Sony WH-1000XM4
{ "review_sentences": [ "O cancelamento de ruído adaptativo líder da indústria e o driver dinâmico de 40mm proporcionam 30 horas de bateria com ANC ativo, além de carregamento rápido de 10 minutos para 5 horas de reprodução.", "O modo Quick Attention e os controles por toque facilitam conversas rápidas, enquanto o Bluetooth 5.0 multiponto mantém conexão estável com dois dispositivos simultaneamente.", "É ideal para profissionais que buscam foco em escritórios abertos ou viajantes frequentes que precisam de imersão sonora durante longos deslocamentos." ] }
Sobre este Headphones
About Sony WH-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM4.ONLY MUSIC.NOTHING ELSE.Sony’s intelligent industry-leading noise canceling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear. Industry-Leading Noise Cancelation.Industry-leading noise cancellation technology means you hear every word, note, and tune with incredible clarity, no matter your environment. These noise canceling headphones feature additional microphones that assist in isolating sound for a reduction of even more high and mid frequency sounds. The Technology That Makes It Happen.Dual noise sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 then applies noise-canceling processing in real time to a range of acoustic environments. Working together with a new Bluetooth® Audio SoC (System on Chip), it senses and adjusts to music and noise signals, as well as acoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears, at over 700 times per second.
Optimizing Noise Canceling.To maximize noise-canceling performance, the WH-1000XM4 headphones incorporate two technologies: Personal Noise-Canceling Optimizer, designed specifically for you, and Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, designed specifically for air travel. Ambient Sound Control.Adjust ambient sound with the Sony | Headphones Connect app to cancel noise while still allowing essential sounds, like overhead announcements, through when you're listening on the move.
Wireless Freedom, Premium Sound.LDAC transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps) than conventional BLUETOOTH® audio, allowing you to enjoy High-Resolution Audio content in exceptional quality, as close as possible to that of a dedicated wired connection. Sound You Can Believe In.A built-in analog amplifier integrated in the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 realizes an unmatched signal-to-noise ratio for low distortion and exceptional sound quality for portable devices. Powerful 1.57" drivers, with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, make the headphones perfect for handling heavy beats and can reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz.
Real-Time Restoration Of All Your Compressed Files.Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence) co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, DSEE Extreme™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. Dynamically recognizing instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, it restores the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience
Smart Listening Technology To Enhance Your Listening.The WH-1000XM4 headphones use an array of smart technologies to create a seamless, hands-free listening experience. For example, simply start speaking to automatically pause your music in Speak-to-Chat, or enjoy adaptive playback thanks to the proximity sensor and two acceleration sensors that detect whether your headphones are being worn or not. For Everyday Convenience, Just Speak-to-Chat.As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically stops the music and lets in ambient sound so you can conduct a conversation—handy if you want to keep your headphones on, or your hands are full. Based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, this smart feature uses five microphones built into your headphones and advanced audio signal processing to recognize and react to your voice. And once your chat is over, your music starts playing again automatically. Traveling.Lose yourself in your journey, with no background noise to interrupt your favorite tracks.
Waiting.Hear important announcements while you wait without noticing other background noise. Learns Your Favorite Locations.Over time, Adaptive Sound Control learns to recognize locations that you frequently visit, such as your workplace, the gym, or a favorite café, and tailors sound to suit the situation.
Headphones That React To You.Proximity sensor and two acceleration sensors in your headphones can detect whether you're wearing them or not, then adapt playback accordingly to help save battery power. Pause The Music.Take off your headphones and the music pauses automatically.
Resume Playing.Put the headphones back on and the music automatically resumes. Quick Attention.Need to quickly hear voices or sounds around you? Just place your hand over the housing to instantly turn your music volume down and let ambient sound in.
Wear All Day In Total Comfort.WH-1000XM4 headphones blend sophisticated style with exceptional comfort. Super-soft, pressure-relieving ear pads in foamed urethane evenly distribute pressure and increase ear/pad contact for a stable fit. And with a lighter-weight design, you'll barely notice you're wearing them.
All Day Power & Quick Charging.With a huge 30 hours of battery life, you'll have enough power even for long trips. And if you need to top up in a hurry, you can get 5 hours' worth of charge after just 10 minutes with the optional AC adapter
Be Smarter With Voice Assistant.Manage your day, just by asking your assistant. Enjoy entertainment, connect with friends, get information, listen to music and notifications, set reminders, and more.
Clearer Hands-Free Calling.Conversation flows freely with easy, hands-free calling. Leave your phone where it is, just speak with a double tap. Thanks to Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing, WH-1000XM4 delivers clearer voice quality to the other person on the phone.
Control At Your Fingertips.Change the track, turn the volume up or down, and take or make calls just by tapping or swiping the panel. Sony | Headphones Connect App.With the Sony | Headphones Connect app, Ambient Sound Control lets you adjust the volume of background sound and gives you the option to allow voices alone to be heard. Meanwhile the Equalizer lets you customize sound levels to suit your music.
Swivel Foldable Structure.The ear cups swivel inwards so they pack up neatly in a compact case.
Carry Case With Cable.The supplied carrying case is durable and includes a cable for wired listening. So Immersive. So Real.Immerse yourself in sound all around you. As real as if you are there at a live concert or with the artist recording in a studio. With 360 Reality Audio, music has never been so immersive and so real. These headphones let you enjoy 360 Reality Audio
After meticulous engineering, Sony presents the WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones in a sleek silver finish, setting a new benchmark for audio performance and noise cancellation. These headphones are the epitome of Sony's intelligent, industry-leading technology, designed to immerse you in a world of unparalleled sound quality.The WH-1000XM4 headphones boast advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, utilizing Sony's Dual Noise Sensor technology to deliver a virtually soundproof experience. Whether you're in a bustling city center, on a noisy flight, or in a busy office, these headphones filter out unwanted noise, allowing you to focus on your music, podcasts, or calls.Experience premium sound that's tailored to your environment with the Adaptive Sound Control, a smart function that detects your activity and adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. The headphones also feature DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring high-range sound lost in compression and producing a richer, more complete listening experience.The WH-1000XM4 headphones offer an impressive 30 hours of battery life, ensuring you have enough power for long trips or extended listening sessions. And if you're in a hurry, the quick charging feature provides up to 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, so you're never without your music for long.Sony's headphones are also equipped with an enhanced Smart Listening feature set, which includes Speak-to-Chat technology. This innovative feature automatically pauses your audio when you start a conversation, allowing you to engage in discussions without removing your headphones. Once your chat is over, your music resumes playing, ensuring a seamless audio experience.For hands-free convenience, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are integrated with precise voice pickup technology, which combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing to deliver clearer voice quality during calls. Additionally, these headphones are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, offering a voice-controlled experience for users who require quick information, music playback, and more without the need to reach for their devices.Crafted with comfort in mind, the WH-1000XM4 headphones feature a lightweight design with super-soft, pressure-relieving earpads that provide long-lasting comfort and a secure fit. The touch sensor controls allow for easy navigation of tracks and volume, as well as the activation of your voice assistant or making hands-free calls.In summary, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones are a perfect blend of sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional sound quality, making them an ideal choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike who demand the best in noise-cancelling capabilities and audio fidelity.Sony WH-1000XM4 FeaturesIndustry-leading noise cancellationThe technology behind the noise cancellationOptimizing noise cancellingAmbient Sound ControlSound you can believe inWireless freedom, premium soundReal-time restoration of all your compressed filesAdaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts to your location and behaviorFor everyday convenience, just Speak-to-ChatHeadphones that react to youWear all day in total comfortQuick AttentionAll day power and quick chargingClearer hands-free callingBe smarter with Voice AssistantControl at your fingertipsMultipoint connectionSony | Headphones Connect appSwivel foldable structureCarry case with cableWarranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 12 months for parts and 3 months for labor.https://www.sony.com/electronics800-942-7669
CNET Editors' Rating
5 out of 5 stars.
Regular discounted, Sony's flagship ANC headphone remains hard to beat if you're looking for a premium noise-canceling headphone.
Like Excellent sound and top-notch noise cancelingSlightly more comfortableImproved voice callingPairs with two devices at the same timeSpeak-to-Chat modeUpgraded Bluetooth system-on-chipGood battery life
Don't like It's expensiveLooks virtually the same as the previous model
9.1 OVERALL The overall rating is 9.1 out of 10.
Editor's choice
Aug 2020
Product Information provided by the Manufacturer
Try Audible FreeWith the purchase of this product, you’ll unlock a 3-month complimentary trial of Audible Premium Plus, featuring unlimited streaming of thousands of titles in the entire Audible Plus Catalog.*Terms and conditions apply
Industry-leading Digital Noise CancellationHear every word, note, and tune with incredible clarity, no matter your environment. These headphones feature additional microphones that assist in isolating sound while talking on the phone, resulting in improved phone call quality and the reduction of even more high and mid frequency sounds.1
Engineering better noise cancellationDual Noise Sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 then applies noise cancelling processing in real time to a range of environments.
“Sony | Headphones Connect” App for Android /iOSControl your ambient sound settings and adjust the sound levels with the Equalizer.2
All-day power with quick chargingUp to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback).3
Seamless multiple-device pairingThe WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time.5
Carry case with cable The supplied carry case is durable and includes a cable for wired listening.
“Sony | Headphones Connect” App for Android /iOSControl your ambient sound settings and adjust the sound levels with the Equalizer.2
All-day power with quick chargingUp to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback).3
Seamless multiple-device pairingThe WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time.5
Carry case with cable The supplied carry case is durable and includes a cable for wired listening.
“Sony | Headphones Connect” App for Android /iOSControl your ambient sound settings and adjust the sound levels with the Equalizer.2
FootnotesAs of March 2020. Ambient noise reduction according to research by Sony Corp., measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines for headband style wireless noise cancelling headphones.Requires download of Sony | Headphones Connect app for iPhone from the App Store or for Android from Google Play. User must link compatible devices in order to control operation. Subject to app terms and conditions.Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage.Voice assist function compatible with Android smartphone (Google App) or IPhone (Siri). Bluetooth® Connection RequiredInteroperability and compatibility among Bluetooth® devices vary. For optimal experience, software update recommended.
Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Sell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesImmerse yourself with these Sony wireless headphones featuring industry-leading noise cancellation.Experience superior sound quality with a 1.57" driver, perfect for audiophiles on the move.Enjoy all-day comfort with the ergonomic, over-ear design of these silver Sony headphones.Stay connected seamlessly with Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection up to 30 feet.The long-lasting battery provides up to 30 hours of wireless music with noise canceling on.Use touch sensor to control music & volume. Also features Quick Attention mode for conversations.What's in the box:Sony WH-1000XM4 HeadphonesUSB Type-C Cable (20cm)Audio Cable (Color Variation / 1.2m)Carrying Case (Color Variation)In-Flight AdapterSony 1 Year Limited WarrantyArticles & VideosGive The Sound of Sony5 Best Headphones for Video EditingBest Headphones for Music in 2022
- Immerse yourself with these Sony wireless headphones featuring industry-leading noise cancellation.
- Experience superior sound quality with a 1.57" driver, perfect for audiophiles on the move.
- Enjoy all-day comfort with the ergonomic, over-ear design of these silver Sony headphones.
- Stay connected seamlessly with Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection up to 30 feet.
- The long-lasting battery provides up to 30 hours of wireless music with noise canceling on.
- Use touch sensor to control music & volume. Also features Quick Attention mode for conversations.
The 30-Second Version
Sony's WH-1000XM4 remains a noise-cancelling beast that still beats most newer headphones at silencing the world. Sound quality with LDAC is excellent, and at the low end of its price range ($224), it's an absolute steal. Comfort is where it stumbles, so long stretches might hurt. If you want the best ANC for the least cash, buy these, but if you wear headphones all day, consider a Bose instead.
Overview
Sony's WH-1000XM4 are the kind of headphones that somehow refuse to get old. They first dropped in 2020, and yet here we are, still talking about them like they're fresh competition. The reason is simple: the noise cancellation is still among the absolute best you can buy, and the sound quality is right up there with it. These are the headphones you grab when you want the world to disappear, whether you're crammed into a middle seat or just trying to focus in a noisy open office. They fold up small, last 30 hours with ANC on, and support LDAC for high-res Bluetooth streaming, a combo that few competitors nail even today.
But not everything has aged so gracefully. The build, while functional, feels a bit plasticky next to newer flagships like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, and comfort is a noticeable step back from Bose's plush offerings. We're talking 254 grams of clamping force that some ears simply don't get along with after an hour or two. This split personality, top-shelf tech in a so-so physical package, is exactly why the XM4 remains both incredibly popular and occasionally controversial. In our database, comfort lands at a middling 51st percentile, meaning it's fine for many but a dealbreaker for others.
Given that prices swing wildly from $224 to $430 across vendors, the XM4 occupies a weird, wonderful niche. At full MSRP, you'd probably look elsewhere. But at that low end, you're getting class-leading ANC and excellent wireless audio for less than half the cost of some rivals. For travelers, commuters, and anyone who values silence above all, these still make a ton of sense. Just be honest about how much you value long-wearing comfort before clicking buy.
Performance
The noise cancellation is what put the XM4 on the map, and it remains a standout. We've measured ANC performance against dozens of over-ear headphones, and this thing sits at the 98th percentile. That's not just good; it's best-in-class stuff, silencing everything from subway rumble to office chatter with an ease that still makes Bose a little envious. The adaptive mode adjusts automatically based on your activity, which works well enough, though the constant switching can be annoying if you're pacing around while on a call. The transparency mode is decent but not as natural-sounding as what you get with the AirPods Max or Bose QC Ultra; it's serviceable, not life-changing.
Sound quality on the XM4 is another bright spot. With LDAC support and a pair of 40mm drivers that Sony tunes to perfection, music comes through detailed, punchy, and full of life. Our sound tests put these at the 97th percentile, right near the top of the wireless heap. Bass is deep without bleeding into the mids, and the overall clarity can surprise you, especially with high-res tracks. Now, out of the box, the default tuning leans a bit bass-heavy, which some find exciting and others feel is unnatural. The companion app's EQ fixes that well, so it's not a true flaw, just a preference. The only real caveat is that you won't get LDAC on an iPhone (it's AAC only), so Apple users are leaving some performance on the table, even if they'll still enjoy very good sound.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ANC still near-perfect, drowning out background noise better than almost anything else 98th
- LDAC and Hi-Res support push wireless audio quality into impressive territory 97th
- 30-hour battery life with quick-charge (10 min for 5 hours) handles long trips easily 96th
- Multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect two devices and switch without fumbling 94th
- Fold-flat design and included case make them a breeze to toss in a bag
Cons
- Comfort is hit-or-miss; clamping force and weight can cause fatigue after an hour
- Build quality feels less premium than rivals, with plastic that picks up scuffs
- Microphone quality still struggles in windy conditions, just middle-of-the-pack
- No IP rating, so sweat and rain are a real risk
- Transparency mode sounds a bit processed compared to newer flagships
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | foamed urethane |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Freq Min | 4 |
| Freq Max | 40000 |
| Impedance | 47 |
| Sensitivity | 105 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
| ANC Type | adaptive |
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | Yes |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 1.2 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 30 |
| Charge Time | 3 |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 5 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
| Boom Mic | No |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | Sony | Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | No |
Value & Pricing
Pricing for the XM4 is chaotic, but in a good way if you shop smart. The spread across vendors runs from $224 to $430, which means patient buyers can grab these at a steep discount. At that bottom end, they're an obscene value. You're paying half the price of a brand new Bose QC Ultra or B&W Px7 S3 for ANC and sound that, in many ways, still matches or beats them. Even at the typical sale price around $280-$300, it's hard to argue with the package you're getting.
If you're comparing to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which often hovers around $350, the Sony holds its own on ANC while handing you an extra $70-$130 in your pocket. The trade-off is comfort and battery life, where the Sennheiser pulls ahead. For anyone who prioritizes silence and sound over all-day plushness, the XM4's value proposition is tough to beat, especially if you find one of those sub-$250 deals. Just check which store has the best price before you hit checkout; the $206 gap between vendors is real, and the cheapest option sometimes comes from a seller you might not expect.
vs Competition
Stack the XM4 against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and you're choosing between comfort and ANC purity. Bose finally closed the noise-cancelling gap with their latest model, but the Sony still edges ahead at canceling out low-end hums like engine drone. The QC Ultra is lighter, far more comfortable for long sessions, and adds spatial audio gimmicks, but lacks LDAC and costs a good bit more. If you're on back-to-back Zoom calls all day, go Bose. If you want the quietest flight possible, Sony wins.
Against the Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Sony shows its age in battery life and call quality. The Momentum 4 delivers a ridiculous 60 hours of playback, while the XM4 gives you half that, still plenty but not show-off territory. Sennheiser's mic array also outshines Sony's, making it better for phone calls. But here's the kicker: the XM4's ANC is still more effective, and its sound, while not objectively better, has a more universally pleasing warm signature. The B&W Px7 S3 is another contender with a stunning build and a more refined soundstage, but its ANC can't compete, and you'll pay a premium for that luxury feel. The Technics EAH-A800 is a closer match on ANC but is bulkier and less pocket-friendly, while the JBL Live 770NC is a fine budget option that simply can't touch the Sony's overall polish.
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra | Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 | JBL Live 770NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | PEEK/Polyurethane 3-Layer Diaphragm | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 42 | 40 | - | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 47 | 470 | - | 32 | 34 | 32 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | 30 | 60 | 30 | 24 | 50 | 65 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | 97.7 | 87 | 77.1 | 96.9 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 95.5 | 93.6 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 97.6 | 89.3 | 79.5 | 99 | 79 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare | 97.7 | 99.4 | 95.9 | 99.4 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 97.5 | 98.8 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 87.5 | 78.6 | 95.9 | 47.9 | 69.3 | 79.5 | 99.4 | 93.6 |
| Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 Compare | 92.5 | 98.3 | 77.1 | 96.9 | 83.8 | 50.8 | 93.1 | 98.8 |
| JBL Live 770NC Compare | 97.7 | 78.6 | 97.3 | 85.1 | 91.7 | 50.8 | 100 | 98.8 |
Common Questions
Q: How do these compare to Bose for noise canceling?
In our testing, the Sony WH-1000XM4 edges out Bose for pure noise suppression, especially with low-frequency sounds like airplane engines. Bose's latest QuietComfort Ultra is very close, but Sony's adaptive ANC still digs deeper in the sub-bass range. However, Bose wins on comfort and transparency mode naturalness, so it depends on what you value more.
Q: Can I use these with an iPhone?
Absolutely. The XM4 work over standard AAC Bluetooth, which iPhones support natively, and they sound great. You won't get LDAC's higher bitrate (that's Android only), but the audio performance is still among the best you'll find in wireless headphones for iOS. All controls and the app work just fine on both platforms.
Q: Does the battery really last 30 hours with ANC on?
Based on real-world use and our own testing, you can bank on close to that figure. With noise canceling active, expect between 28 and 30 hours depending on volume. Turn ANC off, and that climbs to around 38 hours. The quick-charge feature is no gimmick either; 10 minutes plugged in genuinely gives you about 5 hours of playback, which is a lifesaver before a long flight.
Q: Can I use them wired if the battery dies?
Yes, the included 3.5mm cable gives you a passive wired mode. Note that the headphones need power for active noise cancellation, so wired without battery means you're getting just the raw driver sound, no ANC and no DSP. Still, it's handy for in-flight entertainment systems or if you're completely out of juice.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the XM4 if comfort is your number one priority. The 51st percentile score in our database reflects a real split: some people find these wearable for hours, but many don't. If you're at a desk all day or you have a larger head, the clamping force and slightly shallow ear cups can turn into a headache. Instead, grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which is significantly more plush and forgettable on your head, or the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which is roomier and has better padding.
Also look elsewhere if you take tons of calls in noisy environments. The microphone array here is adequate, but it's not exceptional; the Momentum 4 and even the Technics EAH-A800 deliver clearer voice pickup. And if you're rough on gear, the lack of any water resistance means sweat and a drizzle are real concerns, so check out sports-focused options like the JBL Live 770NC, which, while not premium, can handle a bit more life.
Verdict
If you spend more time in airports and train stations than at a desk, the WH-1000XM4 remains a near-perfect travel companion. The ANC is still the real deal, sound quality is rich enough to make you forget you're listening wirelessly, and the folding design means they vanish into a carry-on. At the discounted prices they often sit at, there's no better noise-cancelling headphone for the money. Snatch one up, and you'll be shocked how much joy a 2020 headphone can still bring on a 2024 flight.
But if your daily grind involves wearing headphones for six straight hours while jumping between calls, the comfort equation changes things. That clamping pressure and the ear pads' tendency to heat up after a while are genuine issues for all-day users. In that case, we'd steer you toward the Bose QC Ultra, which cossets your ears like a pillow, or the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which adds superior voice call quality and battery life. The XM4 is still a legend, but legends aren't always the most comfortable seat in the house.
