This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, We get a commission if you purchase through the links, at no cost to you. Please read our privacy policy for more information.
Get ready to upgrade your audio game because Sony has finally unveiled the highly-anticipated successor to their beloved WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds.
The new WF-1000XM4 ($280) is here to take your music experience to new heights with its exceptional sound quality and innovative features. Don’t worry about annual updates because Sony believes in taking their time to perfect their products.
The M4 is an upgrade in every way, except for one little detail that might give you pause. Don’t miss out on this game-changing earbud.
Design
The WF-1000XM3 earbuds are truly amazing – except for one thing: their bulky design. Not only does it make them hard to wear comfortably, but they also stand out quite a bit. The good news is that Sony has completely revamped their look for the M4 model, giving them a sleek and compact shape that blends in perfectly with your ears.
With a touch panel on the right side for easy track control and virtual assistant access, and the left earbud for toggling active noise cancellation modes or activating the quick attention feature, you have everything you need right at your fingertips. And if that’s not enough, Sony’s app allows you to customize the controls to your liking.
And here’s the best part: you can even have on-board volume controls on the M4, just like the M3. However, you’ll need to choose between sacrificing playback controls or quick switching between noise cancelling and ambient sound. But with the ability to mirror controls on both sides, you can make the perfect setup for you. Get ready to experience sound like never before.
Comfort and fit
Sony’s latest earbuds, the WF-1000XM4, are sleeker than their predecessor but still pack a punch. While the buds themselves are only 10% smaller than the previous model, they now come with a compact charging case that can easily fit in your pocket.
The case is 40% smaller than the previous version and features a USB-C port for wired charging and an LED for battery status. However, with the new ear tips and still somewhat bulky design, finding the perfect fit might take a little more effort. So, if you’re on the hunt for wireless earbuds that combine style and substance, the WF-1000XM4 might be just what you need.
Say goodbye to uncomfortable earbuds with Sony’s new Noise Isolation Earbud Tips! Unlike traditional silicone tips, these spongy foam tips conform perfectly to your ear canal, offering a snug fit and improved noise isolation. Be sure to try the in-app fit test to get the best results.
Although the app recommended small and medium sizes for me, I found a perfect fit with the large size. However, after extended listening, they became slightly painful, so I switched to the silicone tips from my M3s. It’s a shame that Sony doesn’t include both options, like some other brands do.
Software
Looking for earbuds with tons of customizable features? Look no further than Sony! Their premium buds and headphones offer so much flexibility and control through their app that it’s not just useful, it’s essential.
With individual battery level indicators, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio setup, and the EQ returning from previous models, Sony gives you total control over your audio experience. And with Adaptive Sound Control, you can even set different noise-cancelling or ambient sound profiles for home, the office, and the gym.
But that’s not all. Sony’s Headphones app also lets you fine-tune ambient sound levels with a 20-step slider and focus on voices while suppressing background noise.
Plus, their Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses audio and activates ambient sound when you start speaking, making it perfect for those of us still working from home. And while it’s not perfect (sometimes even clearing your throat can trip it up), it’s still a super handy feature that you can always turn off if you don’t like it.
So why settle for basic earbuds when you can have the ultimate audio experience with Sony?
Active noise cancellation
Experience the ultimate noise-cancelling abilities of Sony’s new WF-1000XM4 headphones! With their upgraded V1 Integrated Processor, these earbuds effectively block out all frequencies – from pesky plane and vehicle rumble to chatty humans – to give you a truly immersive audio experience.
Plus, with two noise sensor microphones on each earbud and 6mm drivers, distractions won’t stand a chance. And don’t worry about battery life – the V1 chip uses less power than previous models.
Although the ear tips could be more secure, these earbuds still excel at silencing the world around you. Say goodbye to dishwasher noise and loud talkers, and hello to peace and quiet.
Plus, with the Automatic Wind Noise Reduction feature, even breezy days won’t disrupt your listening pleasure. Upgrade your audio game with the WF-1000XM4 today.
Sound quality
Experience the Perfectly Tuned Sound of Sony’s WF-1000XM4 Headphones – Balanced for Every Genre!
Say goodbye to overpowering bass and piercing treble! Sony’s headphones boast an impeccable consistency in their tuning, and the WF-1000XM4 is no exception. Whether you’re rocking out to synth-heavy tunes or enjoying mellow acoustic tracks, the audio profile remains balanced across all frequencies.
With these earbuds, you’ll catch every subtle detail, from the delicate string noise of acoustic instruments to the depth of Sturgill Simpson’s Cutting Grass albums. The M4 creates an immersive experience that transports you straight into the studio with the band!
Get ready to enjoy rhythm and clarity like never before with Sony’s WF-1000XM4 headphones.
The WF-1000XM4 earbuds are the latest and greatest from Sony, boasting some seriously impressive features. One major upgrade from their predecessor, the M3, is the addition of LDAC support, which means you can enjoy high-quality sound with a maximum bitrate of 990kbps over Bluetooth.
Plus, the new V1 processor and DSEE Extreme upscaling technology make a noticeable difference in sound quality.
But that’s not all – the WF-1000XM4 also supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, which provides an immersive listening experience. The guided setup helps tailor the settings to your ears, and while you’ll need a high-res streaming plan to access the full library, the earbuds still do a great job with the limited content available.
Some people might prefer regular streaming, but personally, I love the 360RA tracks. With the WF-1000XM4, you can enjoy top-notch sound quality and a fully immersive listening experience, all in a sleek and stylish package.
Call quality
Introducing the WF-1000XM4 earbuds from Sony – the ultimate solution for crystal-clear calls and uninterrupted conversations! Equipped with Precise Voice Pickup technology, these earbuds detect your speech like never before.
Thanks to the combo of beamforming microphones and bone-conduction sensors, your voice is projected clearly while background noise is blocked out. Plus, with the ability to switch between ANC and ambient sound during calls, you can stay connected without ever having to raise your voice.
But don’t just take our word for it – the WF-1000XM4’s impressive call quality has been tested and proven to sound better than speakerphone and block out distracting background noise.
Say goodbye to disappointing call performance and hello to reliable, high-quality conversations with Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds.
Battery life
Upgrade Alert! Sony’s latest WF-1000XM4 earbuds boast an impressive battery life, promising up to 8 hours on the buds themselves with active noise cancelling (ANC) and two additional charges in the case.
If you don’t need ANC, you can extend your listening time by 4 hours (that’s a whopping 12 hours on just the buds!). Plus, the WF-1000XM4 supports wireless charging with Qi-certified accessories and Xperia phones, and even has a quick-charge feature that gives you an hour of use in just 5 minutes.
During our tests, we got a solid 7.5 hours of use, even with DSEE Extreme active.
Say goodbye to dead earbuds and hello to non-stop tunes.
The competition
Battle of the Earbuds: Bose vs Sony vs Sennheiser – Who Wins the Crown for Best Audio Experience?
Last fall, Bose entered the earbuds arena with its QuietComfort Earbuds, ready to dethrone Sony’s reign. While Bose’s ANC technology is top-notch, the earbuds are bulkier and have limited touch controls. If you want the complete package, Sony is still the king.
But, if you’re all about sound quality, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 is the way to go. These earbuds deliver an unbeatable audio experience with decent ANC. However, the lack of wireless charging and average battery life may deter some buyers.
If you’re willing to splurge for top-notch performance, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 at $280 is worth the investment. Cheaper options don’t compare to its premium features. It’s time to crown your earbud champion.
Wrap-up
Sony does it again with their latest earbuds, the WF-1000XM4! With years of domination in the over-ear and true wireless categories, Sony has perfected the combination of sound quality, noise cancelling, customization, and features.
These earbuds go above and beyond, offering features like Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat that make life easier.
However, the one downside is the ear tips. Even though three pairs come in the box, they didn’t fit comfortably for me.
Luckily, I found a solution by using the M3 silicone tips.
Don’t let a simple thing like ear tips ruin an otherwise stellar listening experience.