The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have been making waves in the audio world with their exceptional noise-cancelling capabilities and premium features. These headphones are designed to provide a top-notch listening experience, whether you’re working in a noisy environment or simply enjoying your favorite tunes.
In this review, we will dive into the key features, personal experiences, and overall performance of the Sony WH-1000XM4. With a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 56,000 reviews, it’s clear that these headphones have impressed many users.
I’ve been using the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for about a month now, and they have quickly become my go-to choice for both work and leisure. My job involves inspecting various industrial facilities, where the noise levels can be quite high. The active noise cancellation on these headphones is incredibly effective, reducing ambient noise by about 95% even in louder environments.
One of the standout features for me is the comfort. I wear these headphones for up to ten hours a day, and they remain comfortable throughout. The Speak-to-Chat and touch sensor controls add to the convenience, although I found myself turning off the adaptive sound control for a more consistent experience. The only downside is that they are not perfect for phone calls in noisy settings, but overall, they exceed my expectations.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are equipped with Dual Noise Sensor technology, providing premium noise cancellation capabilities. This feature is essential for those working in noisy environments or traveling frequently. Users have praised the headphones’ ability to reduce ambient noise significantly, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The noise cancellation is adjustable, making it versatile for different settings and preferences.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is their impressive battery life. With up to 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, these headphones are perfect for long trips or extended use. Additionally, the quick charging capability ensures that a 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback. This feature is particularly useful for users who need a quick boost before heading out.
Touch Sensor Controls
The touch sensor controls on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer a convenient and intuitive way to manage playback, volume, and calls. Users can pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, activate their voice assistant, and answer phone calls with simple gestures. This functionality enhances the user experience by providing seamless control without needing to reach for the connected device.
Speak-to-Chat
The Speak-to-Chat feature in the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones automatically reduces the volume during conversations, allowing users to interact with others without removing their headphones. While this feature is highly praised for its convenience, some users have noted that it can be triggered unintentionally, such as when singing along to music. Fortunately, the feature can be turned off if not needed.
Superior Call Quality
With five built-in microphones and advanced audio signal processing, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer superior call quality. This ensures clear voice pickup and reduces background noise during phone calls. Users have reported excellent call clarity, making these headphones a reliable choice for professional and personal use. However, in extremely noisy environments, call quality might still be affected.
Wearing Detection
The wearing detection feature of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed. This is a thoughtful addition that helps conserve battery life and ensures users don’t miss any part of their audio content. The feature is highly responsive and adds to the overall convenience of the headphones.
Multipoint Connection
The multipoint connection capability allows the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones to seamlessly pair with multiple devices. This means users can easily switch between their phone and computer without needing to disconnect and reconnect. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who use their headphones for both work and leisure, providing a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Adaptive Sound Control
Adaptive Sound Control in the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones provides a personalized listening experience by adjusting the noise cancellation based on the user’s activity and location. While this feature is designed to enhance convenience, some users have found it to be overly sensitive and prefer to manually control the noise cancellation settings. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable feature for many.
Comfort
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed for long-lasting comfort. The updated design relieves pressure on the head and ears, making them suitable for extended use. Users have praised the soft ear pads and the lightweight build, which reduce fatigue during prolonged listening sessions. Even those who wear glasses have reported a comfortable fit, making these headphones a great choice for daily use.
Edge AI and DSEE Extreme
Co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real-time. This technology enhances the sound quality, providing a richer and more detailed listening experience. Users have noticed a significant improvement in audio quality, particularly with lower bitrate files, making these headphones ideal for audiophiles.
Pros:
- Exceptional noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- Long-lasting comfort and battery life of up to 30 hours
- Superior sound quality and adaptive sound control
Cons:
- Not ideal for phone calls in loud environments
- Touch-sensitive controls may be challenging with gloves
- Plastic build quality might feel less premium
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer a superior noise-cancelling experience, excellent sound quality, and long-lasting comfort. They are packed with features that enhance usability and provide a personalized listening experience.
While they may not be the best choice for phone calls in loud environments, their overall performance makes them a worthwhile investment. If you’re in the market for high-quality noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 should be at the top of your list.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How effective is the noise cancellation?
Answer: The noise cancellation is highly effective, capable of reducing ambient noise by about 95% even in loud environments such as industrial facilities.
Question: Can I use these headphones for long periods comfortably?
Answer: Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed for long-lasting comfort, with updated design features that relieve pressure on your ears and head.
Question: How is the battery life?
Answer: The battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, with a quick charge feature that provides 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.