I would highly recommend the Sennheiser PXC 550 if you want noise-cancelling headphones.
They have a better overall soundstage compared to the Sony's. Noise-cancelling is slightly better on the Sony's, but it's a very small difference.
Design and comfort wise, the Sennheiser win.
EvanswachtzI had the 550’s was not impressed. Their app to control the device EQ settings is garbage. They don’t get very loud. I liked them for classical music, piano music, and classic rock. But other music wasnt near as good as these or the Bose.
EvanswachtzI have these and also the previous MDR-1000X. One feature that I don't believe other headphones have is the "hand over the earcup" gesture which mutes your music and activates the external microphones.
This single feature is amazing for anyone who is traveling and needs to hear an announcement (train stop, etc). The ANC is also tunable for various mixes of voice so it will still cancel out background engine noise but allow you to hear human frequencies.
So, if you love Senn's sound signature and aren't a huge traveler then I agree with OP. However, I've flown thousands of miles and commuted by subway every day with these Sony's and I absolutely love them.
They have a better overall soundstage compared to the Sony's. Noise-cancelling is slightly better on the Sony's, but it's a very small difference.
Design and comfort wise, the Sennheiser win.
This single feature is amazing for anyone who is traveling and needs to hear an announcement (train stop, etc). The ANC is also tunable for various mixes of voice so it will still cancel out background engine noise but allow you to hear human frequencies.
So, if you love Senn's sound signature and aren't a huge traveler then I agree with OP. However, I've flown thousands of miles and commuted by subway every day with these Sony's and I absolutely love them.