I had the opportunity to try the new Sony WF-1000XM4, headphones that, although expensive compared to other competing models, far exceed these in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation.
Sony WF-1000XM4s Review : Sound quality and noise cancellation
The sound quality of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is excellent, personally the best I have found in TWS headphones to date. The bass sounds clean and without distorting the whole, a common mistake in many of these devices.
Sony Headphones
Sony incorporated a new V1 chip for digital processing and 6mm drivers into these headphones that the WF-1000XM3 already had—and already sounded great with—to enhance the audio experience further.
As for the noise cancellation, I will say that it is on par with the audio quality, almost like Sony’s head-worn model, the WH-1000XM4, and that’s amazing. Its level is so high that it allows us to isolate ourselves from nearby noises or those that are relatively intense, so we can work or listen to music anywhere. In the case of making calls, the same thing happens: the cancellation quality allows us to hear our interlocutor without a problem. At the same time, the microphones reproduce the voice with high quality while isolating it from noise or wind.
Autonomy and functions
I used the Sony WF-1000XM4s continuously, without putting them in the charging case, and I managed to reach almost eight hours with noise cancellation activated constantly. If you deactivate it, you can save three or four hours (we are talking about a single charge inside the case), but the sound quality is much more appreciated with this function activated.
Sony Headphones
The case takes about an hour and 15 minutes, and the earphones charge within the case in just half an hour. A full charge of the case gives about two or three total amounts of the headphones, so we have almost a whole day of autonomy without stopping when using them, which makes them perfect travel companions.
During the tests, they did not disconnect at any time from the phone or the computer, which sometimes happens with this type of device, as with the previous model. I missed that Sony allowed these headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously as they did with their latest on-ear headphones.
My experience and sensations with these devices could not be better. These tick the boxes if you’re looking for a headset with excellent sound, flawless noise cancellation, and long-lasting battery life.
Sony took everything good about the WF-1000XM3, removed those drawbacks that users found (except for the multi-device connection), and launched almost perfect TWS headphones whose price, yes, is about 279 euros.
Sony WF-1000XM4s Review Design: smaller and with polyurethane pads
The first thing that stands out when we hold the WF-1000XM4 is its size: although they are not the smallest on the market, they did reduce their volume compared to the previous model, especially the box, which is 40 percent smaller, according to Sony data.
As I say, they are not small, but they are more comfortable to wear for two reasons. One is its weight, and the other is its pads, which are no longer silicone to be polyurethane. The material is very malleable: when inserting the cushion into the ear, it adapts perfectly to the shape. This is noticeable in the fastening, which is much firmer and safer, and noise isolation.
Another welcome change from its predecessors is that the touchpad is much larger, so executing any command is more accessible than before. These headphones may not be the most discreet, but they are comfortable daily, even when playing sports.
If we go to the case, it is very light, and its size is not much larger than that of the FreeBuds 3 or the AirPods Pro. In addition, it supports charging via USB-C and wireless connector, something very comfortable if we have a phone with reverse charging.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 supports Bluetooth 5.2 using SBC, AAC, and Sony’s proprietary LDAC. aptX is conspicuously absent, although that need not be a problem these days. Since Android 8.0, LDAC has been supported by most smartphones and tablets. Do you have an older smartphone? Then it’s time to upgrade because the standard SBC codec doesn’t do earphones of this caliber justice.
Sony WF-1000XM4 review in-earsEach earpiece contains two microphones and a so-called ‘Bone Conducting Sensor.’ This detects vibrations in your voice and allows the microphones to focus better on your voice. The result is a significantly better call quality compared to the XM3. Sony’s in-ears are now usable in meetings or phone calls in crowded places. Wind noise is automatically suppressed for yourself. This technology does not work miracles but makes cycling with the XM4s, for example, just that little bit more pleasant. Speak-to-Chat is another nice feature that pauses your music and lets in ambient noise as soon as you start talking. You can set the sensitivity yourself. Useful!
The music operation is done as you are used to from these earphones. They are touch-sensitive; you can skip songs with a ‘double tap’ and pause with a single tap on the right. Switching between the ANC and ambient sound modes is done by just tapping the left or via the intuitive way, which is adjustable via Sony’s Headphones app.
Sound
Those who prefer wireless headphones over wireless in-ears today for sound quality have probably not listened to the better in-ears yet. Its power and flexibility are so good that you will notice little to no difference in daily use. Only those who want to get started with cables, lossless audio, and headphone amplifiers are critical enough to appreciate the sonic added value of headphones. Another argument is the battery life. Do you listen to music continuously for more than 6 to 8 hours, or do you only go for the desktop experience? Then it would help if you had headphones. All other users should think carefully about whether or not they should trade in their large storage case for more versatile in-ears.
