Upgrading from xm4s: these feel slightly more premium. I do not find they clamp too hard as some reviews note. Unfortunately, noise canceling in everyday use is not noticeably better (though I have not tried on a plane yet), which was my reason for upgrading. In a blind test I would not be able to distinguish which headphone was which; disappointing with a model coming out 5 years later. The case has grown in size, making it harder to fit in a small bag. Overall, would not upgrade from the 2020 model again. No issues with the refurb that I can tell, except there's no box. They do not appear "used."