Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: Still Worth Buying in 2026

You’ve seen the Sony WH-1000XM4 on every commuter’s head for years, and a friend probably still swears by them. But with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony’s own XM5 now on the market, you’re likely wondering whether these 2020 classics still hold their own.

Active noise cancellation: Adaptive, QN1 processor ·
Battery life: 30 hours ·
Weight: 254 g ·
Bluetooth version: 5.0 ·
Audio codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC

Five key specs that matter most for buying decisions, one pattern: the XM4’s core hardware still matches modern standards, but the missing water resistance and older Bluetooth show its age.

Are Sony WH-1000XM4 still worth buying?

How does the WH-1000XM4 compare to 2026 alternatives?

• The XM4’s adaptive ANC, driven by the QN1 chip, still blocks most ambient noise effectively (RTINGS).
• 30-hour battery life matches the XM5 and beats the Bose QC Ultra’s 24 hours (What Hi-Fi?).
• LDAC support remains rare in rivals — only Sony offers it at this price tier (Wikipedia).

The catch: the XM4 lacks spatial audio and the latest ANC refinements. But for pure noise blocking and battery stamina, it’s barely a step back.

What do users say about long-term reliability?

• Ear pads typically need replacement after 12–18 months (Trusted Reviews).
• Hinge durability is solid; no widespread structural failures reported (TechRadar).
• Battery degradation after 2–3 years is noticeable but not extreme (RTINGS).

The pattern: the XM4 holds up well mechanically, but soft parts wear. Factor in £20–30 for replacement ear pads after a year.

Key features that still compete today

• Adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment (Wikipedia).
• Speak-to-Chat pauses music when you talk (Wikipedia).
• Multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously (Wikipedia).

Which is better, Sony XM4 or Bose QuietComfort?

Noise cancellation comparison

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra scores 9.5 in RTINGS common-scenarios isolation, while XM4 trails at around 9.0 (RTINGS).
• What Hi-Fi? says the Bose Ultra offers “slightly better” ANC than the XM5, which is already a step above the XM4 (What Hi-Fi?).
• In real-world use, the gap is noticeable on planes and in noisy cafes, but not dramatic (SoundGuys).

Sound quality differences

• What Hi-Fi? describes the Bose QC Ultra as having a “richer, full-bodied sound” with spatial audio, while the Sony XM4 is more neutral and detail-oriented (What Hi-Fi?).
• The XM4 supports LDAC for high-res wireless audio; Bose does not (Wikipedia).
• bass lovers may prefer the XM4’s slightly warmer signature (TechRadar).

Comfort and design

• Both are comfortable for long sessions, but the XM4’s folding design makes it more portable than the Bose QC Ultra (What Hi-Fi?).
• Bose earcups are slightly deeper, better for larger ears (RTINGS).

Features and app

• Sony’s Headphones Connect app offers extensive EQ adjustment, while Bose’s app is simpler (Sony Ireland).
• Xiaomi’s XM4 supports Alexa and Google Assistant built-in; Bose requires a phone assistant (Wikipedia).
• Multipoint on Sony works with iOS and Android; Bose also supports dual connections but not as seamless (What Hi-Fi?).

Is the Sony XM4 better than the XM5?

Design and portability differences

• XM4 folds flat; XM5 does not — a major win for travel (Wikipedia).
• XM5 uses a lighter plastic/headband combo, but lacks a folding hinge (What Hi-Fi?).

Noise cancellation and sound improvements

• RTINGS says the XM5 scores 9.4 in isolation versus XM4’s 9.0, a small but real gain (RTINGS).
• SoundGuys measured XM5 battery at 31h 53min, slightly above XM4’s 30h (SoundGuys).
• What Hi-Fi? notes the XM5 has “clearer and more detailed” sound (What Hi-Fi?).

Battery life and charging

• Both offer 30+ hours. XM4 has USB-C charging, XM5 supports fast charge: 3 minutes = 3 hours (BestProducts).
• XM4 lacks that quick-charge perk — full charge takes about 3.5 hours (Wikipedia).

Price difference and value

• XM4 now retails around €250–300; XM5 sits at €350–400 (Amazon UK).
• Refurbished XM4 units can be found under €200 (Amazon).

Three models, one clear pattern: the XM4 sits in the sweet spot of performance vs. price.

Data sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys, BestProducts.

What are the disadvantages of Sony WH-1000XM4?

Common complaints from users

• Call quality is average — microphones pick up background noise (What Hi-Fi?).
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive, causing accidental skips (Trusted Reviews).
• No official waterproof rating — avoid rain or heavy sweat (Wikipedia).

Areas where newer models outperform

• Bose QC Ultra offers spatial audio and superior ANC (What Hi-Fi?).
• XM5 has faster processing and better call microphones (What Hi-Fi?).
• No LDAC support on Bose is a miss for Android users (TechRadar).

Potential issues after long-term use

• Ear pads flatten and lose seal after 1–2 years (Trusted Reviews).
• Battery capacity declines gradually (RTINGS).
• Hinge remains sturdy — unlikely to break (TechRadar).

Is Sony discontinuing XM4?

Official statements from Sony

• Sony has not officially announced discontinuation as of early 2026 (Sony Ireland).
• Stock remains widely available from retailers and refurbishers (Amazon UK).

Should you buy before it’s discontinued?

• If discontinued, prices may drop further on clearance (TechRadar).
• Support for firmware updates may slow after discontinuation (Trusted Reviews).
• Spare parts availability is uncertain long-term (What Hi-Fi?).

Timeline: Key moments for the Sony WH-1000XM4

How to pair and use your Sony WH-1000XM4

1. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds until the light flashes blue/red.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone and select “WH-1000XM4”.
3. Download the Sony | Headphones Connect app from the App Store or Google Play (Sony Ireland).
4. Use the app to adjust EQ, enable DSEE Extreme upscaling, and manage multipoint connections.
5. For firmware updates, go to the app’s System tab and check for updates automatically.

Quotes from the experts

“The Sony WH-1000XM4 are outstanding when it comes to noise isolation.”
RTINGS.com (headphone testing lab)

“Dual noise sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1.”
Sony (official product page)

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• 30-hour battery life with ANC on (Wikipedia)
• Supports LDAC, AAC, SBC codecs (Wikipedia)
• Not waterproof or dust-resistant (Wikipedia)
• Multipoint Bluetooth works with two devices (Wikipedia)

What’s still unclear

• Exact discontinuation date from Sony (The Verge)
• Whether future firmware updates will be released (TechRadar)
• Long-term availability of spare parts (Trusted Reviews)

After three years on the market, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is no longer the shiny new thing. But its core strengths — class-leading ANC for the price, 30-hour battery, and LDAC support — still hold up remarkably well. For Irish commuters looking for a reliable pair of noise-cancelling headphones without spending €400, the XM4 remains a smart buy — provided you can live without the absolute latest ANC and spatial audio.

Samtidig som disse modellene har stått seg godt over tid, er det verdt å se på de norske vurderingene av WH-1000XM4 for et annet perspektiv på holdbarheten.

Frequently asked questions