Sony WF-1000XM4 TWS Review: Is it Worth it

Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Earbuds priced at $218. We’ll delve into its design, audio quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), voice controls, and battery life. By the end, I’ll share my thoughts on is it worth it?

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Design and Comfort

Sony made a significant impact with the release of the previous model, the WF-1000XM3, which were wireless earbuds offering active noise cancellation, a feature often associated with larger over-ear headphones. Now, over a year later, we have the updated design and new features of the WF-1000XM4. However, it’s worth noting that these earbuds are not particularly compact, and some users may start to feel discomfort after extended use, especially during longer listening sessions.

Audio Quality

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds introduce a new driver unit that significantly enhances both power and frequency response. This improvement is achieved through a 20% increase in magnet volume and a more flexible diaphragm. The overall sound quality is exceptional, with support for Hi-Res audio via LDAC, delivering rich, balanced, and detailed audio with prominent mids and robust bass. These wireless earbuds offer impressive sound quality. Notably, they are the first wireless earbuds to support high-res wireless audio using Sony’s LDAC technology, and regular audio can also be upscaled to nearly high-res quality thanks to AI processing.

Noise Cancellation and Voice Controls

Powering these advancements is the new Sony V1 processor, which brings more power, better high-frequency noise correction, and increased efficiency by integrating both noise cancellation and Bluetooth audio into a single chip. The active noise cancellation is particularly impressive, given the earbuds’ form factor. Sony claims a 40% improvement compared to last year’s model, and I can attest to its effectiveness. The foam tips already provide good noise isolation, but with a single tap, the outside world fades away. Another tap on the left earbud switches from noise cancellation to ambient sound, allowing external audio to come through naturally without artificial amplification.

The WF-1000XM4 excels in voice clarity, thanks to a combination of bone conduction sensors and directional microphones aimed at your mouth, resulting in natural-sounding voices. A standout feature is speak to chat, where the earbuds detect your voice, pause your music, and switch from noise cancellation to ambient sound automatically completely hands-free. This feature is more reliable compared to competitors like the Galaxy Buds Pro. Additionally, voice assistants can be easily controlled with voice commands, making for a convenient and seamless experience.

Battery Life

The battery life has seen a notable improvement compared to the previous model. You now get a few extra hours of usage per charge, which can be quite significant if you need them to last throughout the day. Charging remains convenient, with the earbuds stored inside their charging case, which can be charged via USB-C. Moreover, the Sony WF-1000XM4 supports Qi wireless charging for added convenience. In terms of connectivity, it’s now even simpler to pair with Bluetooth, whether it’s your Android device or a Windows 10 PC.

Final Thought

In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds represent a clear upgrade over the previous model, which had already set a high standard for noise cancellation. While they share the typical earbud discomfort, they excel in nearly every other aspect. Surprisingly, they can compete favorably with full-sized over-ear wireless headphones, making them a worthy recommendation.

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Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone

considering the exceptional performance in audio quality, noise cancellation, and voice controls, alongside the improved battery life and convenient design features, the Sony WF-1000XM4 are highly recommended for those seeking premium wireless earbuds.

• Design

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• Audio Quality

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• Noise Cancellation

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• Battery Life

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