Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones Get Subtle Upgrades

Sony continues to lead the noise-canceling headphone market with the WH-1000XM4, a refined upgrade to its popular WH-1000XM3 model. The new headphones bring meaningful quality-of-life improvements while preserving the exceptional audio performance and industry-best noise cancellation that made its predecessor a favorite.

Design and Comfort

The WH-1000XM4 retains the same premium plastic construction with soft, plush earcups as the XM3. The closed-back, over-the-ear design remains comfortable for most users, though some may find the headband slightly narrow and firm over extended periods. The headphones are available in black or silver and feature a matte finish with subtle gold accents. While they lack official water or dust resistance ratings, the earcups are sweat-resistant.

Pairing and Connectivity

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 and support NFC for quick pairing. A key new feature is multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices. This works well for switching between a laptop and phone, though it defaults to AAC streaming instead of LDAC when multiple devices are connected. The traditional 3.5mm auxiliary input remains, appealing to audiophiles who prefer wired connections. The touch-sensitive right earcup controls track playback and volume, though occasional misreads can occur.

Noise Cancellation

Equipped with Sony's QN1 HD processor and dual microphones per earcup, the WH-1000XM4 delivers best-in-class noise cancellation. The system effectively blocks low and mid-frequency sounds like fan noise and office chatter. An optimization process adjusts settings based on hair position, glasses wear, and ambient conditions. Features like Adaptive Sound Control adjust noise reduction based on location, while Speak-to-Chat temporarily mutes music when you speak, though this can trigger accidentally during singing or vocalizations.

Audio Quality

Despite prioritizing noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM4 offers impressive audio fidelity through its 40mm CCAW driver with LCP diaphragm. Frequency response spans 4Hz to 40kHz, and DSEE Extreme technology upscales compressed files in real time. The headphones support Sony 360 Reality Audio with a free one-year subscription included. While aptX and aptX HD support is missing, the default audio profile can be fine-tuned via the Headphones Connect app. Listening tests revealed rich, detailed sound across genres, with minor distortion at very high volumes.

Battery Life

Battery endurance matches the XM3 at up to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled and 38 hours without it. A quick charge feature provides five hours of playback from a ten-minute charge. Real-world use during the review yielded around 20-22 hours of playback at moderate volumes with noise cancellation on.

Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM4 solidifies the brand's position at the top of the noise-canceling headphone market. It offers exceptional noise reduction, rich audio quality, and practical new features like multipoint connectivity. While existing XM3 owners may find little incentive to upgrade, new buyers seeking premium noise cancellation and audio performance will find the WH-1000XM4 an excellent choice.