Pros & Cons
- Outstanding value at current street prices
- Noise cancelling still competes with much newer headphones
- Folds compactly for travel
- LDAC and multipoint support
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Bass-heavy default tuning (adjustable with EQ)
- Older Bluetooth 5.0 chip, no LE Audio
- Call quality trails newer models in wind
- No USB-C audio or water resistance
Design and Comfort
The WH-1000XM4 set the template that many rivals still follow: lightweight at 254 g, soft synthetic leather pads, a gentle clamp, and a hinge that folds into a compact case. Owners consistently rate it among the most comfortable headphones they've owned, and its build has proven durable over years of use — the most common long-term complaint is headband cushion wear, which is replaceable.
Touch controls on the right ear cup handle playback and volume, and Speak-to-Chat pauses your music automatically when you start talking.
Sound Quality
The XM4's default sound is warm and bass-forward. Published measurements show a clear boost in the bass and lower mids, with a slightly relaxed treble. That makes it fun and energetic for pop, hip-hop and electronic music, and forgiving of poorly mastered tracks. Listeners who prefer a neutral sound can bring the bass down with the five-band EQ in the Sony app.
Android users with LDAC get noticeably more detail; on iPhone, AAC still sounds very good.
Noise Cancellation
Years after launch, the XM4's noise cancelling remains excellent. It handles low-frequency drone — planes, trains, air conditioning — extremely well. Newer flagships, including the XM6, cancel more mid-frequency noise like voices, but the XM4 is still strong enough for daily commuting and long flights.
Battery and Connectivity
Thirty hours with ANC on is still competitive, and fast charging is genuinely useful. Bluetooth 5.0 is older but stable, multipoint works well, and LDAC is supported. There's no LE Audio, and some features have been superseded by newer models.
Who Should Buy the WH-1000XM4
- Value hunters who want flagship-level ANC without the flagship price.
- Bass lovers who enjoy a warm, punchy sound.
- Travelers who need a folding design.
Want the newest tech? See the Sony WH-1000XM6. On a tighter budget? The Sony WH-CH720N delivers Sony ANC for under $100.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is proof that a great headphone doesn't stop being great when its successor arrives. At its current price, it's one of the smartest buys in noise cancelling — fun-sounding, comfortable, packed with features, and still very effective at shutting out the world.
AI Score Breakdown
Rating based on published attenuation measurements and owner reports, scored relative to every model we cover.
Tuning profile estimated from published measurements, shown against a Harman-style reference target.
Full Specifications
| Specification | WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|
| Driver | 40mm dome |
| Battery life | 30h with ANC on / 38h with ANC off |
| Noise cancelling | Excellent (ANC score 90/100) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Weight | 254 g |
| Frequency response | 4Hz – 40kHz |
| Multipoint | ✓ Yes — 2 devices |
| Foldable | ✓ Yes |
| Water resistance | None |
| Release year | 2020 |
| MSRP | $349.99 |