Sony WF-1000XM4

Incredible noise cancellation and detailed sound, but Sony's foam tips create more drama than necessary. Swap the tips and these are still some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 defined what noise canceling earbuds could be when they launched, and honestly? They still hold up. That new Integrated Processor V1 and LDAC support push sound quality beyond most competitors, while the ANC remains absurdly good — we're talking top-of-the-charts silence on a plane or bus.

But here's the thing: those stock memory foam tips are a gamble. If they seal right, you're golden. If not, you'll be swapping them for silicone before you can finish a single playlist. And that's the story of these earbuds: exceptional core tech paired with a fit that frustrates a lot of people.

What surprised us most? Not the ANC — we knew that'd be stellar. It's how much the ear tips can tank the whole experience. Run the stock foam tips and you might get a poor seal, which murders bass and lets noise leak in. But pop on a set of third-party silicone tips and suddenly you're hearing nuance in tracks you've listened to a hundred times. The 6mm drivers produce crisp, detailed sound that's especially strong in the mids and highs, and LDAC streaming over Bluetooth 5.2 is as close to wired as we've heard in this form factor. Call quality is another highlight: with beamforming mics and a bone-conduction sensor, your voice comes through clear even in a coffee shop. The bone conductor is a clever trick that works.

Pricing jumps all over the place, from $85 to $278 depending on the retailer. At the low end, these are a screaming deal. At full price, you're better off looking at newer alternatives unless ANC is your absolute priority. If you spot them under $150, maybe on Amazon, buy them and a $10 pack of silicone tips — that's a winning combo.

The two worth cross-shopping: Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4. Bose gives you comfier out-of-box fit and slightly better awareness mode, but their sound isn't as lively. Sennheiser matches Sony's audio detail and adds true multipoint, though its ANC can't quite touch Sony's magic. If you want the best noise cancellation, Sony still takes the crown; for a more polished all-rounder, grab the Sennheisers.

If you want earbuds that feel perfect right out of the box and don't require a tip swap, skip these. Get the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 for a more comfortable default fit and true multipoint.

If you're willing to spend an extra $10 on silicone ear tips, the WF-1000XM4 deliver top-tier ANC and sound that still punches with the best. Just don't expect a flawless experience straight out of the box. For commuting, travel, or just drowning out the world, they're hard to beat.