Over-Ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review – Excellent Wireless ANC

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review – Short Words

Sony WH-1000XM4 review: Although the Sony WH-1000XM4 is not quite a cheap headphone, they are great noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones. They deliver amazing sound, a high-quality Bluetooth codec, and good battery life (30 hours). Extremely soft and comfortable for a long session of listening, they also come with smart features like a detector and Bluetooth multi-point. These make the WH-1000XM4 the best all-around option for you if budget is not a problem.


Sony WH-1000XM4

excellent noise-canceling headphones, excellent sound quality, and supremely comfortable, 30 hours of playtime, Ambient sound, Wearing detection, Touch control

 

For a few years, Sony has released the WH-1000XM3, along with the ANC features, at the forefront of the wireless headphone industry. That’s the WH-1000 series, the most widely recognized wireless headphones, very close to the Bose QC35 ii. Sony has also released the WH-1000XM4 to continue the legacy of the flagship full-sized wireless headphones packed with a variety of everyday features. The most asked question is: What is new and different from the old model? With audiophile-level sound, today’s reviewsbestheadphones.com will discuss how the best noise-canceling headphones from Sony are good with the Sony WH-1000XM4 review.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review – The Design

The Sony WH-1000XM4 comes with the same familiar design as the WH-1000XM3, but the material is still plastic. The light plastic and soft touch make the WH-1000XM3 lightweight and comfortable to wear. For long periods of wearing in some areas with hot weather, it can become so hot that you sweat in your ears. However, if you use a cool area or air-conditioned room, it will help your ears don’t get sweaty.

When it comes to assembly, Sony has done just fine; all parts of the headphones that are movable are rugged and durable. There was no crack sound at all. It can be folded flat (twisted horizontally 90 degrees) to keep in the box. Also, it can be folded up vertically by about 40 degrees, and the WH-1000XM4 can be adjusted to a variety of levels to accommodate a variety of head sizes too.

The earcups and headphones contain artificial leather components that are very soft and comfortable. That’s helpful for wearing and feeling light and soft without pressing over at all. Why? The all-new design of the earcups in the WH-1000XM4 allows the headphones to distribute the pressure evenly around the head, making them more comfortable.

But for people who wear earrings, you might have to be careful, as the earcups cover almost the entire ear. So, wearing big earrings may scrape the ear cushions or the earcups can’t be completely covered, causing the ANC system to not work completely as well. For people who wear glasses, don’t worry because the earcups don’t compress your ears much. (I have been tried.).

Sony WH-1000XM4 – Key Features

The WH-1000XM4 is a pair of headphones designed for users who want extra comfort. With the industry’s forefront active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, it does an impressive job. It comes with a host of smart features that will totally change your headphone experience.

Sony Leading Active Noise Cancellation Technology

The Sony WH-1000XM4 still uses the chip HD Noise Cancellation Processor QN1, which processes over 700 times per second in real-time

Using noise-canceling features such as air conditioning or a computer fan, the Sony WH-1000XM4 can achieve an excellent noise reduction of almost 90%. In the subway environment, the Sony wireless noise-canceling headphones are amazing at reducing noise. I feel that the noise has almost completely disappeared. As for the sound of people talking on the train, I can hear it very faintly.

Another place where we tried was a coffee shop. The WH-1000XM3 performed really well. I could hardly hear the coffee machines or music from speakers in the shop. All in all, in noise-canceling, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is excellent, which confirms that Sony is the true leader in noise-canceling technology.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is very great in the active noise-canceling feature, but another feature that makes the WH-1000XM4 better than other noise-canceling headphones is “adaptive sound control.” It automatically adjusts the noise-canceling level (staying, walking, running, and transport) according to your location and behavior. Just turn on the adaptive sound control mode in the application, and the headphones will capture your gestures and change the ANC mode according to your activity. Moreover, you can adjust the profile you want in the application as well.

Furthermore, the application will automatically choose the best profile for you based on your GPS location. At first, it may seem a little annoying. But for a while, the application will understand your behavior when listening to music. It will gradually adapt to your music-listening lifestyle and change the ANC profile for you in a way that you don’t even realize it (a warning sound every time it changes).

Ambient sound mode – Fusing music with ambient sound

The ambient sound feature will allow you to hear the outside sound while wearing the headphones. You can adjust up to 20 levels. Also, you can focus on your speaking voice, which can hear the voices of people around you.

Sony WH-1000XM4 with Speak to Chat

It’s easy to stop the music just when you speak, which is very convenient when you have a busy hand and can’t press the stop button.

But something that I feel is not okay is that, first, you have to press play again if you want to listen to music. Second, if a little voice comes from your mouth, the music will stop working immediately. So, if you unguardedly sing, the music will stop. That might not be what you want.

Quick Attention – Cover Ears To Listen

Quick attention is one of the most outstanding features in the WH-1000 series and the XM4 model as well. We can turn on ambient mode and reduce the music for a while by covering the right earpiece with the palm of our hand. This feature is very comfortable and natural.

Wearing Detection – More Comfortable

Automatically pauses music when taking off headphones and will resume when wearing them again. It is very easy and comfortable, like all TWS on the market now.

Better than 1000-XM3 with Multipoint Connection

This is one feature that is not in the WH-1000XM3. This feature allows you to connect to multiple devices at the same time. For example, you can connect to listen to music on a laptop and get calls via the earphones’ mic. Once finished talking, you can go back and listen to music on your laptop without manually reconnecting (connect auto). It’s very convenient.

Touch Control – Easy For Use

Double-tap to play and pause. Next song by dragging it to the right. Drag left to listen to the previous song. You can also increase or decrease the sound by dragging up and dragging down.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review – Other Features

Also, the Sony WH-1000XM4 comes with great features such as fast paring, DSEE EXTREME converts MP3 files to near high-res quality, and Alexa built-in.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – The Sound

To sum up, the audio quality of the WH-1000XM4 is fun; it has a warm and sweet sound. Because the mids are outstanding and the bass is strong and impactful, The Sony WH-1000XM4 is ideal for listening to music in all genres, even from POP to EDM with a lot of synth sounds or classic songs with a lot of details.

Compare Sony WH-1000XM4 to Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony: WH-1000XM4 Vs WH-1000XM5 WH-1000XM3 Vs WH-CH910N Vs Bose QC45 Vs Bose 700 Noise Cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM4

Specs: over-ear, closed-dynamic, dimension: 7.27″ x 3.03″ x 9.94″, weight: 9 ounces, driver: 40mm driver reproduce full-range of frequency, microphone: 5 built-in with advanced audio signal processing, frequency response active operation: 4 – 40kHz, frequency response Bluetooth: 20 Hz–20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz Sampling)/20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC 96 kHz Sampling, 990 kbps), sensitive: 105 dB / mW (1 kHz)
Features: wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, digital noise-cancellation,  battery life: up to 30 hours, fast charge: 10-minutes get 5 hours), full-charge: 3 hours, touch sensor control, automatically reduce volume while conversation (speak-to-chat technology), voice assistant (Google/Siri/Alexa), wearing detection: auto-pause when taking off headphones, design to reduce pressure for a long-listening session, adaptive sound control, ambient sound mode, support 2 devices paring at the same time, quick attention mode, smart listening: automatic balance noise-canceling level by detecting your activity, application: customizable sound, foldable design

 


Sony WH-1000XM5

Specs: over-ear, closed-dynamic, dimension: 8.85″ x 3.03″ x 10.36″, weight: 25.6 ounces, driver size: 30mm, impedance: 40 ohms, frequency response: 4 – 40kHz, sensitivity: 102 dB, cord type: single-sided (detachable), cord length: 1.2m
Features: wireless industry-leading noise-canceling with auto noise canceling optimizer, crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, support Alexa voice control, 30 hours battery life, ultra-comfortable & lightweight design with soft fit leather, multi-point connection, intuitive touch control, speak-to-chat, quick attention mode (stop the music and let in environment sound), wearing detection

 


 

Sony WH-1000XM3

Spec: over-ear, closed, dynamic, dimension: 7.31″ x 2.94″ x 10.44″, weight: 8.96 oz, driver: 40mm dome type (CCAW Voice coil), frequency response: 4-40 kHz, impedance (ohms): 47 ohms (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on)/16 ohms (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off), sensitivity: 104.5dB / mW (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), 101dB / mW (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, magnet: neodymium
Features: wireless, battery life 30 hours, full-charge time: 3-hours, fast charge (10 minutes for 5 hours), active noise-canceling, voice assistant – Google assistance/Amazon Alexa/Siri, smart play/pause, foldable and swivel design, touch control, quick attention mode, audio file formats: SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC, Bluetooth 4.2 (support profile: A2DP/ AVRCP/HFP/HSP)

 


Sony WH-XB910N

Specs: over-ear, dimension: 7.8″ x 2.6″ x 10.3″, weight: 16 ounces, charging type: USB type C, app: Sony | Headphones Connect app, battery life: 30 hours
Features: wireless, Bluetooth, dual noise-canceling technology, extra bass, hands-free calling, smart touch control, voice assistant: Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa, can be paired 2 devices at the same time & switch effortlessly between devices, more natural ambient sound, quick charge: yes (10 minutes get 4.5 hours), foldable design

 


Bose QC45 – Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Colors: triple black, white smoke
Specs: form-factor: over-ear, dimension: 3″ x 7.24″ x 6″, weight: 15.5 ounces, charging type: USB type C, full charge: 2 hours
Features: active noise-canceling, wireless, Bluetooth 5.1 (Bluetooth range up to 30 feet), high-fidelity audio, mode: full noise canceling (quiet)/aware, battery life: up to 24 hours, fast charge: 15 minutes get 3 hours, compatible app: Bose Music app, microphones: built-in microphone array for voice pick-up,
In the box: Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones, carry case, 12″ USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable

 


Bose Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700

Specs: over-ear dimension: 2″ x 6.5″ x 8″, weight: 8.8 ounces, charging time: around 2.5-hours, USB-C charging cable, headband: stainless steel available in 3 premium finishes, headband cushion: ultra-soft gel-like foam covered, ear cushions: soft foam covered in protein leather, Bluetooth 5.0 (range 33-feet), support codec: SBC/AAC
Features: wireless, noise-canceling: 11 levels, voice assistant: Google Assistant, Alexa built-in (speak English and Spanish), fast charge: 15 minutes get 3.5 hours, 20 hours wireless playtime, charging time: 2.5 hours, intuitive touch control, Bose SimpleSync technology, adaptive mic system, Bose AR, Bose music App, water-resistant, microphones: 6 microphones for ANC/ 2 microphones for voice pickup

 

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great noise-canceling.
  • DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
  • Soft and comfortable with features for convenience (quick attention, wearing detection, touch control, ambient sound, speak-to-chat).
  • Long-life battery (up to 30 hours).
  • Supreme quick charge (10 minutes get 5 hours).
  • lightweight and easily portable (foldable design).

Cons

  • Speak-to-chat is so sensitive (just a little speak will lead to pauses in music).
  • A little hot if worn in a not-cold environment.
  • Not water-resistant.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Headphones – Final Verdicts

If you’ve read to the end of the Sony WH-1000XM4 review, will you agree with me? The Sony WH-1000XM4 is ideal for those looking for wireless headphones with excellent noise cancellation and high-res sound quality. I was not disappointed at all.

Where to buy Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4 – Wireless Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones:

wireless, Bluetooth, excellent noise-canceling headphones, outstanding sound quality, supremely comfortable, battery life: 30 hours of playtime, ambient sound, wearing detection, touch control

 

Alternative Best Wireless ANC Headphones – May be great for you

Sennheiser Momentum 4:

wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, over-ear, fold-flat earcups, adjustable headband, thick padding earcups for comfortable wearing, touch gesture control, adaptive ANC/transparency mode, strong battery: up to 60 hours, built-in EQ


Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Adjustable and hybrid noise-canceling, 40mm neodymium magnets drivers, smart touch control, battery life: 30 hours, premium materials, customizable sound EQ, extremely comfortable, 4 x MEMS for voice mics, 4 x dedicated MEMS mic for ANC


Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:

over-ear, wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, supported codecs: aptX Adaptive/aptX HD,  battery life: 30 hours, fast charge: 15 minutes get 7 hours, active noise-canceling, Pass Through mode, built-in microphones

 

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