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Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds hit the scene in 2021, and even now, years later, people still talk about them. They’re wireless, they block out noise, and they aim to make music or calls sound clear no matter where someone’s at. This isn’t about hyping them up; it’s about figuring out what they actually bring to the table. From the way they fit in ears to how long they last on a charge, this review digs into the details based on real testing and user experiences. With a new design and some tech upgrades over older models, they’ve got a lot going on. Here’s what stands out.

Design and Build

Sony didn’t just tweak the WF-1000XM4 from its predecessors; they started fresh. The result? Earbuds that look and feel different, for better or worse depending on who’s using them.

How They Look and Feel

These earbuds are rounder than the WF-1000XM3, sitting more inside the ear rather than sticking out. They’ve got a matte finish, which gives them a sleek, understated vibe, and come in black or silver. Each bud weighs about 7.3 grams, light enough that most folks won’t notice them after a while. The case is a big change too, shrinking down by 40 percent compared to the older model. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket without a hassle, and it’s got a magnetic lid that snaps shut nicely.

What’s in the Box

Inside the packaging, which is made from recycled paper and skips plastic, there’s the earbuds, a charging case, a USB-C cable, and three sizes of foam tips: small, medium, and large. The foam’s a mix of polyurethane, not quite silicone, not quite traditional foam, designed to fit snugly. Some paperwork comes along too, guiding users through setup, but it’s pretty straightforward.

Are They Tough Enough?

They’ve got an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat or a splash of water from any angle. That’s handy for workouts or a rainy walk, but they’re not built for swimming or heavy downpours. The case doesn’t share that rating, so it’s best kept dry.

Getting Them Set Up

Using the WF-1000XM4 isn’t rocket science, but there’s a bit to know to get them working smoothly.

Pairing with a Phone

To connect them the first time, pop the buds out of the case, stick them in your ears, and hold both touchpads for about six seconds. A voice will chime in, saying they’re in pairing mode. From there, a phone or tablet should spot them on the Bluetooth list. After that initial setup, they’ll automatically try to link up with a familiar device whenever they’re out of the case. They run on Bluetooth 5.2, which keeps things stable and might even save some battery if the phone supports it.

The App Makes a Difference

Sony’s Headphones Connect app is where a lot of the magic happens. It’s available for Android and iOS, and it lets users tweak settings like touch controls or sound balance. There’s also a fit test in the app: it plays a tone to check if the ear tips are sealing properly. If they’re not, it’ll suggest switching sizes. Android folks get a bonus with Fast Pair, which speeds up the connection and shows battery info right away. iOS users miss out on that perk, but pairing’s still simple enough.

Fitting Them Right

The foam tips need a little finesse. Roll them between your fingers to compress them, slide them into your ears, and hold for about 20 seconds while they expand. Done right, they stay put and block out sound. If they’re slipping or the bass feels weak, the app’s fit test can help figure out what’s off.

How They Handle Noise

One of the big draws of the WF-1000XM4 is how they deal with outside sounds. They’ve got tech to quiet things down, and it’s a mix of active and passive tricks.

Blocking Noise Without Trying

Even without turning anything on, the foam tips do a solid job of muffling noise. They seal up the ear canal, cutting down stuff like street chatter or office hum by about half or more. That alone makes a difference on a busy commute or in a noisy room.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Flip on the ANC, and it takes things further. Sony’s V1 processor powers it, targeting low rumbles like engine noise or air conditioning. Tests show it can make those sounds a quarter to a sixteenth as loud as they’d be otherwise. It’s not perfect for every frequency, higher-pitched stuff like voices still sneaks through a bit, but it’s strong enough for most daily situations. Compared to rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, it’s close, though some say Bose edges out slightly in the low-to-mid range.

Letting Sound In When You Want

Not everyone wants total silence. Tap the left bud to cycle through modes: ANC, off, or ambient sound. The ambient mode lets outside noise filter in, useful for hearing announcements or chatting without pulling the buds out. There’s also a “Speak-to-Chat” feature that kicks in when someone starts talking, it pauses the audio and switches to ambient mode. It’s handy, though it might take a second to trigger, and a cough or loud laugh can accidentally set it off.

Sound Quality Breakdown

The WF-1000XM4 aim to make music and calls sound clear and balanced. Here’s how they stack up.

What They Sound Like Out of the Box

Straight from the case, these earbuds lean into bass. The 6mm drivers, paired with the V1 processor, give low notes a noticeable boost, think punchy beats in hip-hop or a deep thrum in electronic tracks. Mids and highs are there too, but the bass can overshadow them a bit. For something like Massive Attack’s Angel, the low end feels textured and precise, though higher notes might sound quieter than expected. It’s a consumer-friendly sound, built for noisy environments where bass cuts through.

Tweaking the Sound

The Headphones Connect app has an equalizer to adjust things. Dialing down the bass and mids can bring out more detail in guitars or vocals. Take Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams, without tweaks, Stevie Nicks’ voice feels a touch hollow, and cymbals get muted. A quick adjustment fixes that, making it closer to what you’d hear on a home stereo. The app also has DSEE Extreme, which tries to upscale lower-quality files. It’s subtle, mostly noticeable on old MP3s, but won’t transform high-bitrate tracks.

High-Res Audio and Spatial Sound

For the audiophiles, these support LDAC, a codec that handles hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz over Bluetooth. It needs a compatible source and some Android settings tweaks to work, but it’s there for those who want it. There’s no aptX HD, though. They also do Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, a spatial sound format on services like Tidal or Deezer. It adds a surround effect, which can feel immersive if the track’s mixed for it.

Battery Life and Charging

Nobody wants earbuds that die mid-day. The WF-1000XM4 hold up pretty well here.

How Long They Last

With ANC and Bluetooth on, they run for about eight hours on a single charge. Turn ANC off, and that stretches to 12 hours. The case adds another 16 hours, totaling around 24 hours before needing a plug. Real-world tests, like a mix of commuting and desk time, show they easily last a day. A five-minute charge gives an hour of playtime, which is clutch for a quick top-up.

Charging Options

The case uses USB-C, so any standard cable works. It also supports wireless charging with a Qi pad, a first for this Sony line. Some phones can even share power with the case if they’ve got that feature. The app shows battery levels for both buds and case, pinging a reminder when the case dips below 30 percent.

Any Quirks?

Some users noticed one bud draining faster than the other, though a 2022 firmware update (1.6.1) aimed to fix that. It’s not a universal issue, and most folks won’t see a gap bigger than 30 minutes, which is normal for wireless buds.

Everyday Use

How do these fit into real life? Here’s a rundown of the practical stuff.

• Comfort Over Time: The foam tips and rounded shape make them comfy for hours. They don’t dig in, even for side sleepers, though some with smaller ears find them tricky to keep in. The IPX4 rating means they’re fine for a sweaty gym session, but the fit test is worth doing before anything intense to avoid slip-ups.

• Controls at Your Fingertips: Each bud has a touchpad. Out of the box, one tap on the left cycles noise modes, while the right handles play/pause. Two taps skip forward, three go back, and a long hold wakes the voice assistant. Pulling a bud out pauses audio automatically. The app lets users reassign these, like adding volume control, which isn’t default.

• Calls and Mic Performance: The mics use beam-forming and a bone conduction sensor to focus on voices. In quiet spots, calls sound clear. In wind or busy offices, background noise can creep in, but it’s still decent for earbuds. The “speak to detect” feature boosts the mic when someone talks, though it’s subtle.

Comparing to the Competition

The WF-1000XM4 aren’t alone in the wireless game. Here’s how they stack up.

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Learn More

Sony WF-1000XM5

The newer XM5s, out in 2023, are smaller, lighter, and tweak the sound and ANC further. The XM4 still hold their own if price matters.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The AirPods Pro 2 are a touch cheaper. They’re easier for iPhone users and quiet midrange noise better, but the XM4’s foam tips block more overall. Both are comfy and splash-resistant, though only Apple’s case is IPX4-rated too.

Other Options

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Stronger low-end ANC, but pricier and less battery life (six hours).

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Great low-frequency ANC, cheaper, with 360 Audio.

• Google Pixel Buds Pro: Solid ANC and smart features for Android.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick list based on real use:

What Works Well

1. Noise cancellation cuts low rumbles effectively.

2. Sound’s clear, especially with tweaks.

3. Eight-hour battery with ANC is solid.

4. Comfy fit for most, thanks to foam tips.

5. Splash resistance handles workouts.

What’s Tricky

1. Only three tip sizes, some need more options.

2. Bass-heavy default sound needs adjusting.

3. No aptX HD for hi-res fans.

4. Mic struggles in wind or loud spots.

5. Speak-to-Chat can misfire.

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Conclusion

So, what’s the final word on the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds? They’re a solid choice for anyone who wants wireless buds that can handle noise, deliver decent sound, and stick around all day without much fuss. Years after their 2021 debut, they still hold up, especially if someone catches them at a discount. The foam tips and long battery life make them practical for commutes or long listening sessions, while the app lets folks tweak them to fit their vibe. They’re not perfect, sure, fit can be tricky for some, and the mic isn’t flawless in windy spots, but they get the job done for most everyday scenarios.

For anyone weighing their options, these earbuds strike a balance between tech and real-world use. They’ve got enough going on to keep up with newer models like the XM5s or rivals from Bose and Apple, without feeling outdated. If someone’s after a pair that can block out the world and still sound good with a little adjustment, the WF-1000XM4s are worth a look. It’s all about what fits into their life, and these buds have a knack for fitting in pretty well.

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