Sony WH1000XM4: Painfully Honest Review

[@DaneJacobsonMD]

I'm still using the XM3 and I freaking love them. If you're patient you can usually find them on sale. I am pretty certain I got mine for 199 USD in 2018. I know the fit won't be the same for everybody but I have worn them for multiple 16+ hour flights and they make the travel soooo much better. Definitely no problem making the entire flight with the battery life. Headphones are so particular to the consumer, but for me these are the best travel-friendly, wear-while-doing-household-tasks headphones I have. In fact, I am using them right now. For Hi-Fi, sit-at-the-computer headphones, I would go with something else.

[@ErnestissesErnestoFerreira]

What else?

[@GailLavelle]

can I use 1000xm4 with my TV?

[@stephaneboulay5827]

I got them used on amazon in february to have something better than my airpods and i really enjoy the difference. They do a perfect job for my needs. Good review 👍🏼

[@jacoblinderman7856]

I don’t know how you’ve had them for over a year when they dropped in August 2020 but okay

[@Co-gg2rr]

Since he’s a reviewer he might have gotten them early

[@noahbuscuse5243]

People make mistakes sometimes, I think the review itself is what matters. Also have a great day lmao im curious if he really had it for a year

[@peterlustig8917]

Mkbhd be jealous

[@dengtianshuo]

That’s why it’s called “painfully honest” reviews

[@Tushar_Talwar_09]

Ahaa emphasis on painful

[@ELJefeReviews]

I had to EQ mine to get more vocal clarity from them. Overall they are excellent and the app support is very good. An easy recommendation especially when they land under $300 with discounts.

[@ronalddelpozzo9026]

The Sony WH-CH- 910N is an adequate 2nd choice, you can pick them up sometimes for around $150

[@zowo6604]

Does it have good bass compared to Sony MDRXB950BT/B

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

Whatd eq?

[@darknightmike10yearsago]

@@zowo6604 No. It does not. I have both headphones. My dad has these and I had the MDRXB950BT/B and then I accidentally broke it so my dad let me borrow the WH1000XM4. It sounds like the drums are weirdly isolated.

[@tonifasth]

WH1000-XM3 user for several years here. Love everything about them! Can imagine how much better the XM4 are with its improved hardware.

[@faethe000]

Had mine for a few months, one of the best things I ever bought.

[@Walter-_-_White]

So should I get it

[@ssmile6239]

@@Walter-_-_White i just ordered mine, i'll tell you in 2 days

[@amitmaddheshiya4419]

@@ssmile6239 3 days now.

[@chaikagaz]

I own the xm3 and i dont see a big difference.

[@r32juan]

@@chaikagaz the big difference is having multiple devices connected at the same time, apart from that they are very similar

[@dianna4829]

Just bought mine today and love them.

[@ishanvats6289]

Had Mark 3's for couple years now and they are just awesome❤️❤️❤️. Have worn them continuously on several short & long haul flights with little or no break, the comfort & the 30 hour ANC playback makes it possible. The only thing lacking in XM3 was call quality, because the same microphones were being used for ANC as well as call mic, which Sony claims has been fixed in Mark 4 by adding an internal feedback mic. Will definitely upgrade to Mark 4 soon.

[@_symmetry_]

Absolutely agree. To be honest I haven't been able to find any flaw about these headphones. They are truly great, their value is just insane. I did not manage to find them on sale though, at the time I bought them they had just been in for a couple of weeks, but I love them so much that I would have paid much more for them and still would be totally satisfied.

[@johnyksf]

Wanna find a flaw. Connect them to Samsung TV.

[@_symmetry_]

@@johnyksf Thank you for your feedback. What exactly happens when you hook them to a Samsung TV? I'm curious. Unfortunately we only own a couple of Bravia TVs and a couple of cheap 65" TCL in the basement, but Samsung TVs are amongst the best in the world, I wonder what could be wrong with them? Honestly with all the Apple and Windows computers in the house we have I've never heard of any hickups from anyone about any of the 3 pairs of the XM4s (and 2 old pairs of XM3s as well) we own. Everyone is perfectly happy with those incredible Sony headphones for every purpose they could fill.. Anyway, I am really interested to know what could go wrong with those Samsung TVs honestly, let me know, we were about to buy an 85" for our bedroom, maybe we should not based on your experience, as we are huge lovers of Sony headphones to get into our experience.

[@zyourmumisnice9658]

@@_symmetry_everything is fine until you connect them to a Samsung tv

[@corneliussmith5875]

These were my first pair of headphones I've got over 300 and all I can say is I still use them now. They have been a delight and fulfill my needs. The duel pairing is also nice.

[@nicolaslajoierestrepo8176]

How long have you used them for? Are they durable ? thx

[@corneliussmith5875]

@@nicolaslajoierestrepo8176 I've had them since they came out so for about a few months. So for about 8 months. They have held up great. I use them everyday. Lol just make sure to clean the cups because grease or oil for your hands will show. But they look like new when clean.

[@nicolaslajoierestrepo8176]

@@corneliussmith5875 Thank you for the reply,

[@fatguyalwayseats]

@@corneliussmith5875 can you turn off the noise cancelation?

[@corneliussmith5875]

@@fatguyalwayseats yes with the custom button or the Sony app

[@TheGluttony88]

Nice to see you back doing what you love.

[@GhadSpeed]

Picked mines up today from Best Buy. Turned them on & headed straight to the gym, later on I used them to play some PUBG on PC using the headphone jack wire. Overall rating… 10/10 beast of headphones. Noise cancellation is unbelievable, sound is crisp & clear. I’d recommend to anyone who is looking to purchase a pair.

[@ICON-11-]

The bronze logos look amazing in my opinion. Couldn't think of any other color I'd want them in

[@adambradywiffleballleague7017]

mine will be here tomorrow. so excited

[@trevor8859]

Hey I am thinking about buying some should I get them form your experience

[@adambradywiffleballleague7017]

@@trevor8859 100% bro! They are fantastic

[@beactivebehappy9894]

I love when audio KZbinrs use a proper mic setup, I mean it's an obvious but still many small KZbinrs don't seem to follow the norm, but decent mic are even available for 50 bucks 🙄

[@GarydeBrown]

Once again, another review on these where there is no mention of or focus on how these sound when using the LDAC codec on an Android device or a Sony receiver like the STR-DN1080. That codec puts the SQ in a level of its own that can even rival the sound of some wired headphones. Jason, you really need to amend this review to include that crucial component that elevates these headphones above all others, including Apple’s new entry.

[@tomharvard8286]

Do you mind elaborating on how to use the LDAC codec? I'm a complete newbie rhino to this field and I'm going to purchasing these headphones soon on sale.. How do I utilize that man? thanks!

[@GarydeBrown]

@@tomharvard8286 basically, LDAC is available on any Android device. It’s a setting you turn on in the Bluetooth details. You can also get it from a Sony receiver like the STR-DN1080. Where you can’t get it from is Apple products. Because they have their own codec. You will definitely hear the difference though if you use LDAC, but they still sound fantastic without it. Hope that helps!

[@ripewatermelonlol]

@@GarydeBrown wait is LDAC on iOS too? Everyone keeps mentioning good quality on these headphones and I was wondering of having them as a companions to my AirPods pro but If LDAC isn’t available I might reconsider

[@glowerworm]

@@ripewatermelonlol LDAC is Sony's patented Bluetooth codec. It currently provides the highest quality sound (highest bitrate) of any Bluetooth headphones. Wired headphones can go much higher quality than Bluetooth, though. Apple does not have LDAC because they haven't liscenced the software from Sony, but they have their own strategies for raising quality. Ultimately, on paper, Sony has higher quality sound than Apple. However, bit-rate alone does not dictate the best sound. A good pair of headphones still needs to have a good balance of bass, mid, and high frequency sounds. Also, depending on your use, it probably won't matter. For example, LDAC provides 990 kb/s data speeds. Spotify Premium, high-quality-mode streaming only goes up to something like 330 kb/s. So after your headphones have gone over 330, the difference in quality for higher bit-rates is negligible, or at least has diminishing returns. If it is sound quality you want, don't get Bluetooth headphones. Cabled headphones are generally better. For example, look at the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros for similar price-range of the Sony XM4s. If you don't care THAT much about sound, then its likely the difference between Apple and Sony for you will be negligible in terms of sound anyway, and you should make your decision based on other factors such as their noise canceling, comfort, travel case, etc. Apple devices do not support LDAC, no. But it might not matter to many people anyway.

[@GarydeBrown]

@@ripewatermelonlol afaik LDAC is not on ios and is only on Android or Sony devices unfortunately

[@WiFish]

Going from a cheap ass wired earbud to this headphone, it's like discovering a whole new realm, absolutely stunning! The only problem this headphone has is the mic, quite terrible, if I would say. I rarerly use the mic though, so it's not a big deal.

[@wildthorn2315]

I ordered mine today and it'll be here in a week, excited to have this difference as well

[@clueless6763]

is it possible to get another 3.5 mm to 3.5mm connector with a mic for these?

[@justforfun3110]

@@clueless6763 hope its not too late for my reply. and Yes, you can get another aux cable from third party and people do recommended V-MODA boom pro.

[@austeja717]

got mine today, currently have them on, love them so so much so far

[@andrew52291]

Got a pair on sale at Amazon on Monday. Loving them so far!

[@Justgambleit]

gonna bite the bullet and get them :)

[@eddusii]

Could it be that the Sony headphones sound even worse on the iPhone because it doesn’t carry the LDAC which is a Sony-owned codec and possibly better tuned for it?

[@shadowios7033]

No. The CODEC isn’t specific to any device!

[@edwinrios6887]

Agree with You, this Headphones with LDAC in Android Device is other Level of Sound

[@shadowios7033]

@@edwinrios6887 No. it really isn’t “another level”. It’s just a higher bitrate codec, which doesn’t matter for most things since AAC is psychoacoustic.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

@@shadowios7033 Late reply, but ofc it is... Apple doesn't support Ldac. meaning it has far lower bitrate codecs. You can tell you own an iphone.

[@common_sense_supreme]

@@shadowios7033 Do you even know what a codec is? 😂 Apple doesn’t support LDAC codec.

[@traceyolson5732]

I just bought these. I do have AirPod pros but I wanted a pair of over-the-ear headphones. I returned the AirPod Pro Maxs after 4 days. Too heavy and they would periodically cut out for just a second which isn’t acceptable for $550 headphones. Being able to put my hand over the right ear cup to temporarily cut the noise cancelling was a big selling point for me. It annoys me to take my headphones off every time someone starts talking to me at work. Why the f#*! can’t people just shut up?

[@ruredeyed8949]

I’m thinking about getting these I already have AirPods Pro

[@keyboardms22]

How are you guys juggling between these and Airpods Pro

[@Djwatzy]

If you've only ever spent 100 on headphones, these will blow you away. It wasn't mentioned in the video but bass is a big feature of these, it's pretty tight and there's a lot of it. From my experience though, get the xm3's for half the money because they're 95% of these.

[@DJ-Coma]

I’ve heard the mic in those is terrible. What’s your experience with it? Is it so bad that people can’t understand you or is it good enough?

[@Djwatzy]

@@DJ-Coma Literally never used the mic!

[@DJ-Coma]

@@Djwatzy thanks for getting back to me! Supposedly it was improved on the XM4 but the example I heard was still pretty bad. I will be using my them mostly for travel so the mic is not a dealbreaker. I just ordered a pair of certified refurbished XM4’s for $200.

[@avgonyma1]

@@DJ-Coma apparently the Bose 700 has a better mic plus work with Skype and Zoom, plus probably a better sound. Inferior ANC though, and less bass (that's a matter of individual preference though).

[@DJ-Coma]

@@avgonyma1 thanks for the info. I’m very happy with the XM4’s as I don’t really use the mic and the one time I did the person on the other end didn’t have any problems hearing me.

[@blinkingred]

Watching this with my xm4's. Love em. The multi device support just adds so much more use for me. Although I do wish they put a better mic in the next version. I use the mic far more often than I expected and I feel like its the only real weak point of these headphones.

[@kasvith]

Does XM4 causes a pain in ear? specially heating the ear when wearing for more than 1hr?

[@blinkingred]

@@kasvith for me I start feeling minor discomfort on my ear after wearing them for more than 2-ish hours. I tend to wear them the whole day. After a whole day of wearing my ears will be sore. I have relatively narrow ears so someone with a different ear shape might feel discomfort sooner.

[@kasvith]

@@blinkingred i think this is common, i saw and heard it has this problem

[@ux_isra2934]

What about the calls in a noisy environment?

[@blinkingred]

@@ux_isra2934 Not the best. Its serviceable but the other person will have trouble hearing sometimes.

[@mooorecowbell4222]

The ability to pair 2 devices simultaneously is a MAJOR benefit i.e. smartphone app + laptop or streaming device

[@vodanh7514]

As an audiophile, kinda, I want to share some points: - Audio quality via bluetooth is just OK for me. Of course, it's bluetooth. - Sounds amazing for ~$300 via cable WITH power on. - Sounds like a cheap headset via cable when it's off.

[@sendmesomememes8240]

what do you mean by with power on?

[@sukhneetalagh9048]

Im thinking of buying these and i plan to use them on public transport, and so I wanted to know how the sound leakage is on these? Great review, thanks for all your help!

[@BrianNC81]

I have the previous generation wh-1000xm3's. Really good headphones 👍

[@chaikagaz]

Same. I think ill skip the xm4 and wait for xm5.

[@Paul_McNulty]

My headband broke on both sides and are held together by zip ties now which is disappointing. The breakages weren't from misuse.

[@FknNefFy]

Holy cow I just found a black case outside by the dumpster and I picked it up and it had a brand new pair of these inside. I didn’t even know what they were! They still had the rubber band around the charger and everything 😳 so weird

[@FknNefFy]

Yeah not a fan of the bronze I’m gonna get my sharpie out and color over the logo

[@deltax7159]

I just picked up a pair of these over the Holidays since they were discounted down to $228. What do you think is the best EQ profile? I know there are pre-set options but do you think one of these pre-sets is the way to go or is there a custom setting you think is the best sound?

[@avgonyma1]

Ok, if you're a lot into good quality sound, and ANC which ones would be your choice?

[@EgorDymov]

I'd like to hear that too

[@immortalsun]

This is the first video of yours that I’ve seen. It’s an excellent review, and I must say, there’s a quality about you that makes me want to sit down with you and just have a chat about life while drinking coffee, and I like that.

[@skeen5675]

I love them. I got them for the noise cancelling and the battery life. On the other hand I had some Taotronics for $85 (they advertised that they use the same noise cancelling chip as the Sonys) that were pretty awesome but they broke at the earcup after 6 months. However, Taotronics customer support was great and sent me a new pair after sending them a photo of the breakage. My second pair of Taotronics died in a light mist (totally my fault, they are not advertised as waterproof). I was no longer under warranty and decided to splurge on the Sony XM4s. They are great and have some quality of life improvements over the Taotronics but are only marginally better, IMO. The sound quality is better but I think my ears adjust to whatever, and after a while I couldn't tell the difference unless it was a head-to-head competition. I'm no audiophile so, you know.

[@DrewP11]

Sony had always had great wireless headphones. I like these a lot. Honestly I still use my 2nd gen AirPods most of the time for the convenience, but I’d recommend these.

[@Justgambleit]

deabating going gen 2 airpods or these lol

[@DJ-Coma]

@@Justgambleit they’re supposedly coming out with a gen3 AirPods this year. Might want to hold off if you can.

[@italkgory99]

@@Justgambleit just get the AirPod pros, they’re fantastic

[@shahabps3151]

Hi dear friend. I noticed from other people's opinions that the exaggerated bass of these headphones makes us not hear a clear sound from it. I wanted to buy m50xbt headphones. Do you think these headphones are a better choice than these Sony headphones in terms of clarity and sound resolution?

[@jameslow1970]

This reminded me of some of the first PHT videos I watched a couple of years ago. In a good way.

[@antonelladelloca5852]

How do we fix the sound leakage issue? I hate that my XH1000-XM4 above 50% volume, everyone around me can hear really loudly what I'm listening to. But I love the headphones and how they feel, I don't want to have to return them because of that.

[@thejasontlewis]

I haven't had that issue. Something like that would also impact how well the noise cancellation works. I'd try to see if you can get a more solid fit.

[@antonelladelloca5852]

@@thejasontlewis it's quite big on me since I've got small ears, so I don't think it'll fit any better unfortunately. I tried to ignore it, but having to listen to much lower volume because of it everywhere I go is kind of frustrating after paying a lot for the headphones

[@obsprisma]

I still use the WH1000XM2 and i have no remorse that i bought them 3 years ago. Listening to them makes me wonder if they get better after some time using them. They sound deep and bright enough for me even without using some sort of EQ on them. Noise cancelling is way enough for me because when you listen to music the noise around you is already less and the noise cancelling does it makes even more quiet during listening.

[@mrfr0slan]

I’m looking to buy the XM4 as my first ANC headphone during the upcoming holiday season. I just have two questions for you: how’s the XM4 performing for someone wearing glasses like you and me? Do the ANC and ambient modes work well?

[@WabbitCrouton]

Had to sell the XM3 because thanks to Covid19, I don't have to do long commutes and can just listen to speakers/pc headset at home. But when needed again, I know I'll look for the newest WH1000XM series. Especially now from XM4 on it finally supports multiple connections (2) at the same time.

[@WabbitCrouton]

I do hope Sony will improve the sound quality of the microphone with phone calls though. It only sounds acceptable when the conditions are right (not outside in windy conditions).

[@uziasmorales294]

I am so excited I bought them for 220 used like new on Amazon, i think its a freaking steal. Love the video

[@d0m_eli436]

bro same lmao

[@John-zf2ph]

Excellent headphones. Thank you for the review. They are on sale at best buy for $278 and $279 at amazon right now.

[@Forgivenessdaily]

I’ve been looking at these for a while.

[@mackmccord3743]

Eye just got them yesterday at Amazon warehouse for $220 (238 after taxes)

[@HattereneMaster]

Don’t the software is terrible for them

[@sybo59]

@@mackmccord3743 “Eye”??? Now that’s an odd typo.

[@mackmccord3743]

@@sybo59 it wasn't a typo at all

[@sybo59]

@@mackmccord3743 Someone named “Eye” bought a pair of headphones? Great recovery, you almost embarrassed yourself!

[@tashinadawson4295]

Literally just bought them. Listening to this on them. They are comfy as!!!

[@gwilo74]

Hi I've watched a lot of your headphone reviews, I've noticed you never talk about, headphone noise leakage. I bought my headphones after a long research of things I need from a headphone and Sony xm4 won. But I found the noise leakage is terrible, to a point my partner is annoyed when I have them on in bed. Recently I went on a trip to Mexico, and to my dismay, the passenger next to me, asked if I could turn my headphones down, I was so surprised by how much it disturbed them, as my phone was at half volume. Have you noticed this with the Sony's??And what from your experience are the best non-noise leakage headphones. Thank you

[@jameshester9608]

I'm looking at getting a good pair of headphones for working out, bike riding, hiking, and on public transport, and for just everyday use. I'm stuck between the ua project rock over ear training headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noice Cancelling Headphones. Which do you think would be better for working out, bike riding, everyday use? can you maybe do a video to compare them? also a big thing for me is sound (volume) are these loud headphones? Or can you recommend any good quality wireless noise-canceling over ear headphones that have great battery life and for what I've mentioned above. Which one would you recommend for what I would need/want? (working out/exercise, bike riding, chilling at home, movies, calls, public transport, volume (loud), etc)

[@mikepawlikguitar]

I get a strong Adam Savage vibe from you but that's a good thing! Awesome video dude, and makes me miss Mythbusters lol. 👍

[@nivinhanna]

I find them muddy compared to my beloved M50BT, even if my Audio Technicas are not noise cancelling. I also wish they would change to more high quality materials and change their look to something more premium, after using the same formula year after year. I do find them comfortable though, always have with all the XM series.

[@josekreisherraefoscablo3603]

Have you used the LDAC?

[@dragonbooster3995]

you can tune the eq to make it almost flat like the ATH

[@recepkaban6156]

Hello, I'm thinking of buying Sony wh1000xm3. If I buy xm4, which xm3 would you recommend? is there any difference between them?

[@hasanmahmoodmeem8445]

I still have the old 1st Gen that I bought back in 2017 and I still enjoy it :D

[@fransorka8074]

in remote work era and such high cost of headphones, the lack of possibility to mute micropohone by button (only possible from soft) is disqualification for me

[@cassiecat7038]

I have these and enjoyed them at first (they’re good for what they are) but when the air pods max came out I got them being an iphone user and haven’t used the Sonys since. The difference is that striking, the sound, comfort, convenience, I use them daily. That is value for money.

[@abeltesfaye_]

Why don't you use the Sonys anymore? I'm considering wanting to get the Sonys but trying to do my research forst

[@timotmon]

At one point I would have thought I spent too much on my XM4s then I compared them to the AirPod max and I now know that I got a hell of deal.

[@WRPhotography-zx5dv]

Awesome review. I was going to pull the trigger on some Aiwa arc1 anc but I can’t find any reviews on them here in KZbin. So I guess I’m going to wait for the Sony wh 1000mx4 to go on sale so I can buy them.

[@DawnSB]

What about the latency?

[@ArtVandelay-ImporterExporter]

Can these be listened to without the ANC? If yes, do they sound as good with the ANC off?

[@riddion2]

Is the sound anything like the WH-1000XM3s? If they are then they are not for me. The sound for me on the XM3s was horrible out of the box and I have had to EQ them to compensate for the bad frequency response. The soundscape wasn’t good either IMO (way too narrow for my tastes). But if you found enjoyment in them out of the box sound signature, then that’s great.

[@SalmanKhan-qy2ri]

I agreee.exactly this is why I wana say.xm3 have horrible vocal clarity and bloated bass into the mids.even after Eq them to the max treble I still felt they are not clear enough.why do people think more bass means better sound.for general use xm3s are not good at all.airpods max have the best clarity and controlled bass.xm3s dot even come close

[@leemanwrong]

Yep they're boomy and muddy like the xm3. A bit of eq can help but they shouldn't sound so bad out of the box.

[@GregoryLopez1]

Question for Jason and the community: I've been eying the XM4s for entertainment use, but I also occasionally create and edit mostly spoken word audio content that needs to be decent, but necessarily super-accurate professional quality. Would these be serviceable for my needs as a pair of monitoring headphones during recording and editing, or should I also get a proper pair of monitoring headphones even if I get the XM4s?

[@deathbystereo-]

On a pro level no. For your own pleasure. Sure

[@mrmr66]

Just found your channel and loving it... TY! I just bought these Sony headphones today. Love the anc part of these but i can't get past the audio sounding like a surround sound equal to a gym or Hall with the reverb.... Ugggg. I guess it is what it is though. What are your fav. wired headphones under $500.00? Thanks again for your channel.

[@warrenturok1533]

Not as good as a really nice set of open back's ( sound wise anyways ) but definitely nice to have when you need noise cancellation .

[@intwominds1943]

Also just portability, and the wireless thing

[@Chevsilverado]

Yeah and not everyone wants to be blasting music in a library or bus to everyone around them

[@dri6972]

Does it have good bass? I like my headphones with a deep bass.

[@oliverislost]

Beasty bass they have them at Walmart if you want to check them out

[@shortie12]

They are known for having heavy bass soooo yeah

[@suparki123]

I've got the XM4, and although I agree that the sound and noise cancelling is amazing, it's all those additional "features" that make me really dislike them. Whenever I talk to someone, they automatically pause the video I'm watching and/or enable passthrough. I've tried turning it off, but the software is too buggy for that. The voice assistance keeps loudly saying "Power On" or "Bluetooth Connect", and there is no way of turning this off or lowering the volume for it. I keep accidently touching the touch controls, and again, you can't turn them off. All I want from them is a On/Off buttom and connect to bluetooth. All the additional "Smart" features are just annoying.

[@habibhassan7770]

Hey Jason! I need to make a decision, please help. I'll be getting these XM4s in a month. Now should I get them or wait for the XM5? Because XM4s have been out for 8+ months now. What should I do? Get XM4 or wait for the XM5

[@habibhassan7770]

@Brayden Thomas alright, thanks!

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Nice review. I just bought the xm3’s and this is pretty much spot on.

[@difflam74]

Its simple.... If you android ...buy either panda or Sony, will be able to make FULL use and capability of LDAC If you use IOS...you can use anything as the limitation is on Ios Apple support for only SBC.

[@tsaptsap]

Ordered as replacement for my 15y old wired SHP2000. Disappointment because of 35x the price and up to 40kHz - they sound almost the same. You can say Windows support and customization of Bluetooth audio codecs is poor at best. Although android LDAC sounds nice and has excellent range. Then there is this BIG issue of Bluetooth audio lag in shooting games which nobody wants to mention. Thankfully you can use input jack to get around that problem (headphones still have to be turned on and powered by battery). Touch controls and noise cancelling are awesome.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

The battery life is really impressive on these given the fact that they run LDAC. On my neck band if I use LDAC the battery life gets devoured and half the time as AAc codec

[@shurik121]

I have them since November 2020, the best headphones I ever had. Worth every penny.

[@ransdell7]

I was lucky to get them on sale after Christmas at Best Buy and I feel like it was a solid purchase. Love the review.

[@jleetj]

Is it worth going from the qc35ii to the xm4? I have the qc35ii and am looking for something similar with better sound quality. From everything I've read, the qc35ii are more comparatively more comfortable but the xm4 have better sound quality. I wonder how much of an improvement it is, there is a place close to me that is selling the xm4 at a pretty good discount at the moment, I'm tempted.

[@avgonyma1]

It's hard to make a call, but perhaps you can try the Bose 700 as well. More modern looking and better than the QC 35 ii. Between the Sony and the Bose it's basically the better ANC for Sony and then your sound preference. The Sony in general has more bass, and the Bose may sound nicer. But it's easiest if you can test both in the same shop.

[@potatoeskimos]

Yes because Bose is dogshit.

[@sithquisha]

have you tried comparing this two? sony wh xm4 vs ath m50xbt2 been looking for wireless headphones though for a couple of years. and still haven't decided which is which there's alot of headphones >.

[@enakki]

great headphones, but sound quality is just ok. nothing more. I appreciate the honesty of the reviewer. I don't get it how so many other ones praise then so much from the sound quality perspective. I had to EQ then to get acceptable result. But I liked them very much anyway. B&W PX7 are so much better despite the ANC is not top notch - still very good. But I returned them too and fell in love with Dali iO-6 . Poor ANC but extremely good noise isolation and amazing sound. I recommend to anyone try PX7 and also iO-6 . Each of them are from different world.

[@jonathonlove9597]

I love my xm4. Had them for a few weeks

[@joechilders205]

As soon as I saw the title I said to myself, I have to hear this.

[@yoursubconscious]

my MDR-10RBT after 9 years with heavy us are still kicking as if they were brand new. Sony is the best.

[@stevenr5149]

You were actually painfully non-specific today. "they compare favorably" to the apple product. ??? HOW?!!! When I spend over $300 on headphones, I want to know how the mid-range is. How does the low end compare? I don't want to spend $300-=400 with mid-range like a beats headphone with lots of muddy sloppy low end. Does the low end extend? How is the detail, separation, or sound-stage? Perhaps they "compare favorably" because you love sizzle & don't mind siblance--or not. Do the touch controls accidentally get touched like the previous version? How about this. Is the phone call sound quality any better from the previous version? Does it sound different from the previous model? Is the low end any tighter? Does I would not know from this review. Bummer because I trust your opinion.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

For NC they are fantastic. Music is more then adequate. Not an audiophile headphones, but that's not the goal. I love them.

[@barbaramorris6118]

I am DEAF on my right side (so no stereo listening;-( and I need help, please, about the SONY WH-1000XM4 that you just reviewed. I want noise cancelling head phones where you can POSITION THE SOUND TO ALL COME OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE. Deep in the features paperwork, under "Functions displayed on the [Sound] tab (Except for Noise Canceling-related functions)" the XM2 & XM3s can do this very rare function. The WH-1000XM4 , according to the documentation CAN NOT. I have written and talked to customer service (a live person) and he says they can, but from the end of our conversation, I believe he was not looking at the correct column in the documentation. Just in case the documentation is incorrect, would you be willing to try this for me to see if they can be set up so ALL SOUND COMES OUT THE LEFT HEADPHONE? There are several functions I would like on the XM4's that are not on the XM3's. Since you answered someone asking if you cold somehow use these with Windows computers, with Bluetooth, and you said yes, they would be the first head phones I've had in my adult life (I'm 66;-) I want quiet and to be able to listen to sound coming from my computers with noisy TV and ambient sounds, AND also read in quiet as you mentioned. Thanks SO much if you can help me, I just can't trust information unless it is from someone willing to TRY it for me. Barbara M

[@brumby92]

That can be done in software. Android has a mono sound mode under accessibility options.

[@barbaramorris6118]

@@brumby92 Thank you SO much for taking time to post this. I will check it out. This might be enough for me to take a chance on getting them. Will have to see what I might do on Windows, too.

[@barbaramorris6118]

@@brumby92 Yes, I found the same setting on Windows 10! I'm pretty sure they will work with my laptop. Do I need to get something to make it work on my Windows10 Desktop? I have a wireless keyboard/mouse, and I think it needs something plugged into USB (Bluetooth? adapter? dongle? unfamiliar territory). Do I get something generic or specific to send the signal to the headphones ? If you can link me to relevant information, if you know of any. This is an area I've never had time to explore. Thanks again!

[@aniza_c]

Just bought it. It's not canceling the noise enough. I can hear me talking and clapping, with just the phones on and even when I'm hearing music. Also the headphones doesn't completely sit tight on my head and ears even on the smallest set. I guess I have a small head. I'm pretty disappointed, I thought the world of them by the reviews.

[@j_bubblez279]

Same

[@tuckertech]

I’ve had these for like a month and I love them.

[@andrewp4163]

I bought these the other day to connect to my work laptop. The mic quality was awful. People stated i sound muffled and far away. If i buy a 3.5 mic boom, will that help?

[@marianok3246]

Does the WH1000XM4 work well with guitar amplifiers??

[@mikengo6055]

I use the XM4's outside and MAX's at home and the XM4's are more comfortable but the transparency mode and Noise-canceling is noticeably weaker than MAX and the XM4's sometimes doesn't work when it's freezing cold out. They are more comfortable with like 1 or 2 hour use and then around 4 hours they get very warm and I need to take them off.

[@afifyoutube]

This is my first wireless headphone. The only headphone that fit my big head! Use it for interview and all, best thing I bought this year

[@chaikagaz]

Wireless still not as good as wired

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

@Brayden Thomas how can I wire them up?

[@goodluck4037]

Im not thru the vid yet, but wanted to ask if this can connect via bluetooth to my PC and be effectively used as a headset?

[@thejasontlewis]

Yes.

[@ezmat2010]

Does it work with Win10 audio + mic? E.g. Ms Teams calls, discord, gaming, etc

[@hamsterjohn]

just got these at a discount; still in honeymoon phase but the my first impression is that ambient and ANC are stellar.

[@vvvrancid]

I was looking to get these for all the reasons you stated (time to upgrade my old Bose QC15) but just out of pure curiosity… if I wanted to dip my toe into the audiophile realm… would it be worth getting a DAC or just plug them in with my lightening adaptor and experience the CD like lossless audio first?

[@thejasontlewis]

It depends on what you’re looking for. Wireless are definitely better for convenience and do pretty well for sound. Wired will always be more potential.

[@justinrosado8529]

My left side is louder than my right and I had them for a few months. Is there anything I could do?

[@gautyable]

How's the bass? I have bose 700s planning on gifting these rather than 700s to someone as I felt bass wasn't that great on 700s that's my only issue.

[@nikahmadfaeysahmadfarid689]

Very punchy

[@gagansohal8089]

Just bought surface headphones 2.... I'm a long-term user of the MDR1000X 1st gen and I tried the XM4's for 3 months and I found they were generally better sounding, but personally, the memory foam was uncomfortable for me compared to the plushy material on the 1st gen ones which were cushiony. I also found a virtually negligible difference in noise cancellation in a typical cafe setting. Secondly, I'm not a hardcore sound enthusiast and Surface headphones 2 provided the BEST user interface experience, plenty of equalizer control that makes a bloody big difference to audio quality, and the quick noise cancellation changeability instantaneously. Not to mention I'm doing a LOT of MS teams, and Zoom meetings so the mic quality and ability to hear yourself talking are key features for me personally.

[@Stuxnet1914]

Why does nobody talk about the microphone being absolutely terrible while on phone calls??

[@nitinkumarvyas]

Just got them yesterday and you couldn't be more right. Absolute shit quality in calls.

[@janosbuzasi1301]

any experience on how does ANC work against high frequency sounds?

[@jrod8807]

Listening to this video on my new Sony WH1000XM4s

[@YoungOHH]

Will these work fine on a Samsung smart tv?

[@tdmduc]

grabbed it because someone returned it and it was more than 75euro off. The only "cons" I have with these is that after wearing them a while my ears get incredibly hot 🔥 and I would love to crank them up just a little bit more in the max volume. But that's where Sony always the" bravest kid" so you will. Safety first because they don't want any lawsuits getting you deaf. That's why I ditched their WF-1000XM3 TWS in ear buds, they were just too soft for me.

[@elliotandersson8302]

How do they compare to the dt770? (Sound quality wise) which one sounds better?

[@leemanwrong]

The dt770 is far better for sound quality, the sonys are boomy with recessed mids and messy treble. If you like the dt770 beyerdynamic have the Lagoon which is their wireless, anc headphone, its anc is not as good as the sony but they sound a lot better.

[@Cor6196]

As of today, October 18, 2021, these are on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $250. That's the lowest price I've seen, so I grabbed a pair!

[@pgonza77]

Can i take calls on these? What’s the sound quality when I take Skype calls?

[@Thebizkit123]

Do they sound great on android with the spotify app?

[@langstonwalker1783]

Wonderfully

[@BFArch0n]

I've owned the 2nd series for years....LOVED THEM, recently gave to my father and get these 4th gens for myself for the USB-C.......the built quality IMO took a HUGE hit, they are not as comfy, and to the touch they just feel CHEAP, especially the buttons.....thin, flimsy, sharp buttons, they don't feel quality like the v2s. For both versions....I don't like the touch features, trying to skip a track usually messes with volume, and vice versa....really sucks going to change volume on a good track and skipping to a diff song! The batt life is gold tho, truly...can go like a week of good use on a single charge. Great sound, great noise cancel.