Premium headphones are a major investment, so I believe it is important to look beyond marketing claims before making a purchase.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has remained one of the most talked-about wireless headphones for years, even as newer models have entered the market.
In this review, I take a close look at what it offers in everyday use and where it falls short.
My goal is to provide a clear, balanced assessment based on practical performance, helping you decide if this popular pair of headphones is still worth your money today.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy Sony WH-1000XM4?
Yes. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is still one of the best premium wireless headphones for most people. It delivers excellent sound quality, outstanding noise cancellation, strong battery life, and all-day comfort at a price that is often lower than newer flagship models.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 9.5/10 |
| Noise Cancellation | 9.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Battery Life | 9/10 |
| Call Quality | 7.5/10 |
| Features & App | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 |
| Overall Score | 9.1/10 |
Best For
- Travelers
- Commuters
- Remote workers
- Students
- Music lovers
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Rich, customizable sound
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Average microphone quality
- No water-resistance rating
- Touch controls can be inconsistent
Bottom Line: If you want premium noise-canceling headphones with a strong balance of features, comfort, and value, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remains an easy recommendation.
Sony WH-1000XM4 at a Glance
Before looking into the detailed review, here’s a quick overview of the Sony WH-1000XM4 and its key specifications. This table highlights the features that have helped these headphones remain a popular choice among buyers.
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|
| Headphone Type | Over-Ear Wireless |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 Hours (ANC On) |
| Fast Charging | Yes (10 min charge = up to 5 hours playback) |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes |
| Audio Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Weight | 254g (8.96 oz) |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Foldable Design | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Built-In Microphones | Yes |
| Companion App | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Water Resistance | No Official IP Rating |
| Launch Year | 2020 |
Sony WH-1000XM4 Performance Review
To understand how the Sony WH-1000XM4 performs beyond the specifications sheet, I evaluated it across the areas buyers care about most.
Design and Build Quality
The WH-1000XM4 uses a lightweight plastic construction that feels durable in daily use. During testing, the hinges remained secure, and the folding design made storage easy.
The matte finish also resisted fingerprints better than many competing headphones. While the materials are not luxurious, the overall build feels practical, sturdy, and travel-friendly.
Comfort: Can You Wear Them for Hours?
Comfort is one of the headphone’s strongest qualities. At 254 grams, the WH-1000XM4 feels light even during extended listening sessions.
The ear cushions provide a soft seal without excessive pressure. I found them comfortable during several-hour work sessions, and most users, including glasses wearers, should have few issues with long-term wear.
Sound Quality
Sony delivers a sound profile that balances strong bass with clear vocals and detailed instruments. Across music, podcasts, and video content, audio remained engaging without sounding overly colored.
Support for LDAC, Sony’s high-resolution wireless audio codec, is another advantage for compatible devices, allowing more audio data to be transmitted than standard Bluetooth codecs.
The built-in EQ provides further customization, helping users tailor the sound to their preferences. Overall, audio performance remains competitive with many newer premium wireless headphones.
While the WH-1000XM4 is designed primarily as a wireless headphone, enthusiasts who want to learn more about getting the most from audio equipment may also find it useful to understand how headphone amplifiers affect sound performance.
Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation remains excellent. During testing, it significantly reduced airplane noise, traffic sounds, office chatter, and HVAC noise.
Low-frequency sounds were particularly well controlled. While no ANC system creates complete silence, the WH-1000XM4 consistently produced a quieter listening environment that improved both focus and entertainment.
Transparency Mode and Everyday Awareness
Transparency mode allows outside sounds to pass through naturally when needed. Voices remain easy to hear, making conversations possible without removing the headphones.
Sony’s Quick Attention feature is especially useful, instantly lowering music volume when covering the right ear cup. These features make daily use more convenient and less disruptive.
Bluetooth Performance and Connectivity
Bluetooth performance was consistently reliable throughout testing. Connections remained stable across multiple devices with very few interruptions.
Multipoint pairing worked smoothly, allowing quick switching between a laptop and smartphone. Support for LDAC is another advantage for users seeking higher-quality wireless audio without sacrificing convenience.
Call Quality Test
Call quality is good enough for most users but not class-leading. Voices sounded clear during indoor calls, and background noise suppression performed reasonably well. However, microphone performance declined in windy environments.
For occasional meetings and personal calls, the WH-1000XM4 performs adequately, though dedicated remote workers may want stronger microphone quality.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life continues to be one of the WH-1000XM4’s biggest advantages. My experience closely matched Sony’s 30-hour claim with noise cancellation enabled.
Fast charging is equally impressive, providing several hours of playback from a brief charging session. For frequent travelers, battery anxiety is rarely an issue.
Sony Headphones Connect App
Sony’s companion app adds meaningful functionality beyond basic controls. Users can adjust EQ settings, customize noise cancellation, manage firmware updates, and enable smart features like Adaptive Sound Control.
The interface is easy to navigate, and the customization options help users tailor the listening experience to their preferences.
What Stands Out About the Sony WH-1000XM4
No headphone is perfect, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 is no exception. After extensive use, several strengths stood out, but there are also a few limitations buyers should consider before making a purchase.
What I Like About the Sony WH-1000XM4
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Rich, customizable sound quality
- Strong battery life with fast charging
- Reliable multipoint connectivity
- Foldable, travel-friendly design
What Could Be Better
- Microphone quality is only average
- No official water-resistance rating
- Touch controls can occasionally misread inputs
- Transparency mode is good but not class-leading
- Older model with fewer upgrades than newer competitors
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newest model in Sony’s flagship headphone lineup, but that does not automatically make the WH-1000XM4 obsolete. For many buyers, the decision comes down to whether the newer features justify the higher price. Here’s how the two models compare.
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2025 |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Improved ANC Performance |
| Sound Quality | Rich and Balanced | More Detailed and Refined |
| Design | Foldable | Foldable |
| Weight | 254g | 254g |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 Hours | Up to 30 Hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Faster Charging |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Call Quality | Good | Significantly Improved |
| Number of Microphones | 5 | 12 |
| Companion App | Sony Headphones Connect | Updated Sony Sound Connect |
| Travel Friendliness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Launch Price | Lower | Higher |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Very Good |
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want premium noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and great comfort at the best possible price.
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want Sony’s latest technology, stronger call quality, more advanced noise cancellation, and the best overall performance regardless of cost.
For most buyers in 2026, the WH-1000XM4 remains the better value, while the WH-1000XM6 is the better headphone overall.
Buyers comparing premium wireless headphones may also want to see how the WH-1000XM4 stacks up against the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, another popular option known for its long battery life and strong sound quality.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is still worth buying in 2026, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
While newer models like the WH-1000XM6 offer improvements in noise cancellation and call quality, the XM4 continues to deliver excellent sound, strong ANC, outstanding comfort, and long battery life.
For most listeners, the real-world experience remains highly competitive. Unless you specifically need the latest features, the WH-1000XM4 offers some of the best value in premium wireless headphones today.
Final Thoughts
Technology moves quickly, yet a few products manage to stay relevant long after the initial excitement fades.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has reached that point. It is no longer the newest option on the shelf, but it remains part of the conversation for a reason. That alone says a lot about its place in the market.
At the end of the day, the best headphone is the one that fits your needs and budget. If the WH-1000XM4 is on your list, compare your options carefully before making the final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 Good for Flying?
Yes. The WH-1000XM4 remains a popular choice for air travel because it helps reduce cabin noise and offers enough battery life for long flights. Its foldable design also makes it easy to pack in a carry-on bag.
How Long Can the Sony WH-1000XM4 Last Before Needing Replacement?
With proper care, many users report using the WH-1000XM4 for four to six years or longer. Battery performance may gradually decline over time, but the headphones are generally known for their durability.
Can the Sony WH-1000XM4 Connect to Two Devices at The Same Time?
Yes. The headphones support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing them to stay connected to two devices simultaneously. This makes it easier to switch between a phone and a computer without reconnecting.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 Suitable for Watching Movies?
Yes. The combination of clear audio, deep bass, and effective noise cancellation creates an immersive experience for movies and streaming content. Dialogue is generally easy to hear, even in noisy environments.
