Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Review
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are packed with smart features, but our testing shows their core performance can't compete with newer models. Here's who should still buy them.
The 30-Second Version
A feature-rich classic that's been outpaced. The noise cancellation and battery life are just average now, and the sound is okay. Worth it only on a steep sale. Look at newer models for better performance.
Overview
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the classic noise-cancelling headphones. They've been around for a while, and for good reason. The feature set is packed, from Speak-to-Chat to multipoint Bluetooth, and they just work.
But our data shows they're starting to show their age. The battery life and noise cancellation scores land in the bottom half of the pack now. They're still a solid pair, but they're no longer the undisputed king.
Performance
The sound is decent, landing in the 25th percentile, which means it's fine for most casual listening but audiophiles might want more. The noise cancellation is okay at the 31st percentile, but newer models block more sound. The real weak spot is the battery, sitting in the 8th percentile. 30 hours used to be great, but now it's just average, and the quick charge is a must-have feature because of it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Feature-packed with smart controls like Speak-to-Chat. 98th
- Multipoint Bluetooth works seamlessly with two devices. 95th
- Comfortable enough for long listening sessions. 93th
- Quick charge gives you 5 hours from a 10-minute plug-in.
Cons
- Battery life is now below average for the price. 13th
- Noise cancellation can't compete with newer models.
- Sound quality is just okay, not amazing.
- Build quality feels a bit plasticky for nearly $300.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
Audio
| Impedance | 48 |
| Codecs | Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4 |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Alexa |
Value & Pricing
At $280, it's a tough sell. You're paying for a legacy name and a complete feature set, but the core performance metrics—sound, ANC, battery—are all mid-pack or worse. If you find these on a deep sale, under $200, they become much more interesting. At full price, you're arguably buying last-gen tech.
vs Competition
Stacked up, the newer Sony WH-1000XM6 is the obvious upgrade, with better ANC, sound, and battery. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus often beats it on sound for less money. Even the JBL Tune 770NC offers similar core features for almost half the price. The XM4's main advantage is its polished ecosystem of smart features, which competitors are still catching up on.
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Momentum Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Noise-Canceling Wireless | Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 Bowers & Wilkins - Px7 S2 Wireless Active Noise | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless | Bose QuietComfort Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 40 | 42 | 40 | 40 | - |
| Impedance Ohms | 48 | 16 | 470 | 33 | 24 | - |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 20 | 60 | 30 | 35 | 24 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling | 40.4 | 92.6 | 48.1 | 42.1 | 13 | 38.1 | 94.9 | 97.9 |
| Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back Compare | 94.4 | 99.1 | 99.8 | 98.2 | 93.6 | 72.9 | 98.7 | 99 |
| Sennheiser Momentum Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Compare | 99.5 | 99.3 | 48.1 | 99 | 98.3 | 72.9 | 98.5 | 89.3 |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Over Ear Compare | 94.4 | 92.6 | 99.9 | 93.8 | 94.1 | 67.9 | 93.3 | 94.3 |
| Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Compare | 87.7 | 99.3 | 98.3 | 99.4 | 94.6 | 91.6 | 96.7 | 74.9 |
| Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active Noise-Canceling Compare | 87.7 | 92.6 | 48.1 | 88.2 | 94.4 | 91.6 | 98.1 | 89.3 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the noise cancellation still good?
It's fine, but not class-leading anymore. Our data puts it in the 31st percentile, meaning many newer headphones block more background sound effectively.
Q: How is the call quality for work meetings?
It's decent for the price. The mic scores in the 58th percentile, so it's better than many but not the best. For critical calls, a dedicated mic is still better.
Q: Are they comfortable for all-day wear?
Comfort scores in the 38th percentile, which is average. They're fine for a few hours, but some users find the clamp force or ear cup depth gets tiring over a full workday.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you need top-tier battery life or the absolute best noise cancellation. Our scores show those are weak areas. Also, if you're an audiophile chasing perfect sound, the 25th percentile score means you should look at Sennheiser or even the newer Sony XM6 instead.
Verdict
Buy these only if you find a killer discount and value smart features over raw performance. They're perfect for someone who wants all the bells and whistles—multipoint, Speak-to-Chat, adaptive sound—and doesn't need the absolute best noise cancellation or battery life. For everyone else, there are better-performing options now.