Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: Solid Noise Canceling with a Few Quirks

If you're in the market for noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a name that pops up quite often. It's not a surprise, given Sony's reputation in the audio world. I decided to give these headphones a whirl for a couple of weeks to see how they stack up.

These headphones promise a lot on paper: noise canceling, long battery life, and a few high-tech features like adaptive sound control and speak-to-chat. Whether all these features are necessary or just gimmicks was something I was curious about.

I had a few expectations going in, based on what I've heard and read. I wanted to see if they could handle daily commutes, long work-from-home sessions, and the usual binge-watching.

After using them for some time, here's my take on whether these are worth the buzz or just another overpriced gadget.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones aren't cheap, but considering the features, they offer good value. You're getting premium noise canceling, decent sound quality, and a solid build for the price. They compete well against other high-end models in the market.

For those who travel often or work in noisy environments, the noise-canceling feature alone might justify the cost. The long battery life and comfort make them a viable option for anyone using headphones extensively.

Compared to cheaper models, the added features like adaptive sound control and speak-to-chat might feel like overkill. But if you're looking for a comprehensive package that covers all bases, these headphones are a good choice.

In terms of value, they're a solid buy if you're willing to invest in a high-quality pair. They're not the cheapest, but they offer a full suite of features that make them worth considering.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have a pretty sleek design. They're not flashy, which I appreciate. Sometimes, you just want a pair of headphones that do their job without screaming for attention. The black finish is understated and professional.

In terms of build quality, these headphones feel pretty solid. The materials used seem durable with a mix of plastic and some metal accents. They're light, which is great for extended use because they don't weigh down your head. At 9 ounces, I found them easy enough to carry around without any hassle.

One thing I found noteworthy is the touch sensor controls on the earcups. They let you control playback, volume, and calls with a simple tap or swipe. It's a neat feature, though it takes a bit to get used to. I had a few accidental inputs initially, but once you get the hang of it, it's convenient.

Overall, the design and build quality didn't stand out as spectacular, but they were functional and got the job done. Nothing felt cheap, and they look like they could handle everyday use just fine.

The battery life is one of the strong points of the Sony WH-1000XM4. On a full charge, these headphones last up to 30 hours, which is quite impressive. I used them consistently for work and leisure, and they held up without needing frequent charging.

What's also convenient is the quick charge capability. A 10-minute charge gives you about 5 hours of playback, which is handy if you forget to charge them overnight. The USB Type-C charging port is a plus since most of my devices use the same cable, reducing clutter.

In practice, I found the battery life claims to be accurate. I got about a week of use before needing to plug them in, and the quick charge option saved me a couple of times when I was in a hurry.

For anyone concerned about battery life, these headphones definitely deliver. They won't leave you stranded mid-listen, and the charging options are practical and fast.

Comfort is usually a big deal for me, especially when it comes to over-ear headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM4s didn't let me down in this department. Sony claims an updated design for better comfort, and I felt they delivered on this promise.

The earcups are well-padded and fit snugly without pressing too hard on the ears. I wore them for hours at a stretch without any noticeable discomfort. The headband is adjustable, which is great because I have a larger head. It didn't feel like it was squeezing or sitting awkwardly.

What I also liked is the wearing detection feature. The headphones pause playback when you take them off and resume when you put them back on. It's a small thing, but it makes a difference when you're in and out of meetings or conversations.

In terms of comfort, these headphones are pretty solid. They're not mind-blowing, but they do what they're supposed to without causing any strain, which is exactly what you need for long sessions.

Performance-wise, the WH-1000XM4 performs quite well. The noise canceling is one of its main selling points, and it works effectively. I used them in various settings, from a noisy office to a bustling street, and they managed to block out most of the background noise. It's not completely silent, but it's pretty close.

The sound quality is decent too. These headphones produce clear and balanced audio. The bass isn't overpowering, and the highs are crisp. Thanks to the DSEE Extreme feature, even compressed music files sounded good. Compared to some other headphones I've used, these deliver a clean listening experience.

A cool feature is the adaptive sound control, which adjusts the noise canceling based on your activity. If you're sitting, it might allow more ambient noise so you can be aware of your surroundings. It's interesting, but I didn't find it groundbreaking.

Overall, the performance is solid. The noise canceling and sound quality are reliable, even if the extra features might not be for everyone. They handle a range of music genres well, which is a plus.