The Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are the latest iteration of Sony’s popular noise-cancelling earbuds, and they’re a significant improvement over their predecessors. With advanced noise-cancellation technology, improved sound quality, and sleek design, these earbuds are poised to take on the competition from Bose and Sennheiser.

Design and Build

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds have a compact and lightweight design that makes them easy to wear for extended periods. The earbuds themselves are made of durable plastic, while the charging case is constructed from aluminum. The earbuds are IPX4-rated for water resistance, making them suitable for exercise or use in humid environments.

The WF-1000XM4 feature a new design language that incorporates subtle curves and angles. While they may not be as sleek as some other wireless earbuds on the market, they’re certainly more stylish than their predecessors.

Noise Cancellation

The noise-cancelling technology is one of the standout features of the WF-1000XM4. Sony’s Advanced Noise-Cancelling (ANC) system uses a combination of microphones and advanced algorithms to detect and eliminate ambient noise. The result is an incredibly quiet listening experience that’s perfect for commuting, traveling, or working out.

In our testing, we found that the WF-1000XM4 did an excellent job of cancelling out background noise, including the hum of traffic and the chatter of people around us. However, they may struggle to eliminate more complex noises, such as those with multiple frequencies.

Sound Quality

The sound quality on the WF-1000XM4 is impressive, with clear and detailed highs, solid mids, and punchy bass. The earbuds support Sony’s proprietary 360 Reality Audio format, which provides an immersive listening experience that simulates a surround sound environment.

In terms of frequency response, the WF-1000XM4 have a slightly emphasized midrange, which makes them well-suited for music genres like pop and rock. However, they may not be the best choice for audiophiles who prefer a more neutral sound signature.

Battery Life

The WF-1000XM4 have an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours of playback time from the charging case. This makes them suitable for extended listening sessions or use on-the-go.

Additional Features

The WF-1000XM4 support wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC pairing. They also feature a built-in voice assistant that allows users to control their music, make calls, and access other features with simple voice commands.

In terms of convenience, the WF-1000XM4 have a quick charging system that provides up to 80 minutes of playback time from just 10 minutes of charging.

Comparison to Competitors

The Sony WF-1000XM4 are priced competitively at $229.99, which is slightly higher than some other wireless earbuds on the market. However, their advanced noise-cancelling technology and impressive sound quality make them a compelling choice for those who value these features above all else.

In comparison to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the WF-1000XM4 offer better sound quality and longer battery life, although they may not be as stylish or comfortable to wear. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds are also a strong competitor, but they lack the advanced noise-cancelling technology of the WF-1000XM4.

Technical Specifications:

• Noise Cancellation: Advanced Noise-Cancelling (ANC) system
• Sound Quality: Sony’s proprietary 360 Reality Audio format
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours from charging case
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, NFC pairing
• Charging Case: Aluminum construction, quick charging system
• Dimensions: Earbuds: 23.4 x 20.7 x 21.9mm (0.92 x 0.81 x 0.86 inches), Charging case: 45.1 x 36.5 x 19.3mm (1.78 x 1.44 x 0.76 inches)
• Weight: Earbuds: 6 grams (0.21 ounces) each, Charging case: 50 grams (1.76 ounces)

Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience with advanced noise-cancelling technology. While they may not be perfect, their impressive sound quality and long battery life make them a compelling option for music enthusiasts and commuters alike.