So close to perfect
SONY WF-1000XM4
It has taken almost two years but the long-awaited successor to the WF-1000XM3 is finally here. The WF1000XM4 are Sony's new flagship true wireless earbuds and the changes are numerous.
You can immediately tell from the moment you open the WF1000XM4's packaging that Sony has put a lot of thought into this product. The result of this new design is that they fit better than their predecessor. In the ears, they feel more snug and secure. Even when I'm running, they stay put. Sony says overall volume has been reduced by 10% but to me, it feels like a lot more.
Because of their snug fit, you still feel them in your ears and they don't quite disappear like the AirPods Pro do. I could wear them for around two to three hours before I feel like I need to give my ears a break – your mileage, of course, may vary.
The charging case charges via USB-C and supports wireless charging. It has been downsized too, to the tune of a whopping 40%. Most importantly, it fits comfortably in pockets.
The large circular panels on the earbuds are touch sensors. By default, the left sensor controls the active noise cancellation modes while the right sensor is used for playback controls. These touch sensors are one of the most responsive that I've used in a true wireless earbud. Inputs register cleanly and consistently so controlling the earbuds was a cinch.
For full control over the earbuds, you'll want to use Sony's Headphones app. It's not the prettiest app and it can be a little confusing for newcomers to find where certain settings are but it works well enough. One feature in the app worth highlighting is the one that helps you determine the best ear tips for your ears. It measures the seal, which is crucial for any in-ear headphone to sound right.
Inside the WF1000XM4 earbuds is the all-new Integrated Processor V1. Sony is quite vague on what exactly this new processor does, but it's supposed to deliver better noise cancelling performance while consuming less power. The setup also consists of two noisesensing microphones per earbud – one feed-forward and one feedback. This dual microphone setup is also used by Apple's AirPods Pro.
Noise cancelling performance is outstanding. It is hands down the most silent true wireless earbuds that I've ever experienced. I could barely hear the two fans that I have arrowed at me during the warm afternoons. So impressive is its