tldr; Sony WH-1000XM4 is the brand’s latest addition to the noise-canceling headphone lineup. It takes the already-excellent XM3 and polishes it up, resulting in a pair of headphones that’s close to perfection. They’re comfortable, have top-notch noise-cancellation, and sound fantastic.
Tech Specs
- Driver unit: 1.57 “, dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
- Frequency response: 4 Hz-40,000 Hz
- Weight: 254 g
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours
- Charging time: Approximately 3 hours
- Bluetooth version: Version 5.0
- Noise cancelling: Yes, HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1
- Features: Touch control, speak-to-chat, wear detection
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
Here’s what tickled our tech taste buds:
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Comfortable for long periods
- Excellent battery life
- Useful speak-to-chat feature
- Efficient wear detection
- Seamless multi-device pairing
And here’s what made us go ‘meh’:
- Not water-resistant
- Lacks aptX support
- Mediocre call quality
- Carry case could be better
- Touch controls can be finicky in cold weather
- Pricey compared to competitors
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the epitome of refinement. The noise cancelation is so good; you might forget you’re not alone in the universe. It’s like a personal cone of silence – perfect for those moments when you want to drown out the sound of your neighbor’s lawnmower at 7 am.
Sound-wise, these headphones deliver a balanced, lively soundscape that is satisfyingly rich in detail. The ‘speak-to-chat’ feature is also handy for those who like to gab. It pauses your music when you start talking, so you don’t have to fumble around trying to hit pause when your chatty coworker approaches.
The not-so-great phone call quality is a bit of a bummer, however. It’s not that you sound like you’re talking from the bottom of a well, but it’s not the clearest either. But then again, these are headphones, not a dedicated telecommunication device.
The lack of water resistance is a bit of a letdown, especially for those who experience the occasional downpour or would like to use them for workouts. But remember, these are not sport headphones, they are for you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or audiobooks in peace and quiet.
When it comes to comfort, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 are like that favorite pair of slippers you can’t live without. You can wear them for hours without feeling the need to give your ears a breather. And with up to 30 hours of battery life, you can quite literally wear them all day (or night) long.
Price-wise, they’re not the cheapest on the market, but considering the quality and features on offer, they’re definitely worth the investment. You do get what you pay for, after all.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The Sony WH-1000XM4 lost a star for the lack of water resistance and mediocre call quality. However, it shines in all other aspects, making it one of the best noise-canceling headphones out there.
Would we buy it?
Despite the high price tag, yes, we would. The sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort make it a worthy investment for any serious audiophile.
Value for Money
While not a bargain buy, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional value for money given its top-tier performance and features. You’re paying for a premium product, and that’s exactly what you’re getting.