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Forget the XM5: I'm snagging the Sony WH-1000XM4 for just $198 this Prime Day
As an audio enthusiast and longtime user of Sony’s noise canceling headphones, I’ve been eyeing getting my own pair of the WH-1000XM5 since its release. But with Amazon Prime Day deals in full swing, I’m here to tell you why I’m passing on the latest model and snagging the WH-1000XM4 instead — and why you should, too.
Right now, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is available for a jaw-dropping $198, a whopping 43% off its regular price. At this price point, it’s not just a good deal — it’s an absolute steal that makes the newer XM5 hard to justify.
Why the XM4 is still a powerhouse in 2024
Despite being four years old, the WH-1000XM4 remains one of the best noise canceling headphones on the market. Its ANC performance is still top-notch, effectively silencing the drone of airplane engines and office chatter. In our long-term testing, we’ve found the XM4’s noise cancelation to be nearly as effective as the XM5’s, with only marginal differences in real-world use. In particular, the Sony WH-1000XM4 does a very good job with frequencies from 20-100Hz.
Sound quality is another area where the XM4 continues to shine. While the XM5 does offer a slightly more balanced sound profile out of the box, the XM4’s audio performance is still excellent, especially when you consider the current price difference. With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can easily tweak the EQ to your liking, narrowing the gap between the two models even further.
Battery life is another strong point for the XM4. With up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on, these headphones can easily last through a week of commutes or a long-haul flight. While the XM5 does eke out a few more hours, the difference is negligible for most users.
Where the XM5 pulls ahead (and why it might not matter)
The XM5 does have some advantages over its predecessor. It boasts improved call quality, a slightly more comfortable fit for some users, and marginally better ANC performance. It also uses Bluetooth 5.2 as opposed to the XM4’s Bluetooth 5.0. However, neither is the latest and greatest, and they both only support a handful of codecs.
Even at its current sale price of $298 (25% off), these improvements on the XM5 are hard to justify for an extra hundred dollars. The XM4’s call quality is still very good, its comfort is excellent for most head sizes, and its connectivity options are more than adequate for pedestrian audio streaming.
Why I’m choosing the XM4 (and why you should too)
At $198, the WH-1000XM4 offers unbeatable value. You’re getting nearly all the features and performance of Sony’s latest flagship at a fraction of the cost. This includes multi-device pairing, speak-to-chat functionality, and Sony’s DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
For me, the decision comes down to diminishing returns. While the XM5 is undoubtedly an excellent pair of headphones, its improvements over the XM4 are incremental at best. When you factor in the current Prime Day pricing, the XM4 becomes not just the smart choice but the obvious one for anyone looking for premium noise canceling headphones without breaking the bank.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 at $198 is the kind of deal that doesn’t come around often. It offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price, making it an absolute no-brainer for most users. Unless you absolutely need the latest and greatest, save yourself some money and snap up the XM4 while this incredible deal lasts. Your ears — and your wallet — will thank you.