Sony’s Popular Noise-Canceling Headphones Are 43% Off

Maybe it's because I personally shelled out a whopping $350 for a pair myself, but as a tech expert who's been testing gadgets for a decade, this is hands down one of the best Labor Day tech deals I've seen so far.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones—also known by the much more readable name "Sony XM4"—are 43 percent off (just under $200) on Amazon right now. Am I bitter that I paid full price? No ... definitely not.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Why I prefer SonyXM4s over AirPods Max for workouts

I've spotted powerlifters and machine-forward gym rats using the Apple AirPods Max, but in my expert opinion, the XM4s are better over-ear headphones for workouts. Neither the AirPods Max nor the XM4s are rated for sweat resistance (over-ear headphones are rarely sweat friendly)—but if you, like me, insist on wearing over-ear headphones because they're more secure than earbuds, I recommend the XM4s.

They're lighter and stay comfy longer, and the faux-leather pads wipe clean easily. Plus, the headphones still deliver comparably rich sound. I've never found the AirPods Max's mesh ear cushions to be easy to clean.

If you don't care for buttons, you'll love the touch controls on the XM4s, which live on the right ear cup, though some prefer the analog buttons you get on the AirPods Max.

Sony XM4 vs. Sony XM5

I recognize that the XM4s are two generations behind, with the Sony XM5 and XM6 on the market, but that's why they're such a steal—lush sound, all-day comfort, and ANC that still holds its own without the new-model price hike. And despite the two new successors, the XM4 design is still unmatched. Unlike the XM5s, which don't fold at all, the XM4s can fold inward, shrinking them into a more compact form. The XM6s, Sony's newest over-ear headphones, brought back the folding design—but they're far pricier than the XM4s.

I guess what I'm saying is don't be like me and purchase the Sony WH-1000XM4 at full price. If I were you, I'd take full advantage of the current 43 percent discount and snag one of the best active-noise-canceling headphones for less than $200.

SHOP A TECH EXPERT'S FAVORITE HEADPHONES

And if the XM4s aren't for you, there are plenty of other editor-endorsed headphones and earbuds on sale right now:

Best Apple Headphones