Sony WF-1000XM4 review: the go-to wireless earbuds of 2023

Sony WF-1000XM4 review

The Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are considered by most of reviewer as the go-to product for who is looking for the very best. They offer great sound quality, improved battery life, wireless charging, and powerful ANC.

This Sony WF-1000XM4 review was written taking into consideration the most authoritative reviews currently available.

The sound quality of this headset is outstanding and gives an improved performance for calls. The Transparency mode, in particular, produces a very natural sound.

The design has been entirely redesigned, and is now more discreet, even though some say that the size might still be big for smaller ears.

The battery life is another setting point of the Sony WF-1000XM4, with up to 12 hours of autonomy without noice cancelling.

Among the weak points, some notice that for this price, the Sony WF-1000XM4 could have implemented multipoint Bluetooth pairing. Others question the design.

Sony WF-1000XM4 review

We constantly monitor the most authoritative, up-to-date reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM4. Here is how they describe these wireless earbuds, and how they rate it.

What Hi-Fi?

See the Sony WF-1000XM4 review at What Hi-Fi?

What “What Wi-Fi?” says about this product – We’re quite taken by the Sony WF-1000XM4. Given all the design changes and new features in these wireless earbuds, it must have been a real challenge to get them right. But Sony has absolutely nailed it.

Very easy to recommend.

What Hi-Fi?

The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-canceling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality.

Both Bose and Apple now provide some serious competition, but the Sonys are still very easy to recommend.

Rating10/10

Soundguys

See the Sony WF-1000XM4 review at Soundguys

What “SoundGuys” says about this product – If you want the best true wireless earphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4 has to be in the discussion among the most popular models. It has its foibles, but it’s probably the most mature stab at the true wireless design that includes ANC. Still, the price is tough to surmount.

Rating8/10

Tom’s Guide

See the Sony WF-1000XM4 review at Tom’s Guide

What “Tom’s Guide” says about this product – You’re likely considering the WF-1000XM4 for its audio and noise-canceling performance over its use as a calling headset.

In which case, yes, Sony’s newest set of flagship buds is an excellent choice and a prime alternative to heavy hitters like the AirPods Pro and QuietComfort Earbuds.

Rating9/10
Sony WF-1000XM4 review

Tech Radar

See the Sony WF-1000XM4 review at Tech Radar

Sony is largely responsible for the rude health of the active noise-canceling true wireless in-ear headphones market, and with the WF-1000XM4, the company has combined performance, ergonomics, and build quality more effectively than ever before.

They’re not perfect, but as an overall package, they’re hard to beat.

Rating10/10

Engadget

See the Sony WF-1000XM4 review at Engadget

Sony nearly did it again. The company has dominated both over-ear and true wireless product categories for the last few years. It has a knack for creating a compelling combination of sound quality, noise cancelling performance, customization, and features. None of the competition comes close to what the WF-1000XM4 offers in terms of what the earbuds can do for you automatically with features like Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat.

Improved noise cancellation, better battery life and so much more.

Engadget

These are almost the complete package, if only the new ear tips offered a better fit. Even the best of the three pairs included in the box never felt truly comfortable. I only found relief when I grabbed the silicone tips from the M3 instead, and most people won’t have access to those. It seems so simple, but if you mess it up, a basic thing like ear tips can nearly ruin otherwise stellar earbuds.

Rating9/10