This isn't a typo — Sony's best-selling WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to $198 for Black Friday
Now is the best time to upgrade to the WH-1000XM4.
Obviously, there's no shortage of choice if you need a good pair of headphones — Amazon has hundreds of products on sale right now. But if you want the best in this category, you'll need to pick up Sony's WH-1000XM4. These headphones are nothing short of incredible, and while they came out three years ago, they still hold up incredibly well.
Sony rolled out the WH-1000XM5 last year, and they're also on sale, going down to $298 at the moment. While I usually advocate getting the latest, the WH-1000XM4 are just as good, and considering they're now available for just $198, you're getting a much better value. The XM5 are better, but are they worth an additional $100? No.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones: $348 $198 at Amazon
The WH-1000XM4 are still among the best headphones you can get at the moment, and this deal brings them down to their lowest price. If you've been eyeing these for a while and haven't made the switch yet, now is the time to do so.
Sony did all the right things with the WH-1000XM4. They have a lightweight design, and the ear pads are very comfortable even with extended use. The swivel design means you can get a secure fit without too much of an effort, and they fold down easily, making them a great choice for portability.
And when it comes to active noise cancellation, these headphones truly stand out. You get excellent isolation even if you're in a noisy environment, and these are particularly well-suited to flights. I clocked hundreds of hours of travel time on the XM3, and these go even further at blocking ambient noise.
All the other extras are present: you get multi-device connectivity, a rock-solid connection over Bluetooth 5.0, and if you still make regular calls, these have five built-in mics that do a great job picking up your voice. And they easily last over 20 hours, so you'll ideally need to charge once a week — and there's fast charging tech if you're in a hurry.
Then there's the sound. The WH-1000XM4 still hold their own when it comes to audio quality, delivering a vibrant soundstage with a highly engaging bass. I recommend using a utility like Wavelet to get the best out of the sound of the XM4. Anyway, the WH-1000XM4 continue to be an easy recommendation, and coming in at $198, you're getting an unbeatable value right now.
Be an expert in 5 minutes
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android
Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor of Asia. In his current role, he oversees the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.