Quick Specs
Our Verdict
Aounced in June 2021, the Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones are the brand's top-of-the-line models. They are wireless, in-ear type and feature active noise reduction. They are also compatible with the Bluetooth LDAC codec. With the charge of the case, you get up to 24 hours of battery life. They are fast…
Our editorial process
Research method, author and affiliate-independence details
Our editorial process
Research method, author and affiliate-independence details
Prepared by our editorial team using first-party product research and buyer-focused editorial analysis before publication.
- Our editorial team structures the review around buyer-relevant strengths, weaknesses, and specifications.
- We aim for clear section coverage and practical verdict reasoning rather than generic product copy.
- Affiliate links are handled separately from the editorial verdict.
Affiliate links never determine our verdicts. Commercial relationships are disclosed separately from the editorial assessment.
Full Specifications
Pros
- Exceptionally dynamic and accurate sound
- Highly effective active noise reductio
- Excellent comfort, very pleasant ear tip foam
- Long battery life for true wireless
- Compact storage case
- Splash-proof (IPX4)
Cons
- Bass is a little shallow
- Volume control from headphones possible, but not practical
Technical Data
| n Modeln | n Sony WF-1000XM4n |
|---|---|
| n Headphone Type | n Truly Wireless |
| n Weight | n 41 g |
| n Active Noise Cancellation | n Yes |
| n Ambient Sound Mode | n Yes |
| n Battery Life | n Max. 5.5 hrs(NC On) / Max. 6.0 hrs(NC Off) |
Overview
Aounced in June 2021, the Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones are the brand's top-of-the-line models. They are wireless, in-ear type and feature active noise reduction. They are also compatible with the Bluetooth LDAC codec. With the charge of the case, you get up to 24 hours of battery life. They are fast charge compatible (1 hour of playback time in 5 minutes of charging). Finally, they are IPX4 certified.
It must be said that the WF-1000XM4 are the logical successor to the WF-1000XM3 of 2019, considered as one of the references of the market, in particular, because of the quality of their active noise reduction. Since then, however, the competition has grown considerably more robust. These include Apple's AirPods Pro, the Bose QC Earbuds, and high-end Seheiser and Bowers & Wilkins headphones.
Desig
As you might expect, Sony has changed the look of its new generation of true wireless headphones. Gone is the elongated, offset shape of the touch-sensitive controls, and the new Sony WF-1000XM4 fits entirely in the ear. In addition, the touch-sensitive controls are the same as in the previous models, but the case is more compact and easier to store in a pocket. Of course, these are still in-ear headphones with polyurethane foam tips. The headphones are also IPX4 certified for splash, rain and sweat resistance.
As for the sound, Sony has kept the 6mm diameter drivers, but they have been improved, especially in the bass range. The WF-1000XM4s are compatible with the Bluetooth codecs SBC and AAC -- like their predecessors -- but also with LDAC, a first for wireless headphones. AptX is not included, but the headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified thanks to their 20-40,000Hz frequency response.
Noise Reductio
According to Sony, noise reduction has also been improved thanks to two microphones per earphone. The manufacturer has also integrated a chip dedicated to processing active noise reduction and transmission in Bluetooth 5.2, the Sony V1 chip. There will also be different modes to reduce wind noise, switch to the ambient mode when talking, or adapt the noise reduction level to the environment.
Sony has also improved the battery life of its headphones. The WF-1000XM4 are supposed to work eight consecutive hours with noise reduction and up to twelve hours without. Depending on the mode, the case allows for three additional charges or 24 or 36 hours.
Conclusion
Sony's new premium true wireless headphones are almost flawless. Good in all respects and exceptional in the critical areas of battery life, sound quality and active noise reduction, the WF-1000XM4 set a new standard to beat in their category. They're an obvious choice if you're not opposed to true in-ear headphones.
You can check Sony WF-1000XM5 review
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