Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 at Best Buy – $ 350
These headphones are highly anticipated as it has been two years since the WH-1000XM3 came out. We gave the WH-1000XM4 a score of 94, as Sony fixed the minor issues with the previous cans while adding new features, but it also did not provide what made the WH-1000XM3 so great in the first place. The WH-1000XM4 has a similar design as the previous models, although now the headphones have a matte finish, a slimmed downband cushion and larger earcups. These design adjustments now not only make the WH-1000XM4 look a bit more luxurious than the previous model, but they also make it even more comfortable to wear for long stretches of time. And you will be able to do this – the WH-1000XM4 lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full working day value.
The most important new feature is connection to multiple devices, allowing you to pair the WH-1000XM4 with two devices at the same time, switching between them at the same time. The WH-1000XM3 does not have this feature and it is a welcome addition here that makes the WH-1000XM4 more versatile and flexible. Sony has also added value detection and Speak-to-Chat features that pause playback when you remove the headset and when it detects that you are talking. The former feature is a bit more reliable than the last one (you have to raise your voice a bit for the WH-1000XM4 to catch what you’re talking about), but they both work well enough to add to the premium nature of these headphones.
The WH-1000XM4 has a similar stellar sound quality and active sound cancellation as the WH-1000XM3 and the companion mobile app allows you to adjust audio settings such as EQ. Small tweaks like updating the QN1 sound-canceling chip algorithm for improved efficiency and improving the digital sound-processing chops elevate the WH-1000XM4 from great to superb. What’s more, the WH-1000XM4 has the same launch price ($ 350) that the WH-1000XM3 did when it first came out. Although expensive, that is in line with most competing wireless ANC headphones. If you are in the market for a new pair and money is not an object, then the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the wireless headphones available.
