Sony WH-1000XM4
Benchmark ANC headphones offering excellent noise cancellation, warm sound signature, and all-day comfort. A high-value premium choice.
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Our Take on Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as one of the top performers in the headphones category for 2026. As a flagship option, it represents the pinnacle of headphone technology, targeting users who want the absolute best regardless of price. Its standout strength is its top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
Market positioning: The Sony WH-1000XM4 sits at the top of the headphones market, representing the pinnacle of what's available in 2026. This offers cutting-edge technology and premium build quality that justifies its higher price point for enthusiasts and professionals.
Real-world use: Whether you're commuting, working from home, or enjoying music in a quiet space, this model adapts to your lifestyle. The 4.5/5 rating reflects genuine user feedback from real-world usage.
Competitive edge: The combination of sound quality, comfort, and build sets this apart from competitors at similar price points. That said, potential buyers should consider that no official IP water resistance rating. Additionally, microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore.
Best For
Enthusiasts and power users who demand the best headphone experience and don't mind paying a premium for cutting-edge technology.
Consider Alternatives If
No official IP water resistance rating, or if microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore.
Who Should Buy Sony WH-1000XM4?
Not every product is right for every buyer. Here's how the Sony WH-1000XM4 matches different user profiles:
Quality Seekers
Great fitHigh ratings and flagship positioning mean you're getting top-tier performance and reliability.
Budget Shoppers
Look elsewherePremium pricing means better value exists at lower tiers if budget is tight.
Power Users
Great fitFlagship specs and proven performance handle demanding workloads with ease.
First-Time Buyers
ConsiderPremium pricing might be overkill if you're still learning what you need.
Key specifications
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired)
5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor)
Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off)
N/A (Not TWS)
USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback)
Yes (2 devices)
No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode)
Yes (3.5 mm)
No IP Rating
254 g (8.96 oz)
Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom)
Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio
What These Specs Mean For You
Numbers don't tell the whole story. Here's what the Sony WH-1000XM4's specifications actually mean in daily use:
ANC
•Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)Key specActive noise cancellation blocks external sounds for immersive listening.
Connectivity
•Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFCBluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC connectivity determines how you'll connect—Bluetooth 5.0+ means better range and stability.
Form Factor
•Over-ear (closed-back)Form Factor of Over-ear (closed-back) for this headphones.
Bluetooth Version
•Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth Version of Bluetooth 5.0 for this headphones.
Codecs
•SBC, AAC, LDACCodecs of SBC, AAC, LDAC for this headphones.
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
Compare with similar options
See how Sony WH-1000XM4 stacks up against other headphones we track.
vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
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vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
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vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
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vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
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The Bottom Line: Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 earns our strong recommendation for 2026. Key strengths include its top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and excellent folding design (more portable than XM5). As a flagship headphone, it represents the best the category has to offer, though at a premium price point.
Final verdict: With a 4.5/5 rating, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is an excellent pick. If it fits your budget and needs, it's hard to go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is worth it if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). With a 4.5/5 rating, it stands out in the headphones category. However, consider that no official ip water resistance rating. Check our detailed verdict above.
+ What are the main specs of Sony WH-1000XM4?
Key specifications include: Form Factor: Over-ear (closed-back), Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC, Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.0, Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC. See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.
+ Where is the best place to buy Sony WH-1000XM4?
For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.
+ What are the pros and cons of Sony WH-1000XM4?
Pros: Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC); Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5); Multi-device pairing works seamlessly. Cons: No official IP water resistance rating; Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore. See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.
+ How does Sony WH-1000XM4 compare to alternatives?
We have 28+ detailed comparisons with similar headphones. Popular matchups include Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Check the comparison section above.
+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?
Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.
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