Cancelling out the competition with Sony’s WF-1000XM4

by Cameron - Wolverhampton Sony Centre

Sony has always had some serious competition when it comes to wireless earphones, but the range still manages to come out on top each year. In many ways, the WF-1000XM4 is no different - the features on them truly set them apart from rival buds.

The specification on the 1000X range has always been top notch, and this year’s just gets even better. From LDAC and Hi-Res Audio (you hear every detail with its extended frequency range) to the outstanding, robust build quality that we all expect from these premium earphones, the WF-1000XM4 truly is an outstanding product.

Let’s start off with the sound quality. There has been a large improvement to the bass response over Sony’s last generation earphones. It has a far more detailed lower end, which is important for genres like rock and R&B where you expect a rich bass line. On the other end of the sound spectrum, vocals are exceptionally clear thanks to the new 6mm drivers, which offer a crisp, sharp top end without sounding harsh.

The active noise cancellation on these earphones remains industry-leading. From the WF-1000X to the latest WF-1000XM4, Sony has undoubtedly conquered this field. The new ANC Integrated Processor V1 has been improved over last generation’s QN1e, blocking out even more consistent noise and a wider range of frequencies. Finally, you can relax to your music without any interruption or distractions!

Commuting? Let’s say you are waiting for a train. With ambient noise control, you can block out all the annoying engine sounds and background conversations, until your train’s announcement is called out – at which point, the WF-1000XM4 will automatically turn down your music and funnel the announcement straight to your ears, so you never miss the important information when you need it. Brilliant.

Battery life on the WF-1000XM4 has been upgraded over its predecessor. They now last up to 8 hours on a single charge, meaning you can fly to New York’s JFK from London Heathrow, without having to charge halfway through the journey! You also have another two charges left in the case after that. It’s also quick charge enabled, so you get a whole hour of listening time, from just five minutes in the charging case (which also features Qi wireless charging technology).

It doesn’t stop there - they still have more to offer, including IPX4 certification - meaning they are water and sweat resistant, so no more worrying during those heavy gym sessions or getting caught in the rain. The more ergonomic design allows for a more comfortable fit with a more secure hold, whilst polyurethane memory foam tips are included in the box (in three different sizes) so you can easily find the right size for you.

Given the WF-1000XM4’s superb performance during our tests, we think their 5 star reviews from both What HIFI and Trusted Reviews are truly deserved, and look forward to spending more time with Sony’s latest sonic marvel! Visit the product page to buy your very own set of WF-1000XM4.