wireless noise-cancelling headphone

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

  • Quality
  • Comfort
  • Ease of use
  • Battery
  • Functionality
  • Battery Life
4.5/5Overall Score
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Quick Summary:

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have long been a benchmark in the premium noise-cancelling headphone market, offering a compelling blend of audio fidelity, advanced features, and exceptional comfort. As a product reviewer, I've had the opportunity to evaluate these headphones thoroughly, and they consistently impress with their performance and intelligent design.

Specs
  • Headphone Type: Closed, Dynamic
  • Driver Unit: 40mm, dome type (CCAW Voice coil) with Aluminum coated LCP diaphragm
  • Frequency Response: 4Hz-40,000Hz (Active Operation), 20Hz-20,000Hz (Bluetooth Communication, 44.1kHz Sampling) / 20Hz-40,000Hz (LDAC 96kHz Sampling, 990kbps)
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.0
  • Weight: Approximately 254g
  • Charging Time: Approximately 3 hours for a full charge (USB Type-C)
  • Quick Charge: 10 minutes charge for 5 hours of playback
  • Controls: Touch Sensor Control Panel on right earcup, physical CUSTOM button, power button.
Pros
  • Outstanding Noise Cancellation: Arguably one of the best in the market, making them ideal for travel, commuting, or noisy environments.
  • Excellent Sound Quality: Delivers a balanced and engaging sound profile, further enhanced by DSEE Extreme for compressed audio.
  • Superior Comfort: Designed for long listening sessions, the plush earcups and lightweight build ensure minimal fatigue.
  • Smart Features Galore: Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, and Wearing Detection significantly enhance the user experience and convenience.
  • Multipoint Connectivity: A highly practical feature for users who switch between multiple devices (e.g., phone and laptop).
  • Impressive Battery Life: 30 hours with ANC is more than sufficient for most users, complemented by fast charging.
  • Good Call Quality: Precise Voice Pickup Technology helps in clearer voice transmission during calls.
Cons
  • Sound Profile Can Be “Consumer-Oriented”: Some audiophiles might find the default sound signature, particularly the bass, slightly emphasized or “muddy” without EQ adjustments. Treble can also be veiled.
  • No aptX HD Support: While LDAC provides high-res audio, the absence of aptX HD might be a drawback for some Android users with devices that don’t support LDAC.
  • Touch Controls Can Be Finicky: The double-tap to pause/play can sometimes be inconsistent, requiring multiple attempts.
  • No USB Audio Passthrough: The USB-C port is only for charging, not for direct audio connection.
  • No IP Rating: Not recommended for intense workouts or exposure to rain/sweat due to lack of water resistance.
  • Headband Padding: Some users report that the thinner headband padding can become noticeable during very long listening sessions.
Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Key Features:

  • Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation: Powered by the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and Dual Noise Sensor Technology, the WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional noise suppression, particularly in low to mid-range frequencies like airplane engines or office chatter. It also includes Personal NC Optimizer and Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing for tailored performance.
  • Adaptive Sound Control: This intelligent feature learns your frequently visited locations and adjusts ambient sound settings automatically based on your activity (e.g., walking, waiting, traveling).
  • Speak-to-Chat: A highly innovative feature that automatically pauses your music and lets in ambient sound when you start speaking, allowing for quick conversations without removing your headphones. Music resumes automatically after a set period of silence.
  • DSEE Extreme™: Utilizes Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence) to upscale compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring high-range sound lost in compression for a richer and more complete listening experience.
  • Multipoint Connection: Allows simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices, enabling seamless switching between them for music and calls.
  • Wearing Detection: Proximity and acceleration sensors detect when you remove the headphones, automatically pausing playback and resuming when you put them back on, saving battery.
  • Exceptional Sound Quality: Delivers rich, detailed audio with powerful 40mm drivers, supporting High-Resolution Audio and LDAC for high-quality wireless streaming.
  • Comfortable Design: Lightweight and ergonomically designed with super-soft, pressure-relieving earpads made of foamed urethane for extended wear comfort.
  • Intuitive Touch Controls: Gestures on the right earcup allow for playback control, volume adjustment, track skipping, and activating voice assistants.
  • Quick Attention Mode: Simply place your hand over the right earcup to instantly lower music volume and let in ambient sound, perfect for quick announcements or conversations.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free control.

    Summary of Experience:

    Using the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is a truly immersive experience. From the moment you put them on, the world outside seems to melt away, thanks to their industry-leading noise cancellation. Whether on a bustling train, in a busy office, or simply trying to focus at home, the silence they create is remarkable. The audio quality is rich and satisfying, with a warm signature that makes music enjoyable across genres. While not strictly “audiophile neutral,” the sound is dynamic and vibrant, and the DSEE Extreme feature genuinely breathes new life into streaming music.

    The smart features are where these headphones truly shine. Adaptive Sound Control seamlessly adjusts to your environment, and Speak-to-Chat feels like a futuristic convenience, allowing quick interactions without fumbling for controls. Multipoint connectivity is a game-changer for productivity, effortlessly switching between my laptop and phone. Comfort is paramount for over-ear headphones, and the XM4 excels here, allowing for hours of wear without discomfort. The battery life is robust, easily getting me through long flights or extended workdays. While the touch controls occasionally require a deliberate touch, they are generally intuitive.

    Recommendation:

    The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones remain an outstanding choice in the premium noise-cancelling segment, even with newer models on the market. Their combination of world-class noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, intelligent features, and superb comfort makes them a highly versatile and valuable investment for commuters, travelers, remote workers, and casual listeners alike.

    I highly recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4. While they might not satisfy the most stringent audiophiles looking for a perfectly flat response (though this can be adjusted via EQ in the app), for the vast majority of users seeking an exceptional, feature-rich, and comfortable listening experience with unparalleled noise cancellation, these headphones are an absolute winner and offer fantastic value, especially as their price has become more competitive with the release of newer models.

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