Sony WF-1000XM4 Review: A True Wireless Champion With LDAC Support
Sony is a name synonymous with high-quality audio, and the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earphones are a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries. These earphones boast flagship-grade sound quality, impressive active noise cancellation, and a host of features, all packed into a compact and stylish design. But are they the best true wireless earphones on the market? Let’s dive in and find out.
Exploring The Specs And Features of the Sony WF-1000XM4
These earphones are designed for premium listening, with a focus on sound quality and noise cancellation. One of the most significant features is the Sony V1 integrated processor, which powers their impressive active noise cancellation and LDAC Bluetooth codec support for enhanced audio quality.
While the Sony WF-1000XM4 are slightly smaller than their predecessors, the XM3, they remain larger than many more affordable options. This size is a testament to the technology packed inside, with silicone ear tips providing a secure fit. Comfort and stability are crucial for any earphones, and the XM4 perform quite well in this regard. However, I found that the earpieces did tend to move around slightly during vigorous activities.
The build quality of the earpieces is excellent. They feature a plastic construction with a premium finish, and a small metal accent on each side houses one of the outer microphones. Each earpiece contains a total of three microphones: two external microphones for capturing ambient noise and one internal microphone for ANC. The rounded outer surface of the earpieces is touch-sensitive, allowing for customizable controls, while proximity sensors on the inside detect when the earphones are placed in your ears and automatically start/pause the music.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are IPX4 rated for water resistance, which means you can comfortably wear them in a light drizzle or sweat during exercise. The charging case is equally stylish and durable, matching the color and texture of the earpieces, and features a USB Type-C port for charging and support for Qi wireless charging.
The companion app, Sony Headphones Connect, is a comprehensive tool that allows for a high degree of customization. Through the app, users can:
- Configure touch controls to their liking.
- Adjust equalizer settings to personalize sound profiles.
- Adjust 360 Reality Audio settings for an immersive audio experience.
- Control speak-to-chat functionality for automatic pauses when you start a conversation.
- Toggle DSEE audio mode for improving audio quality.
- Manage voice assistant preferences for seamless integration with your digital assistant.
- Set auto power-off to conserve battery life.
- Prioritize sound quality or connection stability depending on your needs.
- Receive firmware updates to ensure optimal performance.
A Listening Experience Elevated by LDAC Codec Support
One of the highlights of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is its support for the LDAC Bluetooth codec. This codec is a rare find in true wireless earphones and allows for a higher data transfer rate over Bluetooth, enabling more detailed and nuanced sound with high-resolution audio files. This capability is especially significant when paired with Android smartphones, resulting in a noticeable improvement in audio quality compared to using the more common AAC codec.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 offer a well-tuned sonic signature, catering to the listening preferences of most everyday consumers. The bass response is tight and impactful, especially noticeable on tracks with a strong emphasis on low frequencies. This emphasis on the lows isn’t at the cost of detail. The treble response is clear and sharp, revealing subtle nuances and intricacies in the music.
I tested the WF-1000XM4 with a variety of music genres, including dubstep, electronic, and classical. Regardless of the genre, the earphones consistently delivered a rich and immersive listening experience.
Active noise cancellation on the Sony WF-1000XM4 is particularly impressive. The tight seal of the ear tips provides effective noise isolation, and the ANC technology effectively reduces ambient noise, particularly wind noise and the hum of the urban environment. This makes the XM4 a great option for commuting, traveling, or focusing on your work in a busy environment.
In addition to the excellent noise cancellation, the hear-through mode allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, providing a natural and balanced sound. However, the hear-through mode on the WF-1000XM4 doesn’t quite match the clarity of the Apple AirPods Pro.
The speak-to-chat feature is responsive to even soft speech, pausing the music and allowing you to have a conversation. While this feature is convenient, I found that its high sensitivity can be a bit annoying when singing along to your favorite tracks.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 also perform well for phone calls and audiobooks. The microphone quality is clear and balanced, ensuring that you can understand and be understood, even in moderately noisy environments.
Connectivity is stable and consistent, even with the LDAC codec enabled.
Battery Life That Will Power Your Listening Habits
The battery life of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is decent, although not exceptional. I was able to use the earphones for approximately six hours on a single charge (with mixed use – music, audiobooks, and calls), with ANC usually enabled. This is slightly less than Sony’s claim of eight hours. The charging case provides two full charges, resulting in a total battery life of approximately 18 hours per charge cycle. The case can be fully charged using a 10W charger in about 90 minutes, while wireless charging takes longer.
Conclusion: A High-Performance True Wireless Champion
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are a true wireless headset designed for audio enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation. The support for the LDAC codec sets them apart, especially for Android users, delivering a remarkable audio experience.
The impressive active noise cancellation, functional app, and useful features like speak-to-chat, Quick Attention mode, and voice assistant support add significant value, making these earphones a worthy contender in the premium true wireless market.
However, if you are an iPhone user, the Apple AirPods Pro might be a more suitable option due to their better connectivity and ANC, and comparable sound quality with the AAC codec.
Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM4 offers a high-performance listening experience, excellent noise cancellation, and a comprehensive suite of features. If you’re in the market for a premium true wireless headset and are willing to pay a premium price, the WF-1000XM4 are a worthy investment.
