The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are the latest addition to Sony’s acclaimed line of premium noise-cancelling headphones. Known for their industry-leading noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and smart features, these headphones are designed to offer an exceptional listening experience in any environment. In this detailed review, we’ll explore every aspect of the WH-1000XM4, from design and features to performance and value for money.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones maintain the sleek and sophisticated design that has become a hallmark of the series. They are crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring both durability and comfort.
Aesthetic Appeal
The WH-1000XM4 headphones feature a minimalist design with smooth, rounded ear cups and a matte finish. They are available in two classic colors: Black and Silver. The understated design is complemented by subtle Sony branding on the headband and ear cups, giving the headphones a premium look and feel.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount for headphones, especially for extended use. The WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in this area with their ergonomic design and plush padding. The ear cups are generously cushioned with soft memory foam that conforms to the shape of your ears, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The headband is also padded and adjustable, allowing for a customized fit.
The headphones are lightweight, weighing just over 8.9 ounces (254 grams), which helps reduce fatigue during prolonged listening sessions. The ear cups pivot and swivel to fit snugly around the ears, enhancing both comfort and passive noise isolation.
Noise Cancellation
Sony is renowned for its noise cancellation technology, and the WH-1000XM4 headphones take it to the next level with advanced features that provide an unparalleled listening experience.
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
The WH-1000XM4 headphones feature Dual Noise Sensor technology and the QN1 HD Noise-Canceling Processor, which work together to deliver exceptional noise cancellation. This technology effectively reduces a wide range of ambient noises, from low-frequency sounds like airplane engines to mid- and high-frequency noises like conversations and traffic.
Adaptive Sound Control
One of the standout features of the WH-1000XM4 headphones is Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment and activity. Using built-in sensors and AI technology, the headphones can detect whether you are stationary, walking, running, or traveling, and optimize the noise cancellation accordingly. This ensures a seamless and personalized listening experience no matter where you are.
Ambient Sound Mode
The WH-1000XM4 headphones also offer an Ambient Sound Mode that allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This mode is particularly useful for staying aware of your environment, such as when crossing the street or listening for announcements. You can adjust the level of ambient sound using the Sony Headphones Connect app, providing precise control over what you hear.
Sound Quality
Sony has always been a leader in audio performance, and the WH-1000XM4 headphones are no exception. They deliver rich, detailed sound with a balanced profile that caters to a wide range of musical genres.
Audio Performance
The WH-1000XM4 headphones feature 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, which produce a wide frequency response and accurate sound reproduction. The bass is deep and powerful, providing a solid foundation for bass-heavy tracks without overpowering the mids and highs. The midrange is clear and natural, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with clarity. The treble is crisp and detailed, adding sparkle and airiness to the overall sound.
The soundstage is expansive, creating a sense of space and depth that enhances the listening experience. This is particularly noticeable in live recordings and classical music, where the separation of instruments and spatial placement add to the realism of the performance.
High-Resolution Audio and DSEE Extreme
The WH-1000XM4 headphones support High-Resolution Audio, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality from high-resolution audio files. Additionally, the headphones feature DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology, which upscales compressed digital music files in real-time. This technology restores the high-frequency elements lost during compression, resulting in a more natural and immersive sound.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The WH-1000XM4 headphones are equipped with a host of smart features and connectivity options that enhance their functionality and convenience.
Voice Assistants
The headphones are compatible with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. With a simple voice command, you can control your music, check the weather, set reminders, and more. The built-in microphones ensure clear voice recognition, even in noisy environments.
Touch Controls
The WH-1000XM4 headphones feature intuitive touch controls on the right ear cup, allowing you to manage your music and calls with ease. Swiping up or down adjusts the volume, swiping forward or backward skips tracks, and tapping answers or ends calls. The touch controls are responsive and easy to use, providing a seamless user experience.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Multi-Device Pairing
The headphones support Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable and reliable wireless connection. Pairing with devices is quick and straightforward, and the headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between your smartphone and laptop without hassle. This multi-device pairing feature is particularly useful for those who need to stay connected to multiple devices throughout the day.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for wireless headphones, and the WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver impressive performance in this area. With ANC activated, the headphones provide up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. When noise cancellation is turned off, the battery life extends even further. The headphones also feature a quick-charge option, providing up to 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Call Quality
The WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in call quality, making them an excellent choice for professionals and frequent callers. The headphones are equipped with an advanced microphone system that isolates your voice while reducing background noise, ensuring clear and intelligible calls even in noisy environments.
Microphone Performance
The WH-1000XM4 headphones use multiple microphones and advanced signal processing algorithms to ensure exceptional call clarity. The microphones effectively filter out ambient noise, such as wind or traffic, ensuring that your voice remains the focus. This makes the headphones ideal for conference calls, virtual meetings, and hands-free communication.
Comfort and Usability
In addition to their outstanding performance, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed with user comfort and convenience in mind.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of the headphones ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The headband and ear cups are well-padded, distributing weight evenly and minimizing pressure points. The adjustable headband allows for a customized fit, while the ear cups pivot and swivel to conform to the shape of your head.
Portability
The WH-1000XM4 headphones come with a sleek, protective carrying case that makes them easy to transport. The ear cups fold flat for compact storage, and the case includes a pocket for accessories such as the charging cable and audio cable.
Durability
The build quality of the WH-1000XM4 headphones is top-notch, with a robust construction that feels premium and durable. The high-quality materials ensure that the headphones can withstand daily wear and tear, making them a reliable choice for long-term use.
User Experience
The overall user experience with the WH-1000XM4 headphones is highly positive, thanks to their combination of comfort, performance, and smart features.
Setup and Operation
Setting up the WH-1000XM4 headphones is straightforward, with the Sony Headphones Connect app guiding users through the process. The app also allows for firmware updates, ensuring that the headphones remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
User Interface
The touch controls and voice assistant integration provide an intuitive and convenient way to manage music, calls, and other functions. The headphones respond quickly to touch gestures and voice commands, making them easy to use on the go.
Customization
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers a high degree of customization, allowing users to adjust the EQ settings, manage noise cancellation levels, and configure voice assistant preferences. This level of control ensures that the headphones can be tailored to suit individual needs and preferences.
Value for Money
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are positioned at the higher end of the market, with a premium price tag to match. However, the combination of exceptional noise cancellation, superior sound quality, smart features, and durable design makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-tier performance.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other high-end noise-cancelling headphones, such as the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, the WH-1000XM4 headphones hold their own. Each model has its strengths, but the WH-1000XM4 headphones stand out for their advanced noise cancellation, customizable sound profile, and impressive battery life.
Long-Term Investment
Investing in the WH-1000XM4 headphones is a decision that pays off in the long run. The durability and high-quality construction ensure that the headphones will last for years, while the regular firmware updates and customization options keep them relevant and up-to-date.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are a testament to Sony’s expertise in audio engineering and noise cancellation technology. With their sleek design, exceptional performance, and array of smart features, these headphones offer a premium listening experience that is hard to beat. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or simply a music enthusiast, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed to meet and exceed your expectations.
Pros:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation with Adaptive Sound Control
- Rich, detailed sound with customizable EQ
- Sleek, durable design with premium materials
- Comfortable fit for extended use
- Intuitive touch controls and voice assistant integration
- Long battery life with quick-charge option
- Excellent call quality with advanced microphone system
Cons:
- High price point
- Some features require the use of the Sony Headphones Connect app
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver an unparalleled audio experience that justifies their premium price. With their combination of cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and user-friendly features, they are a top choice for anyone seeking the best in wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
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