Sonyknows more than a thing or two about audio systems, as it has been a leader in crafting the best equipment for filmmakers and audiophiles. With rival brands such as Bose, JBL, and now Apple constantly breathing down their necks, something remarkable had to be done. The Sony WHXM series has been their flagship, offering some of the best ANC and balanced audio quality in the segment, and the WH1000XM4 is no exception. The minimalistic design with enough juice to get you through a long-haul flight makes them a perfect travel necessity.

Although you’re able to find newer versions of theSony WH1000XM4, picking these up for just $280 makes a lot more sense. You can find this pair of wireless headphones at Best Buy and save $71.

Sony - WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones

Those going back to school soon should definitely put this on their shortlist.

Why Buy The Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Headphones?

Design

Sony hasn’t tinkered much with their tried-and-true simplistic design, which just works. The matte finish looks premium and isn’t too bulky when wearing, thanks to its sturdy plastic build. you’re able to fold them inwards and plop them in your backpack or store them properly in their carrying case. The plush and comfortable leather ear cushions and leather headbandadd to their premiumness.

Audio Quality

The most important aspect of any headphones is theiraudio quality, and even with newer, refreshed models being launched by Sony, the XM4s remain among the best. The 40mm drivers deliver a balanced sound profile that doesn’t exaggerate the bass.

Long music listening or productivity sessions don’t feel tedious as the ear cushions don’t cause fatigue. This trend continues when traveling long distances as well. Having support for LDAC, SBC, and AAC audio codecs helps play audio at a higher quality. With the mobile app, you can tweak the audio settings to your liking for an immersive audio playback experience.

Noise Cancellation

The headphones also excel inactively canceling out noise (ANC)when used in a busy and noisy setting, such as commuting or air travel. It goes neck and neck with Apple’s industry-leading ANC technology, which costs almost twice its price. The app also lets you adjust the ANC settings, such as adjusting how much ambient noise you want to allow, to be aware of your surroundings (voice passthrough). It also upscales lower-quality audio for a better listening experience using Sony’s proprietary technology, DSEE Extreme.

Battery Life

Sony claims that the headphones can run for 30 hours on a single charge with ANC activated, which is a solid stat to boast of. Users have been able to churn out even more juice out of the device, further solidifying the battery-life claim. You can have the headphones automatically turned off after some inactivity, and it even pauses playback when removed from the ears. These small features help preserve the battery life. You can charge the device using a USB-C cable, and if you find yourself without any battery left, you can use the3.5mm audio jackfor analog playback.