Sony Announces WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Earphones

Sony has announced its new wireless earphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4. According to the brand, these earphones should especially excel in noise canceling, intelligent control and calling functions.

Sony WF-1000XM4

The completely wireless Sony WF-1000XM4 succeeds the WF-1000XM3 from 2019 with a different appearance, many improvements and also a number of new possibilities that we know from the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.

New design

First of all, the design of the earphones has changed. Compared to the predecessor, Sony has managed to save about 10% in volume and you can immediately see that in the images below of both. According to Sony, the design of the WF-1000XM4 is designed in such a way that they provide a higher wearing comfort and more stability in the ear. Therefore, they must fit every type of ear.

Users can also find the right fit using the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app asks for some simple measurements and helps users find the ideal size of earplugs.

Even clearer sound and less noise

Sony has a reputation to uphold when it comes to noise cancellation and these earphones also have to take another step forward in this area. To this end, the Japanese manufacturer has developed a new processor that surpasses the noise-canceling performance of its predecessor and yet consumes less energy. That processor also provides a better Bluetooth connection.

In addition, the WF-1000XM4 features upgraded microphones with a dual sound sensor and a new 6mm audio driver with 20% greater volume. The microphones, drivers and also the new foam earplugs should improve the noise cancellation. Sony claims that even on windy days, optimal sound quality and noise cancellation are maintained. The Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode detects when the wind is blowing and automatically suppresses the noise.

The WF-1000XM4 lasts up to 8 hours with noise canceling turned on and in 5 minutes they are charged for 60 minutes of music listening. There is also a case that functions as a charger.

Sound quality and battery life

The WF-1000XM4 supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless. LDAC transfers about three times as much data as conventional Bluetooth audio, at the maximum speed of 990 kbps. The audio quality almost equals the quality of a wired connection.

The call quality has also been taken care of. Thanks to the Precise Voice Pickup technology, the earphones pick up the voice more accurately so that the user is clearly understood under all circumstances.

Smart Features

Sony has incorporated a number of functions of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones into the earphones:

• Speak-to-Chat: The 1000XM4 automatically recognizes your voice. Then when you start talking, the music stops and background noise is allowed in. This comes in handy if you want to order a cup of coffee while listening to music or ask someone for directions at the station. You can easily have short conversations without having to take off the headphones.
• Quick Attention Mode: You can automatically pause music by placing your hand on the right earcup.
• Adaptive Sound Control: This stands for on-site noise canceling. This automatically adjusts ambient sound based on your preferences and location. You could then turn on the noise cancellation at work, while the function is turned off at home.
• Instant pause and play: When removing the earplugs, the music stops automatically thanks to a sensor that detects when one or both earplugs are worn. As soon as the earphones are worn again, the music will automatically continue. This also helps to save battery.

The WF-1000XM4 supports Google’s Fast Pair function as well as the voice assistants Google Assistant and Alexa. The packaging has been made more sustainable by not using plastic and the earphones receive an IPX4 certificate for sweat resistance.

Buy Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 will be available from June in the colors black and silver for 280 euros. The WF-1000XM3 received a suggested retail price of 249 euros.