Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones Review
The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones stand as one of the leading choices in the premium noise-canceling headphone market. With a host of features designed to enhance user experience, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), long battery life, and superior sound quality, these headphones have set a new standard for portable audio devices. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the WH-1000XM4, breaking down its performance, comfort, design, and more.
Features and Specifications
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The WH-1000XM4 employs Dual Noise Sensor technology for exceptional noise cancellation. Users have reported the ANC’s effectiveness in various environments, from bustling city streets to quiet offices. The ability to toggle noise cancellation on and off with a dedicated button is a feature that many users appreciate, particularly when transitioning between different settings.
Sound Quality
Users consistently rate the sound quality of the WH-1000XM4 at 5 out of 5. The headphones feature Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE Extreme), which upscales compressed digital music files in real time, ensuring that audio remains rich and full. The bass response is especially noteworthy, providing a satisfying low-end punch that many users favor. The mids and highs also shine, making these headphones versatile for various genres of music.
Battery Life
With a battery life of up to 30 hours, the WH-1000XM4 excels in longevity. Quick charging capabilities allow for 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making these headphones perfect for users on the go. Whether commuting or traveling, the battery life ensures that interruptions are minimal.
Comfort and Design
Sony has updated the design of the WH-1000XM4 to provide long-lasting comfort. Weighing in at just 9 ounces, they are lightweight and feature a plush earcup that relieves pressure during extended use. Despite some users noting the presence of sensors that protrude slightly from the earcups, most find these headphones comfortable enough for hours of wear.
Connectivity and Control
The WH-1000XM4 features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing for seamless connections with various devices. The headphones support multipoint connection, enabling users to switch between devices effortlessly. Touch sensor controls allow for easy navigation, including play, pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment.
Voice Assistant and Call Quality
The headphones include support for voice assistants like Alexa, and users have praised the call quality as being superior, thanks to the combination of five built-in microphones and advanced audio signal processing. This ensures that conversations remain clear, even in noisy environments.
Real-World Performance
User Experiences
Many users have reported overwhelmingly positive experiences with the WH-1000XM4, particularly in the areas of noise cancellation and sound quality. For instance, one user compared the ANC effectiveness to that of the Apple AirPods Max, stating that while the AirPods may have a slight edge, the Sony headphones are very close contenders.
Conversely, some users have experienced minor issues, such as a volume defect upon first purchasing. However, customer service from sellers like Focus Camera has received high praise, facilitating quick exchanges without hassle.
Customization and App Features
The Sony Headphones Connect app allows users to customize their listening experience significantly. From adjusting the equalizer settings to enabling Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on surroundings, users can tailor their audio experience to their preferences.
Comfort Over Time
Feedback regarding comfort has been overwhelmingly positive. Users report that the ear cups remain comfortable even during prolonged listening sessions, making them ideal for both leisure and professional use.
Final Thoughts
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones truly embody a combination of quality, comfort, and advanced features, making them a top contender in the realm of premium noise-canceling headphones.
Ratings Summary
- Noise Cancellation: 4.5/5
- Sound Quality: 5/5
- Battery Life: 5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Connectivity and Controls: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️
In conclusion, whether you are a casual listener, a professional seeking high-quality audio, or someone in need of effective noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a solid investment that delivers on its promises. Despite some minor issues reported by a few users, the overall consensus is that these headphones are worth every penny, offering unparalleled audio performance and comfort.
Lio –
Customer Service: 5/5
I ordered this product from Amazon via Focus Camera. The first pair I received had a volume issue, causing one side of the headphones to be consistently louder. After trying some firmware updates and adjusting the EQ, it became clear this was a manufacturing defect. When I attempted to initiate a return, Amazon only offered a full refund instead of an exchange. I then contacted the seller, who promptly arranged an exchange for me without any hassle. I was pleasantly surprised to receive the shipping label in their initial response.
Product: 5/5
Now that I have a fully functional pair, I can confidently say these are among the best all-around headphones available today. As a user of Apple AirPods Pro, I was initially put off by the high price of Apple’s first over-ear headphones. Many of us find it hard to justify that cost, regardless of quality. I was searching for wired headphones suitable for gaming, video editing (where wired connections offer superior sound precision), and casual music listening.
In terms of features, the gesture controls have been reliable, and the volume control is a much-appreciated addition that isn’t available on AirPods. The companion app, with its built-in EQ and detailed settings, is a blessing for Apple users seeking more customization. The battery life meets the advertised expectations, and it’s reassuring not to have to charge them every day (based on my usage). The Speak-to-Chat feature is innovative and has practical applications. Noise cancellation in this mid-tier headphone range is likely the best available. However, if being aware of your surroundings is a priority, note that the microphones for the “Ambient Sound” Mode are located at the top of each ear cup and face upwards, making it less effective than the AirPods Pro’s Transparency Mode. Apple’s transparency perfectly replicates surrounding sounds as if you aren’t wearing anything.
They are incredibly comfortable, though the leatherette may cause your ears to feel warm after extended use.
Price plays an essential role in evaluating any product as it determines value. I purchased these on sale for $278. Given that the price is close to the $250 AirPods Pro, I feel I’m getting more value for my money with additional items like a travel case, a 3.5mm audio cable, a charging cable, and an airplane audio adapter included. Their retail price is $350. Overall, considering the sound quality and features, I wouldn’t feel thrilled if I had paid full price, but the convenience and rich sound quality justify it as a good investment. Most owners will be satisfied. If you find these on sale, especially around $250, don’t hesitate—it’s a no-brainer purchase!
Lastly: Sound
The sound is impressive and highly customizable, although the headphones tend to favor warmer tones and bass. They’re not overpowering like the early Beats models, but I recommend using the companion app to adjust the EQ for the ideal balance. Just keep in mind that these aren’t meant for professional mixing, gym workouts, or noise-cancellation that creates a soundproof experience. They might not excel in those specific areas, but that’s what makes them the best all-around headphones. They are a true jack-of-all-trades and one of my favorite Sony products to date. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.
Daniel Oliveira –
As a dedicated audio consumer and professional, I’ll cut to the chase: these headphones are worth every penny. Don’t hesitate—break open that piggy bank because you’re missing out.
For those still unsure: Three years ago, I bought the MDR-XB950N1, also known as the Sony Extra Bass headphones. They were an outstanding purchase, a massive upgrade from my Skullcandy Hesh 2. The difference was night and day.
Fast forward three years, and I decided it was time for an upgrade. As a music student and audio professional, I needed headphones that offered excellent quality, portability, and ease of use with my applications. After some research, I found these and compared them with several options before making my choice.
First off, I was blown away by the technology in these headphones. You can customize the audio to fit your ear, yes, your ear shape! Sony asks you to take a couple of photos for analysis to enhance your listening experience—I’ve never seen anything like it.
From the moment you unbox them, you can tell they are premium products, well worth the price, which is not cheap. The unboxing experience is fantastic, but it’s when you download the app that these headphones truly shine. They come fully charged, so you can start using them right out of the box. They are incredibly comfortable, and if you wear glasses like I do, you won’t feel any discomfort.
I do want to mention that by default, the sound is somewhat subdued and a bit muddled. If you enjoy Heavy Metal or classical music, you might be taken aback; they don’t sound as refined as the Extra Bass models right out of the box. However, this makes sense since, as I mentioned, the real experience begins once you dive into the app, which has countless sound optimization options. Set aside about 25 minutes of your life for this—it’s time well spent.
Once you’ve gone through the optimizations, it’s time to play with the equalizer. I recommend these settings: 400: 1, 1K: 3, 2.5K: 7, 6.3K: 8, 16K: 5, and Clear Bass: +5 or +7 for Heavy Metal and classical music. If you’re more into mid-range sounds, feel free to adjust accordingly. Sony equips you with all the tools to make it sound great.
With everything set up, it’s time to listen to music, and that’s when the magic happens. I knew there would be a difference between the Extra Bass and these M4s, but I didn’t expect it to be this pronounced. These aren’t just headphones; they’re portable audio interfaces. Plus, Sony offers a free trial with any service that includes their Sony Audio 3D feature. I chose Tidal, but you have three other options available.
Listening to high-quality music formats like FLAC on Tidal is a revelation. Even after years of hearing the same songs, I noticed new musical elements I didn’t know existed. It’s like finally experiencing music without a filter. I also recommend Apple Music’s “Lossless” format for iPhone users as a third option. Whichever service you choose, the sound is incredible, but when paired with low-compression formats, it becomes truly magical.
While these headphones aren’t as flat as studio monitors, the experience is remarkably close.
In conclusion, these headphones are a premium product that delivers not just high-quality audio but also an innovative technological experience. They come with a carrying case and the necessary cables, and they are very comfortable and portable. I wholeheartedly recommend them—don’t hesitate to make this purchase!
Daniel Oliveira –
Sound Quality (5/5)
These are the first headphones I’ve tried that didn’t make me instinctively reach for the EQ as soon as I put them on. I’m not an audio expert, but the bass is impressive, and the mids and highs sound fantastic.
Noise Cancellation (5/5)
This is my first experience with noise-canceling headphones, and I’m genuinely amazed. I have an air purifier in my office, and even at medium speed, it’s quite loud. With these headphones on, I can hardly hear it, even without any music or movies playing. As soon as I turn on a movie or song, the external noise disappears completely. Some reviewers mentioned hearing distant sounds, but all I experience is silence or the audio I’m enjoying.
Wireless/Wired (4/5)
I love that I can use these headphones in wired mode when they’re powered off or connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. It works really well! However, I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t connect them to my main PC, which has a thick glass panel. If you have a similar setup, I recommend testing with another pair of Bluetooth headphones to check the connection.
Audio Delay/Lag on Bluetooth (5/5)
I have a mini laptop with Bluetooth 4.1, and I can’t detect any lag when watching videos or movies. This has been a major issue with other Bluetooth earbuds I’ve used, but there’s no delay here at all!
Gestures (4/5)
I wasn’t initially excited about the gesture pad, but it’s surprisingly effective. Occasionally, an action might not register, but that’s rare. However, I found that the play/pause feature on a PC can be a bit quirky. One time, while listening to Spotify and then switching to YouTube, pausing and unpausing the video triggered playback on both Spotify and YouTube simultaneously.
Comfort (4/5)
On the first day, I felt the headphones were a bit tight, but after just two days, they’re much more comfortable—either I’ve adjusted or they’re breaking in. The ear cups are cozy, though I wish they were slightly larger; my right ear touches the padding. I’m concerned about long sessions, as my previous headset pinched my ear. I was pleasantly surprised by the headset’s weight; considering its features and battery life, it’s lighter than expected, especially compared to the Corsair Void.
Pairing Headphones with 2 Devices (3/5)
This feature only works through the headphone’s native app, not via the physical sync button. After registering devices in the app, you can enable a setting to select two devices. However, I wish I had read more about this feature. I use two PCs at home—one for media and one for work/gaming—and I wanted to switch audio between them on the fly. Unfortunately, you can only connect one phone and a second device; it can be two phones, but not two PCs.
Included Accessories (3/5)
The hard-shell case is excellent, with a snug fit for the headphones and compartments for the USB-C charging cable, audio cable, and airplane adapter. However, I’m not sure if this is just my case, but the elastic mesh bag sewn onto the bottom seems a bit impractical. The audio cable is decent for phone use, but you’ll likely need an extension for PC use; it’s a bit short. As for the USB-C charging cable, you might need a USB hub. Depending on your setup, you may find it challenging to connect the headphones to your PC’s rear USB ports without them dangling, which isn’t ideal.
Joce C –
I’ve lost two pairs of budget in-ear TWS earphones, so I decided to invest in something larger and harder to misplace (lol). It came down to this model and the Bose QC45. My go-to headphones for the past eight years have been the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, which are reliable wired neutral headphones, so I’ll use those as my audio quality benchmark.
In short, here’s why I chose this over the Bose QC45: it sounds slightly better overall (with plenty of low-end for bass lovers), is just as comfortable, offers superior battery life, features a better app for customization, and has a more discreet design. I prefer a plain-looking pair of Sonys instead of Bose headphones that scream luxury. The carrying case is also excellent and provides great protection. I wear these headphones everywhere, even at the gym.
Amazing Battery: With LDAC and DSEE Extreme enabled, I get a full week of use with 2-3 hours of daily listening at around 60-70% volume. It’s great not to worry about constant charging (it uses USB-C).
Audio: They sound peculiar right out of the box—very boomy and muddy in the low-mids. After EQing, they transformed from average to incredible. It’s odd that the initial sound is so limited when they have so much potential. Once properly set up, the frequency response and detail are impressive, so credit to the drivers used. I’m including an EQ preset that works well for blues, jazz, folk, country, and classical music (especially with nice vocals). Compared to the M50x, the bass is significantly better, making these ideal for EDM fans.
Comfort: These headphones are incredibly comfortable. They’re super light, don’t clamp your head or ears, and can be worn for hours. The cushions are soft and gentle on your ears. They’re exponentially more comfortable than my M50x and are easily among the best outside of the Bose QC line. You’ll forget you’re wearing them.
ANC: They effectively block out low hums and noises from fans, air conditioning, and in-flight rumble, even without music. This makes sense, as they seem designed for travel and commuting. Voices and other sounds can still be faintly heard, but they fade into the background when music is playing above 30-40% volume. I don’t mind this, as I can sit through an entire flight without hearing a thing, which is invaluable to me.
Multipoint: It works as intended; I tested it with my Samsung Galaxy phone and MacBook Pro without issues. I don’t typically use this feature since I prefer LDAC, which requires multipoint to be off. However, if you find multipoint useful, it operates seamlessly.
Conclusion: If you can afford these headphones, I highly recommend them. They sound genuinely fantastic for a wireless closed-back pair, are highly customizable, comfortable, and the battery lasts for days. The ANC is top-notch, perfect for frequent travelers. This is a purchase that will serve you well for years if taken care of. They often go on sale, so it’s worth waiting for one (I picked them up for around INR 15,500). It’s rare for me to spend this much on a luxury item and still feel like I got a great deal. Cheers!
Will Lennon –
This is absolutely the best noise-canceling headphone! I bought it for my autistic friend, and its quality, performance, and features are amazing!!! Just buy it!!
Will Lennon –
This is my first experience with premium ANC headphones, and I am thoroughly impressed. After extensive research, I learned that the Bose QC Ultra is considered the top contender in the market, but I wasn’t ready to spend that much. I snagged these on the Prime Big Deal sale for $198, especially since the Bose QC Ultra and Sony XM5 are still priced over $300 even on discount.
The drawbacks:
The positives:
Overall, if you come across these on sale, grab them! If they’re not on sale, it might be worth spending an extra $50 for the XM5s, but I’ve heard they aren’t as comfortable and the noise cancellation isn’t significantly better than the XM4s.
Bárbara Sousa Serra –
Within the noise-canceling headphone category, this one is exceptional. It’s one of the best cancellation systems I’ve ever used.
As for the noise cancellation, it works in a way I didn’t expect. It truly makes the environment very quiet, particularly effective for consistent sounds. Whether it’s a fan, a car ride, a plane, or a train, it performs remarkably well. If there’s noise nearby, you can still hear it, but at a significantly reduced level.
The headphone app offers various settings to enhance your experience, including activation and adjustments based on your location. It features adaptive sound control that learns your voice over time, allowing it to reduce noise cancellation when you start speaking—ideal for work environments.
The sound quality is good. While it’s not professional-grade and slightly lacks in the high frequencies, it’s fantastic for bass lovers. The microphone is decent; however, if you plan to have conversations in noisy places, this isn’t the best choice. In a moderately noisy office, it performs quite adequately.
Regarding battery life, I’m still on my first charge after over 10 hours of use, and it’s at 90%. This indicates an excellent battery lifespan.
The material quality is impressive. Like most headphones, it’s made of plastic but has a well-finished design. It’s a very attractive headphone. In terms of comfort, it’s super soft, doesn’t heat up much around the ears, and feels like I’m not wearing headphones even after hours of use.
In summary, I absolutely love these headphones and recommend them to anyone looking for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable active noise-canceling headphones. You won’t be disappointed.
b –
Disclaimer: I purchased mine used, in like-new condition, from Amazon.
I initially bought the Sony XM5 because of their outstanding ratings in various articles, but I returned them and opted for the XM4, which I find much more satisfying. Here’s my comparison of the XM4 with the XM5, Apple AirPods Max, and Bose QuietComfort 45 to assist anyone in making a decision.
Noise Cancellation (4.5/5): The noise cancellation on the XM4 is impressive, nearly on par with the Apple AirPods Max. I rated it 4.5 because I still believe the AirPods Max deliver the best noise cancellation, but the Sony XM4 is very close. I appreciate the feature that allows you to toggle noise cancellation on and off with a button, which the Bose QuietComfort 45 lacks. The XM4 significantly outperforms the XM5 in this regard, which had issues where the noise cancellation would randomly deactivate—like when I paused a video for too long. While it doesn’t block out all sounds, it does reduce them significantly; I can still hear conversations and music, but not clearly enough to understand the words. The XM4 also recognizes when you’re speaking and will turn off the noise cancellation, though the announcement it makes can be somewhat disruptive.
Sound Quality (4/5): The sound quality is excellent, better than the XM5 but not quite as crisp as the Apple AirPods Max. The 360 sound feature is interesting, though I rarely use it (the XM5 has this feature too). The audio is clear, and I haven’t encountered any issues with muffled sound, which was a problem with the XM5.
Comfort (5/5): The XM4s are incredibly comfortable. I wear glasses with plastic frames, and many headphones aren’t accommodating. The Apple AirPods Max were particularly uncomfortable for me. While I could wear contacts, I prefer not to for long durations, especially when studying or working. The XM5 were also fairly comfortable, but they didn’t stay in place and needed constant readjustment. The XM4 fully covers my ears with soft ear pads and doesn’t squeeze my head like others do, nor do they cause ear discomfort. However, the headband can become uncomfortable after nearly 10 hours of wear. I also have TMJ, so occasionally, I switch to earbuds, but overall, these are the most comfortable headphones I’ve tried.
Product Quality (3.5/5): Let’s be honest, they are made of plastic and feel like it. However, they feel significantly sturdier than the XM5, which felt cheap. The XM4 is durable, while the Apple AirPods Max, also plastic, feel slightly more premium but aren’t extraordinary.
Aesthetic (3.5/5): If looks matter to you, the XM4s are decent. They are somewhat bulky, but not excessively so. They aren’t as sleek as some alternatives but also don’t look ridiculous. If bulkiness isn’t your style, they might not suit you, but I found them visually acceptable after wearing them for a while.
Connectivity (4/5): I only use Apple devices (iPhone, MacBook, etc.), and the connectivity with these products has been excellent! I had numerous connection issues with the XM5, but thankfully, I’ve faced no problems with the XM4. It was a bit unusual to download the Sony Connect app to manage the headphones, but it’s user-friendly and provides a nice way to control them.
Battery Life (5/5): The battery life is outstanding. I’ve used them for eight days without needing to recharge, and they still have around 40% battery left. They automatically turn off to conserve battery when not in use, which I appreciate.
OVERALL (4.5/5): The XM4 headphones are an excellent choice at a better price than the Apple AirPods Max. While I hear the Bose are very similar, I haven’t tried them myself. The XM4 significantly surpasses the XM5 in both quality and price. They are comfortable, provide fantastic noise cancellation and sound quality, and boast impressive battery life.