95
What Hi-Fi?Specialist
“Sony's older premium wireless headphones deliver a sonic masterclass at their discounted price”
Publisher score: 95/100 · 75mo ago
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Noise CancellingWirelessBest value
Sony WH-1000XM4
$278 · QN1 / LDAC · 6y 3m old
89
Review
Radar
8.7
User score
Image credit: Sony WH-1000XM4 image via What Hi-Fi
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
Let's cut to the chase: if you're in the market for a pair of noise-canceling headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are within your budget, you're looking at a no-brainer. Despite newer models gracing the shelves, these cans continue to deliver a sonic masterclass, particularly when you consider their current price point. Wired is right – they silence the world with an effectiveness that's still class-leading, and crucially, Sony finally cracked the code on usable call quality. This isn't just an incremental update; it's a refined experience that makes the daily commute, the airplane cabin, or even just a noisy office melt away, leaving you with nothing but your audio.
The WH-1000XM4 remains a benchmark for a reason. Engadget declared Sony made the best even better, and that sentiment holds true. The battery life, as RTINGS points out, is robust enough to see you through multiple days of heavy use, and while newer tech is always on the horizon, the core performance here – the astonishing noise cancellation, the rich, detailed sound powered by those 40mm drivers, and the seamless Bluetooth connectivity – simply refuses to age. SoundGuys' surprise in 2024 speaks volumes; these aren't just "still worth it," they represent exceptional value for anyone prioritizing an immersive listening experience without distraction. For this price, you're getting a proven performer that consistently hits every mark.
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
Spec sheet
Key features
We only show details we can tie to a product-specific source.
Build and fit
- Weight
- 251 g
- Wearing style
- Closed over-ear
- Driver size
- 40 mm dome type with CCAW voice coil
- Driver type
- Closed, dynamic
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW powered via cable; 101 dB/mW unpowered via cable
- Driver material
- Aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm; neodymium magnet
- Frequency response
- 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz wired; 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz Bluetooth; 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz LDAC
Wireless and connections
- Noise control
- Noise cancelling, ambient sound mode, Quick Attention
- Charging
- USB; approx. 3 hrs full charge
- Battery
- Max. 30 hrs NC on / 38 hrs NC off
- Connections
- Bluetooth, Stereo mini jack, USB charging
- BT codecs
- SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
Review evidence
Audio specialist reviews
94
“The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are the successor to the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. This generation has some improvements, including a longer continuous battery life...”
Publisher score: 94/100 · 75mo ago
83
“Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 still worth it in 2024? We tested performance, sound quality, and ANC, and the findings were surprising.”
Publisher score: 83/100 · 27mo ago
Review evidence
Tech publication reviews
100
TechRadar
“The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best headphones this year – here's why.”
Publisher score: 5/5 · 33mo ago
91
EngadgetRead review ↗
“Engadget’s Sony WH-1000XM4 review (91/100): "Sony has made the best even better. You won," highlighting its standout overall performance, build quality, and daily usability.”
Publisher score: 91/100 · 75mo ago
91
CNETRead review ↗
“The much-anticipated new version of Sony's top noise-canceling headphone has finally arrived, and it makes small improvements to an already top-notch product.”
Publisher score: 9.1/10 · 71mo ago
90
PCMag
“Sony's terrific WH-1000XM4 headphones combine top-notch noise cancellation with audiophile-friendly sound quality.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5
83
Tom's Guide
“Tom's Guide’s Sony WH-1000XM4 review (83/100): "The WH-1000XM4 is Sony," highlighting its standout strengths and value trade-offs in everyday testing.”
Publisher score: 83/100 · 75mo ago
75
Wired
“These noise-canceling headphones silence the world better than most, and the mics are now actually usable on phone calls.”
Publisher score: 75/100 · 75mo ago
Best for
commutersfrequent flyersopen officesAndroid hi-res listeners
Buying notes
Value todayStrong buy
High review score for the money. 89/100 at $278. Uses the lowest in-stock retailer price we can see.
Worth checking
Effectiveness of DSEE Extreme upscaling with various audio sources.
Score distribution
90–100
6
80–89
2
70–79
1
60–69
0
0–59
0
Quick stats
Highest100
Median91
Lowest75
Reviews9
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