Sony WH1000XM4 Headphones Review
The Sony WH1000XM4 is the latest installment in a line of excellent wireless headphones.
When it comes to the design, Sony has retained its sleek and comfortable design, making a few subtle alterations to perfect it. The aesthetic is similar to its predecessor, the WH1000XM3, with a minimalist approach. The foam cushioning for the headband and ear cups makes it exceptionally comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The sound quality of the XM4s is as impressive as ever. Sony’s signature bass-centric sound is predominant here. The low ends are strong without overpowering the detail in the treble. This is particularly useful when listening to a bass-heavy song – the other instruments are not entirely drowned out by the bass line. The mids are nice and warm, creating a well-rounded sound overall.
The XM4s also have wonderful active noise cancellation. Sony has done an exceptional job of making sure that when you put these headphones on, you’re immersed in your music and nearly oblivious to your surroundings.
The headphones are full of handy features as well. The “Speak-to-Chat” feature automatically pauses the music when you start speaking, and resume playing when you stop. A more old-school but equally welcome feature is the Quick Attention, which allows you to listen to your surroundings or any announcements just by putting your hand over the right earcup.
The headphone’s battery life is fantastic as well, offering 30 hours of playback time with noise cancelling turned on, and 38 hours with it off. This means they will easily last you a full day’s worth of listening on a single charge.
The XM4’s come with Android/iOS apps which can enhance your user experience. The app offers a graphic equalizer with presets and two slots for custom presets, allowing you to tweak and tailor your audio to your liking.
There are a few downsides to the XM4s. The headphones can be paired only to one device at a time, which could be a barrier if you’re someone who likes to switch often between a phone and a computer. Another minor complaint is related to the Call Quality. While it’s not poor, the calls don’t sound as crisp and clear compared to some competitors.
Overall, the Sony WH1000XM4 emerges as an exceptional piece of kit for any music lover. They’re loaded with features, deliver top-notch audio quality and boast a long battery life. Despite a few minor drawbacks, they retain their position as one of the best noise cancelling, over-ear headphones out there.
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