Everyone has a contrarian side.
And, like most human experiences, some people suffer from contrarianism more than others.
I, for example, am fucking awful.
Lets take the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones as an example.
Overpast iterations, the range has been routinely toutedas some of the best mid-range headphoneson the market.
And that meant one thing to Mr.
Contrary Ass over here: I stuck my nose up at them.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
This meant companies like Sennheiser or Master & Dynamic or Bose.
Id tried the Sony WH-1000XM4 and never thought they were bad, they just didnt appeal to me.
Then, after being urged to give the headphones another spin, I began living with them.
And all I can say is I was wrong.
Oh I was wrong.
Do you value battery life?
it’s possible for you to find a product that thrives at each of these tasks.
The build quality is fantastic, the battery is beefy, and theyre light and comfortable to wear.
But its the small details that really get me.
They still have an aux cable.
The companion app is fantastic and endlessly adjustable.
And they have touch controlsthat actually work.
Look, in my opinion all headphones should have actual buttons.
Another detail that gets me all hot-and-bothered is the case.
Oh, that sweet, protective case.
The WH-1000XM4 fold away into a flat container and I cant tell you what a joy this is.
They take up almost no space when packed away.
Theres even a neat little slot for the aux cable and a flight adaptor.
Its perfect for traveling whether its to work or abroad.
And that is where I think the true joy of the WH-1000XM4 is found: theyre true lifestyle headphones.
Other cans in this market segment can do some things better.
Butnothinghas the all-court game of the WH-1000XM4.
These headphones do everything to a consistently excellent standard.
But while there are some things Id change (proper buttons!
), none of them are deal breakers.
Simply, the WH-1000XM4 are the best cans Ive tried for going about my daily business in the city.
All this leads me to one point: Im happy I was wrong about the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Im glad Ive had my stupid contrarian face rubbed in the dirt.
In fact Im elated by it.
Because if I didnt eat my own filthy words, these gorgeous headphones wouldnt be part of my life.
And that just wouldnt do.
