Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones Review Discovering Noise Cancelling Excellence and Premium Sound

Description

Exceptional Noise Cancellation and Design

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones are nothing short of a masterpiece when it comes to noise isolation. I tested these during a chaotic day involving loud construction and a bustling coffee shop, and the Dual Noise Sensor Technology was nothing short of impressive. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, paired with the Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer, ensures that distractions fade into the background. Even when my coworker called, the additional microphones delivered clear, crisp audio, which made it easy to follow conversations without asking for constant repeats.

Comfort plays a significant role in over-ear headphones, and these deliver here too. The lightweight design made them comfortable for extended use, and the earcups fit snugly without causing pressure. The silver finish adds a touch of sophistication, which I appreciated during virtual meetings and while casually wearing them around town.

Sound Quality That Stands Out

I’ll admit, I’m picky about audio quality, but these headphones blew me away. The DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), powered by Edge-AI technology, noticeably enhanced my music. Low-quality streaming tracks sounded rich and full, and I could finally hear the nuances in my favorite songs that other headphones often miss.

The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz delivered deep bass and bright highs. While testing the sound performance with a mix of genres—from bass-heavy electronic to vocal-centric acoustic—I found the output was consistently balanced and immersive. Even at high volumes, there was no distortion, which is a win for audiophiles like me.

Convenient Features and Controls

If you’ve ever been frustrated fumbling for buttons on headphones, the touch sensor controls on these are a dream come true. With just a tap or swipe, I easily adjusted the volume, skipped tracks, and answered phone calls. The voice assistant integration was seamless, allowing me to control my playlists and check the weather without needing to grab my phone.

The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.0, which provided a reliable and strong connection even when I wandered around my home. The 10-meter range was enough for me to step into another room without experiencing any drops in sound quality.

Highlights

• Industry-leading noise cancellation ensures a distraction-free experience.
• AI-powered sound enhancement makes even compressed music files sound exceptional.
• Touch controls simplify interactions, whether it’s skipping tracks or answering calls.
• The design is lightweight and ergonomic, perfect for long listening sessions.

Areas for Improvement

While these headphones are undoubtedly excellent, there are some shortcomings worth noting:

• They lack water resistance, which might make some users hesitant to wear them during workouts or in light rain.
• The price point is on the higher side, and while the features justify it, budget-conscious buyers might hesitate.
• The lack of a headphone jack could be a dealbreaker for those who prefer wired connections in specific situations.

The Included Earbuds: A Nice Add-on

The bundle includes the Sony MDR-EX15LP in-ear headphones, which were a pleasant surprise. While they don’t match the over-ear headphones in terms of sound quality or features, they are lightweight and great for quick, on-the-go use. I found these are ideal for situations where I didn’t want to carry around the bulkier over-ear model.

Product Competitors

Against similar premium options like the Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones, the Sony model holds its own. The Bose 700 offers comparable noise cancellation and a sleeker design, but the WH-1000XM4 edges out with its AI-enhanced sound quality and longer battery life. On the other hand, products like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless boast superior build materials but lack some of the intuitive touch controls that make the Sony headphones shine.

Value for Money

Considering the advanced features and exceptional performance, these headphones deliver excellent value for money. The addition of the extra in-ear headphones adds versatility, making the bundle suitable for various scenarios. While the upfront cost is steep compared to mid-range alternatives, the premium sound quality, noise cancellation, and smart features justify the investment for anyone serious about audio.

Overall, this product caters to both audiophiles and casual listeners. It’s clear that Sony has packed in all the features you’d expect from premium headphones, and then some.

Additional information