Although not mentioned explicitly in Sony's teaser, it is almost certain that the WF-1000XM5 will launch next week. These earbuds should arrive with 8.4 mm drivers, three microphones, and improved real-time noise cancellation. Bluetooth 5.3, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity are also ex...
I mean, it's the standard East Asian consumer electronics model number scheme. A jumble of letters and numbers! Would you like the TV OP65-05PKK06J or the OD65-06PKJ06E? What's the difference? No one knows!
I got the XM4s refurbed for $99. Best 99 bucks I ever spent. I can definitely justify paying more from a practical standpoint, but the risk of losing them is too damn high. I lost one of my Pixel Buds A series after like 3 weeks. Pretty disappointing, but at like $60 I can handle it. I can't imagine losing a $360 earbud.
I've learned that I can't do the in-ear bud style for more than an hour. Full overhead headphones (I use Bose NC-700s are good for 2 hours or so for me), but buds like Samsung Bud Lives can stay in ear for 3+ hours. I just wish the ANC for these types of buds worked better.
I like the Buds Live a lot but they make my ears hurt after about 2 hours. My XM4s are more comfortable. I wore them on a transatlantic flight with minimal breaks and no real issues.
It takes time to get used to new ear buds. Wear them for 4+ hours a day for a couple days in a row, then give your ears a break for 2-3 days so they can heal. Then try the buds again. They probably won't be as uncomfortable going forward.
Anker's Soundcore are making some hard hitting budget wireless buds. I recently lost my buds 2pro case so I picked up a the soundcore a40 on prime day. I was pleasantly surprised that the a40's ANC is better, the fit was more comfortable and battery life last quite a bit longer. My friend also said my mic was much clearer since it cancels out the background noise so much better than the buds2pro.