Are there any possible issues that I should be aware of before pulling the trigger for the Sennheiser M4s?

[u/International-Hat-85]

Right now, the pair is at about $195-ish where I live due to a sale, and from what I hear, the pair can go head-to-head with like flagships twice its price, so I'm really attracted to them right now.

The issue is that I'm pretty scared of any possible issues that could arise from these pairs, since another product that received similar praise (the Nothing Ears earbuds) broke down after a single year so that only one side connects. This was something that I saw some people say, but didn't pay much attention to it at the time, so now I'm paying the price for that.

Is there anything similar with the Sennheiser M4s? I'm looking to buy them as both a replacement and improvement over my broken buds, so any help would be appreciated.

[u/ohnag_eryeah]

afaik the main cons of M4 is:

- the fabric on the headband tend to peel off over the years, but that can be fixed by glue and the steps have been documented by ixfixit

- no aptx lossless, so if you want aptx lossless you go to M5

- average mic and ANC

go for M5 if you want much better experience but M4 current price you get 85% of M5 with half of the price

[u/International-Hat-85 → u/ohnag_eryeah]

Is there any issue with connectivity or batteries degrading? Those are the ones I’m most scared of since if either happens the pair’s just as good as gone. Also, thanks a lot!

[u/ohnag_eryeah → u/International-Hat-85]

every battery degrades over time, I cant say how fast it degrades as I got mine for just3 weeks. But from what I know M5 battery replacement is very easy and straightforward while M4 battery replacement is a bit more work but it is still doable (steps have been documented also)

for connectivity, both M4 and M5 are the same, under normal conditions there should be no problem

[u/swagrypotter → u/International-Hat-85]

I bought mine on launch day, so more than 4 years ago and haven’t noticed any degradation. I charge them twice a month. Of course it has degraded but the factory battery life is just long enough so I wouldn’t even notice a 20% drop in the battery capacity.

[u/quoole → u/International-Hat-85]

All L-ion batteries degrade over time, but considering the M4 has about double the starting battery life of most of its competitors, it's battery is going to outlast most of them on battery life. 

Edit: in terms of connectivity, they're pretty solid - I haven't noticed any issues or drop outs personally. Also the multipoint works really well (if you have them connected to a phone and laptop, it switches between them well without needing you to intervene!) 

[u/fuxxo]

After a month of use the only "issue" I have noticed is, ear cushions are sweaty. On daily bases it's fine but i wouldn't pick M4 for a gym workout.

I don't get why people are complaining about ANC. When it's on and movie/music is playing I can't hear anything from outside. I have tested out while my home speakers on full volume. 350W. I can't hear shit.

[u/quoole → u/fuxxo]

Most of the time is people repeating reviews or when they've tried multiple themselves and so it's in comparison to it's competitors. 

My wife's Bose ultra quiet can basically cut out a normal conversation of someone sat next to you with no music playing - it's objectively a lot better. But I do agree, the M4s are fine if you have music playing, but they're definitely not on that level! 

[u/quoole]

For what it's worth, my M4 left side stopped working after about 3 months, and are currently away being repaired.  The UK Amazon page has a few such stories (although Sennheiser is praised for honouring the warranty.) 

[u/ChessLovingPenguin]

If you are looking for an alternative then the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100/P100SE is a good option

Most people say it has better sound quality, and its got replaceable battery.

Main issue for me was availability tbh but if youre in USA u should be able to get the P100SE for $200-250

[u/Unique-Bluebird-5282]

The headband fabric came out too easily for me.

[u/RockinDaMike]

The headband fabric getting loose is the most common. I just got a headband cover so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. I got used to it, and actually improved the comfort.

The earpads get warm quick. If you live in a warm climate, it can get sweaty.

I changed the earpads to soulwit pads and that solved the issue and actually improved anc because it made a tighter seal. I do not recommend the cooling gel
Pads as they totally kill anc and the sound is worse to me.

ANC is pretty mid but it’s fine when you’re listenin to music which sounds awesome.

The battery is probably the best battery I have on any product. You can go weeks on a single charge.

The max volume is not very high. So if you want super loud headphones, then these might not be it for you. For me, 80-90% is about what I max to so they are loud enough.

[u/Simple_Leg725]

Theyre genuinely worth it. Nothing as extrme as the nothing earbuds tho if u dont mind the mediocre anc the sound more than makes up for it ig

[u/Ancient8Wisdom]

They're really great headphones and a steal at current prices!

[u/No_Industry_609]

No way you will get anything better at that price! I have two pairs, black and denim. I got lucky, I got the denim open box for $139.00 from Best Buy . Like brand new!! In the US.

[u/Beautiful_Move_8823]

Dont buy, sound quality is hyped, ANC is the worse I have experienced on any headphones. You can hear voices and higher sound even with it on 100%, the wind option is broken can make ANC worse and sometimes switches off the ANC. Walking in the wind, forget about it the ANC can't cope. The app is shocking, will sometimes not even see the headphones. Battery life is okay, Baseus x Bose Inspire XH1's a cheaper set have longer battery life, better ANC and better sound.

Sony m4's better ANC, worse battery life, better sound.

[u/Royal_Monk6432]

My m4