Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds Review: Impressive Sonic

Welcome to Sony WF-1000xm4 Earbuds Review! The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds represent a cutting-edge addition to Sony’s lineup of truly wireless earbuds. Although they have now been replaced by the Sony WF-1000XM5, the XM4s are still worth exploring due to their exceptional features and specifications.

Key Features and Specifications:

• The WF-1000XM4 earbuds boast an ergonomic surface design, providing a comfortable and secure fit for extended wear.
• Featuring industry-leading noise cancellation, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 and noise-isolation earbud tips, they excel at blocking out ambient sounds.
• Users can enjoy an immersive listening experience with the support of the Integrated Processor V1 and LDAC codec, delivering high-resolution wireless audio.
• The 6mm driver unit ensures superb performance in the low-frequency range, producing dynamic sound and rich bass.
• Equipped with beamforming microphones and a bone-conduction sensor, the earbuds provide crystal-clear voice detection even in noisy environments.
• The Sony Headphones Connect App allows users to customize EQ settings, Ambient Sound, and more, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• With a battery life of up to 8 hours with noise cancellation and an additional 16 hours stored in the charging case, these earbuds offer long-lasting music playback.
• The earbuds also support wireless charging using Qi technology, making recharging hassle-free.

Price and Included Accessories: The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are priced at approximately $280. Along with the earbuds themselves, the package includes three sizes of noise-isolation earbud tips for a personalized fit and a USB-C charging cable for convenient charging.

Here is a table providing a concise overview of the main features and specifications of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds, making it easy to compare and understand their capabilities.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Features	Description
Design	Beamforming microphones and bone-conduction sensor for clear voice detection, Precise Voice Pickup Technology for hands-free calls, noise-cancelling function for better call audibility.
Sound Quality	High-resolution wireless audio with Integrated Processor V1 and LDAC codec, 6mm driver unit for superb low-frequency performance, rich bass, and dynamic sound.
Noise Cancellation	Industry-leading noise cancellation with Integrated Processor V1, noise sensing microphones, and innovative noise isolation earbud tips for maximum sound insulation.
Microphones and Voice Quality	Up to 8 hours of battery life with noise cancelling, additional 16 hours from the charging case, quick 5-minute charge for 60 minutes of playtime, wireless charging with Qi technology.
App Integration	Supported by Sony Headphones Connect App for Android and iOS, offering EQ settings, Ambient Sound control, and more.
Connectivity	Stable Bluetooth 5.2 technology for seamless pairing, multi-point connection support through a firmware update.
Voice Assistant Integration	Integrated with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri for easy voice command control.
Battery Life and Charging	Up to 8 hours of battery life with noise canceling, additional 16 hours from the charging case, quick 5-minute charge for 60 minutes of playtime, wireless charging with Qi technology.
Added Features	Speak-to-chat technology, IPX4 water resistance, DSEE Extreme for real-time upscaling of music files, Adaptive Sound Control, Fast Pair feature, intuitive touch controls with proximity sensor.
Price	Approx. $280
Included Accessories	Charging case, 3 sizes of noise isolation earbud tips, USB-C charging cable.

Now, let’s delve into the various aspects of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds in the following sections of the review.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds Review

Design and Comfort

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are engineered with a focus on both design and comfort, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience for extended periods.

Ergonomic Surface Design: The earbuds feature an ergonomic surface design, meticulously crafted to provide a secure and comfortable fit. This design not only enhances the overall wearing experience but also helps create a reliable seal in the ears, contributing to improved noise isolation.

Lightweight Construction: Weighing just 7.3g each, these earbuds are exceptionally lightweight, making them ideal for all-day wearability. Whether you’re working, commuting, or engaging in physical activities, the minimal weight ensures you won’t feel any discomfort even during prolonged use.

Noise-Isolation Earbud Tips: To further enhance stability and adhesion, the Sony WF-1000XM4 comes equipped with noise-isolation earbud tips. These tips are designed to conform to the contours of your ear canal, providing a more secure fit while maximizing the isolation of external sounds. As a result, you can immerse yourself in your music without interruptions from the outside world.

The combination of the ergonomic design, lightweight construction, and noise-isolation earbud tips makes the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds a pleasure to wear, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes with comfort and confidence throughout the day.

Sound Quality

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds offer a superior sound experience, backed by advanced technologies that deliver high-resolution wireless audio and an immersive 360 Reality Audio experience.

High-Resolution Wireless Audio: Powered by the Integrated Processor V1 and supporting the LDAC codec, these earbuds deliver high-resolution wireless audio. This means you can enjoy your favourite music with remarkable clarity and detail, bringing out the nuances in your tracks for a truly engaging listening experience.

Exceptional Low-Frequency Performance: Equipped with a 6mm driver unit, the Sony WF-1000XM4 excels in reproducing low frequencies with exceptional precision and depth. As a result, you can feel the powerful beats and enjoy a well-balanced audio representation across all frequencies.

Rich Bass Range and Dynamic Sound Reproduction: The combination of the 6mm driver unit and the high compliance diaphragm enables the earbuds to produce a rich bass range. This ensures that your music has a full-bodied and impactful sound, enriching your listening sessions with every beat.

Immersive 360 Reality Audio Experience: With the support of 360 Reality Audio, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds provide an immersive and realistic listening experience. This technology creates a spatial soundstage, placing you at the centre of the music, surrounded by instruments and vocals as if you were in the recording studio or concert hall itself.

Whether you’re enjoying your favourite tunes or diving into the immersive world of 360 Reality Audio, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds deliver a sound quality that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

Noise Cancellation

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation capabilities, employing advanced technologies to create a peaceful and immersive listening environment.

Integrated Processor V1 for Superior Noise Cancellation: The Integrated Processor V1 is at the heart of the WF-1000XM4’s noise cancellation prowess. This powerful processor effectively analyzes and cancels out ambient sounds, allowing you to focus on your music or calls without distractions from the outside world.

High-Precision Cancellation Signal: The earbuds generate a high-precision cancellation signal specifically designed to target and reduce noise in the low-frequency range. This ensures that even the deepest rumbles and consistent background noises are effectively eliminated, further enhancing the noise-cancellation experience.

Noise-Sensing Microphones: Equipped with noise-sensing microphones, the earbuds continuously monitor and analyze the sounds in your surroundings. These microphones work in tandem to accurately capture ambient noises and create precise anti-noise signals, resulting in effective noise reduction in real time.

Innovative Noise Isolation Earbud Tips: To maximize sound insulation, the Sony WF-1000XM4 features innovative noise isolation earbud tips. These tips enhance the seal and fit of the earbuds, reducing the ingress of external noise and further improving the overall noise-cancellation performance.

With the combination of the Integrated Processor V1, high-precision cancellation signal, noise-sensing microphones, and innovative earbud tips, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds deliver an exceptional noise-cancellation experience, allowing you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls with unparalleled clarity even in noisy environments.

Microphones and Voice Quality

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are equipped with advanced microphone technologies that ensure clear voice detection and improved call clarity, even in challenging environments.

Beamforming Microphones and Bone-Conduction Sensor: The earbuds feature beamforming microphones, strategically placed on the surface of each earbud, to capture your voice accurately during calls. Additionally, a bone-conduction sensor enhances voice detection, picking up vibrations from your jawbone when you speak. This combination of technologies ensures that your voice comes through clearly and distinctly, making hands-free calls a seamless experience.

Noise-Sensing Microphones: The WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are equipped with noise-sensing microphones, capable of picking up ambient sounds in your surroundings. These microphones work in a feed-forward and feed-back configuration to capture a wide range of environmental sounds.

Precise Voice Pickup Technology: The earbuds utilize Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which harnesses the capabilities of the beamforming microphones and bone-conduction sensor. This advanced technology allows the earbuds to accurately and intelligently focus on your voice, filtering out background noises and enhancing the clarity of your voice during calls.

Noise-Canceling Function: To improve call audibility in noisy environments, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds offer a noise-cancelling function. This feature actively reduces external noises, creating a more isolated and focused sound environment for you to hear and be heard more clearly during your calls, even when surrounded by loud or distracting sounds.

With the combination of beamforming microphones, the bone-conduction sensor, noise-sensing microphones, and the noise-cancelling function, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds deliver a remarkable voice quality during calls, ensuring that your communication remains crystal clear regardless of your surroundings.

App Integration

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds come with seamless integration with the Sony Headphones Connect App for both Android and iOS devices. This app enhances the user experience by offering various features and customization options.

Sony Headphones Connect App Features: The app provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to access and manage a range of settings and functions related to your earbuds. Through the app, you can personalize your listening experience and take advantage of additional functionalities.

Finding Ideal Noise Isolation Earbud Tips: One of the key features of the Sony Headphones Connect App is the ability to find the ideal noise isolation earbud tips that best fit your ears. Properly fitting ear tips not only improve comfort but also optimize the effectiveness of noise isolation, ensuring a superior listening experience tailored to your unique anatomy.

Control Over EQ Settings and Ambient Sound Mode: With the app, you have control over the EQ (equalizer) settings, enabling you to adjust the sound profile according to your preferences. Whether you prefer more bass, a balanced sound, or enhanced treble, the app lets you fine-tune the audio to suit your taste.

Additionally, the app allows you to control the Ambient Sound mode, which enables you to choose how much external sound you want to let in while wearing the earbuds. This is especially useful in situations where you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as during outdoor activities or commuting.

By leveraging the Sony Headphones Connect App, you can fully optimize and personalize your experience with the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds, tailoring the sound and settings to your liking for a truly immersive and customized listening journey.

Connectivity

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds offer reliable and seamless connectivity, powered by advanced Bluetooth technology.

Stable Bluetooth 5.2 Technology: These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which is one of the latest iterations of the wireless communication standard. Bluetooth 5.2 offers enhanced stability, faster data transfer rates, and improved power efficiency compared to previous versions. With this upgraded technology, pairing the earbuds with your compatible devices is quick and hassle-free.

Multi-Point Connection: The WF-1000XM4 Earbuds support multi-point connection capability. This means that after a firmware update, you can connect the earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you frequently switch between devices, such as transitioning from your smartphone to your laptop or tablet without the need to repeatedly pair and unpair the earbuds.

The stable Bluetooth 5.2 technology ensures a reliable connection between your devices and the earbuds, while the multi-point connection capability adds convenience and flexibility to your listening experience, making the Sony WF-1000XM4 a versatile and user-friendly choice for wireless audio enjoyment.

Voice Assistant Integration

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds come equipped with seamless voice assistant integration, providing hands-free control and easy access to various virtual assistants.

Support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri: These earbuds support popular voice assistants, including Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. With a simple voice command, you can activate your preferred assistant and interact with it to perform a variety of tasks.

• Google Assistant: By activating Google Assistant, you can get answers to your questions, set reminders, check the weather, control smart home devices, and perform various other tasks without needing to reach for your phone or other devices.
• Alexa: If you’re an Alexa user, you can connect the earbuds to your Amazon account and access the full suite of Alexa’s capabilities, from playing music and managing your calendar to controlling compatible smart devices around your home.
• Siri: For iOS users, the integration with Siri allows you to access your iPhone’s features and perform tasks through voice commands. This includes making calls, sending messages, setting alarms, and much more.

The voice assistant integration on the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds adds convenience and hands-free functionality to your daily activities, making it easy to stay connected and get things done without having to use your smartphone or other devices directly.

Battery Life and Charging

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are designed to deliver impressive battery life and convenient charging options for uninterrupted listening.

Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life: With noise cancelling activated, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or calls for an extended period without worrying about running out of power.

Charging Case for Additional 16 Hours: The included charging case provides an additional 16 hours of listening time. When combined with the earbuds’ onboard battery life, this brings the total playback time to an impressive 24 hours before the case needs recharging.

Quick 5-Minute Charge: Need a quick boost? The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds support a quick charge feature. With just a 5-minute charge, you can enjoy up to 60 minutes of playtime, making it convenient for those moments when you’re in a rush but still want to enjoy your music.

Wireless Charging with Qi Technology: The charging case is designed for wireless charging, utilizing Qi technology. This means you can place the case on a compatible wireless charging pad to recharge it without the need for any cables. The convenience of wireless charging adds to the overall user experience, making it easy to keep your earbuds and case powered up at all times.

With its impressive battery life, quick charging capabilities, and support for wireless charging, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds ensure that you can enjoy continuous and hassle-free music playback throughout the day.

Additional Features

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds come packed with a range of innovative and convenient features that enhance the overall listening experience.

Speak-to-Chat Technology: The earbuds feature speak-to-chat technology, which automatically reduces the volume during conversations. When you start speaking, the music will automatically pause, allowing you to have a conversation without the need to take the earbuds out or pause manually. This hands-free functionality adds convenience and ensures seamless transitions between music and conversations.

IPX4 Water Resistance: The WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are rated with IPX4 water resistance, providing protection against sweat and light splashes. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, ensuring that your earbuds remain resilient and functional even during active and potentially wet environments.

DSEE Extreme: With DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), the earbuds offer real-time upscaling of compressed music files. This advanced technology improves the audio quality of compressed files, restoring lost details and frequencies, resulting in richer and more lifelike sound.

Adaptive Sound Control: The Adaptive Sound Control feature tailors the sound output based on your situation. Whether you’re at home, in a busy street, or commuting, the earbuds automatically adjust the ambient sound levels to match your surroundings, providing an optimized and immersive audio experience.

Fast Pair Feature: The Fast Pair feature simplifies the pairing process, particularly with Windows 10 devices. This functionality enables quick and effortless connection, ensuring that you can start using your earbuds with compatible devices in no time.

Intuitive Touch Controls: The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds feature intuitive touch controls for various functions. These touch controls allow you to easily switch between noise cancellation and Ambient Sound modes, manage phone calls, adjust volume, and skip tracks with simple gestures, making navigation and control effortless.

Proximity Sensor: The earbuds are equipped with a proximity sensor that automatically pauses the music when you take them out of your ears. Similarly, when you put them back in, the music will resume, creating a seamless and convenient user experience.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds’ array of additional features showcases Sony’s commitment to providing a sophisticated and user-centric audio solution, making these earbuds a top choice for those seeking a premium listening experience with added convenience.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Pros

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds boast a multitude of impressive features, making them a top contender in the true wireless earbuds market.

• Premium, Immersi codec, these earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality, providing an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
• Top-of-Class Noise Cancellation: The industry-leading noise cancellation, powered by the Integrated Processor V1 and innovative noise-isolation earbud tips, ensures a serene and focused audio environment, free from external distractions.
• Secure and Stable Ergonomic Design: The earbuds’ ergonomic surface design, along with noise-isolation earbud tips, provides a comfortable and secure fit, ensuring they stave Sound Quality: With high-resolution wireless audio and support for LDACy in place during various activities.
• Wireless Charging with Qi Technology: The convenience of wireless charging through Qi technology eliminates the need for cables, making it easy to recharge the earbuds and their case without hassle.
• Multi-Point Connection Support: With support for multi-point connection, the earbuds can be paired with multiple devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless switching between devices.
• IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance: The earbuds’ IPX4 water resistance rating offers protection against sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
• Crystal Clear Call Quality: The combination of beamforming microphones, bone-conduction sensor, and noise-cancelling function ensures clear voice detection and improved call audibility, even in noisy environments.
• Voice Assistant Integration: With support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, users can easily access and control their preferred voice assistant with simple voice commands.
• Intuitive Touch Controls: The earbuds’ intuitive touch controls allow for easy management of various functions, including noise cancellation, volume adjustment, and track skipping, providing a seamless user experience.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds showcase an impressive array of pros, from their superior sound quality and noise cancellation to their comfortable fit and user-friendly features. These earbuds are a compelling choice for those seeking a premium and feature-rich audio companion for their daily activities.

Cons

While the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds offer an array of impressive features, there are a few areas where they may have some limitations:

• Charging Case Additional Battery Life Could Be Better: The charging case only provides two more full charges. Given the premium price of these earbuds, the charging case should offer more.
• Touch Controls Can Be Sensitive: Some users might find that the touch controls on the earbuds can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental inputs or unintended actions.
• Design Is Still Relatively Bulky: Despite their ergonomic design, some users may perceive the earbuds as relatively bulky compared to other more compact models in the market. This might impact how well they fit in smaller ears or affect comfort during extended wear.

It’s important to note that while these cons may be relevant to some users, the overall performance and feature set of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds remain strong, providing a premium listening experience. Individual preferences and needs may vary, so it’s essential to consider these aspects alongside the numerous pros when evaluating the suitability of these earbuds for your specific use case.

Recommended Uses

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are a versatile and powerful audio solution, catering to various user preferences and lifestyles. Here are some recommended uses for these feature-rich earbuds:

• Ideal for Audiophiles Seeking High-Quality Wireless Audio: With their high-resolution sound quality, LDAC codec support, and immersive 360 Reality Audio experience, these earbuds are a perfect choice for audiophiles who prioritize superior sound reproduction and audio fidelity in their music and media consumption.
• Great for Frequent Travelers, Commuters, and Office Use due to Noise Cancellation: The top-of-class noise cancellation, along with adaptive sound control, makes the WF-1000XM4 Earbuds a fantastic companion for travelers and commuters. They effectively block out unwanted ambient noise, creating a tranquil and immersive listening environment during flights, train rides, or busy commutes. Additionally, the noise-canceling function proves valuable in busy office settings, allowing users to focus and concentrate better amidst distractions.
• Suitable for Fitness Enthusiasts with IPX4 Water Resistance: The IPX4 water resistance rating ensures that the earbuds can withstand sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for fitness enthusiasts and those engaging in outdoor activities. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or simply working up a sweat, these earbuds offer reliable performance and durability during active pursuits.
• Users Who Prefer the Convenience of Touch Controls and Voice Assistants: The intuitive touch controls on the earbuds allow for easy and seamless management of various functions, providing a user-friendly experience. Moreover, with support for popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, users can enjoy hands-free control and access to a wide range of tasks and information.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds cater to a diverse range of preferences and lifestyles, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a premium and customizable audio solution tailored to their specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers about the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds:

Q1: Can I use the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds for phone calls?

A1: Yes, the earbuds are equipped with beamforming microphones and noise-sensing microphones, ensuring clear voice detection and improved call clarity even in noisy environments.

Q2: Are the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds water-resistant?

A2: Yes, these earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, providing protection against sweat and light splashes. They are suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Q3: How long does the battery last on the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds?

A3: With noise cancellation activated, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 16 hours, resulting in a total of 24 hours of listening time.

Q4: Can I customize the sound settings on the earbuds?

A4: Yes, you can customize the sound settings using the Sony Headphones Connect App, available for Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to adjust the EQ settings and control the Ambient Sound mode, tailoring the audio experience to your liking.

Q5: Do the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds support wireless charging?

A5: Yes, the earbuds’ charging case supports wireless charging using Qi technology. You can place the case on a compatible wireless charging pad for convenient and cable-free recharging.

Q6: Can I use voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with these earbuds?

A6: Absolutely, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds support voice assistant integration. You can easily access and control Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with voice commands.

Q7: Do the earbuds support multi-point connection?

A7: Yes, after a firmware update, the earbuds offer multi-point connection support. This allows you to connect the earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously, making it convenient to switch between devices without re-pairing.

Q8: Are the touch controls customizable?

A8: While the touch controls offer intuitive access to various functions like noise cancellation, track skipping, and volume adjustment, they are not fully customizable beyond the pre-set controls.

Final Thoughts

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are a remarkable addition to Sony’s lineup, offering an impressive array of features that cater to diverse user needs. These earbuds offer:

• Superior Sound Quality: The earbuds deliver premium, high-resolution wireless audio with exceptional low-frequency performance, creating an immersive and dynamic sound experience.
• Top-of-Class Noise Cancellation: The industry-leading noise cancellation, aided by innovative noise-isolation earbud tips, ensures a tranquil and distraction-free listening environment.
• Comfort and Fit: The ergonomic surface design and lightweight construction provide a secure and comfortable fit, while noise-isolation earbud tips enhance stability during extended wear.
• Convenient Touch Controls: Intuitive touch controls offer easy access to various functions, from noise cancellation to track skipping, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
• Voice Assistant Integration: With support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, users can effortlessly manage tasks and access information through simple voice commands.
• Versatile Use Cases: The earbuds are suitable for audiophiles seeking high-quality wireless audio, frequent travelers needing noise cancellation, fitness enthusiasts requiring water resistance, and those who value touch controls and voice assistants.
• Wireless Charging and Multi-Point Connection: The inclusion of wireless charging with Qi technology and multi-point connection support adds convenience and flexibility to charging and device pairing.

Overall Impressions:

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds excel in delivering an exceptional audio experience with top-tier sound quality and noise cancellation. The comfortable and stable fit ensures extended wearing comfort, making them ideal for various activities and environments. Additionally, the convenience of touch controls and voice assistant integration adds further value to the overall user experience.

While some users may desire longer battery life with the charging case and find the touch controls to be sensitive, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the earbuds’ impressive features and capabilities.

To sum it all up, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds stand out as a premium and versatile audio companion, catering to audiophiles, travellers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a top-tier true wireless earbud solution. With their rich sound, top-notch noise cancellation, and user-friendly features, these earbuds are an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and customizable listening journey.