Chris Thomas / Android Authority
TL; DR
- The Sony WF-1000XM4 offers LDAC support and even better noise cancellation than the WF-1000XM3.
- The Sony mobile app supports an earplug fit test, which makes it easy to achieve the optimal seal when choosing the earplugs.
- The Sony WF-1000XM4 is available at retail out now for $ 279.99.
Sony has been defending its title as champion for noise-canceling headphones and earphones for some time and is not giving up. The highly anticipated Sony WF-1000XM4 promises improved noise cancellation, longer battery life, and useful software features. The Sony WF-1000XM4 also paid attention to its durability. With their IPX4 rating, these headphones can withstand your most intense workouts, making them a great everyday headset for a wide variety of music enthusiasts.
Our verdict: Sony WF-1000XM4 review
Sony introduces its new integrated processor V1 with the WF-1000XM4. In conjunction with the dual noise sensor microphones, this creates more quiet, deep tones like the drum of an airplane or car engine. It comes with a range of memory foam earplugs. Anyone who has difficulty finding the right tips can do an earplug fit test with the Sony Headphones Connect app (free for iOS and Android). It gives you instant feedback on your choice and ensures that the earbuds block out as much background noise as possible.
An IPX4 rating means moisture such as sweat and rain shouldn’t damage your headphones.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 supports the high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec and thus eliminates one of the stranger omissions of the previous model. If your music streaming service doesn’t support LDAC transfer rates, you can take advantage of DSEE Extreme processing, which upscales compressed music files for clearer, more accurate sound quality. Of course, the Buds also support SBC and AAC, so if your phone doesn’t support Sony’s high bit rate codec, you won’t be left behind.
Chris Thomas / Android Authority
Our sister site SoundGuys was able to measure the new Sony WF-1000XM4 in the laboratory and found that the standard sound amplified the bass and attenuated the treble.
There is a redesigned 6mm driver inside each earbud. The Sony WF-1000XM4 has a consumer-friendly frequency response with slightly enhanced bass and muffled highs. As before, you can equalize the standard sound profile via the mobile app. Both earbuds have touch-capacitive control panels that allow you to control media playback and field calls. To quickly pause playback, remove the earbuds.
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Sony WF-1000XM3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | Integrated processor V1 | QN1e chip |
| Sound quality | SBC and LDAC DSEE Extreme upscaling | SBC and AAC DSEE HX upscaling |
| battery | ANC on: 8 hours ANC off: 12 hours | ANC on: 6 hours ANC off: 8 hours |
| case | 2 charging cycles | 2 charging cycles |
| Other | Voice recording technology Talk to chat IPX4 rating Wear detection Quick attention | Wear detection Quick attention |
Sony has also added an automatic wind noise reduction mode. This works in conjunction with the redesigned microphone array and improves hands-free calling. Beamforming microphones and bone conduction sensors enable clear voice transmission. The earbuds automatically switch from noise canceling to ambient noise mode during a call so you can monitor the volume of your voice. The WF-1000XM4 takes over the Speak to Chat functionality from its big brother, the Sony WH-1000XM4. You never have to take off your earbuds to have a quick conversation.
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A smaller case makes the WF-1000XM4 40% more pocket-friendly than before. It supports USB-C and wireless charging. Fast charging of the earbuds in the case delivers 60 minutes of playback in just five minutes. With active noise cancellation activated, the Sony WF-1000XM4 lasts up to eight hours; this is extended to 12 hours when ANC is turned off. The case offers two additional charge cycles for a total of 24 hours of portable playtime before you need to recharge the case.
Chris Thomas / Android Authority
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is significantly smaller than its predecessor, the Sony WF-1000XM3.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app you can customize your listening experience. Here you can select your preferred virtual assistant, perform the earplug fit test and control the noise suppression settings. The Sony app has always stood out from the crowd and is at least a great resource for firmware and software updates. Like the other high-end options in Sony’s range of personal audio products, the new earbuds support 360 Reality Audio.
These earbuds are modest but welcome improvements to the famous WF-1000XM3 and are sure to be a hit with travelers. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is available at retail out now for $ 279.99.