The package includes two types of earpads (isolating pleather and cooling, breathable mesh) to ensure extended listening comfort, and the EQ presets in the Edifier app allow you to tune the sound to suit each type of earpad. The S3 sounds amazing both wirelessly and wired, largely due to the built-in amplifier that provides consistent driving power. This portable pair uses planar-magnetic drivers that are capable of reproducing delicate detail and powerful bass notes. These headphones are among the best-sounding ones we’ve ever tested under $500, including those in our guide to wired audiophile headphones. If you just want wireless over-ear headphones that sound fantastic, the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 pair is for you. Sony also offers the new, pricier WH-1000XM5, which is quite similar to the XM4 but has a few key differences that might appeal to certain users. Sony offers a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects but not water damage, so we don’t recommend that you take this pair to the gym or out for a stroll in a deluge.

And the XM4 isn’t built for water resistance, but it can handle a light spritzing rain. The noise cancellation isn’t as effective against the noise experienced in an airplane, so we don’t recommend the XM4 for frequent fliers (check out our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones to see how this set compares).

Out of the box, this pair’s sound quality isn’t the best, but if you’re willing to put some effort into adjusting the equalizer settings in the app, the XM4 can sound better than just about any noise-cancelling headphones available. Plus, this pair has a ton of app-based bonus features, including a speak-to-chat function that senses your voice, turns on the awareness mode, and pauses your music automatically. These over-ear headphones are also comfortable enough to wear all day, and the microphones are effective at reducing background noise during phone calls and video meetings. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are worth considering if you work in an open or noisy office space because they are great at blocking out voices around you.

Best neckband bluetooth headphones 2018