I went to the store intending to buy the ult wear, which are about 60 euros cheaper. They had both the ult wear and the xm4 and xm5 for testing. I can say that it's worth trying them before buying because just the way the xm4 sit on my head, how much more comfortable and lightweight they are, they were worth the extra 60 euros. I also tried the sound and the ANC on all three, so that played a role too, because the xm4 were much better than the ult wear, which only had strong bass. The xm5 were marginally better in sound and ANC, but they didn't fit as well as the xm4 and I also don't like the new design of the 5, nor does it suit me that they don't fold like the 4 in the case, resulting in them being huge. The 100 euro difference wasn't worth it for something marginally better in sound and ANC, so I went with the xm4, which, even though they are a 4-year-old model, are worth their money and I prefer the design as well. Of course, try what suits you on your head, because that's the most important thing, especially if you wear them for many hours.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones stand as a pinnacle of audio engineering, seamlessly blending top-tier sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and intelligent features. As an avid audiophile and frequent traveler, these headphones have truly exceeded my expectations on every front.

### Sound Quality
The WH-1000XM4 delivers an exceptional audio experience. Equipped with 40mm drivers and Sony's proprietary DSEE Extreme audio processing, the headphones offer rich, detailed sound across all frequencies. The bass is powerful yet controlled, the mids are clear, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. Whether I'm listening to classical, jazz, rock, or electronic music, the sound profile is balanced and immersive.

### Noise Cancellation
Sony has long been a leader in noise-canceling technology, and the WH-1000XM4 showcases this expertise beautifully. The adaptive noise cancellation adjusts to my environment, effectively drowning out everything from the hum of an airplane engine to the chatter in a crowded café. The headphones also feature a handy Ambient Sound mode, which lets in just enough outside noise to stay aware of my surroundings when needed.

### Comfort and Design
Comfort is crucial for long listening sessions, and the WH-1000XM4 excels in this area. The ear cups are plush and spacious, and the headband is well-padded, distributing weight evenly. I can wear them for hours without experiencing discomfort. The minimalist design is sleek and modern, with a premium feel that matches its performance.

### Intelligent Features
The WH-1000XM4 is packed with smart features that enhance the user experience. The headphones can detect when I'm speaking and automatically pause the music, allowing for seamless conversations without needing to take them off. The Speak-to-Chat feature is impressively accurate, and the Quick Attention mode lets me quickly lower the volume by placing my hand over the right ear cup. Additionally, the touch controls are intuitive and responsive.

### Battery Life
Battery life is another strong suit. The WH-1000XM4 provides up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation on, which is more than sufficient for long trips or multiple days of use without charging. When a recharge is needed, a quick 10-minute charge offers up to 5 hours of playback, thanks to the fast-charging capability.

### Connectivity
The headphones support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. Multipoint connectivity allows me to switch seamlessly between my laptop and smartphone, which is a huge convenience for multitasking. The companion app, Sony Headphones Connect, offers extensive customization options for sound and noise cancellation settings, allowing me to tailor the experience to my preferences.

### Conclusion
In summary, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a superb investment for anyone seeking a premium listening experience. They combine outstanding sound quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and a suite of intelligent features in a comfortable and stylish package. Whether for travel, work, or leisure, these headphones are an excellent choice that justifies every bit of their acclaim.

It is lightweight, has a beautiful and high-quality construction, folds (the reason why I preferred them over the 5) and their sound is great for the average user like me. Especially with the application, you can bring them wherever you want. The microphone in outdoor areas with noise is an issue. In everything else, it is excellent. UPDATE 21-08. The accompanying application has its little issues. For example, the volume of the headphones (when used with iPhone XS) behaves strangely from 70% and above. Initially, it increases, then somewhere around 80-90% it decreases, and then it reaches the peak. When used with a laptop with Windows 11, they work perfectly. The clear bass function (the bass adjustment) from +6 and above is useless - it doesn't work. It is very convenient that they can be connected to two devices simultaneously (phone and laptop). After using them for 2 months, I can say that they are quite comfortable for my ears (I wear them for at least 8 hours every day), except for the sweating issue.

It's really great! I wanted to get them for a long time because I had heard very good things about their noise cancelling, so I waited until Black Friday. I'll just give an example to understand how extreme their noise cancelling is: You can't hear the airplane landing or taking off during flights! Also, while they have very good sound, with the noise cancelling, you enjoy the music much better because you focus exclusively on it. You can also choose how strong you want the noise cancelling to be so that no car hits you if you're walking outside with them. The only negative thing is that they look quite fragile because they are very lightweight (which makes them very comfortable to use), so they require attention! Fortunately, they come with a very nice hard case. I would also like the battery to last a little longer (it lasts 30 hours, but because I wear them constantly, they need to be charged 1-2 times a week, which takes about 2 hours, and during that time you can't use them). So, have a backup!