Where Powerful Audio Meets Everyday Comfort.
Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds were premium noise cancelling, rich-sounding headphones, and compact enough to not take up a ton of space. Here are some reasons why they continue to be attractive—and some questions you should ask before you buy.
It’s not easy to find a pair of wireless earbuds that sound great, block out ambient noise, and are easy to wear and use throughout the day! The Sony WF-1000XM4 came as a high-end model focused on those attributes. They also had active noise cancellation, high-quality audio and a companion app with loads of features making them a popular choice for users looking for something more than just Bluetooth earbuds.
They’re not the latest in the Sony line-up any more and the focus now isn’t so much on whether or not they were impressive, but if they have what you’re looking for and if age is a factor when you go shopping.
1. Quality feel and style is achieved in a compact design
The WF-1000XM4 do not have a long stem; they have a rounded and simple design. The earbuds fit tightly and the charging case fits in a pocket or a regular bag. They have a more subdued appearance than glossy alternatives, thanks to their textured finish.
Fit is personal, however. The supplied polyurethane foam tips aid in forming a seal; however, it may be necessary to allow some ears time to adapt to their shape. A good fit is important for comfort and bass response and noise isolation.
2. Warm, rich tone for general listening
Sony dialed up these earbuds with rich, active sound, pleasant bass and crisp audio. Podcasts and spoken-word pieces are easy to follow, and pop, electronica (including film scores) can be lively. For those who want a different balance, the Sony Headphones Connect app provides equalizer settings to fine-tune the sound to their liking.
The Bluetooth performance and codec support will vary depending on the device connected. If it is specifically for listeners who want to use Sony’s LDAC high-resolution wireless audio feature, they should check this compatibility.
3. Noise cancelling to concentrate
One of the most prominent aspects of the WF-1000XM4 is its active noise cancellation feature. It can lower background noise in a steady stream of sound—like a train or an air conditioner or even an airplane cabin—but still allow music and podcasts to be heard at a lower volume. It does not make the world completely silent and sudden noises or sharp sounds may be heard.
Ambient Sound mode allows for some outside sound when you want to be aware of your surroundings. The control feature of this app gives user inputs for balancing isolation and awareness, which comes in handy during commute times, at work and while walking.
Quick tip: Test out the various ear-tip sizes and if available, use the app’s noise-canceling or fit check settings. Quality seal can be the difference in sound and isolation.
4. Calls and smart features
The earbuds also have a number of features that make them easier to use, such as touch controls, voice assistant compatibility, and features based on usage. Speak-to-Chat will stop playback when it recognizes that you have spoken, and multipoint will assist users in switching between two connected devices.
Microphone performance is fine in most cases, but in windy, traffic-heavy or overcrowded settings, call quality may be affected. For calls, check the latest models and internet reviews of various microphones before making a decision.
5. Battery life and charging is another thing
Sony’s claims up to eight hours of listening time with noise cancellation turned on, with extra hours from the case. Actual results depend on volume, settings, codec and call usage and battery state. The case is also compatible with wireless charging, so if you have a compatible charging pad, you can use it for convenience.
The WF-1000XM4 is an older model and battery health is important to watch closely when purchasing a used, refurbished or long-stored unit. A high-quality pair that used to run for a long time might no longer have the same runtime due to battery aging.
6. App controls and personalisation
The companion app consolidates its main features: ambient sound controls, adaptive listening, device settings and software updates if available, and equalizer settings. This is helpful for individuals who prefer to hear their audio setup the way they would like and not just one predefined sound setting.
Certain settings and features are dependent on the phone, operating system or software version. Before buying, consult the current compatibility details and app support for your device.
7. What we enjoy – and what to remember
Their rich, customizable audio, active noise cancellation, handy ambient listening modes, wireless charging case, and comprehensive companion app make them a great choice for daily use, commuting and traveling.
But, it might not fit all ears and the battery can have lost some of its strength in older equipment. The earbuds might also be too cumbersome for some users and the newer versions may be better for calls and more convenient. Their value is somewhat dependent on the price set in comparison with newer options.
8. Do they still make a worthwhile purchase?
If you locate a pair with a good eye for value and price and don’t care about the latest gizmos and fuss, the WF-1000XM4 is still worth considering for you. They don’t sound as interesting at a similar cost to newer high-dollar earbuds, particularly if battery life, mic quality, or lifelong software support is a priority for you.
Before you purchase, ask about the return policy, check case and charging contacts, try both earbuds, test the battery and ensure that it’s authentic. When buying second hand, ask for the date of purchase and if the original accessories have been included.
Our verdict
The Sony WF-1000XM4 got its reputation for delivering immersive listening, powerful noise cancelling and intelligent software settings all packed into a small, true-wireless design. Those fundamentals are still appealing. Fit and battery age are the key concerns today, and the value of newer competitors.
Best for: listeners that require robust noise cancellation and customisable sound, and have the ability to find a trustworthy pair at a decent price. Before choosing a model, research current options when selecting the call features you need the latest or when you are looking for the longest battery life.
