If you’ve been hunting for top-tier wireless headphones, chances are you’ve come across the Sony WH-1000XM4. In this Sony WH-1000XM4 Review, we’ll break down why these headphones continue to impress audiophiles, commuters, and remote workers, even years after their release. But how well do they hold up in 2025? Let’s dive into the details to find out if they’re still worth your investment.
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Design & Comfort
The Sony WH-1000XM4 doesn’t stray far from the sleek and minimalistic design of its predecessor. With soft-touch matte plastic and subtle branding, the headphones exude understated elegance. Despite being lightweight at just 254 grams, the build feels solid and premium.
The soft, cushioned ear pads are designed to stay comfortable, even during extended periods of use. The headband is well-padded and doesn’t apply excessive pressure, making these headphones a perfect companion for long flights or workdays. The foldable design and included hard carrying case make storage and travel convenient.
Sound Quality
Sony engineered the WH-1000XM4 with high-quality audio components to deliver an impressive listening experience. The 40mm drivers deliver a rich, well-balanced sound profile. The bass is punchy yet controlled, mids are clear, and highs sparkle without sounding harsh.
The support for LDAC ensures high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, offering audiophile-level sound quality. Additionally, the Sony Headphones Connect App allows users to tweak EQ settings to match their personal preferences. Whether you’re a bass lover or a classical music enthusiast, these headphones can be tailored to suit your taste.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
A key highlight of the WH-1000XM4 is its exceptional noise-canceling capability, which remains among the best in its class. Thanks to Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology and the QN1 HD Noise Cancelling Processor, background noise is virtually eliminated.
From crowded trains to lively coffee shops, the adaptive noise cancellation adjusts seamlessly to block out surrounding sounds. Compared to competitors like the Bose QuietComfort 45 or Sennheiser Momentum 4, the WH-1000XM4 still holds its own, delivering an immersive audio experience without distractions.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery performance is another area where the WH-1000XM4 shines. You get up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge with ANC on. Disabling the noise-canceling feature can help extend the battery life even more.
A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback—perfect for last-minute top-ups before heading out. USB-C fast charging ensures that you’re never without your music for long.
Call Quality
The WH-1000XM4 offers solid call quality with its built-in microphones and Precise Voice Pickup technology. Noise suppression during calls ensures that your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments.
Although the call quality may not rival that of specialized office headsets, the WH-1000XM4 handles everyday conversations reliably and clearly.
Smart Features
Sony includes a range of intelligent features designed to improve everyday convenience and user interaction. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses playback when you start talking, and Adaptive Sound Control adjusts settings based on your activity, like walking, sitting, or commuting.
Multipoint connectivity lets you connect the headphones to two devices at once, so you can switch from watching a movie on your laptop to answering a call on your phone seamlessly. Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds hands-free control to your listening experience.
Comparison with Sony WH-1000XM5
Although the WH-1000XM5 followed the XM4, the earlier model still remains highly relevant and competitive. In fact, many users prefer the more compact and foldable design of the XM4 over the larger, non-foldable XM5.
While the XM5 offers slightly improved ANC and call quality, the differences are marginal for most users. Given the lower price point of the WH-1000XM4 in 2025, it often offers better value for money without significant compromises.
Pricing & Availability
As of 2025, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely available both online and in stores. Prices typically range between $250 and $300, depending on the retailer and ongoing promotions. Frequent discounts and bundle deals make this a fantastic time to purchase these premium headphones.
Want to Buy Sony WH-1000XM4? Know the Best price on Amazon.
Affiliate Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
- Comfortable for extended wear
- High-resolution sound with customizable EQ
- Multipoint connectivity and smart features
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than newer models
- Call quality could be better in very noisy environments
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4 continues to be a top contender in the premium headphone market in 2025. With outstanding ANC, impressive sound quality, and thoughtful smart features, it strikes a perfect balance between performance and price.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality pair of wireless headphones that deliver on every front, the WH-1000XM4 is still one of the best choices out there. No matter if you’re on the go, tackling tasks at home, or relaxing with music, these headphones consistently deliver a satisfying experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes. Despite newer releases, the WH-1000XM4 offers excellent performance, comfort, and value.
Q: Is it possible to connect the WH-1000XM4 to two devices at once?
A: Yes, the WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint connectivity, enabling seamless switching between two paired devices.
Q: Does it support high-resolution audio?
A: Absolutely. With LDAC support, it delivers high-res audio over Bluetooth.
Q: How durable is the WH-1000XM4?
A: The build quality is robust, and the included carrying case adds extra protection for travel.
Q: What’s included in the box?
A: You get the headphones, a hard carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, an audio cable for wired use, and an airline adapter.
