Sony WF-1000XM4: Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds

Published on May 2, 2023, 3:21 p.m.

If you’re looking for the ultimate wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a great option to consider. These earbuds are designed to deliver a top-of-the-line audio experience, with advanced noise canceling technology and high-quality sound performance.

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds come with a range of features that make them stand out from other wireless earbuds on the market. These earbuds feature the new Integrated Processor V1, which cancels more noise than ever before. They also come with LDAC codec support, which provides exceptional sound quality.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones also feature a bone-conduction sensor and beamforming microphone that offer crystal-clear call quality, even in noisy environments. Additionally, the earbuds come with speak-to-chat technology, which automatically reduces volume during conversations. The earbuds also feature an 8-hour battery life with noise canceling and IPX4 water resistance.

Key Features

  • Industry-leading active noise cancellation with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1
  • Exceptional sound quality powered by 6mm driver units
  • Precise voice pickup for clear calls
  • Hands-free Alexa voice assistant control
  • Up to 24 hours total battery life with charging case
  • Fast charging provides 60 mins playtime from 5 mins charging
  • IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating
  • Ergonomic design for stable and comfortable fit

 Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones

Design

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones sports an all-new design with ergonomic oval surface buds that conform naturally to your ears. Available in black or silver, they look stylish while staying firmly and comfortably in place. The IPX4 water resistance rating also means you can wear them worry-free during workouts or in the rain.

## Ease of Use

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones Connect app enables easy setup and customization of settings like noise cancellation, sound quality, touch controls, etc. Hands-free Alexa allows voice access to music, information and smart home control. Intuitive onboard tap controls provide quick access to common functions.
 Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones

Sound Quality

With a specially developed 6mm driver unit and Integrated Processor V1 chip, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones delivers dynamic, detailed sound across the frequency range. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio provides an immersive surround sound experience. The EQ is customizable via the app.
 Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones

Microphone Quality

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones uses Precise Voice Pickup Technology with beamforming microphones and bone conduction sensors for clear voice pickup and natural call quality even in noisy environments.

Noise Cancellation

The dedicated V1 processor enables industry-leading noise cancellation that significantly reduces ambient noise. Noise cancellation adjusts automatically based on the environment.

Battery Life

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones provide up to 8 hours playback per charge with noise cancelling on. The charging case stores another 16 hours of battery for a total of 24 hours. Quick charging gives 60 minutes of playtime from just 5 minutes of charging.

Connectivity

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones uses Bluetooth 5.2 for easy wireless connectivity. Multipoint connection allows pairing to two devices simultaneously. Supported codecs include LDAC, AAC and SBC.

Controls

Onboard tap controls provide convenient access to volume, playback, calls, noise cancellation modes, and voice assistants. The controls are highly customizable in the app.

Water Resistance

With an IPX4 rating, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones can withstand splashes and sweat during workouts. But they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged.

 Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones

Use Cases

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones is ideal for anyone seeking top-notch wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation for daily use. The long battery life makes them great for travel and commuting. Their sweat resistance also suits fitness activities like running and workouts. With their amazing sound quality and customization via the app, they excel for music, movies, games and voice calls. Their Alexa integration provides convenient hands-free access to music, news, weather and more.

User Feedback Analysis

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from audiophiles praising their industry-leading active noise cancellation and rich, detailed audio performance.

The majority of users describe the noise cancellation quality as incredible, stating it effectively blocks out environmental sounds like airplane engines, traffic, and office chatter. Many mention the noise cancelling surpasses popular competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Users say the immersive noise isolation allows them to focus solely on their music or audio.

Regarding sound quality, users rave about the dynamic bass, natural mids, and crisp treble produced by the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones. Some describe the sound as perfectly balanced with a spacious, open soundstage. The audio quality brings out nuances in music many didn’t notice before. Customizing the sound profile via the EQ makes the listening experience even more stellar.

In terms of design, most users find the new oval earbuds are comfortable and stay securely in place during activity. They appreciate the ergonomic shape and soft ear tips that conform to their ears. However, some with smaller ears note the buds don’t fit them properly, causing discomfort after prolonged use. A few also remark the gold accents look somewhat garish to them.

For features, hands-free Alexa control earns consistent praise for allowing convenient voice access to music, news, and smart home devices. Many also appreciate how the intuitive touch controls provide quick access to functions like noise cancellation and transparency modes. But a common complaint is that some of the more advanced features require using the Sony Headphones Connect app rather than working right out of the box.

When it comes to call quality, users confirm the beamforming mics and bone conduction sensors make phone conversations remarkably clear and natural. The Precise Voice Pickup technology eliminates background noise for those on the other end. But some report issues with wind noise diminishing call clarity when outdoors.

In summary, despite some minor downsides, enthusiastic user reviews demonstrate the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones excels in core performance areas like noise cancellation, sound quality, and voice pickup. For shoppers seeking premium wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones represents one of the top choices on the market.

Pros

  • Industry-leading active noise cancellation
  • Rich, customizable sound quality
  • Very good call quality with Precise Voice Pickup
  • Convenient hands-free Alexa voice control
  • Up to 24 hours total battery life
  • Fast charging capability
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance

Cons

  • Larger size may not suit small ears
  • Advanced features require app
  • More expensive than competitors

Value

Despite the higher price, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones offers tremendous value by providing some of the best noise cancelling and sound quality in a complete overall package. For shoppers demanding premium features and performance, these earbuds are well worth the investment.

 Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones

Overall Assessment

With major improvements across the board, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Headphones represents the pinnacle of noise-cancelling truly wireless earbud technology. Their excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and smart features make them a top-tier choice for audio enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the WF-1000XM4 have wind noise reduction?

Yes, the WF-1000XM4 wireless headphones feature a wind noise reduction function via the Sony | Headphones Connect app. This function automatically detects windy conditions and suppresses wind noise to minimize interference, ensuring a clearer listening experience even in outdoor environments.

What features are not available when using Bluetooth 5.0 with the WF-1000XM4?

While the WF-1000XM4 headphones are optimized for Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, users with Bluetooth 5.0 on their devices can still benefit from certain advantages. These include improved energy efficiency, leading to better battery life, and enhanced security due to the features of the 5.2 radios in the earbuds.

Do the noise-canceling and ambient settings save after being put in the case?

Yes, the WF-1000XM4 headphones retain their noise-canceling and ambient settings even after being placed in the charging case. When you turn the headset on for the first time or after initializing it, the noise-canceling function is automatically activated when you put the headset units into your ears. Any changes made to the settings are preserved for future use.

Can the WF-1000XM4 connect to a Samsung TV?

Yes, both the WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM4 headphones can connect to Samsung devices and TVs that support an A2DP Bluetooth connection. Users may follow troubleshooting steps provided by Sony if they encounter difficulties connecting their headphones to compatible Samsung devices.

How is the battery life of the WF-1000XM4?

The WF-1000XM4 headphones offer exceptional battery life, providing up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. Additionally, the charging case holds an additional 16 hours of battery life, allowing for a total of 24 hours of listening time on the go. Furthermore, a quick 5-minute charge can provide up to 60 minutes of playback, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of music and other audio content.

Tips

  • Optimize Comfort: Consider trying alternative ear tips, such as Eartune Fidelity U-Elliptical, to enhance comfort during extended wear.
  • Utilize Sound Modes: Experiment with different sound modes, including ANC and Transparency mode, to customize your listening experience based on your environment and preferences.
  • Maximize Battery Life: Take advantage of the long battery life by fully charging the headphones and carrying the charging case for extended listening sessions while on the move.
  • Explore Tap Controls: Familiarize yourself with the tap controls to easily adjust sound modes, play/pause music, and manage calls without needing to access your device.
  • Stay Connected: Make the most of multipoint connection capability by pairing two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for added convenience and flexibility.

Knowledge

  1. Integrated Processor V1: The WF-1000XM4 headphones feature the new Integrated Processor V1, developed by Sony, which enhances noise-canceling performance while conserving power.
  2. Crystal-Clear Call Quality: Precise Voice Pickup Technology ensures clear and precise voice detection for hands-free calls, even in noisy environments.
  3. Water Resistance: With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the headphones are suitable for everyday use, providing protection against splashes and sweat.
  4. Wireless Charging: Enjoy the convenience of wireless charging using Qi technology, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables.
  5. Customize Sound: Use the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app to personalize your sound settings and adjust ambient sound levels to suit your preferences.

Specifications

  • Driver unit: 6mm
  • Frequency response: unknown
  • Bluetooth version: 5.2
  • Audio codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
  • Noise cancellation depth: Industry-leading (exact dB rating unknown)
  • Water resistance rating: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours (ANC on), extra 16 hrs with charging case
  • Charging time: 60 mins playtime from 5 mins quick charge
  • Weight: 41 grams
  • Voice assistant support: Hands-free Alexa

What’s in the Box

  • Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds (left and right)
  • USB Type-C charging cable
  • 3 sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) for the perfect fit
  • Charging case
  • User guide

How to Use the Sony WF-1000XM4

  1. Charge the earbuds in the charging case for 2 hours before first use. The charging case provides 2 additional charges.
  2. Select the eartips that best fit your ears for sound isolation and comfort.
  3. Press and hold the touch sensors on both earbuds to power on. The blue indicator will flash.
  4. On your mobile device, enable Bluetooth and select ‘WF-1000XM4’ to pair. You will hear a tune when pairing is successful.
  5. Use the touch controls for playback:
  6. Left earbud: Cycle through ANC, Ambient Sound modes
  7. Right earbud: Play/pause, next/previous track
  8. Download the Sony Headphones Connect app for access to additional functions like equalizer, surround sound modes and software updates.