04/03/2026 1:27 am
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honestly im so done with my current earbuds they die halfway through my trips and my ears just ache after like three hours in the air. I have a 14-hour flight to Tokyo coming up next month and I need something that actually blocks out the engine drone because my last pair was useless.
so I was thinking about the Sony XM4s since people say they fold better for travel but then my logic was maybe the XM5s have better noise cancelling? but ive heard the headband on the 5s can get uncomfortable for really long stretches and I have a bigger head so thats a worry. im stuck between the two and my budget is strictly under 400 bucks. which ones wont make me want to rip my ears off over the Pacific?
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04/03/2026 1:27 am
tbh if you have a larger head you might want to be really careful with the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones. I have been flying with Sony gear for years and while the noise canceling on the 5s is technically superior for high-pitched sounds, that thin headband is a real concern for 14-hour hauls. It tends to create a pressure point on the crown of your head after a few hours which can be a nightmare if you are already uncomfortable. I would suggest sticking with the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones instead. The headband is thicker and more forgiving for bigger heads, plus they fold up much tighter in a backpack. The engine drone blocking is still top-tier and the battery life is plenty for a trip to Tokyo. Just be sure to handle the hinges gently as they can be a weak point over time. You are definitely making the right call to upgrade tho, flying with bad gear is the worst. Let me know if you need help with the EQ settings once you get them!
