Background & Identification

Released in August 2020, Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 and active noise cancelling, and are a direct successor to 2019’s WH-1000XM3s. Featuring a nearly identical exterior design, the XM4s gain slightly larger ear cups, refreshed ergonomics, and ANC algorithm updates to Sony’s QN1 and Bluetooth SoC.

Available in black, blue, or silver, the WH-1000XM4s are priced at $350.

In our Apple AirPods Max teardown on January 11, 2021, we explored the WH-1000XM4’s internals and how they fare when compared to direct competitors.

Technical Specifications

  • Battery life: ~30 hours with noise cancelling enabled
  • Driver size: 40 mm
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Audio formats: SBC, AAC, LDAC
  • Weight: 254 g (8.96 oz.)

Additional Information