Improvements to noise cancelling, a high-res audio performance boost, and the addition of smart functionality first seen on its award-winning over-ears, are three compelling reasons to upgrade to Sony’s stylish new WF-1000XM4 True wireless earbuds.
The all-new WF-1000XM4 hopes to wow enthusiasts with an integrated Processor V1 which combines the noise cancelling processor with Bluetooth ‘System on Chip’ tech. The rest of us will be won over by their compact good looks.
The WF-1000XM4 are some 10 per cent smaller than their predecessor, the XM3, and the charging case has shrunk by 40 per cent.
The true wireless earbuds feature a freshly designed 6mm driver and have two noise sensing microphones per bud, one feed-forward, and one feed-back, for better noise cancellation. An Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode detects when it’s windy and counters it.
The WF-1000XM4 should be more comfortable too, thanks to newly-developed noise isolating earbud tips. Made from a novel polyurethane foam material, these soft plugs maximise the contact area between the earbud tip and the ear canal. This not only makes them more stable but enhances isolation.
There’s even fitting guidance on the partnering app, to ensure you have the best fit.
These new earbuds should be more comfortable too, thanks to newly-developed noise isolating earbud tips…
Another significant difference over their predecessor, the WF-1000XM3, this new iteration supports High-Resolution Audio via LDAC, Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology. LDAC transmits around three times the data (for a max transfer rate of 990 kbps) than regular Bluetooth. But they do require an LDAC source for you to hear the benefit.
If you don’t have any hi-res to listen to, no worries. DSEE Extreme, now powered by onboard ‘Edge’ AI, upscales compressed digital music files in real time.
“Listen to a good set of hi-hats on a nice jazz track and you should hear the difference it makes,” suggests Sony’s tech guru Eric Kingdon.
The new WF model also benefits from some of the smart tech first heard on the brand’s WH-1000XM4 over-ears, including Speak-to-Chat. As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music and lets in ambient sound, so you can have a conversation. Speak-to-Chat is based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines four microphones and sensors with advanced audio signal processing (“We don’t advise you enable it while singing,” we were told, “but we strongly advise you sing along and enjoy the music you’re playing!”).
Other trickle down niceties include a ‘Quick Attention’ mode (just place your finger over the left earbud to decrease the volume instantly and let ambient sound in), and Adaptive Sound Control, which learns places you frequently visit (admittedly this hasn’t had a lot of use on our WH-1000XM4 cans).
Battery life looks good. Sony quotes a full 8 hour, and a further 16 hours from the case. A 5-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time. The WF-1000XM4 are also compatible with wireless Qi charging.
An IPX4 water resistance rating will keep you going even during a downpour, and there’s both Google and Alexa support. You can now use the requisite Wake Word to activate your voice assistant of choice.
Sonic specialist Sendy Audio, which has been making waves with Hi-Fi headphones distinguished by their real-wood finish, has released the Peacock, a flagship pair that boast audiophile grade Planar Magnetic drivers. With a balanced open-back design, these are definitely not commuting cans, but if you want to relax at home with Debussy and a dram,…
Premium audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins has partnered with McLaren to launch a limited edition of its high-end Px8 headphones with signature Papaya orange highlights. The McLaren Edition builds on the long-standing relationship between the two brands for in-car audio. Bowers & Wilkins is responsible for the audio system in the McLaren Speedtail, McLaren GT…
Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Audio-Technica has unveiled a pair of luxury wireless headphones that feature a wooden housing. The new ATH-WB2022 will go on sale next year, as part of the brand’s 60th anniversary. The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods. But that’s not the only thing that’s…
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
The Luxe Review 
Improvements to noise cancelling, a high-res audio performance boost, and the addition of smart functionality first seen on its award-winning over-ears, are three compelling reasons to upgrade to Sony’s stylish new WF-1000XM4 True wireless earbuds.
The all-new WF-1000XM4 hopes to wow enthusiasts with an integrated Processor V1 which combines the noise cancelling processor with Bluetooth ‘System on Chip’ tech. The rest of us will be won over by their compact good looks.
The WF-1000XM4 are some 10 per cent smaller than their predecessor, the XM3, and the charging case has shrunk by 40 per cent.
The true wireless earbuds feature a freshly designed 6mm driver and have two noise sensing microphones per bud, one feed-forward, and one feed-back, for better noise cancellation. An Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode detects when it’s windy and counters it.
The WF-1000XM4 should be more comfortable too, thanks to newly-developed noise isolating earbud tips. Made from a novel polyurethane foam material, these soft plugs maximise the contact area between the earbud tip and the ear canal. This not only makes them more stable but enhances isolation.
There’s even fitting guidance on the partnering app, to ensure you have the best fit.
Another significant difference over their predecessor, the WF-1000XM3, this new iteration supports High-Resolution Audio via LDAC, Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology. LDAC transmits around three times the data (for a max transfer rate of 990 kbps) than regular Bluetooth. But they do require an LDAC source for you to hear the benefit.
If you don’t have any hi-res to listen to, no worries. DSEE Extreme, now powered by onboard ‘Edge’ AI, upscales compressed digital music files in real time.
“Listen to a good set of hi-hats on a nice jazz track and you should hear the difference it makes,” suggests Sony’s tech guru Eric Kingdon.
The new WF model also benefits from some of the smart tech first heard on the brand’s WH-1000XM4 over-ears, including Speak-to-Chat. As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music and lets in ambient sound, so you can have a conversation. Speak-to-Chat is based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines four microphones and sensors with advanced audio signal processing (“We don’t advise you enable it while singing,” we were told, “but we strongly advise you sing along and enjoy the music you’re playing!”).
Other trickle down niceties include a ‘Quick Attention’ mode (just place your finger over the left earbud to decrease the volume instantly and let ambient sound in), and Adaptive Sound Control, which learns places you frequently visit (admittedly this hasn’t had a lot of use on our WH-1000XM4 cans).
Battery life looks good. Sony quotes a full 8 hour, and a further 16 hours from the case. A 5-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time. The WF-1000XM4 are also compatible with wireless Qi charging.
An IPX4 water resistance rating will keep you going even during a downpour, and there’s both Google and Alexa support. You can now use the requisite Wake Word to activate your voice assistant of choice.
Available in Black and Silver, the WF-1000XM4 is priced at £250 and are available now.
These Sendy Audio Peacock Planar Magnetic headphones are wood as gold
Sonic specialist Sendy Audio, which has been making waves with Hi-Fi headphones distinguished by their real-wood finish, has released the Peacock, a flagship pair that boast audiophile grade Planar Magnetic drivers. With a balanced open-back design, these are definitely not commuting cans, but if you want to relax at home with Debussy and a dram,…
McLaren fans can now buy their own Special Edition Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones
Premium audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins has partnered with McLaren to launch a limited edition of its high-end Px8 headphones with signature Papaya orange highlights. The McLaren Edition builds on the long-standing relationship between the two brands for in-car audio. Bowers & Wilkins is responsible for the audio system in the McLaren Speedtail, McLaren GT…
Audio-Technica unveils premium wooden headphones with a world’s first audio twist
Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Audio-Technica has unveiled a pair of luxury wireless headphones that feature a wooden housing. The new ATH-WB2022 will go on sale next year, as part of the brand’s 60th anniversary. The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods. But that’s not the only thing that’s…
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
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