technically superior for meetings in noisy environments compared to the XM4, which tends to let more background hum into the call.

Sound Profile: The XM4 has 40mm drivers while the XM5 has 30mm. While the XM5 is clearer, the XM4 feels like it has a bit more punch in the low end. If you are worried about the budget, you should check out some alternatives:

<a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+ACCENTUM+Plus+Wireless+Headphones&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Headphones

These have a great transparency mode and 50-hour battery for way less than the Sony flagships.

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Super lightweight for long journeys, though the ANC is a step down. I eventually stuck with the XM4 because the folding design meant I could actually fit my lunch in my bag too. If the meetings are the priority tho, the mic tech on the XM5 is definitely more refined for professional use.

Squiereoh · Answer

I absolutely love my Sony gear! For a loud commute, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones are a total lifesaver! The mic quality is fantastic for those train meetings.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones: Great folding design but the mic picks up way too much background noise.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones: Amazing noise cancellation and the mics are way more reliable for professional calls! Go for the XM5, it's totally worth the extra cash!