Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review
- Mirage
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Overview
The Sony WH-1000XM4 represents the fourth generation of Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones, building upon the already impressive legacy of its predecessors. These premium wireless headphones have been designed to deliver exceptional sound quality while providing industry-leading noise cancellation technology, making them a top contender in the high-end headphone market.
Key Specifications
Price: $348.00 (often on sale for less)
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on
Charging Time: 3 hours full charge; 10-minute quick charge for 5 hours of playback
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 with multipoint connection (connect to two devices simultaneously)
Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC (no aptX support)
Weight: 8.95 ounces (254g)
Additional Features: Speak-to-chat, wear detection sensors, touch controls, DSEE Extreme audio upscaling
The Good
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
The WH-1000XM4 features Sony's most advanced noise cancellation technology to date. The dedicated QN1 processor works continuously to analyze ambient sound and create precise, opposing cancellation signals. The result is remarkable isolation from the outside world, whether you're dealing with airplane engine noise, office chatter, or street traffic. In testing across various environments, these headphones consistently outperform most competitors in creating a peaceful listening bubble.
Exceptional Sound Quality
These headphones deliver rich, detailed audio with excellent balance across the frequency spectrum. The default tuning offers punchy, controlled bass that doesn't overwhelm the mids, while the high frequencies remain crisp without becoming harsh. Sony's DSEE Extreme technology uses AI to upscale compressed music files in real-time, attempting to restore detail lost during compression. The result is an immersive, high-quality listening experience across various music genres.
Smart Features That Actually Work
The WH-1000XM4 introduces several intelligent features that enhance the user experience:
Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses your music when you start speaking
Wear Detection: Sensors detect when you remove the headphones and pause playback automatically
Adaptive Sound Control: Adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your location and activity
Multipoint Connection: Connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
Comfort For Extended Use
Despite their substantial technology, the WH-1000XM4 headphones remain lightweight and comfortable. The plush ear cushions and padded headband make them suitable for hours of continuous wear. The clamping force strikes a good balance between security and comfort, while the overall weight distribution prevents fatigue during long listening sessions.
The Not-So-Good
No IP Rating for Water Resistance
Unlike some premium competitors, the WH-1000XM4 lacks official water or sweat resistance certification. While they can handle light moisture, they're not ideal for workouts or use in rainy conditions. This omission is notable given their premium price point.
Touch Controls Can Be Finicky
The touch-sensitive panels on the right earcup work well most of the time, but can occasionally misinterpret commands, especially in cold weather or when wearing gloves. There's a learning curve to mastering the various taps and swipes needed for different controls.
Premium Price Tag
While the quality justifies the investment for audio enthusiasts, the $348 price point places these headphones firmly in premium territory. However, they frequently go on sale, sometimes dropping to around $278, which represents better value.
No aptX or aptX HD Support
While Sony includes support for its own high-quality LDAC codec, there's no compatibility with Qualcomm's popular aptX or aptX HD codecs. This limits high-resolution wireless audio options when using devices that don't support LDAC.
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the WH-1000XM4 excels as both a productivity tool and entertainment accessory. The noise cancellation creates an effective sound barrier that helps maintain focus in distracting environments, while call quality is notably improved from previous models thanks to the five onboard microphones and improved signal processing.
Battery life consistently meets or exceeds Sony's 30-hour claim with ANC enabled, depending on volume levels. The quick-charge feature is particularly useful, providing several hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers extensive customization options, including:
Customizable EQ with multiple presets
Adjustable ANC levels
360 Reality Audio setup for spatial audio
Location-based noise cancellation profiles
Button customization
How They Compare to Competitors
vs. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers slightly better noise cancellation and battery life than the Bose 700, with a warmer sound signature. The Bose headphones provide clearer call quality and a more premium design, but the Sony edges ahead in overall audio performance and feature set.
vs. Apple AirPods Max
Apple's premium headphones offer seamless integration with iOS devices and impressive build quality with their aluminum construction. However, the Sony headphones are significantly lighter, offer better battery life, and cost substantially less while providing comparable sound quality and noise cancellation.
vs. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser offers phenomenal battery life (up to 60 hours) and slightly more balanced sound, while the Sony provides better noise cancellation and more intelligent features. Both are excellent choices, with the Sony being more feature-rich and the Sennheiser offering a more audiophile-focused experience.
Who Should Buy These Headphones?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is ideal for:
Frequent travelers seeking effective noise cancellation
Office workers needing to focus in noisy environments
Audio enthusiasts who want wireless convenience without sacrificing sound quality
Users who value smart features and extensive customization options
These headphones are less suitable for:
Fitness enthusiasts needing sweat-resistant headphones
Budget-conscious consumers
Those who prioritize call quality above all else
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 continues Sony's excellence in the premium noise-cancelling headphone market. They offer a compelling combination of class-leading noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, impressive battery life, and genuinely useful smart features. While they command a premium price, they deliver a premium experience that justifies the investment for those who value audio quality and effective noise isolation.
For anyone spending significant time in noisy environments or those who simply want to enjoy their music with minimal distractions, the WH-1000XM4 represents one of the best options available today. Their few shortcomings are minor compared to their considerable strengths, making them an easy recommendation for most users seeking high-performance wireless headphones.
Rating: 4.5/5
This review is based on product specifications, expert analyses, and aggregated customer feedback. All opinions are independent and not influenced by manufacturer relationships.
