In this review, we delve into the detailed features, performance, and overall user experience of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.
Having used the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for a month, I can confidently say they are the best noise-canceling headphones I’ve owned. Whether in a noisy office or a loud industrial facility, they significantly reduce ambient noise, allowing for clear music and phone calls.
The comfort of these headphones is unmatched. Even after a 10-hour shift, they remain comfortable. The touch sensor controls and customizable app features enhance the overall user experience. However, their performance in noisy environments during phone calls could be improved.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones feature premium noise-canceling capabilities with Dual Noise Sensor technology. This technology effectively reduces ambient noise, making these headphones ideal for use in noisy environments such as offices, industrial facilities, or while traveling. Users have praised the headphones’ ability to cancel out up to 95% of background noise, allowing for clear music playback, video consumption, and phone calls. Many reviewers have noted that the noise cancellation is nearly on par with other high-end models like the Apple AirPods Max.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Sony WH-1000XM4 is its impressive battery life. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, making them perfect for long workdays or travel. Additionally, the quick charging feature provides up to 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. This ensures that users can easily keep their headphones powered up even with minimal downtime. Reviewers have highlighted that the battery life remains consistent even with heavy use, further enhancing the product’s reliability.
Touch Sensor Controls
The touch sensor controls on the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a convenient way to manage playback, volume, and phone calls. Users can easily pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume with simple gestures on the ear cups. Additionally, the controls allow for the activation of voice assistants like Alexa, adding another layer of functionality. While some users have mentioned a learning curve with the touch controls, most find them accurate and responsive once accustomed to the gestures.
Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
The Speak-to-Chat feature on the Sony WH-1000XM4 automatically reduces the volume of playback when the user starts speaking, allowing for seamless conversations without removing the headphones. This is particularly useful in environments where quick interactions are necessary. The Adaptive Sound Control feature further enhances the listening experience by adjusting the noise cancellation settings based on the user’s activity and location. Although some users may find these features overly sensitive, they can be customized or turned off via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Superior Call Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in call quality, thanks to its precise voice pickup technology. The headphones combine five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing to ensure clear and crisp phone calls. This makes them an excellent choice for professionals who frequently take calls in various environments. While some users have noted that call quality can diminish in extremely noisy settings, the overall performance is highly rated and reliable for most situations.
Wearing Comfort
Comfort is a crucial aspect of any headphone, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not disappoint. The updated design relieves pressure on the user’s head, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The ear cups are well-padded and fit snugly without causing discomfort, even during long listening sessions. Users with different head sizes and shapes have reported positive experiences, although a few mentioned a preference for a slightly more snug fit. Overall, the headphones offer a comfortable and enjoyable wearing experience.
Multipoint Connection
The multipoint connection capability of the Sony WH-1000XM4 allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, such as a phone and a computer. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently switch between different devices throughout the day. The headphones can automatically switch between connected devices, ensuring that users never miss a call or notification. While some users initially found the setup process complex, the Sony Headphones Connect app simplifies the configuration and management of connected devices.
Sound Quality and Edge AI
The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers exceptional sound quality, featuring the DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo. This technology upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, providing a richer and more immersive listening experience. Users have praised the headphones’ balanced sound profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. The sound quality is consistently rated highly, making these headphones a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Customizable App Features
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers a wide range of customization options for the WH-1000XM4. Users can adjust the equalizer settings, manage noise cancellation levels, and customize touch controls to suit their preferences. The app also provides firmware updates, ensuring that the headphones remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. While some users may find the plethora of options overwhelming, the app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and personalize the listening experience.
Durability and Build Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Although the headphones are primarily made of plastic, they feel sturdy and well-constructed. Users have noted that the build quality is superior to other models like the Sony XM5 and comparable to high-end competitors. The headphones come with a hard-shell carrying case, providing additional protection during travel. Overall, the build quality and durability of the WH-1000XM4 make them a reliable investment for long-term use.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. While there are minor drawbacks, such as the performance in loud environments for phone calls, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Overall, these headphones offer excellent value for money and are a great investment for anyone seeking high-quality, comfortable, and feature-rich noise-canceling headphones.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How is the noise cancellation on these headphones?
Answer: The noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM4 is excellent, capable of significantly reducing ambient noise with Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Question: Can you use these headphones while charging?
Answer: No, you cannot use the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones while charging. However, they come with a long battery life and a quick charge feature.
Question: Are these headphones comfortable for long-term use?
Answer: Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed for comfort, even during long hours of wear. They have ample padding and an updated design to relieve pressure.
The Review
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. While there are minor drawbacks, such as the performance in loud environments for phone calls, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
PROS
- Excellent noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- Comfortable for long wear
- Long battery life with quick charging
CONS
- Voice call quality in noisy environments could be better
- Not as snug on smaller heads
- Touch controls can be tricky with gloves
