WH-1000XM4

If you want **noise cancelling headphones** that work for commuting, flights, and focus-heavy office days, the WH-1000XM4 still makes a lot of sense. It’s the older Sony flagship, but it remains the kind of over-ear wireless headphone most people actually want: comfortable, travel-friendly, and strong on ANC. ## What makes it worth it The headline feature is still the **active noise cancellation**. Reviewers continue to place it among the best for shutting out train rumble, café noise, and general background chatter, even if newer models now beat it outright. Battery life is rated at **30 hours with ANC on**, and Sony’s **10-minute quick charge for up to 5 hours of playback** is genuinely useful when you forget to plug in before leaving. Multipoint Bluetooth is another real-world win. You can stay connected to two devices at once, which is exactly what most laptop-and-phone users need. Sony also keeps the good stuff: **LDAC**, **DSEE Extreme**, folding hinges, auto-pause, and support for Alexa and Google Assistant. ## Where it falls short The touch controls are the weak link. Several reviews note that the double-tap pause gesture can be finicky, and newer rivals like the WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra do noise cancelling and call quality a bit better. It also has no water resistance, so sweaty workouts are not the use case. Buy this if you want excellent everyday ANC headphones for travel, work, and long listening sessions. Skip it if you want the very best noise cancelling available today or you care more about call quality than value.

£167.51