review coming soon
The new wireless earphones from Sony's successful WF-1000 series are now even smaller and lighter than ever. The Sony WF-1000XM4 sound even better than their predecessors, which have long been at the top of our listbest wireless earbudsstood. With the release of the WF-1000XM4, that will now change.
There isn't one aspect that really stands out from the rest, except maybe the excellent control app. When you choose these earbuds, you choose the great combination of sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life.
Compared to theSony WF-1000XM3The successor has had enoughLife quality-Features worthy of an upgrade, even if they're a bit more expensive.
With an even more compact design, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is even more comfortable and easy to carry. With the associated app, the earphones can also be easily controlled and the EQ settings adjusted.
There are now several functions of the over-earSony WH-1000XM4brought to the wireless earbuds, including Speak-To-Chat, DSEE Extreme (audio upscaling) and adaptive noise cancellation. Therefore, it will be difficult to find wireless headphones with even better specifications.
Although theBose QuietComfort earphonesAlthough the headphones have better noise cancellation, there are no headphones that offer such an excellent overall package apart from the WF-1000XM4. There's no question the Sony WF-1000XM4 are the best wireless earbuds you can buy today.
price and release date
- Now available for 280 euros
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are available now in various web shops, includingThe HiFi Club,cool blueInMedia Markt. This is slightly more expensive than the WF-1000XM3, which was on sale for 250 euros at the start of 2019. Nowadays, these wireless earbuds are available for around 125 euros. So if you're looking for a good bargain and aren't looking for the latest of the latest, the predecessor is an excellent choice.
design and operation
- Smaller than the predecessors
- Excellent app service
- touch control
The WF-1000XM3 earphones gave us many reasons to recommend them. But discretion was not one of them. The wireless earbuds were large, as was the charging case that came with them. Sony has wisely chosen to make the latest headphones a little less colossal.
The charging case is about forty percent smaller, while the earbuds themselves have shrunk about ten percent. They are still among the larger ones on the market. However, the case can be stowed in the bag much more comfortably.
The WF-1000XM4 have some of the same features we saw in last year's WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones. These include active noise cancellation, fast connectivity to Android and Windows devices, and Speak-To-Chat. This last function makes the music pause when you make a sound. So you can have a short conversation without taking the earphones out of your ears.
Noise reduction is improved with new polyurethane ear tips. Small, medium and large sizes are included. These earbuds are designed to improve passive noise cancellation.
You can control the WF-1000XM4 earbuds through Sony's Headphones app. All sorts of functions can be customized via the app, including the actions for touching the left and right earbuds. In this way you can set how you want to operate the volume control on the earphones. The same goes for pause, play, skip, previous track, voice control and active noise cancellation. It is also possible to specify no action. There is also the option to adjust the EQ settings. There is an option to create one or two of your own presets, and you can also choose from preset options.
The earphones can also be controlled via the three major voice assistants Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. These can also be summoned by shouting their awakening words, such as "Okay Google". Whichever voice assistant you choose, the WF-1000XM4 delivers crisp answers and responds quickly.
There are three microphones in each earphone. These control active noise cancellation, the sound quality of calls and interactions with the voice assistant. The microphones are located on both the front and the back. If you go outside when it's windy, the front microphones will be muted. In addition, Sony has built in a bone conduction sensor, so it detects the vibration of your voice but doesn't register it as ambient noise.
Audio quality and noise cancellation
- Balanced and convincing sound
- Pretty good noise cancellation
- Great dynamic and rhythmic skills
Comfortably placing the WF-1000XM4 earbuds isn't as easy as it should be and takes longer than expected. We find it a little awkward to install. It feels like they're meant to fit a little deeper in our ear than they do. Once it's done, it's time to put on some music.
We started our test phase with Burner by Ross From Friends. The WF-1000XM4 sounds impressive straight away. The headphones leave no detail unnoticed and no rhythms or tempos are left behind. There is power and enthusiasm in the presentation of the headphones.
The earphones have rich bass and sound great, complex and above all detailed. The earbuds don't fall out and offer a good balance throughout the listening time. Bass note input and output is clean and well defined. This prevents the mids from being smudged by the low frequency range.
The middle class is heavily invested. When listening to Kate Bush's "Lake Tahoe" it quickly becomes clear that the WF-1000XM4 knows how to recognize and implement the smallest details. The transition between the mid tones and the highs is smooth and natural. The highs have enough shine and punch without ever sounding really screamy.
It is important to note that we have not adjusted any EQ settings in the information above. We believe the WF-1000XM4 delivers the most natural and convincing sound with the EQ turned off.
On a dynamic level there is little to criticize. The WF-1000XM4 is able to switch seamlessly between "deafening" and "nearly silent". When it comes to rhythmic security, Sony's latest earbuds do well.
The active noise canceling is reasonably successful, but we have to mention that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are still the absolute kings in this area. These earphones are able to completely cancel out ambient noise without showing any counter-signal or affecting the quality of the music.
The WF-1000XM4 just can't do exactly the same trick. However, they do offer a decent listening experience when active noise cancellation is enabled. They also mask a large part of the ambient noise. They're therefore excellent for most people, but if you're looking for earbuds with the best noise-cancelling features, the Bose alternative is undoubtedly your best bet.
battery life and connectivity
- Eight hours of battery juice in the earbuds
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth 5.2
Despite the new, reduced dimensions of the WF-1000XM4, there is still more to it than the previous models. Connectivity is now possible via Bluetooth 5.2. This enables simultaneous transmission between the left and right earphones. There's also Hi-Res Wireless certification (when using Sony's LDAC codec).
Bluetooth 5.2 should also theoretically mean better battery life. In the best case, the battery lasts about 24 hours. In the earphones themselves, it's about eight to twelve hours. The rest can be charged via the charging case. Whether noise cancellation is on or off depends on the battery life of the earbuds. The amount of battery juice isn't groundbreaking, but it's more than adequate for most. Luckily, the WF-1000XM4 are suitable for use with Qi charging, which means you can charge the earbuds wirelessly. A five-minute charge means an additional hour of listening pleasure.
Besides LDAC, the WF-1000XM4 is also compatible with SBC and AAC codecs. This means that aptX is missing. There is an option for DSEE Extreme, but we don't believe in an algorithm that extracts high-resolution sound from a digital audio file.
Should I buy the Sony WF-1000XM4?
Buy them if...
You are looking for the best all-round wireless headphones
The WF-1000XM4 offers excellent sound quality, good noise reduction and is comfortable. Such good all-rounders are unique.
You want a great app to control your earbuds
Sony's headphone app is a great addition to the WF-1000XM4 user experience.
You want to use useful functionalities
Speak-To-Chat, adaptive noise cancellation, IPX4 rating and more. The WF-1000XM4 makes your life that little bit easier.
Don't buy them if...
For you, noise cancellation is more important than sound quality
The WF-1000XM4's noise-cancellation is decent, but there are other wireless earbuds that perform even better.
You want to use the earphones for a longer period of time
A battery life of up to 24 hours is certainly not bad, but it could be better.
They find aptX support very important
Sony disagrees with you. LDAC is also a good alternative. It is also supported by most new Android phones (iPhone users, sorry).
- These are the best smartphones of 2021
FAQs
Review of the Sony WF-1000XM4? ›
All things considered, the WF-1000XM4 are an enjoyable pair of earbuds to listen to and one of the best sounding wireless earbuds on the market even in 2022.
Is Sony WF-1000XM4 worth it? ›All things considered, the WF-1000XM4 are an enjoyable pair of earbuds to listen to and one of the best sounding wireless earbuds on the market even in 2022.
Is Sony WH 1000XM4 still good? ›If you're in the market for the best pair of Bluetooth headphones you can get, then yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 should be on your shortlist. As of March 14, 2022, you can purchase the Sony WH-1000XM4 for as low as $269 USD if you get a refurbished model, making it a bargain buy.
Does WF-1000XM4 support hi res audio answers? ›The WF-1000XM4 supports high-resolution audio with LDAC codec processing and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme. The device comes with precise voice pickup technology to offer a comfortable hands-free calling experience.
What is the life span of Sony WF-1000XM4? ›The Sony WF-1000XM4 is the true winner in average lifespan. You can rely on them to work well for up to 3 years, even with daily use. If you're a heavy listener of music and podcasts, you'll enjoy this model.
What is the best replacement tips for Sony WF-1000XM4? ›TrueGrip Pro tips are the best way to get the most out of your Sony true wireless earbuds.
Can I wear Sony xm4 in the rain? ›The headset is not waterproof. If water or foreign matter enters the headset, it may result in fire or electric shock. If water or foreign matter enters the headset, stop use immediately and consult your nearest Sony dealer.
How much should I pay for Sony WH 1000XM4? ›The cheapest Sony WH 1000XM4 Wireless Headphones price in Singapore is S$ 369.00 from Shopee. You can also choose between different Sony WH 1000XM4 Wireless Headphones variants with White starting from S$ 415.00 and Midnight Blue at S$ 365.04. Sony WH 1000XM4 Wireless Headphones price details are updated June 2023.
Are Sony xm4 discontinued? ›WH-1000XM4: Price and availability. Sony will not be discontinuing the WH-1000XM4 headphones. Instead, they'll maintain a $349/AU$395 price tag (in Australia, they launched with a price tag of AU$549) and be available for purchase alongside the WH-1000XM5.
Do Sony WF-1000XM4 work well with Iphone? ›Sony's WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds offer outstanding sound quality, great noise cancelation and transparency modes, and an impressive list of features that work equally well on both Android and iOS devices, including multipoint pairing to let you easily use them with both.
Can I shower with Sony WF-1000XM4? ›
Sony WF-1000XM4: IPX4 certification
Thanks to the IPX4 certification, the earbuds are resistant to water. As a result, they can survive any workout and won't even have water damage after a rain shower. It's not possible to rinse the earbuds under the faucet.
To sum up, if you're experiencing difficulty with the volume of your earbuds on an Android device, it's worth checking your equalizer settings and disabling the built-in equalizer of the OS. Instead, you can use the Sony app equalizer for better sound quality.
Can I wear Sony WF 1000XM4 to sleep? ›Sony WF-1000XM4: The Sony WF-1000XM4 has great noise canceling and comfortable memory foam ear tips, making these great for back sleepers or sleeping on commutes.
How far can Sony WF 1000XM4 be from phone? ›Bluetooth wireless technology operates within a range of about 10 m (30 feet). The maximum communication distance may vary depending on the presence of obstacles (people, metal objects, walls, etc.) or the electromagnetic environment.
How do I keep my Sony WF 1000XM4 in my ear? ›Put the unit with the (left) mark in your left ear and the unit with the (right) mark in your right ear. The left unit has a tactile dot. Twist the headset (earbud) to slide the earbud tip deep into your ear.
Which are the top 5 earbuds? ›| Best Earbuds | Prices |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord Buds | Rs. 2,498 |
| Boult Audio Airbass Z40 | Rs. 1,199 |
| Boat Airdopes 141 | Rs. 1,299 |
| Mivi DuoPods F40 | Rs. 1,199 |
- Sony WF-1000XM4. These brilliant wireless earbuds deliver a stellar all-round performance. ...
- Sony WF-C500. The best wireless earbuds for those on a tight budget. ...
- Sony WF-C700N. ...
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. ...
- JBL Live Pro 2 TWS. ...
- Panasonic RZ-S500W. ...
- Apple AirPods Pro 2. ...
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
One of the most anticipated new wireless earbuds of 2023 is the Sony WF-1000XM5. It's the successor to the XM4, which earned a CNET Editors' Choice award when it was released in 2021.
Which has better sound quality Sony WF 1000XM3 or WH 1000XM4? ›The WF-1000XM3 have an in-ear design that's more portable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and leak less audio at high volumes. However, the WH-1000XM4 are over-ear headphones with better battery and noise isolation performance.
How do I make my Sony WH 1000XM4 noise Cancelling better? ›- Put on the headset with the power turned on.
- Press and hold the CUSTOM button for about 2 seconds until you hear the voice guidance say, “Optimizer start”. Test signals will be heard during the optimization.
How do I improve noise Cancelling on Sony WF-1000XM4? ›
Solution. Turn on the Noise Canceling function. While wearing the headphones, tap the L side touch sensor until you hear the voice guidance say Noise canceling. Note: In the default setting, you can switch between the Noise Canceling and Ambient Sound function by tapping the L side touch sensor.
Does sweat ruin Sony XM4? ›If sweat or condensation accumulates on the WH-1000XM4 sensor, this may not work flawlessly. At that point, it's good to air out and clean your headphones. Not only will this get the sensor to work consistently again but the XM4 lacks any kind of water resistance (along with the XM5).
Are Sony 1000XM4 sweat proof? ›A: No, they are not sweat resistant. Sony does NOT cover damage caused by perspiration in their Limited Warranty.
Is Sony WF-1000XM4 sweat proof? ›The Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are top of the range, noise cancelling, sweat resistant and last up to eight hours on a full charge.
What was the lowest sale price for Sony WF-1000XM4? ›Lowest price for Sony WF-1000XM4 is $130.95. This is currently the cheapest offer among 22 stores.
How much are Sony WF-1000XM4 on Prime Day? ›Sony's WF-1000XM4 noise-canceling earbuds are $198 for Amazon Prime Day - The Verge.
What is the cheapest deal on Sony XM4? ›Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones price in India starts from ₹ 19,989. The lowest price of Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones is ₹ 19,989 at Amazon on 6th June 2023.
Why do my Sony xm4 sound weird? ›This happens because air bubbles inside the earbuds get crushed and restored in response to movement that changes their shape. This is normal, and not a malfunction. This temporary noise can happen because of the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control function and air-tightness of the headphones.
What year is Sony WF-1000XM4 coming out? ›Design of Sony WF-1000XM4 leaked online, could launch in June 2021.
How old are the Sony WH-1000XM4? ›The WH-1000XM4 launched in August 2020, two years after the XM3.
How good are Sony WF-1000XM4 on iPhone? ›
Sony's WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds offer outstanding sound quality, great noise cancelation and transparency modes, and an impressive list of features that work equally well on both Android and iOS devices, including multipoint pairing to let you easily use them with both.
Are Sony WH 1000XM4 better than Sony WH 1000XM3? ›The Sony WH-1000XM4 makes big improvements in noise cancelling over the WH-1000XM3. The WH-1000XM3 noise cancelling renders low frequencies one-half to one-quarter their loudness. Among the best in its class, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers very good noise cancelation and isolation.
Which has better sound quality Sony WF 1000XM3 or WH-1000XM4? ›The WF-1000XM3 have an in-ear design that's more portable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and leak less audio at high volumes. However, the WH-1000XM4 are over-ear headphones with better battery and noise isolation performance.
Do Sony WF-1000XM4 stay in your ear? ›The Sony WF-1000XM4 can be considered as the wireless version of its classic in-ear headphones. This means the earbuds are held in your ears via earplugs without a retaining clip of any sort.
Do Sony WH 1000XM4 work well with Apple? ›Sony WH-1000XM4: Mic quality. The headphones are built well and connect nicely to any iOS device.
How far can Sony WF-1000XM4 be from phone? ›Bluetooth wireless technology operates within a range of about 10 m (30 feet). The maximum communication distance may vary depending on the presence of obstacles (people, metal objects, walls, etc.) or the electromagnetic environment.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 discontinued? ›Sony will not be discontinuing the WH-1000XM4 headphones. Instead, they'll maintain a $349/AU$395 price tag (in Australia, they launched with a price tag of AU$549) and be available for purchase alongside the WH-1000XM5.
Should I upgrade WF 1000XM3 to XM4? ›Noise canceling technology is best at combating low, droning frequencies, and the WF-1000XM3 was pretty good at that when it was released in 2019, but the WF-1000XM4 is better across the board. In lower registers, the WF-1000XM4 comprehensively attenuates approximately between 5-25dB of noise.
Should I get XM4 or XM3? ›Both headphones feature Sony's excellent noise-cancelling, which shuts out the world with impressive efficiency, but the XM4 go the extra mile. They use a new algorithm and new Bluetooth System on Chip to analyse outside noise in even greater detail. The XM4 are more convenient to use, too.
Is Sony WF 1000XM4 comfortable to wear? ›You're unlikely to find yourself using them for eight hours straight but the WF-1000XM4 are comfortable enough to wear for long periods, once you've managed to achieve a good fit.
Can you shower with Sony WH 1000XM4? ›
The headset cannot be used in water. Unless the headset is used correctly, water may get into the headset and cause fire, electrocution, or malfunctions.
Can I find my lost Sony WF-1000XM4? ›Use the Google™ Find My Device app* to find the location of your WF-1000XM4 earbud headphones.
What happens if you wear noise Cancelling headphones all the time? ›So for the most part, we can assume it's safe to wear noise cancelling headphones in much the same way we wear our eyeglasses. However, some experts have argued that wearing these headphones all day every day might mess up your noise-localization neural circuitry —one's ability to locate where sounds are coming from.