sony’s best-in-class noise-canceling earbuds finally get a pricey upgrade

Sony Elevates Wireless Earbud Performance with the WF-1000XM4

Two years ago, Sony redefined the capabilities of wireless earbuds. The WF-1000XM3 established a new benchmark for both audio fidelity and active noise cancellation, preceding Apple’s AirPods Pro by six months. Since their release, few competitors have managed to equal, much less exceed, their performance levels.

Introducing the WF-1000XM4

Following a period of extensive leaks, Sony has unveiled the WF-1000XM4 earbuds. The company asserts that these new buds will surpass the original’s sound quality and active noise cancellation capabilities. This ambition comes with a premium price point, building upon the already substantial $230 cost of the originals with a new price of $280.

The wireless earbud market was already highly competitive in 2019, but the current landscape in 2021 is even more saturated. Numerous options are available for under $50, and even Sony offers more affordable earbuds for less than $100. Instead of lowering prices, Sony aims to solidify its position at the high-end of the market, exceeding the cost of the AirPods Pro by $30.

Initial impressions are positive, as a test unit has been received for evaluation. These earbuds hold the potential to become excellent travel companions, particularly as travel becomes more commonplace. The core of the improved performance lies in the V1 processor, a newly engineered component designed to enhance both noise cancellation and sound quality.

Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology

According to Sony, the Integrated Processor V1 builds upon the success of the QN1e chip, delivering even more effective noise cancellation. Each earbud incorporates two noise-sensing microphones – a feed-forward and a feed-back microphone – to analyze surrounding sounds and provide precise noise reduction.

Beamforming microphones are also included to prioritize capturing the speaker’s voice while minimizing unwanted ambient noise. Notably, a new bone-conduction sensor isolates the user’s voice vibrations, resulting in clearer call quality.

Enhanced Audio Performance

Automatic wind noise reduction is implemented for outdoor use, alongside a new 6mm driver. This redesigned system promises a richer bass response and improved sound clarity with reduced distortion. Sony’s High-Resolution Audio Wireless technology is also integrated, capable of transmitting data at up to 990 kbps – three times the rate of standard Bluetooth.

The earbuds are compatible with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, a feature gaining traction among high-end headphone manufacturers as they explore augmented audio experiences. This feature requires activation within the Sony app and is limited to select streaming services. Adaptive Sound Control dynamically adjusts playback volume based on the surrounding environment.

Design and Battery Life

A test pair is currently available, and the charging case is noticeably smaller than the M3’s, while still providing a total of 24 hours of battery life. The earbuds themselves offer up to eight hours of playback, aligning with industry standards for premium models. A five-minute charge of the case yields one hour of playback time.

The earbud shape has undergone a significant redesign compared to the M3. The previous long wings have been replaced with a bulbous form that sits above the ear canal. It remains to be seen if this new design will alleviate pressure during extended use. The earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant and support both Google Assistant and Alexa. They also offer fast pairing with Android devices and Windows 10 computers.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds are available for purchase today at a price of $280.