Sony WH-1000XM4

A premium wireless headphone with exceptional noise cancellation and marathon battery life exceeding 37 hours. The comfortable fit supports extended wear for commuting and office work, though the design proves too bulky and unstable for athletic activities. Sound reproduction delivers emphasized bass with low harmonic distortion, while the microphone disappoints with thin, muffled voice capture. Multi-device pairing and touch controls add modern convenience, but high Bluetooth latency limits wireless gaming viability. Despite being superseded by newer models, these remain a compelling option for travelers and professionals prioritizing silence and endurance.

The WH-1000XM4 represents an incremental update rather than a dramatic overhaul. Priced at $349.99, it retains the 30-hour battery life and near-identical design of its predecessor while adding genuinely useful features: multipoint Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously, improved microphone clarity through Precise Voice Pickup technology, and Speak to Chat auto-pause functionality. Android users benefit from Fast Pair support. The sound signature and noise cancellation remain excellent, though largely unchanged. Some early multipoint bugs were resolved via firmware update before shipping. The USB-C port unfortunately cannot be used for wired audio.

The WH-1000XM4 delivers incremental improvements over its predecessor rather than revolutionary changes. Subtle comfort enhancements include slightly larger, softer earpads and reduced headband padding that reduce pressure during extended wear. A new wear sensor automatically pauses audio when removed. The upgraded Bluetooth chip and refined algorithms yield marginally better sound quality and noise canceling—already class-leading in the previous generation. Battery life remains excellent at 30 hours with quick-charge capability. The customizable button now supports voice assistants beyond noise-canceling toggles. However, the nearly identical design and premium $350 price may disappoint those seeking dramatic upgrades. For users satisfied with the XM3 who wanted specific refinements, these evolutionary improvements hit the mark.

Excellent wireless noise-cancelling headphones with exceptional comfort and cutting-edge features. DSEE Extreme upscaling and multipoint pairing add meaningful functionality, though design changes from the previous generation are minimal. Strong codec support including LDAC for hi-res audio, though aptX compatibility was dropped. Best suited for travelers and commuters rather than athletes or business professionals needing superior call quality.

The WH-1000XM4 remains a compelling choice in 2023 despite being superseded by the XM5. These over-ear headphones launched at £350/$350 but now sell for considerably less, making them exceptional value. The design refines the XM3 with more textured plastics, softer 10% larger earpads, and a slimmer head cushion—saving one gram of weight at 254g. They fold more compactly than the XM5 for travel. A new sound processor debuted in 2020, and Sony's NC Optimiser calibrates noise-cancelling to face shape, glasses, and air pressure. The 40mm drivers deliver dynamic, detail-rich sound with exceptional timing. Missing features include IP rating and aptX support.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers excellent audio quality and remarkable noise cancellation in a refined design. At 9 ounces, it feels lighter than previous iterations despite similar dimensions. The redesigned ear pads offer 10% more surface contact, while a soft rubberized finish replaces the plastic chassis for improved durability. A motion sensor in the left ear cup enables smart controls. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC active. Touch controls remain intuitive for playback and volume. However, call quality remains a notable weakness. Priced at $350 MSRP but frequently discounted to around $278, these headphones compete as a top-tier option despite newer models now available.

Delivers thumpy, powerful audio with good clarity across genres, though bass can occasionally muddy the mids. Active noise cancellation effectively reduces airplane engine noise and crying babies. Comfortable for extended sitting sessions even with glasses, thanks to gentle clamping force and rotating ear cups. Battery lasts 35 hours, outpacing newer models. Call quality works well in quiet environments. The straightforward, unassuming design houses reliable technology, with a luxurious cloth-covered carrying case. While newer generations offer improved multipoint connection and sound precision, this model remains compelling at its reduced price point.

After two weeks of testing, the reviewer found the Sony WH-1000XM4 to be an excellent choice for virtually anyone seeking premium headphones. The device adds meaningful software features like Bluetooth multipoint, speak-to-chat, and auto-pause functionality while maintaining the strong ANC performance of its predecessor. Build quality received minor tweaks—slightly thicker ear cups improve passive isolation, though the thinner headband creates noticeable pressure during extended wear. Touch controls remain inconsistent, particularly the double-tap to pause. At discounted prices following the XM5 launch, these headphones represent exceptional value for commuters, travelers, and noise cancellation enthusiasts.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 represents a refined iterative update to its predecessor, maintaining the same sleek design while adding user-requested features. At $349, these lightweight over-ear headphones deliver exceptional comfort for extended wear, with redesigned ear cups and reduced headband padding that still allows hours of use without fatigue. Sound quality remains excellent with tight, punchy bass, warm mids, and detailed highs that satisfy even enthusiast listeners. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connectivity, with multi-point support enabling seamless dual-device pairing. While not revolutionary, the XM4 preserves what worked in the XM3 and adds meaningful quality-of-life improvements.

The reviewer, a musician and video editor, has extensive long-term experience with the WH-1000XM4, currently on their second pair. Audio quality and noise cancellation are class-leading, with the optimizer effectively targeting specific environmental sounds like engine hum and neighbor noise. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is reliable with 10m range, and NFC enables quick pairing. The headphones work well both wired (3.5mm) and wirelessly, automatically powering off when unplugged. Battery life reaches 30 hours. Pricing has become significantly more affordable, dropping from £239 to around £149 on sale. The narrow headband affects comfort compared to some alternatives, and full feature access requires Sony's companion app.

After extensive long-term testing, these remain a compelling value in 2025 despite their 2020 release. Weighing just 251.6 grams, they're exceptionally comfortable with plush leather earpads and headband. The 30-hour battery life exceeds many competitors. Noise cancelling performance ranks among the best, though newer models have surpassed it. Sound quality is very good but not exceptional—upper bass and lower mids present slight muddiness, sub-bass extension could improve, and treble lacks sparkle. The design appears bulky on-head with blocky earcups, though the matte black finish with bronze accents is understated. Missing features include Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio and seamless Apple device switching.

After a month of daily use, the reviewer finds the WH-1000XM4 delivers strong noise-canceling performance that effectively eliminates distractions once music plays, though some high-frequency sounds persist. The default bass-heavy sound signature requires EQ adjustment for balanced listening. Comfort improved significantly from earlier Sony models with larger ear cup openings and extra padding, though the narrow headband and leather material cause more heat buildup than alternatives. Wired mode via 3.5mm enables better audio quality with external DACs, with noise-canceling remaining active but touch controls disabled. DSEE Extreme upsampling shows minimal real-world benefit. The Sony Headphones Connect app enables smart features but has limitations with multi-device connectivity.

The reviewer presents the Sony WH-1000XM4 as a premium Bluetooth wireless headset that delivers on key consumer priorities: comfort, sound quality, features, and build quality. First impressions were highly favorable, with the matte black finish and Sony logo accents creating a sophisticated appearance. The headphones feature collapsible design for easy storage in the included hard carry case. Battery life reaches 38 hours without ANC or 30 hours with it, requiring 3 hours for a full recharge. Comfort is achieved through lightweight construction, adjustable padded headband, and oversized doughnut-shaped ear cushions that fully enclose the ears. The reviewer explicitly notes these headphones prioritize mobile device connectivity over computer use, and lack included USB adapter functionality.

The WH-1000XM4 represents Sony's fourth-generation flagship noise-cancelling headphones, building upon an already class-leading formula with meaningful internal improvements. Design changes are subtle—identical color options and overall aesthetics to the XM3—but comfort enhancements include 10% larger ear cushions and a less constrictive headband for extended wear. The headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers with DSEE Extreme upscaling, QN1 noise-cancelling processing, and Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connectivity. Battery life remains strong with fast-charging capability. The reviewer notes the absence of aptX support as the primary technical limitation, and advises that XM3 owners may not find sufficient upgrades to justify the purchase, while those coming from older models or new to Sony's ANC lineup will find exceptional value.

The WH-1000XM4 refines Sony's winning formula with a much-requested addition: reliable multipoint connectivity for two simultaneous devices. At 254g, these are among the lightest-feeling headphones available, with well-padded ear cups and a soft leatherette headband that make them easy to forget you're wearing—though the headband can slip forward when tilting down. The plastic construction feels well-made but less premium than heavier metal alternatives. Some of the best active noise-cancelling technology effectively reduces droning, low-frequency, and some sudden sounds, with extensive customization through the app for personal fit and travel scenarios. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC on. Touch controls work well bare-handed but not with gloves, and a presence sensor auto-pauses music when removed. Call quality sees slight improvement but remains behind class leaders.

The reviewer finds the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels at active noise cancellation with minimal hiss or treble artifacts common to ANC headphones. Build quality is appreciated for portability and cushiony oval pads, though small cups may compress ears during extended wear. Features like auto-pause sensors and seamless multi-device pairing prove genuinely useful, with EQ profiles persisting across devices. However, default sound quality disappoints without EQ adjustments, and detail retrieval lags behind cheaper alternatives. The headphone performs differently in passive versus active modes, with asymmetry from internal sensors affecting measurements. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC on. Overall, this is positioned as a feature-rich consumer headphone prioritizing convenience and noise cancellation over audiophile sound quality.

The reviewer expresses skepticism about noise cancelling headphones generally, recommending them only for specific environments like transit or noisy spaces. They identify two common ANC issues: added noise floor (mild hiss) and treble artifacts or burbles. The review implies these problems persist as obstacles for critical listening, though severity varies by headphone. A commenter interprets the review as advising against the WH-1000XM4 for sound quality unless noise cancellation is essential.