Sony WH-1000XM4 Review
Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones still the best in class, even with newer models out? In this comprehensive review, we dive into the Sony WH-1000XM4, one of the most acclaimed Sony noise cancelling headphones ever made. These wireless over-ear cans have dominated “best headphone” lists since their 2020 release – CNET even called them “a nearly flawless noise-canceling headphone”fittrack.com.au. We’ll explore their design, comfort, ANC performance, sound quality, battery life, and how they compare to the latest competition (including WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5). By the end, you’ll see why the WH-1000XM4 are still widely recommended as the best headphones under $300 and whether they’re still worth it in 2025.
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Design and Comfort
Sony didn’t radically redesign the WH-1000XM4 from its predecessor (the XM3) – and that’s not a bad thing. At a glance, the XM4 look nearly identical to the XM3, with a sleek, minimalistic over-ear profile available in black, silver, and limited editions (like Midnight Blue and white). The build is high-quality plastic with soft pleather cushioning on the earcups and headbandtechradar.com. This yields a lightweight frame (about 254 g) that feels extremely comfortable to wear for extended periodstechradar.com. The ear pads are plush and pressure-relieving, making long listening sessions easy on the ears. Sony did slim down the headband padding slightly and increased the earcup size compared to the XM3theverge.com, but most users still find the XM4 lightweight, comfy and clever in designwhathifi.com.
One caveat: the WH-1000XM4 are not water-resistant at alltechradar.com. There’s no IP rating – Sony explicitly advises keeping them dry. So, while they’re fine for commuting and office use, you should avoid using them in the rain or during intense workouts. Sweat and moisture could potentially damage these headphones. If you need noise-cancelling headphones for the gym or running, you’ll want a different pair (the XM4’s earcups can get warm, and the lack of water protection is a concern). For everyday travel, work, and leisure listening, however, the XM4’s sturdy yet comfortable design hits the sweet spot. They’re understated enough to wear in public without drawing attention, and the comfort holds up even on long flights or marathon listening sessions.
Features and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Sony has packed the WH-1000XM4 with an impressive array of smart features and improvements, refining what was already class-leading in the XM3. Front and center is the active noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM4 use dual noise sensors (two microphones on each earcup) feeding into Sony’s HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 chip, along with a new Bluetooth Audio SoC, to analyze and block external sound in real timetechradar.com. The result is industry-leading ANC performance. These headphones can dramatically hush the world around you – from the low rumble of airplane engines to office chatter – creating a peaceful bubble of silence.
The ambient sound mode is easily accessible too – just cup your hand over the right earcup, and the XM4 will instantly lower your music and pipe in outside sound using the micssoundguys.com. This “Quick Attention” gesture is fantastic for briefly hearing announcements or having a quick conversation without removing the headphones. Additionally, Sony introduced a new feature called Speak-to-Chat: when enabled (via the Sony Headphones Connect app), the headphones will automatically pause your audio whenever you start speaking, and activate ambient mode so you can have a conversation. The implementation is clever but can be overly sensitive – even a single word or a quick chuckle can trigger a pausetheverge.com. By default, music resumes 30 seconds after you stop talking, or you can double-tap the earcup to resume soonertheverge.com. If you’re someone who often talks to yourself or sings along, you might find Speak-to-Chat more annoying than helpful (your music will keep pausing). Thankfully, you can adjust its sensitivity or disable it in the apptheverge.com. It’s an innovative feature for those who want hands-free convenience, but not everyone will use it.
Another smart feature is wear detection: a sensor in the left earcup knows when you remove the headphones and will auto-pause your musicsoundguys.com. Put them back on, and playback resumes – a great touch that ensures you don’t miss anything if you take the headphones off to talk to someone. This worked reliably in our experience and helps save battery life too.
Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control can also automatically adjust ANC and ambient levels based on your activity or location. For example, it can learn that when you’re at the office sitting, you prefer maximum noise cancelling, but when walking down the street, you want some ambient awareness. This feature, configurable in the app, uses your phone’s GPS and motion sensors to switch sound modes intelligently. It’s a neat idea, though some users may prefer manually controlling ANC levels. The good news is you have full manual control as well: using the app or the NC/Ambient button, you can cycle between full noise canceling, ambient mode, or all-off.
When it comes to noise-canceling effectiveness, only a couple of contenders beat the XM4 – notably its successor. Yes, the WH-1000XM5 does have even more advanced ANC (especially for higher-pitched sounds above 1 kHz)soundguys.com. Bose’s latest QuietComfort and Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are also excellent (Bose slightly edges Sony in some high-frequency and passive isolation aspects)soundguys.com, soundguys.com. However, the XM4 still falls into the top tier of ANC headphones in 2025. Unless you do back-to-back comparisons with the XM5 or Bose, you’ll be hard-pressed to find much fault in the XM4’s noise cancellation – it’s that effective for everyday use. Whether you’re on a noisy flight, commuting on a train, or just working in a café, the WH-1000XM4 significantly reduces distractions so you can focus on your music or calls.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
Great noise cancelling would mean little if the sound quality was lacking – but here the Sony WH-1000XM4 also excel. Sony has tuned the 40mm driver units (with Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms) for a balanced yet engaging sound signature. The result is a dynamic, detail-rich sound that impresses across genreswhathifi.com. The XM4 deliver impactful bass, warm mids, and clear highs, improving subtly on the already-good sound of the XM3. Notably, Sony actually dialed back the bass boost a bit compared to the previous modelsoundguys.com. The WH-1000XM3 had a consumer-friendly bass emphasis; the XM4 still have rich bass (they are Sony headphones, after all) but it’s slightly more controlled and neutral. This pleases those who want more accuracy, while bass-lovers can always bump up low frequencies using EQ (either in the app or your source). Out of the box, most listeners will enjoy the XM4’s full-bodied sound. Bass hits with authority but doesn’t overwhelmingly muddy the mix, highs are crisp without harshness, and the midrange (vocals, guitars, etc.) comes through clearly. The soundstage is decent for closed-back headphones – you get a sense of space and imaging that’s on par with other top wireless ANC models.
One advantage for audiophiles: the WH-1000XM4 support Hi-Res Audio (when used wired, or wirelessly via LDAC codec). With LDAC on an Android device, you can stream at up to 990 kbps, allowing for very high audio fidelity – practically as good as wired in many cases. During critical listening with lossless tracks, the XM4 can reproduce nuances in the music that lesser codecs might mask. That said, LDAC is only useful if you have a compatible source and high-quality audio files. By default (or on iPhone), the XM4 will use AAC, which still sounds quite good. SBC, AAC, and LDAC are the supported Bluetooth codecssoundguys.com. Notably, Sony dropped aptX/aptX HD support on the WH-1000XM4techradar.com. This omission raised some eyebrows, since the older XM3 supported aptX. Sony’s reasoning is that LDAC (their own codec) covers the high-quality audio needs, and AAC handles iOS devices – but if you have a device that prefers aptX, keep in mind the XM4 won’t use it (they’ll fall back to SBC). In practice, most users won’t miss aptX; LDAC offers superior quality (albeit with a slightly less stable connection at times), and AAC is perfectly fine for everyday listening. Unless you’re a stickler comparing codecs, the sound quality differences are minor.
The overall audio quality of the WH-1000XM4 is frequently praised by reviewers. What Hi-Fi gave these headphones a full five stars for sound, highlighting their superb timing and detail retrieval that make your music enjoyable and engagingwhathifi.com. They handle everything from thumping electronic beats to delicate acoustic melodies with ease. If you do find yourself wanting a different sound profile, Sony’s app includes a customizable EQ and presets, so you can tweak the sound to your liking (e.g. add extra bass or treble). But for most, the default tuning is an excellent balance of clarity and fun.
Call quality is another aspect Sony addressed. The WH-1000XM4 use five built-in microphones and advanced signal processing (Sony calls it Precise Voice Pickup technology) to improve voice clarity on callstheverge.com. In our use, as well as tests by others, phone call performance is indeed better than on the XM3. Your voice comes through clearly and intelligibly, even in moderately noisy environmentstheverge.com. However, it’s not flawless – your voice can sound a bit processed (digitized), and in very loud settings the mics may still struggle. TechRadar noted that call quality on the XM4 “still isn’t perfect”techradar.com, and some users on forums have reported the person on the other end might hear background noise. For occasional work calls or voice assistant use, the XM4 do a fine job. If you frequently take calls in noisy places, you might find Bose’s Noise Canceling Headphones 700 or the XM5 (with even more mics) slightly outperform the XM4. Still, this was a notable improvement over the previous gen and makes the XM4 more well-rounded for daily use.
It’s also worth mentioning 360 Reality Audio, Sony’s spatial audio format, supported on the WH-1000XM4. With services like Tidal, Deezer, or Amazon Music HD that offer 360 Reality Audio tracks, you can experience a more immersive, surround-sound-like effect. The headphones and app even analyze your ear shape (via your phone’s camera) to optimize this experience. It’s a fun feature, though content is limited and not everyone will use it regularly. Additionally, the XM4 support Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa integration. You can configure the “Custom” button to summon your voice assistant of choice, or just use wake words. This lets you check messages, control music, or ask questions hands-free. The voice assistant support worked reliably in our testing (note: Google Assistant on iOS is no longer supported in newer Sony firmwaresoundguys.com, but iPhone users can still use Siri).
Battery Life and Connectivity
One of the WH-1000XM4’s strongest practical advantages is their battery endurance. Sony claims up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge with ANC turned onsoundguys.com (and around 38 hours with ANC off). In real-world use, most people will get very close to this. In fact, testing by Rtings saw the XM4 last over 37 hours continuously with ANC onrtings.com, exceeding Sony’s own spec. This was likely under moderate volume in ideal conditions; if you listen at higher volumes or use LDAC codec, battery life will be a bit less. For instance, SoundGuys measured about 20 hours of playtime with ANC on at ~75dB volume in their testssoundguys.com – still a solid result that covers long-haul flights or a couple of work days. The variance in reported battery life simply comes down to usage factors (volume, codec, how often you use features like speak-to-chat or take calls). The key point is that the XM4 have excellent battery performance. You can realistically expect all-day playback and then some.
Charging is via USB-C, and fast-charge support is included. Plug them in with the supplied USB-C cable and a decent power source, and you get about 5 hours of listening from just 10 minutes of chargingsoundguys.com – fantastic when you’re in a hurry. A full charge takes roughly 3 hours from empty. There’s no wireless charging (not common on headphones yet), but that’s not an issue given the long battery life. The headphones also have an auto-off timer you can customize in the app to conserve battery when not in usertings.com. And if you somehow run them down, you can always attach the audio cable and use them in passive wired mode (no ANC in passive mode, but no battery needed either)rtings.com. Sony even allows ANC while wired (if the headphones have battery charge), which is a nice option on planes if you want to plug into the in-flight entertainment – you still get noise cancelling active.
On the connectivity front, the WH-1000XM4 use Bluetooth 5.0 and offer rock-solid wireless performance. Range is standard – about 30-40 feet of stable connection, even through a wall or two. Rtings measured an impressive 90+ meters line-of-sight rangertings.com, but in typical home/office scenarios, you’ll comfortably walk around without dropouts. We didn’t experience any stutters or signal issues in everyday use. Notably, Sony added Bluetooth multipoint to the XM4, meaning they can connect to two devices simultaneouslytheverge.com, theverge.com. This is a huge convenience upgrade over the XM3. For example, you can pair with your laptop and phone at the same time – if a call comes in on your phone while you’re watching a video on the laptop, the XM4 will seamlessly switch to the phone audio. In testing, this worked reliably after Sony’s firmware update fixed some early glitchestheverge.com. Do note: multipoint works when using the AAC codec; if you want to use LDAC for hi-res music, you’ll be limited to one device at a time (the headphones can’t do LDAC to two devices). But for most, the flexibility of multipoint (typically using AAC) far outweighs that limitation. It’s great for those who work on a computer and need to stay connected to a phone, or any scenario where juggling two sources was a pain before.
Pairing the XM4 is straightforward. There’s NFC built-in, so Android users can just tap to pair. Otherwise, holding the power button puts the headphones in pairing mode, and they show up in your device’s Bluetooth menu. The connection supports standard Bluetooth audio profiles and the aforementioned codecs (SBC for universal compatibility, AAC for iOS/high-quality, and LDAC for high-res on Android)soundguys.com. As mentioned, no aptX or aptX HD support is presenttechradar.com. If you’re an avid aptX user, this might disappoint, but practically speaking, AAC and LDAC cover most use cases with equal or better quality.
Latency is low enough to comfortably watch videos (especially with AAC on iPhones or certain apps that compensate for delay). Gamers might notice slight lag over Bluetooth, but that’s true of most wireless headphones without specialized low-latency modes. For any critical watching or gaming, you can always plug in via the analog cable to eliminate latency.
The Sony Headphones Connect app (available on iOS and Android) deserves a mention as part of the connectivity/features package. Through the app, you can see battery level, toggle settings like Ambient Sound Control, customize the EQ, remap the NC/Ambient button (to also optionally control voice assistant), adjust the Speak-to-Chat sensitivity, and even receive firmware updates. It’s a comprehensive app that unlocks the full potential of the WH-1000XM4. While the app interface isn’t the prettiest, it’s functional and gives you a lot of controlsoundguys.com. One cool feature is viewing what codec is currently in use and which two devices are connected (when using multipoint)theverge.com. Overall, the connectivity and software experience with the XM4 is polished and reliable – befitting a premium pair of headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. WH-1000XM5
With the next-generation Sony WH-1000XM5 now on the market, many prospective buyers wonder how the XM4 stacks up against its newer sibling. The short answer is that the WH-1000XM4 still holds its own remarkably well, especially considering its lower price today. But let’s break down the key differences:
Design and Build: The WH-1000XM5 features an all-new design – it has a thinner headband, slightly larger earcups, and a more seamless look (no visible hinges). The trade-off is that the XM5’s design does not fold down like the XM4. This makes the XM5 case larger and the headphones less travel-friendly. The XM4, with its folding hinges, is more compact for carrying. Both models are lightweight (the XM5 is about 250 g, essentially the same weight). The XM5’s earcup padding is very soft and the fit is a bit more spacious, which some find even more comfortable for long sessions, especially if you have larger ears. However, the XM4 are also extremely comfortable, and some users actually prefer the slightly snugger fit as it feels more secure. Neither headphone has water resistance. Build quality on both is excellent, though the XM5’s new joints have yet to prove long-term durability like the well-proven XM4 design.
Noise Cancellation: The XM5 takes the crown as Sony’s best ANC headphone, but not by a huge margin. Sony equipped it with more microphones and a dual-processor arrangement for noise canceling. Measurements and reviews show the WH-1000XM5 cancels certain frequencies even better – for example, it attenuates human voices and higher-pitched noises more effectively than the XM4soundguys.com. In everyday use, the XM5 might cancel out a bit more office chatter or coffee shop noise, whereas the XM4 is already excellent with low-frequency droning sounds. Only in challenging noisy environments or direct A/B testing would most people notice the difference. Both are top-tier ANC performers, but yes, the XM5 is technically a notch above (it’s arguably the best on the market along with the AirPods Maxsoundguys.com). If you demand the absolute maximum noise cancellation for flights or loud commutes, the XM5 has the edge. For most users, the XM4’s ANC is still so good that you won’t feel lacking.
Sound Quality: This aspect is more subjective, but many find the XM5 slightly more refined in sound. The XM5 uses a different driver (Sony switched to a 30mm carbon fiber composite driver) and has a somewhat new tuning. Listeners and reviewers note the XM5 has a bit more clarity in the mids and highs, and the bass is tight but perhaps a tad less punchy than the XM4. The XM4 in comparison has a “warmer” sound with a bit more low-end presence and sparkle in the treble. Both sound fantastic for wireless headphones. If you’re an audiophile, you might appreciate the XM5’s tuning a bit more for its neutrality. But plenty of people actually enjoy the XM4’s sound just as much – it’s engaging and can easily be EQ’d to taste. Codec support is identical on both (neither has aptX; both use SBC/AAC/LDAC). So high-res audio fans don’t miss out with the XM4 at all.
Microphone and Calls: The XM5, with 8 microphones (versus 5 on the XM4), does perform better for voice call quality and wind noise reduction. If you frequently take calls on your headphones, the XM5 will transmit your voice with less background noise and better clarity to the other side. The XM4 is decent for calls but not industry-leading. Again, consider how much you use this feature – for infrequent calls, the XM4 is fine, but business users on many calls might prefer the XM5.
Features: Both models share most smart features (Speak-to-Chat, wear detection, adaptive sound, etc.). The XM5 introduced instant pause when you start talking (similar to Speak-to-Chat) and multipoint came standard (whereas it was new on the XM4). Really, the user experience is very similar between them since they run on the Sony app with the same feature set. The XM5 does not offer folding portability, which is a feature loss versus the XM4. That’s a consideration if you travel.
Battery Life: Both claim ~30 hours ANC on. In practice, both deliver about the same excellent battery life (some tests even show XM4 lasting an hour or two longer than XM5, but generally both are 30+ hour champs).
Price: This is where the WH-1000XM4 shines in 2025. The XM5 launched at a higher price (around $399) and often still costs around $349 or more. The WH-1000XM4, however, is now available at much lower prices. Sony has kept it in the lineup as a value option. The XM4’s original MSRP was $349 in 2020techradar.com, but nowadays you can regularly find it for around $250 or less. In fact, TechRadar reports a “target price” of about $249 and notes that it’s often seen even cheaper on saletechradar.com. We’ve observed sale prices hovering ~$200-$250, especially during holiday deals. This price difference is significant. What Hi-Fi? points out that since the XM5’s release, the XM4 became “a bit (OK, a lot) of a bargain” and the top choice for those who can’t stretch their budget to the XM5whathifi.com.
Verdict in XM4 vs XM5: If absolute cutting-edge ANC and slightly better sound/call quality are worth the premium and you don’t mind the non-folding design, the WH-1000XM5 is the new king. But for most people, the WH-1000XM4 hits the sweet spot of performance and value. You’re getting 90-95% of the XM5’s performance (and arguably a more convenient design) for a much lower cost. As TechRadar aptly said, the XM4 “has been bettered in many ways… but not for this kind of price”techradar.com. In everyday use, the experience is extremely close. Many reviewers and users still rate the WH-1000XM4 as the best headphones for most people when price is consideredtechradar.com, techradar.com.
If you’re interested in a deep dive on the new model, check out our Sony WH-1000XM5 review. And for a detailed side-by-side breakdown, don’t miss our Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5 comparison guide.
Price and Value – Are the WH-1000XM4 Still Worth It in 2025?
With newer headphones on the market, are the Sony WH-1000XM4 still worth buying today? In a word: Absolutely. The value proposition of the WH-1000XM4 has only gotten better as their price has dropped. As of 2025, you can often find these headphones significantly discounted from their launch price of $349techradar.com. It’s not uncommon to see them on sale for around $250, and during special promotions even near $200. This puts the XM4 firmly in the “under $300” category, where they arguably outperform every other headphone in that range. In terms of what you get for your money – top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound, long battery life, and a host of premium features – the WH-1000XM4 are a fantastic deal.
For context, competing models like the Bose QuietComfort 45 (often $329) or Bose 700 ($379) are typically pricier. Newer Sony models (XM5, and any forthcoming XM6) launch around $399. And Apple’s AirPods Max are a hefty $549. Thus, the XM4 at ~$250 or below can be half the price of some rivals while yielding very close performance. They were considered the best in the world in their class at full price; at a discount, they’re a no-brainer for many. TechRadar went so far as to still call the XM4 the best headphones for most people even years after release, specifically because at their lower price they “rule the roost in terms of bang for your buck”techradar.com.
It’s also worth noting that Sony tends to support their headphones with firmware updates and app support for many years. The WH-1000XM4 received updates improving Bluetooth multipoint stability and other fixes over timetechradar.com. So even though they’re an “older” model, they’ve matured like fine wine – any early quirks have been smoothed out, and they’re very stable. Accessory-wise, you get everything you need in the box: a sturdy carry case, charging cable, airplane adapter, and audio cable.
Are there any reasons someone might not choose the XM4 in 2025? There are a few niche cases: If you need waterproof or sweatproof headphones, the XM4’s lack of water resistance is a limiting factor. Some newer models or sports-oriented headphones would be better for the gym or poolside. If you demand the absolute best microphone quality for constant calls, or you want bleeding-edge tech like Bluetooth 5.2/LE Audio (future-proofing for new codec support), you might look at newer options. Additionally, if you’re an Apple user deeply entrenched in the ecosystem, the AirPods Max offer special integration (though at a much higher price, and even then the XM4 hold their own on sound/ANC). But for the vast majority of users – commuters, travelers, office workers, students, music lovers – the WH-1000XM4 hit the ideal balance of performance and price right now.
In summary, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still worth it in 2025. They deliver a premium listening experience that few headphones (old or new) can match, and they do so at a price that makes them one of the best value picks on the market. If you’re shopping for the best noise-cancelling headphones under $300, the WH-1000XM4 should be at the very top of your list. We even included them in our latest Best Headphones Under $300 roundup, where they handily earn a top spot for their all-around excellence.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 represent the culmination of Sony’s expertise in audio and noise-canceling technology – and it shows. Even years after release, they stand as an outstanding pair of wireless over-ear headphones that tick practically every box. From the moment you put them on, you experience world-class noise cancellation, enveloping sound quality, and a comfortable fit that can outlast long flights or work sessions. Sony’s added features like speak-to-chat, wear detection, and multipoint connectivity enhance daily life in subtle but meaningful ways, making the XM4 not just great sounding, but great to use day-to-day.
Crucially, the WH-1000XM4 have aged gracefully. They beat out most of their competition in 2020, and they’re still hugely competitive in 2025 against the latest models. Sony’s decision to keep them in the lineup at a lower price point means consumers can get flagship-level performance without paying flagship prices. The minor improvements of the WH-1000XM5 aside, the XM4 hold their own extremely well – to the point that many users won’t feel the need to upgrade. They deliver an experience that garnered rave reviews across the board: “Great sound, improved noise-canceling, good battery life, and smart features… one of the best all-around options for most people,” wrote SoundGuys in their 9/10 reviewfittrack.com.au. After our extensive testing and real-world use, we wholeheartedly agree.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a top-tier choice for anyone seeking premium noise-cancelling headphones. They offer an elite listening experience with very few compromises. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for hi-res wireless audio, a traveler craving silence on the go, or just someone who appreciates quality and comfort, the WH-1000XM4 will not disappoint. They aren’t just “still worth it” – they’re still among the best in the business.
FAQ
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes – the WH-1000XM4 are still a top choice in 2025. They offer flagship-level noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, now at a lower price than when they launched. With frequent discounts bringing them well under $300, they provide outstanding value:contentReference[oaicite:57]{index=57}:contentReference[oaicite:58]{index=58}. Unless you absolutely need the few upgrades of the WH-1000XM5 (or other newer models), the XM4 deliver nearly the same experience for less, making them a smart buy even today.
What is the battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM4?
The WH-1000XM4 are rated for up to **30 hours** of playback with noise cancelling on (and ~38 hours with ANC off):contentReference[oaicite:59]{index=59}. In real-world use, most users get close to 30 hours per charge. Some tests even measured over 37 hours continuously:contentReference[oaicite:60]{index=60}, while high-volume use may yield around 20-25 hours:contentReference[oaicite:61]{index=61}. They also support quick-charging – just 10 minutes plugged in provides about 5 hours of listening time:contentReference[oaicite:62]{index=62}, very handy for travelers.
How do the Sony WH-1000XM4 compare to the WH-1000XM5?
The **WH-1000XM5** (Sony’s newer model) brings incremental improvements: slightly better noise cancellation (especially for voices/high frequencies) and improved call quality, thanks to more microphones:contentReference[oaicite:63]{index=63}. The XM5 also has a new design that doesn’t fold, whereas the **XM4’s foldable design** is more travel-friendly. Sound quality is similar – the XM5 is a bit more refined/neutral, and the XM4 has a slightly warmer bass. Both have 30-hour battery life. Importantly, the XM4 is much cheaper now. If you value portability and bang-for-buck, the **XM4 is the better choice for most**; if you want the absolute best ANC and don’t mind the higher price (or larger form factor), go for the XM5:contentReference[oaicite:64]{index=64}:contentReference[oaicite:65]{index=65}.
Can the Sony WH-1000XM4 connect to two devices simultaneously?
Yes. The WH-1000XM4 introduced **Bluetooth multipoint pairing**, allowing them to be connected to two devices at once:contentReference[oaicite:66]{index=66}:contentReference[oaicite:67]{index=67}. For example, you can pair with both your phone and laptop – the headphones will intelligently switch to whichever device is playing audio or receiving a call. This works seamlessly with the XM4, making it easy to multi-task. (Note: multipoint is available when using the AAC codec; if using LDAC for hi-res audio, multipoint is disabled.)
Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 comfortable for long periods?
Absolutely. The WH-1000XM4 are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft memory-foam ear pads and a lightweight (254 g) build:contentReference[oaicite:68]{index=68}:contentReference[oaicite:69]{index=69}. Most users can wear them for hours without discomfort. The clamping force is gentle yet secure, and the headband and earcup padding distribute pressure well. In fact, they’re often cited as one of the more comfortable over-ear ANC headphones for extended use. A few people with very sensitive heads might feel a slight pressure on the crown after many hours (because the headband padding is a touch thinner than the previous model):contentReference[oaicite:70]{index=70}, but this is relatively uncommon.
Do the Sony WH-1000XM4 have any water resistance?
No. The WH-1000XM4 are **not water or sweat resistant**:contentReference[oaicite:71]{index=71}:contentReference[oaicite:72]{index=72}. They lack an IP rating, so you should avoid exposure to rain, heavy sweat, or moisture. It’s recommended to use them in dry conditions only. If you need headphones for workouts or bad weather, you’ll want a different pair that’s specifically rated for water resistance.
What Bluetooth codecs do the Sony WH-1000XM4 support?
The WH-1000XM4 support **SBC, AAC, and LDAC** codecs for Bluetooth audio:contentReference[oaicite:73]{index=73}. SBC is the standard codec supported by all devices. AAC offers higher quality on Apple devices (and many Android phones) and is the default for iPhones. LDAC is Sony’s high-res codec, which can transmit much higher bitrates (up to 990 kbps) for better sound quality if you have an LDAC-compatible Android device. The XM4 do not support aptX or aptX HD:contentReference[oaicite:74]{index=74}, a change from the WH-1000XM3. However, with LDAC and AAC available, most users will still get excellent wireless audio quality with the XM4.
How is the call quality on the WH-1000XM4?
Call quality on the WH-1000XM4 is quite good and an improvement over the previous model. Sony uses five microphones and advanced processing (Precise Voice Pickup) to make your voice clear. In quiet environments, calls sound very clear – the person on the other end will hear you well. In noisier environments, the XM4 does a decent job reducing some background noise, but some may still leak through. The consensus is that **call quality is solid but not class-leading**:contentReference[oaicite:75]{index=75}. The Bose NCH 700 and Sony’s newer XM5 perform a bit better for voice calls in loud areas. For occasional calls, though, the XM4 more than suffices – your voice will come through clearly in most cases.
Do the Sony WH-1000XM4 work with voice assistants?
Yes. The WH-1000XM4 have built-in support for **Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa**, and they also work with Siri on Apple devices. You can choose your preferred voice assistant in the Sony Headphones Connect app. Once configured, you can trigger the assistant either with a button press (the customizable NC/Ambient button can be set to invoke Alexa/Assistant) or by voice (if enabled for “Hey Google” or “Alexa” hotwords). This lets you ask questions, control music, hear notifications, etc., through the headphones’ microphones. All three major voice assistants work seamlessly with the XM4 for hands-free control.
What comes in the box with the WH-1000XM4?
Inside the box, Sony includes a **hard zippered carrying case** that neatly fits the folded headphones. In the case you’ll find the WH-1000XM4 headphones themselves, a **USB-C charging cable**, a **3.5mm audio cable** (approx. 1.2m) for wired listening, and an **airline audio adapter** (dual-prong). There’s also a quick start guide and warranty information. Basically, you get all the needed accessories to use the headphones in various scenarios. The carrying case even has a little pouch to hold the cables and adapter. Everything is nicely organized for travel and storage.