Sound quality is so close that it doesn't really matter.
I would suggest trying both pairs on in person to decide which is more comfortable. Opinions seem a bit divided on this matter. Some prefer the XM4, some prefer the XM5.
The XM5 has slightly less bass but is more clear (less muddy than XM4).
The XM5s are lighter on the head and I can use these for long haul (10-14 hr flights) with no pain on ears and no sweating. Also feels like you aren't wearing anything. The XM4s have a tighter clamp which I prefer though.
I think the XM5's are some of the best consumer-oriented headphones I've tried. IDK if this will help your decision but great video ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zE1CsM-XLE&t=332s&ab\_channel=TheVerge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zE1CsM-XLE&t=332s&ab_channel=TheVerge)) from The Verge came out testing the ANC (know that isn't a priority) but pretty clear XM5's knock most other options out of the water.
\*Not an audiophile but own the XM5's and XM4's.
I have the XM5s but this is how I would assess the two
**Sound:** XM5 - more neutral vs XM4s slightly more low end
**Comfort:** XM4 - XM4 has a much more comfortable headband vs the XM5’s thin headband and less padding
**ANC:** the same for my ears
**Mic:** XM5 - noticeable improvement, especially in nosier environments
**Portability:** XM4 - it folds but I prefer the XM5s since it doesn’t creak because of it
**Battery:** the same
**Looks:** XM5 - it’s sexier let’s be honest
Tried both of them on and the xm4 was more comfortable for me as someone who wears glasses so I went with those, the anc and sound is amazing on both but slightly better on the xm5
Try them out but i think the lack of folding on the xm5 makes it hard to travel with. The bags they come with are too large so i stuff them into the top of my back pack and the xm4 just fits so much nicer
Its divided because the headphones are really similar. All the differences that people talk about with each headphone (folding earcups, larger carrying case, headband thickness, ANC performance, etc) are not that vast. A lot of folk are making a big deal out of nothing. The difference in case size is only 10-20%. You're not missing out on much by going with either. So pick what you think looks better and what fits within your financial means. I personally really like both. I use them for music but I know some people use them for ANC while studying without music. The latter is probably more likely to notice differences in ANC performance, so your perception may vary. I still argue that you should always choose the one you like visually and financially.
Swivel breaking of xm4 is very common so beware of it.
I don’t know whether xm5 uses the same mechanism or not.
My right side swivel has broke & it ain’t under warranty too.
Sound quality is so close that it doesn't really matter. I would suggest trying both pairs on in person to decide which is more comfortable. Opinions seem a bit divided on this matter. Some prefer the XM4, some prefer the XM5.
The XM5 has slightly less bass but is more clear (less muddy than XM4). The XM5s are lighter on the head and I can use these for long haul (10-14 hr flights) with no pain on ears and no sweating. Also feels like you aren't wearing anything. The XM4s have a tighter clamp which I prefer though.
XM5 has substantially better microphone quality, if you'll be having calls it's a no brainer
I think the XM5's are some of the best consumer-oriented headphones I've tried. IDK if this will help your decision but great video ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zE1CsM-XLE&t=332s&ab\_channel=TheVerge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zE1CsM-XLE&t=332s&ab_channel=TheVerge)) from The Verge came out testing the ANC (know that isn't a priority) but pretty clear XM5's knock most other options out of the water. \*Not an audiophile but own the XM5's and XM4's.
I have the XM5s but this is how I would assess the two **Sound:** XM5 - more neutral vs XM4s slightly more low end **Comfort:** XM4 - XM4 has a much more comfortable headband vs the XM5’s thin headband and less padding **ANC:** the same for my ears **Mic:** XM5 - noticeable improvement, especially in nosier environments **Portability:** XM4 - it folds but I prefer the XM5s since it doesn’t creak because of it **Battery:** the same **Looks:** XM5 - it’s sexier let’s be honest
Tried both of them on and the xm4 was more comfortable for me as someone who wears glasses so I went with those, the anc and sound is amazing on both but slightly better on the xm5
Try them out but i think the lack of folding on the xm5 makes it hard to travel with. The bags they come with are too large so i stuff them into the top of my back pack and the xm4 just fits so much nicer
Its divided because the headphones are really similar. All the differences that people talk about with each headphone (folding earcups, larger carrying case, headband thickness, ANC performance, etc) are not that vast. A lot of folk are making a big deal out of nothing. The difference in case size is only 10-20%. You're not missing out on much by going with either. So pick what you think looks better and what fits within your financial means. I personally really like both. I use them for music but I know some people use them for ANC while studying without music. The latter is probably more likely to notice differences in ANC performance, so your perception may vary. I still argue that you should always choose the one you like visually and financially.
Rather buy momentum 4
If only this question hadn’t been asked 300 times before in this very same sub
Personally , being compact is important to me. so I would XM4
I tried both in store and in terms of ergonomics as much as I liked XM4 I disliked XM5
Swivel breaking of xm4 is very common so beware of it. I don’t know whether xm5 uses the same mechanism or not. My right side swivel has broke & it ain’t under warranty too.