Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones – Best Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are Sony’s latest flagship wireless noise canceling headphones. I tested the silver color version of these headphones to see if they live up to the hype and high expectations for Sony’s premium noise canceling headphone line. After extensive testing, I found the WH-1000XM4s deliver excellent sound quality, top-tier noise canceling, increased comfort, and useful smart features that make these headphones one of the best on the market.

Overview

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the successor to the popular WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones. The WH-1000XM4s retain a similar design with some small but meaningful updates. The headband pad and ear pads use softer synthetic leather for increased comfort during long listening sessions. The ear cups now have sensors to detect when the headphones are taken off, automatically pausing playback.

For sound, the WH-1000XM4s feature 40mm drivers and use Sony’s HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 chip which provides exceptional noise canceling. Wireless connectivity is provided by Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC one-touch pairing. The headphones also have a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired use. Battery life is rated at 30 hours of playback.

Design and Comfort

The WH-1000XM4 retains the same basic design as the previous model, with some small enhancements. The synthetic leather on the headband and ear pads feel softer which improves comfort for long listening sessions. Clamping force is moderate and the headphones stay secure on the head without too much pressure. The ear cups now detect when the headphones are removed from your head, automatically pausing music for added convenience.

Overall the WH-1000XM4 headphones are very comfortable. The soft padding prevents any hotspots forming on the head or ears. The headphones stay comfortable even when worn for multiple hours. Glasses can also be worn without any issues.

• Industry-leading Noise Cancellation

The Sony WH-1000XM4’s noise cancellation is widely regarded as some of the best in the industry. It effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies, from the low rumble of airplane engines to the higher-pitched sounds of human voices. This is achieved through a combination of advanced hardware and software:

*   **Dual Noise Sensor Technology:**  Two microphones on each earcup capture ambient noise from different angles.

*   **HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1:**  This dedicated processor analyzes the captured noise and generates an inverse sound wave to cancel it out.

*   **Noise Cancellation Algorithm:**  A sophisticated algorithm adapts the noise cancellation to different environments, ensuring optimal performance in various situations.

This combination of technologies creates a quiet listening environment, allowing you to focus on your music without distractions.

• Exceptional Sound Quality

The Sony WH-1000XM4 not only excels at noise cancellation but also delivers exceptional sound quality. The headphones are engineered to reproduce a wide range of frequencies with accuracy and clarity:

*   **40mm Drivers:**  Large 40mm drivers provide a powerful and dynamic sound.

*   **Liquid Crystal Polymer Diaphragms:**  These lightweight and rigid diaphragms contribute to a fast and precise response, resulting in clear and detailed audio reproduction.

*   **Edge-AI:**  This technology, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring high-frequency sounds that are often lost during compression. This results in a richer and more detailed listening experience.

Whether you’re listening to classical music, rock, or pop, the WH-1000XM4 delivers a balanced and enjoyable sound signature.

• Speak-to-Chat Technology

Speak-to-Chat is a unique feature that sets the WH-1000XM4 apart from other noise-canceling headphones. It allows you to have conversations without needing to remove the headphones:

*   **Voice Detection:**  Built-in microphones detect your voice when you start speaking.

*   **Automatic Pause and Ambient Sound:**  The headphones automatically pause your music and let in ambient sound, allowing you to hear the person you're speaking to.

*   **Resumption of Playback:**  Once the conversation is over, the headphones resume playback, providing a seamless listening experience.

This feature is particularly useful in situations where you need to quickly communicate with someone without interrupting your music, such as when ordering a coffee or answering a quick question.

• Adaptive Sound Control

Adaptive Sound Control is a smart feature that adjusts the level of ambient sound based on your activity and location:

*   **Activity Recognition:**  The headphones use sensors to detect your activity, such as walking, running, or sitting.

*   **Location Awareness:**  The headphones can also use your smartphone's location data to determine your surroundings.

*   **Ambient Sound Adjustment:**  Based on your activity and location, the headphones adjust the level of ambient sound, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music.

For example, if you’re walking on a busy street, the headphones will let in more ambient sound so you can be aware of traffic. If you’re sitting in a quiet office, the headphones will reduce ambient sound to minimize distractions.

• Multipoint Connection

Multipoint connection is a convenient feature that allows you to connect the WH-1000XM4 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously:

*   **Simultaneous Pairing:**  The headphones can be paired with two devices, such as your smartphone and laptop, at the same time.

*   **Seamless Switching:**  You can seamlessly switch between audio sources on the two connected devices without needing to disconnect and reconnect.

This feature is particularly useful for people who use multiple devices throughout the day.

• Wearing Detection

Wearing detection is a battery-saving feature that automatically pauses playback when you take off the headphones:

*   **Proximity Sensor:**  A sensor in the earcup detects when the headphones are not being worn.

*   **Automatic Pause and Resume:**  Playback is automatically paused when you take off the headphones and resumed when you put them back on.

This feature helps to conserve battery life and ensures that you don’t miss any of your music.

• Touch Sensor Controls

The WH-1000XM4 features intuitive touch sensor controls on the right earcup:

*   **Playback Control:**  Tap to play/pause, swipe to skip tracks.

*   **Volume Control:**  Swipe up/down to adjust volume.

*   **Call Management:**  Tap to answer/end calls.

*   **Voice Assistant Activation:**  Touch and hold to activate your voice assistant.

These touch controls provide a convenient way to manage your music and calls without needing to reach for your device.

• Comfortable Design

The WH-1000XM4 is designed for long-lasting comfort:

*   **Soft Earpads:**  Plush earpads provide a comfortable seal around your ears.

*   **Adjustable Headband:**  The headband can be adjusted to fit a variety of head sizes.

*   **Lightweight Construction:**  The headphones are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

This comfortable design ensures that you can enjoy your music for hours on end without discomfort.

• Voice Assistant Support

The WH-1000XM4 has built-in support for Alexa and Google Assistant:

*   **Voice Activation:**  Activate your preferred voice assistant with a simple touch.

*   **Hands-Free Control:**  Use your voice to control your music, get directions, and manage your smart home devices.

This voice assistant support provides a convenient way to interact with your devices and access information without needing to reach for your phone.

• Premium Build Quality

The WH-1000XM4 is crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail:

*   **Durable Construction:**  The headphones are built to last, with a robust design that can withstand

everyday wear and tear.

*   **Foldable Design:**  The headphones can be folded for compact storage and easy transport.

*   **Carrying Case:**  A stylish carrying case is included to protect the headphones when not in use.

The Sony WH-1000XM4’s combination of premium materials, thoughtful design, and robust construction ensures that they will provide years of reliable performance.

These features collectively make the Sony WH-1000XM4 a top contender for the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a music enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful listening environment, the WH-1000XM4 offers a compelling combination of noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and convenience.