[IMAGE WEB URL: https://www.sony.com/content/dam/sony/en/electronics/headband/images/WF-1000XM4/b-01-wf1000xm4.jpg]
Rating: 9.5/10
Review:
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is considered by many audiophiles as one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, bringing a balance of top-tier sound quality, a host of innovative features, seamless wireless connectivity, and superior comfort. That’s why I’ve given it a high score of 9.5/10.
In terms of sound quality, the WH-1000XM4 exhibits a superior mix of balance and clarity that makes any musical genre sound fantastic. The bass is punchy yet not overwhelming, the highs are bright without being piercing, and the mids are lusciously clear. It’s an immersive audio experience that allows you to delve into the heart of your favorite music.
The noise-canceling feature on this pair of headphones is impressively advanced. Sony’s dedicated QN1 noise-canceling processor dramatically reduces ambient noise such as chatter, traffic, and plane engines, making these headphones absolutely perfect for commuting or long travels. There’s also an Ambient Sound Control setting, allowing you to adjust the background noise you want to let in, a nifty feature when you’re walking on a busy street or waiting for a boarding call.
Aside from the laudable sound and noise-canceling tech, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is also jammed with useful features that enhance ease of use and functionality. It has Sony’s ‘Speak-to-Chat’ feature which pauses audio playback when you start a conversation – a pretty practical real-world application. The headphones also detect if you’re wearing them, pausing the music when you remove them, and restarting once you put them back on.
The design and aesthetic of the WH-1000XM4 also deserve some praise. The headphones look creamy with trimmed-down ear cups and a slimmed-down headband, bringing a sleek and minimalistic vibe. They are comfortable to wear, even in long durations due to the plush ear cups and well-padded headband. However, the touch controls might need some getting used-to, especially for those new to touch-based headphone controls.
Battery life is another strong selling point. It boasts about 30 hours of playback time on a single full charge, meaning you could cover a whole day, night, and more without resorting to the charging cable. The fast charge feature giving approx five hours of playback for a mere 10-min charge is also a lifesaver in certain situations.
The only slight downsides are a lack of water or sweat resistance, meaning these aren’t ideal for hardcore workouts or to wear in the rain, and the relatively high price tag. However, considering the sound quality, noise cancellation tech, and other high-end features, the price is justified.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are compellingly premium, delivers exceptional sound quality, excellent noise-cancellation ability, and stellar battery life. Whether you’re an audiophile, an average commuter, or a frequent flyer, these headphones offer great value for the investment.
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