Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds: Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 Earbuds: A New Benchmark in Audio

Nearly two years have passed since my initial assessment of the WF-1000XM3 earbuds, and throughout that period, Sony’s offerings have consistently served as the standard against which other high-end earbuds are measured. Indeed, even recent reviews of competing products invariably referenced Sony’s benchmark performance.

This level of sustained dominance is unusual in today’s market, characterized by annual product cycles. This is particularly true within the wireless earbud category, which has become increasingly saturated since Sony’s entry in mid-2019. However, the M3s represented a significant advancement, offering a premium experience amidst a sea of mid-range and budget options.

A Legacy of Innovation

Released six months prior to the arrival of the AirPods Pro, the M3s quickly gained recognition for their exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities. While noise cancellation has since become a common feature, Sony was among the first to deliver it effectively. Despite the positive reception, the company waited two years to introduce a successor, a decision that is understandable given the difficulty of improving upon a highly successful product.

I am pleased to confirm that the WF-1000XM4 justifies the extended development time. Sony’s expertise in high-end headphones is evident in these new earbuds, which represent a notable improvement over their predecessors. However, this enhanced performance comes at a corresponding price point. If the M3’s price of $230 seemed substantial, be aware that the new model carries an additional $50 cost.

Fortunately, the introduction of the new headphones will likely result in price reductions for the older units. Current market searches reveal the M3s available for approximately $178 from various retailers, aligning them more closely with typical earbud pricing. At $30 more than the AirPods Pro, Sony is clearly targeting the premium segment of the market. Few companies possess the resources and scale to maintain competitive pricing like Sony.

Performance and Practicality

Determining whether the WF-1000XM4s are worth the investment is inherently subjective. However, I can confidently state that they are among the finest-sounding earbuds currently available. While I remain unconvinced that the over-ear headphone experience can be fully replicated in a smaller form factor, earbuds offer distinct advantages, including portability and, during warmer weather, increased comfort.

Earbuds are also well-suited for fitness activities. However, if you prioritize workout performance, these may not be the ideal choice. While they possess an IPX4 water resistance rating, sufficient for sweat protection, they are better suited for extended listening sessions, such as long flights or focused work, allowing for a more immersive audio experience.

Comfort and Design Considerations

The size of the XM4s is a factor to consider. Although noticeably smaller than the previous generation, and benefiting from a design that positions components above the ear canal, they remain somewhat bulky for strenuous activities. I personally experienced some ear discomfort during prolonged use, which was partially alleviated by switching from medium to small foam ear tips. However, the smaller tips compromised the seal necessary for optimal noise cancellation. Even with adjustments, a degree of pressure remained noticeable.

It’s worth acknowledging that I’ve had mixed experiences with foam ear tips, finding them prone to wear and tear and susceptible to accumulating earwax. Despite these drawbacks, I recognize why manufacturers favor them for high-end products, prioritizing comfort.

Packaging and Features

Sony’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, as evidenced by the use of eco-friendly paper packaging. While the packaging itself is understated, it reflects a positive step towards environmental responsibility. The charging case, however, is visually appealing.

It is considerably smaller than the W3’s case, making it significantly more pocketable. The case features a matte black finish with a prominent white Sony logo. Strong magnets ensure secure bud placement, and the buds also adhere to each other within the case. A thin LED strip indicates charging status, glowing green or red. The case is designed to stand upright, with the USB-C port located on the rear, or it can be charged wirelessly via a Qi-compatible pad.

The stated charging times are similar to the M3s, although the figures have been adjusted. The original model offered six hours of playback on the buds and 18 hours from the case. The XM4s provide eight hours on the buds and 16 hours on the case, ensuring a full day of use. I particularly appreciate the additional two hours of playback on the earbuds themselves.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

The earbuds’ sound quality is truly exceptional, delivering remarkable instrument separation and revealing nuances in familiar songs that were previously unnoticed. The default sound balance is well-tuned, with Sony avoiding excessive bass emphasis. These headphones perform admirably across a diverse range of musical genres and podcasts.

The noise cancellation capabilities are, once again, industry-leading. A simple tap on the left earbud toggles between ANC and ambient sound modes, creating a dramatic difference. I was particularly impressed by the ability to block out loud noises, including my high-powered vegetable juicer. The Bluetooth range also proved to be impressive.

Ultimately, with earbuds, you often receive performance commensurate with the price. This holds true in this instance. Sony has once again raised the bar for high-end earbuds with the WF-1000XM4.