As a dedicated team of headphone reviewers at Technowant.com, we recently acquired the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones to put them through rigorous testing. With a reputation for excellence in the noise-canceling headphone market, these headphones come packed with advanced technology and user-friendly features. In this comprehensive review, we will explore various aspects of the WH-1000XM4, including performance, noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, design, app support, battery life, and pricing. Also, this headphone has been awarded the title of Best Over All Headphones in our list of the best headphones for bass.
Performance and Noise Cancellation
From the moment we powered up the WH-1000XM4s, we were impressed by their active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. Utilizing Adaptive Sound Control, these headphones automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. During our tests in bustling public transport and crowded cafes, we found that they effectively reduced ambient noise by approximately 84%.
Users echoed our findings, noting that the ANC is so effective it can block out sounds like vacuum cleaners and even gun range noise. While some long-term users reported occasional connectivity glitches when switching devices, we found that a factory reset usually resolved these issues. Overall, the ANC performance solidified its reputation as one of the best in the market.
Sound Quality
The WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver an exceptional listening experience. The audio profile is well-balanced with a slight emphasis on bass, which can be adjusted via the companion app’s equalizer settings. During our testing, we appreciated how DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscaled compressed music files for better clarity.
Many customers have praised the sound quality, stating that after tweaking EQ settings in the app, they achieved a sound profile that significantly enhanced their listening experience. However, we also encountered some mixed reviews regarding sound fidelity. A few users expressed dissatisfaction with music playback quality, claiming they experienced issues like missing audio details or a muffled sound signature.
Despite these criticisms, our overall impression was positive; the WH-1000XM4s excelled in delivering a rich and immersive audio experience across various genres.
Design and Comfort
Comfort is another area where the WH-1000XM4 shines. The ear cups are designed with plush padding that accommodates extended wear without causing discomfort. We wore them for several hours during our testing sessions and found them lightweight and comfortable. (ideal for long listening periods or travel)
In terms of design, the WH-1000XM4 maintains a sleek and understated aesthetic. Available in classic colors like black and silver, they blend well with various styles. The foldable design makes them easy to transport, fitting snugly into most bags.
However, some customers have reported issues with touch controls. While many appreciate the convenience of swipe gestures for track control, others have experienced accidental activations or phantom touches when adjusting their hair or wearing glasses. This mixed feedback indicates that while touch controls can enhance usability, they may not be perfect for everyone.
App Support
The Sony Headphones Connect app significantly enhances the user experience. It provides access to features such as customizable equalizer settings and ANC adjustments. One standout feature is “Speak-to-Chat,” which automatically pauses playback when you start speaking. (a handy tool for quick conversations without removing the headphones.)
During our testing of the app’s functionality, we found it intuitive and user-friendly. However, some users reported bugs related to multi-device connectivity within the app. Switching between devices occasionally led to stuttering or lag issues. Despite these minor hiccups, most users appreciate the app’s ability to tailor sound profiles based on activities or environments.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point for the WH-1000XM4 headphones. With up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge and quick charging capabilities (10 minutes of charging provides up to 5 hours of playback), these headphones are designed for long-term use without frequent recharging interruptions.
Our team tested battery longevity over several days and found that even with ANC activated, the battery life remained impressive compared to competitors in the same price range. Users consistently mention this aspect positively in their reviews across various platforms.
Specification Table
Price
At a retail price of around $349, the WH-1000XM4s are positioned as premium headphones. While this price point may be steep for some consumers, many reviews suggest that the combination of sound quality, noise cancellation performance, comfort, and feature set justifies the investment.
For those who may find this price prohibitive, it’s worth noting that previous models like the WH-1000XM3 often see discounts that can make them more accessible while still offering excellent performance.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent sound quality: The WH-1000XM4 offers dynamic sound with plenty of detail and immersive audio experience.
- Top-notch noise cancellation: These headphones provide powerful and customizable active noise canceling (ANC) that effectively blocks out ambient noise.
- Comfortable design: The WH-1000XM4 features slightly larger earpads and softer padding, making them more comfortable for extended wear.
- Long battery life: With up to 30 hours of battery life, these headphones can last through long listening sessions.
- Smart features: The headphones offer multipoint connectivity (pairing with two devices simultaneously), speak-to-chat functionality, and adaptive sound control.
- High price: Despite improvements, the WH-1000XM4 still comes with a premium price tag that may be prohibitive for some users.
- No water resistance: The headphones lack an IP rating for water and dust resistance.
- Microphone quality: While improved from the previous model, the microphone quality is still not exceptional, especially in noisy environments.
- Heat buildup: Some users report that the earcups can get warm after extended use (around 1 hour or more).
- No aptX or aptX HD support: Unlike its predecessor, the WH-1000XM4 doesn’t support these Bluetooth codecs, which may disappoint some audio enthusiasts.
Conclusion
After thorough testing at Technowant.com, we can confidently say that the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones represent one of the best options available in the noise-canceling headphone market today. With outstanding noise cancellation capabilities and impressive sound quality tailored through an intuitive app interface, they stand out as a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
While there are minor drawbacks (such as occasional connectivity issues and mixed opinions on touch controls) the overall performance justifies their premium price tag. Whether you’re commuting in a noisy city or simply enjoying your favorite music at home, the WH-1000XM4s are equipped to deliver an unparalleled audio experience that continues to impress even years after their initial release.
In summary, if you’re looking for high-quality wireless headphones with advanced features like ANC and customizable sound profiles, investing in Sony’s WH-1000XM4s is likely to yield significant satisfaction in your listening experience.
