Sony WH 1000XM4 Review
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Even at a premium price, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless is exceptional; they’re lightweight, comfy, and have superb noise cancellation. Just consider the bulkiness and lack of a microphone before buying. But overall, they’re great long listening sessions.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless headphones are premium both in terms of comfort and design. They have a good build quality with great sturdy plastic, hinges, and a durable headband and have great touch-sensitive controls, but they are also bulky.
In terms of sound quality, it’s very bass-heavy with a small and passive soundstage, but they have great companion software with 5 EQ presets and excellent ANC settings. Lastly, the battery is amazing, offering 37 hours of continuous playback time.
The headphones are also capable of a wired connection, but the cable doesn’t have a microphone. The headphones are also bulky, and the yokes might crack after a while which can be a hassle while traveling, but they come with a great hardshell case for protection.
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable fit
- Impressive ANC performance
- Over 37-hour continuous battery life
- Improved noise cancellation
- DSEE Extreme audio upscaling
Reasons to Avoid
- Bulky design
- Not water-resistant
- Lack of microphone in the included auxiliary cable
- Call quality still isn't perfect
- Singing can pause the music
Specifications
- Battery Charge Time–
- Battery Life30 hours
- Built In MicrophoneYes
- Built-In Voice Assistant–
- Environment/Transparency Mode–
- Noise Canceling–
- True Wireless–
- Water ResistantNo
- Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Overview
Boasting active noise canceling (ANC) tech, the Sony WH-1000XM4 made its debut in 2020, offering a versatile design with a built-in microphone. This wireless headset connects via Bluetooth 5.0, supporting dual-device pairing.
The headset also has a detachable ⅛ TRS cable, supporting wired connectivity. It has a closed-back design with thickly cushioned earcups and a headband. It also comes with a built-in battery, providing power for use on the go. Find other battery-equipped devices on our list of the best headphones.
A variety of controls let users adjust the volume, control music playback, and answer calls. This model also has a mobile app with a graphic EQ and presets for fine-tuning the music. It supports surround sound, offering a wide virtual soundstage.
Continue reading our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, and see how it measures up against the top over the ear headphones of our time.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  |  | ||
| True Score | 92 | 74 | |||
| Market Context | – | While the Sony WH-1000XM4 supports both wired and wireless connectivity, the Sony MDR 7506 is a wired-only model marketed toward music enthusiasts. Unlike the WH-1000XM4, it doesn’t have a microphone, noise cancellation, or voice/call controls. That said, the Sony MDR 7506 has a more neutral sound profile. See our Sony MDR 7506 review if you prefer the audiophile-centric model. | Featuring a more neutral sound profile, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is better for music than the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Its ANC tech gives it an overall attenuation of -28.43 dB, removing background noise better than the Beats Studio3 Wireless, which only manages -21.66 dB. Unlike the Beats device, it also has an app-based graphic EQ and presets. | Running for 37.7 hours on a single charge, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has better battery life than its predecessor, Sony WH-1000XM3, which only manages 27 hours. It also supports multi-device pairing, unlike the older model, However, music enthusiasts should note that the older unit has a more neutral sound profile out of the box. Sony WH 1000XM5 review | The Sony WH-1000XM4 features better ANC against low-rumbling sounds than its successor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, although the newer device is more effective at countering office chatter. The WH-1000XM4 folds, saving space during transport, unlike the newer model. That said, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless has a higher-quality microphone. If you are interested in the newer device, explore our Sony WH 1000XM5 review today. |
| Noise Canceling | – | – | |||
| Wireless Connectivity | – | – | |||
| True Wireless | – | – | |||
| Built-In Microphone | – | – | |||
| Battery Life | – | – | |||
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 90 is a Cosmic Wonder
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
81The Sony WH-1000XM4 are decent for neutral sound. They have a bass-heavy sound that delivers… read more- B
Trust Score
92If you’re looking for a pair of the best over ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4… read more - C
Trust Score
NRIf you’re looking for the top noise-canceling headphone, then look no further. The Sony XM4… read more - D
Trust Score
100An improvement on their predecessors, the WH-1000XM4 have been replaced by the WH-1000XM5 as the… read more - D
Trust Score
90Sony’s terrific WH-1000XM4 headphones combine top-notch noise cancellation with audiophile-friendly sound quality. read more - D
Trust Score
82If you have the money and want a top-tier pair of headphones for modern life,… read more
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