Consider the user experience of TWS earbuds: when removed and the charging case isn’t immediately available, do they conveniently pair together magnetically? Do they automatically pause playback and remain readily accessible? Are connections established rapidly – almost instantaneously? Does the charging case incorporate a subtle detent to secure the lid for easy retrieval? The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes.
This captures the essence of the Sony WF-1000XM4. Thoughtful design choices subtly enhance the overall user experience. With a refined design and consistently impressive performance, these true wireless in-ear headphones offer a genuinely enjoyable experience. And this is before delving into noise cancellation or sound quality.
However, there are two minor drawbacks worth noting. These aren’t critical flaws, but given the near-perfection of the WF-1000XM4, they warrant mention.
Sony WF-1000XM4 – The Overall Impression
We recently reviewed the WF’s sibling, the WH-1000XM4, here at Senses (a potentially confusingly similar name for a very different product). While not a direct comparison, certain aspects offer insightful points of reference.
Battery performance is excellent. Expect eight hours of playback, with the charging case providing two full additional charges. While 24 hours overall is respectable, the rapid charging capability ensures ample power availability. A brief five-minute charge yields approximately two hours of additional use. The charging case supports both wireless and USB-C charging and features a more compact design than its predecessor. A discreet LED indicator provides battery status, displaying green or orange. The lid securely locks in the open position, and the earbuds are held in place magnetically.
Three sizes of silicone ear tips are included. The fit is secure, and the lightweight design ensures comfortable extended wear.
Each earbud incorporates touch controls, configurable for volume adjustment, listening mode selection, and playback management.
Three Playback Modes
Let’s begin with the noise cancellation mode. Our review of the Sony WH-1000XM4 highlighted its exceptional noise cancellation capabilities, creating an almost disorienting level of silence. The WF-1000XM4, as expected, doesn’t quite reach the same level. Over-ear headphones inherently have an advantage due to their encompassing design and less sensitivity to precise fit.
Does it achieve complete silence? Not entirely. Certain frequencies still permeate, and the response isn’t fast enough to fully attenuate percussive sounds. However, it delivers exceptional comfort. Low frequencies are effectively eliminated, while ambient sounds are subtly present, providing awareness without distraction, resulting in excellent isolation. Furthermore, it avoids the pressure sensation sometimes experienced with the WH-1000XM4, although a slight pressure in the ear canal might be perceptible.
The “ambient sound” or “transparency” mode performs particularly well on the WF-1000XM4, surpassing the WH-1000XM4 in this regard. The transparency mode effectively blends environmental sound with noise reduction. Low frequencies are suppressed, while surrounding sounds are amplified. This is ideal for scenarios like driving, where distracting noises like road and engine sounds are minimized, while critical environmental cues remain audible. It’s worth noting that this mode often imparts a subtle background ambience reminiscent of a cafe or restaurant. This can be a welcome effect when transitioning from complete noise cancellation.
The OFF mode deactivates all active features, operating the earbuds passively. This may be desirable if a break from noise reduction is preferred. However, in our experience, it has rarely been necessary.
Sound Quality – Sony WF-1000XM4
In short, the WF-1000XM4 excels in this critical area. It delivers exceptional sound quality across a variety of music genres. The audio is natural and balanced, with no frequencies appearing weak or recessed. Unlike the WH-1000XM4, noise reduction does not noticeably impact the sonic fidelity. Armin Van Buuren’s Beautiful Life delivers an engaging rhythm, and Michael McCann’s Watchtower captivates with its immersive soundscape. Detail retrieval is excellent, ensuring every nuance is audible.
Admittedly, in terms of pure audiophile-grade sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 falls slightly short of the WH-1000XM4’s capabilities. The physics of audio reproduction dictate that 6 mm drivers will likely not match the performance of 40 mm drivers. However, the difference is less significant than one might expect.
An Annoying Detail – But It’s (Probably) Mostly About Software.
The size and sensitivity of the touch controls can be somewhat problematic. Accidental activation is common when inserting the earbuds, requiring repeated adjustments. Environmental factors can also trigger unintended actions. During a walk, a snowflake inadvertently activated the Ambience mode, and a subsequent flake paused playback.
The second concern relates primarily to software. Sony’s companion app, which manages various settings and features, requires improvement. When using both earbuds, removing one for charging will halt playback if it’s the designated control unit. Reactivation must then occur from the source device.
Furthermore, it’s necessary to remember which earbud was initially removed, as it retains control. Moving a short distance away from the source device with the controlling earbud can disrupt the connection and cause audio interruptions. The app’s charging status notifications can also be excessive. A pop-up window repeatedly displays the charge levels of both earbuds and the case, but only when not actively charging. Once connected to power, charge status information is unavailable until an earbud is removed.
Sony WF-1000XM4 – Summary
The Sony WF-1000XM4 approaches perfection. Its sound quality, functionality, and comfort are top-tier. While not inexpensive, the overall value justifies the cost. We maintain that products must excel in all areas to merit the highest rating, and in this case, we have deliberately chosen not to penalize the WF-1000XM4 for a less-than-ideal app (software has not historically been Sony’s forte). With improvements to the software, these earbuds would be nearly flawless. The touch controls are a minor inconvenience, but easily overlooked. Even if the touch area is relatively large.
Sony provided test units for this review. The senders of materials have no editorial influence on our reviews.
- Playlist for testing
- Thomas Bergersen – Empire of Angels
- Seven Lions – Freesol
- Solar Fields – Sombrero
- Hans Zimmer – Buyer Beware
- Agnes Obel – Familiär
- Alan Jackson – Drive
- Dave Weckl – Dis´Place This
- Von Dinkelmeyer – Countach 1988
- Michael McCann – Watchtower
- Armin van Buuren – Beautiful Life
- Dawn Upshaw – Lorsque Vous N’Aurez Rien A Faire (from Cherubin)
