Sony's flagship WH-1000MX3 noise-canceling headphones have been among the best on the market for some time, and this week Sony released its fourth-generation WH-1000XM4 headphones boasting some notable improvements on the previous model.
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The XM4s feature the same basic design as the XM3s, but are one gram lighter at 254 grams due to slightly larger ear pads and some subtle tweaks to the hinges to improve comfort and sound isolation.
Feature-wise, the XM4s debut Sony's new DSEE Extreme audio processor, which upscales compressed audio files to hi-res quality using the company's latest Edge AI technology. They also boast a new noise-canceling algorithm that claims to analyze ambient noise in greater detail.
In addition, a new Adaptive Sound Control mode lets users create custom profiles in the companion app that will adjust the noise canceling based on location, and new Precise Voice Pickup Technology promises to pick up the user's voice better through the five built-in microphones when on a call.
A big selling point with the XM4s is their ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, which is a big plus in our book. Previous models don't support dynamic switching between audio sources, and having to manually disconnect them from your iPhone so that you can connect to your Mac and vice versa feels clunky.
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The MX4s offer the same battery life as their predecessors: 30 hours with noise canceling switched on, and around 38 hours with NC off. Users can also get five hours' worth of charge after 10 minutes connected to a power outlet.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones come in silver and black. Both have a $350/£350 price tag and are available to buy online at Amazon and other electronics retailers.
(Thanks, Steve!)
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Top Rated Comments
Quick review after a year:
Very comfortable
Excellent NC
Great battery life and fast charging
Ear pads detach easily for cleaning
Bad points:
“Creaking” sound in hinges which makes them feel cheaper than they should (but let me stress again that this is not a durability issue)
Faint “hissing” noise from the noise cancellation, mainly after long period of use. Only happens when in NC mode.
Other than those two points, my XM3s are damn near perfect. Best headphones I’ve ever owned. Will definitely be checking out the XM4s at some point!
No way
These Sony’s will be the best bt headphones just like M3 was before.
Although, I wonder if Sony has addressed the horrible cracking issues which plagued earlier models. I have a big head and my XM2s cracked and Sony refused to do anything about it.
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[TD]Bluetooth[/TD]
[TD]Supported Audio Format(s) SBC, AAC, LDAC[/TD]
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[TD]3.5mm jack[/TD]
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[TD]USB-C Charging port[/TD]
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