15/02/2026 1:39 pm
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Hey everyone! I’ve got a massive 14-hour flight from New York to Tokyo coming up next month, and I’m honestly dreading the constant drone of the airplane engines. I’ve always heard that Sony is the absolute king of noise cancellation, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to decide which model is actually the best for long-haul travel.
I’ve been eyeing the WH-1000XM5 because the reviews say the ANC is unbeatable, but I’m slightly concerned about the design. I've noticed the WH-1000XM4 folds up much smaller, which seems like a big plus when space in a carry-on is limited. Comfort is my other major priority—I’ll be wearing these for basically the entire flight, so I’m really looking to avoid that 'clamping' feeling or my ears getting too sweaty after a few hours.
Has anyone here used both on a long flight? Is the noise cancellation on the XM5 significantly better enough to justify the higher price and the bulkier case, or should I stick with the XM4 for the portability? Also, how is the battery life holding up for you guys on those ultra-long trips?
Which Sony model would you recommend as the ultimate travel companion for someone who needs to sleep through a noisy cabin?
5 Answers
11
15/02/2026 2:04 pm
> I've noticed the WH-1000XM4 folds up much smaller This^ Also wanted to add that the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is the absolute best value pick. Honestly, the ANC difference on engine drone is tiny compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. You save like $100 and get that tiny footprint for your carry-on. Idk why they made the new ones so bulky, but for long hauls, the XM4 is basically the goat. gl!
10
15/02/2026 2:00 pm
I went through this last year.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Folds tiny, felt safer packing.
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Better ANC auto-optimization but those skinny hinges look fragile, so i was worried tbh!!
gl
2
25/02/2026 8:17 am
Noted!
2
02/03/2026 10:59 pm
Just catching up on this thread. In my experience over the years testing various noise reduction circuits and frequency isolation, Sony really dominates the travel space for a reason. Their digital signal processing is much more advanced at handling the low-frequency rumble of a jet engine compared to what you get from other manufacturers. If youre doing 14 hours to Tokyo, you really just need to stay within the Sony ecosystem for that trip. Their hardware is specifically tuned for that 20Hz to 150Hz range where most plane noise sits. Honestly, just get any of the high-end Sony noise cancelers and youll be happy. They handle cabin pressure changes way better than the rivals I've put on a bench. Go with Sony, you basically cant go wrong.
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15/02/2026 1:39 pm
In my experience, engine drone is highkey exhausting, so ANC is vital. Go with Sony, you honestly cant go wrong. Youll be sooo satisfied!
