Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Review

Name: Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Brand: Sony
Rating: 8.9 (1 reviews)

Noise cancellation is still industry-leading, but the clamping pressure gets noticeable during long wear.

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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones detail shot 1

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones detail shot 2

Performance94/100

Convenience88/100

Value78/100

8.9/10Excellent

Pros

Noise cancellation is a clear step up from competitors in this class
Pairs with up to 4 devices at once, and switching is one button press
Touch control response and accuracy are solid
Battery easily covers a full workweek of commuting without a recharge

Cons

Clamping pressure becomes noticeable during long sessions (especially for glasses wearers)
Plastic finish around the folding hinge feels a bit cheap for the price
Box only includes a USB-C to A cable — no 3.5mm cable included

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Key Specs

Form Factor	Over-ear / Foldable
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, 2-device multipoint (up to 4 registered via app)
Battery	Up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on
Weight	254g
Charging	USB-C, 10-min charge for 5 hours of playback
Warranty	1 year

Design & Finish

Matte black body with a gold logo accent gives it a classic look. The ear cups and headband are finished in synthetic leather that feels soft, and the folding hinge makes it easy to carry in a pouch. That said, the plastic around the hinge feels a bit light for this price point.

Sony WH-1000XM4 multi-device pairing — WH-1000XM4 | One button switches between up to 4 paired devices.

Setup & Usage

Pairing with the Sony Headphones Connect app unlocks detailed control over EQ, noise-cancellation strength, and touch control customization. Initial connection is standard Bluetooth pairing, nothing tricky. Enabling multipoint in the app made a real difference in daily use — I never missed a phone notification during a laptop call.

Performance / Real-World Testing

The noise cancellation I was most curious about exceeded expectations. Subway noise, office keyboard clatter, and cafe background hum were all noticeably reduced, with especially strong cancellation of low-frequency noise like subway rumble and airplane engines. The voice-isolation feature during calls also worked well enough that people on the other end commented that it sounded "quieter" around me.

Sony WH-1000XM4 worn during a call — WH-1000XM4 | One button switches between laptop and phone, even mid-call.

Comfort, Battery & Other Details

With noise cancellation on, the battery lasted a full 5-day commute week (about an hour round-trip daily) without needing a charge. That said, the clamping pressure during long wear is real. Glasses wearers may feel pressure on their temples after 3 hours, so if you're planning a 5+ hour flight, I'd recommend taking breaks.