{"id":8914,"date":"2020-09-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-11T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviancetechnologies.com\/blog\/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-still-the-best-noise-cancelling-headphones\/"},"modified":"2020-09-11T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T10:00:00","slug":"sony-wh-1000xm4-review-still-the-best-noise-cancelling-headphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviancetechnologies.com\/blog\/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-still-the-best-noise-cancelling-headphones\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony WH-1000XM4 review: Still the best noise-cancelling headphones"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sony WH-1000XM4 review: Still the best noise-cancelling headphones<\/h2>\n

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Two years ago, when when I reviewed Sony\u2019s WH-1000XM3 active noise-cancelling headphones, I said that Sony had finally eclipsed Bose in this category. And I wasn\u2019t the only one to say it. Now, the company is back with the all-new WH-1000XM4<\/a>. While these new cans don\u2019t advance the ball by a lot, they nonetheless are my new top recommendation for music lovers looking for great-sounding headphones that also deliver terrific noise cancellation.<\/p>\n

Key improvements include a proximity sensor that automatically toggles play\/pause when you put the headphones on and take them off, support for Sony\u2019s LDAC high-res audio codec (a common feature on high-end digital audio players), and multipoint connection via Bluetooth 5.0 (so you can connect to two sources at once). Sony made other very small improvements to the hardware and software, too; but for the most part, those are just tweaks to a winning foundation.<\/p>\n

This review is part of TechHive\u2019s coverage of the best headphones, where you\u2019ll find reviews of competing products, plus a buyer\u2019s guide to the features you should consider when shopping for this type of product.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let\u2019s dive into the specifics that make Sony\u2019s WH-1000XM4 so great, and why the older WH-1000XM3\u2014which are still available and can be found for about $100 less if you shop around\u2014remain a great value.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a> Adam Patrick Murray\/IDG<\/small>
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There are some tiny changes, but at this distance you\u2019d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the new and old version.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Same great hardware, refined<\/h2>\n

The Sony WH-1000XM4 maintains the signature look this line is known for, with subtle gold accents and minimal buttons. Most of the controls are still handled by taps and swipes on the right ear cup. I\u2019ve grown accustomed to this but it\u2019s never been my favorite means of navigation. The easy-to-find Power button sits on the bottom of the left ear cup, along with a Custom button that can be programmed to either select Ambient Sound Control options or activate voice assistants. It\u2019s a minimal and classy design that still holds up years later, but the touch controls still present a learning curve.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a> Adam Patrick Murray\/IDG<\/small>
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The side of the headphones has a nice texture when using the touch controls.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slim headband introduced in the previous model is very comfortable along the top of the head. Sony claims the newer model features slightly upgraded ear pads, which should help during long listening sessions, but I could barely tell a difference. The new set is<\/em> more comfortable compared to the old model, but that could also be attributed to the wear I\u2019ve placed on the older pair. I\u2019ve worn the WH-1000XM3 on plenty of long flights and encountered some pressure fatigue after many hours, so any upgrade in that area is welcome. Overall, it\u2019s a comfortable design that sits snug on my head and melts away while I\u2019m working. The swiveling cups and folding design are also retained, so the new model is easy to stuff in a backpack. I\u2019m happy they didn\u2019t mess with a winning formula.<\/p>\n