Sony WH-1000XM4 review

A while back, noise canceling headphones were mainly used in aeroplanes, and other places with a constant drone. These days, they not only allow less of the ambient noise in, they also pack other functions and have become wireless. A good microphone, long battery life and good Bluetooth performance as well as sonic performance are de rigueur, and with Covid and conference calls being part of our lives these days, almost everyone owns a Bluetooth equipped headphone that has noise cancelling functions built in. 

In the past, Sennheiser ruled the roost for noise cancelling headphones, but the early models have an extra dongle, and the sound quality was not great. Later on, Bose got into the act and these two have been the dominant force for quite a few years. Just check out the cans you see on an aeroplane.

Sony has also been involved in headphones with some very decent models, and I still have some of their early in ear models dating back to the 80s from the Walkman era. 

The Sony WM 1000 series is one of their premier ones and the iterations have done very well, showing that Sony has not lost their touch for personal listening equipment. This model has been going toe to toe with the best that Bose and Sennheiser can offer and has been garnering rave reviews.

Now the fourth iteration has just been introduced in the past year, with a new White Edition now out.

Can it continue it’s golden run?

Some info from the official site:

https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4

Features to note:

- 30 hours of battery life 

- calibration mode to account for specs and head size

- new Bluetooth system

- auto pause when you remove your headset

- slightly reshaped cups

- modest reduction in weight

- "quick attention" mode

- new Precise Voice Pickup technology

- compact carrying case included, along with airplane adaptors

Overall the feature set is fairly similar to the XM3, but why change a winning formula I’ll say.

The build quality is good, and this headphone should last a long time. The case is a smart looking one and allows the Sony to be carried in a more compact form. The buttons are easy to access, and also feel firm and durable. There is a nice carrying case, and it folds into a more compact shape with some space for little adaptors and cables. You can cram this case into your backpack without damaging the cans inside.

On a comfort level, I have a rather large head and the Sony feels a little tight, and it sits over the ears and provides a good seal. There will be no danger of the Sony falling off. You do get a little sweaty after a few hours, and for larger heads, you will feel the presence of the phones.

These cans will suit smaller heads better, but if you like a snug fit, then it's fine.

The controls are simple, easy to learn and you'll be up and running in no time.

How does it sound? 

So let’s deal with the noise cancellation first. I have two Sennheisers, the older PX 350 and the Momentum on ear model. And this Sony has better noise cancellation than the older ones I own. At the same time, when I need to pick up vital conversation, it’s possible. In a train, I can keep out the noise allowing me to hear my music and also a voice call very nicely.

In a zoom call, my counterparts can hear me easily and vice versa. 

Comparing the sound with my trusty Sennheiser Momentum on ear cans the Sony's bass just goes down a tad more. The microphone was also a bit clearer on the Sony. Both of them belong to the 'fun' sound category. 

I’ll say, the Sony can keep up with the flagship models of the other two brands easily, and you will need a three way head to head test to see who is the best.

Ah... the sound has a distinct sound I remember from my old WM days... Walkman days.. the bass is supremely confident, tight, deep and very impressive. If you like rock, pop or dance, you will be very happy with them.

The voicing favors music with a beat, but it's very non fatiguing, and you'll still enjoy them if you are into vocals and other types of music. 

I also felt the Sony had a slightly longer range before the sound deteriorates. 

Comparing to my Sennheiser HD650, you can easily differentiate the sound. The HD650 has a smoother sound, very mellow and a cleaner sound. However the HD 650s cost a lot more and does not have any of the tech in the Sony. The HD 650 also caters better to those with a larger head, and will feel less warm after a really long session. However if it is a short zoom session, you will be fine. 

The Sony WM series continues their fine run and buyers looking for such headphones in this range with the features should definitely shortlist them. 

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 I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.