Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Shure Aonic 50

Comfort: I wear these for hours straight and haven't found them uncomfortable or heavy. Software Support: Not terrible but not great. For some reason, the "Headphone Connect" app (which is used to more finely control and configure these headphones) is only available on your phone; there is no desktop version. Within the app you can change the equalization profile, change what the general purpose button does (Google Assistant or Noise Cancellation mode), and update the firmware (UI for doing this isn't straightforward and buggy)

I would recommend the Sony WF-1000XM3 as it is likely exactly what you are looking for with the sound but there are issues on Apple devices regarding connection (while there are none for Android devices). The sound is neutral with a bass boost and has the best sound I've heard in wireless earbuds (along with great EQ settings, audio features and custom settings). You need to get the Spinfit CP 360 or foam tips to make them work though (stock tips are terrible). Once you get a good fit, ANC is fantastic

My second pair didn't clack but made those other noises. For $250 (on sale) I expect the materials to be top notch and not make noise just because I move (the Bose and JBL didn't have this flaw). The battery life was okay, better than the Bose but I use my headphones daily for my commute and the gym so I had to charge them once a week. My old non-ANC headphones had 40 hour battery life and lasted me weeks so in comparison that was a let down

Replacement earcups aren't readily available yet, one has to call the company to order them because they haven't been added to their online store due to stock issues. (this per customer service person I spoke with) Battery life is good but they are slow to charge even on a fast charger. The main benefit of USB-C is fast charging but if the BMS isn't designed to take advantage of the extra amperage, it's really quite pointless. Bluetooth range is very good but the warning on loss and reacquisition of signal is inconsistent

So my first pair of headphone I got were the beats wireless studio, I recently decided it’s time for an upgrade and I had bough the Sony WH-1000XM4 and I love the wireless and battery life about it. I also like the noise canceling but once I started listening to it more I could tell they sounded ok but I wanted better sound. What are the best sound quality headphones for under 400$?

Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, are bright and beautiful through the Aonic 50. The lower-register instrumentation plays its anchoring role and never threatens the balance of the mix, while the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals are delivered with excellent detail.

It appears that it would protect the headphones and hold up well with travel. A 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable is included

I'm looking for a pair of ANC headphones (over ear) for my 1 hour daily commute. Need durability (I don't baby my stuff), great battery life, good sound quality (I use Tidal Hi-Fi Plus so not gonna be the same as using the cable but I'd like the experience to be as close as possible). Looks and portability matter to a certain extent but are not the main priorities. ANC even if not the best is fine but a bit of effectiveness in that regard is certainly appreciated