Sony's top-notch noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM4, are available for under $200
In 2020, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones received the Best of the Year badge of honor and an Editor's Choice award from PCMag. Four years later, these noise-cancelling headphones are still worth considering, especially if you find them at a reduced price compared to the newer XM5 and XM6 models.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, a comfortable fit, and foldable cups that make them great for travel. Despite the release of the XM5 and XM6, the XM4 remain highly effective in active noise cancelling (ANC), particularly excelling in bass-range and low-mid frequency noise isolation.
Key points for considering the WH-1000XM4 in 2025:
- Noise Cancellation: The XM4 provide excellent ANC, very close to the newer XM5 and nearly as good as the XM6, particularly in low and mid-frequency ranges (like airplane engines and office noise). Some sources note the XM6 has slightly better overall ANC, but the difference is subtle and may not be noticeable in everyday use.
- Build and Comfort: The XM4 have a lighter, more flexible design, fully foldable for portability, though with a more plasticky feel and slightly less durability than the XM6. The XM6 features premium materials and improved build quality but can feel less comfortable for certain users (e.g., those with larger ears).
- Sound Quality: The XM4 offer a warm, bass-forward sound signature still highly praised. The XM5 improved some aspects of soundstage and quality and introduced a new design but do not dramatically eclipse the XM4. The XM6 improve ANC mostly and add codec support (like LC3 for better calls) and minor sound refinements.
- Price Consideration: The XM4 are generally significantly cheaper now (e.g., AU$399 or lower), making them a very cost-effective option versus the XM5 (~AU$369) and XM6 (~AU$700). The XM6 may not justify their higher cost unless the latest features and premium build are critical to you.
- Feature Differences: The XM6 add advanced features like adjustable ambient mode and head-tracking for surround sound. The XM4 lack these but still support Sony’s LDAC codec and deliver excellent performance for general use.
In summary, if you want great noise cancellation, solid sound, proven comfort, and value in 2025, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remain a smart buy compared to the pricier new generation models. However, if you want the very latest build, features, and marginally better ANC, and you can afford it, the XM6 is currently the flagship choice. The XM5 sit somewhat in the middle but may be overshadowed by the XM4's solid value and the XM6's latest features.
Currently, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are available at Amazon for $198, a 43% discount and close to their lowest price ever. If you're in the market for noise-cancelling headphones that offer great value, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still a strong contender in 2025.
[1] TechRadar [2] CNET [3] Wired [4] Tom's Guide [5] Digital Trends
Despite advancements in technology and the release of newer models such as the XM5 and XM6, Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones still hold their ground in 2025, offering impressive noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. You can find these smartphones at Amazon, providing a significant 43% discount and an opportunity to own a highly effective pair of noise-cancelling gadgets at a reduced price.
