WH-1000XM4

"The XM4 provides a more robust experience of being engulfed in your music and definitely makes it more enjoyable to listen to music."

While often described as bass-heavy and muddy out of the box, users find the sound quality significantly improves with EQ adjustments, with many praising its clarity and depth, especially on Android with LDAC.

"Have these current, they are great. Somehow more comfortable than the last version. Great quality."

Most users find the XM4s comfortable for extended wear, though some mention a slight ache or heat around the ears after several hours, and a few find them heavy.

"Am experiencing exactly this issue. Right bud discharging from full to zero in a little under an hour of normal use, left drops only to 75-80% in the same time."

While rated for long battery life, a significant number of users report severe battery drain, overheating, and premature failure, often linked to firmware updates, overshadowing the otherwise good battery performance.

"Both of them are made of almost fully plastic, while the XM4 have this metal on the headband adjustment, I think the XM5 are fully made of plastic, besides that, the XM5 have the famous hinge flaw, something I havent heard it on the XM4, so if you want the XM5 you should consider this, because you would have to give them extra care to keep them in one piece."

The headphones are generally considered well-built with a good carrying case, but some users note the predominantly plastic construction can feel cheap and may not hold up as well over time compared to premium materials.

"The XM4 have by far the worst mic of this list, they are decent in silent places, tho they are not as good as you would expect for this type of headphones, but in loud and crowded places they just flop, they are just bad"

The microphone quality is frequently cited as a significant weakness, with users reporting it's decent in quiet environments but performs poorly in noisy conditions, failing to meet expectations for the price point.

"I just randomly disconnect sometimes or if I have my iPad and my phone connected it’ll randomly decide to stop playing a video from my iPad to focus on my phone"

The headphones offer a good range of features like app control, speak-to-chat, and multipoint connectivity, but some users experience occasional Bluetooth disconnects or issues with device switching.

"The sound is of the XM4 is clear and of natural presentation with tones of warmth in the midrange and an ever so slightly exaggerated bass region."

The sound quality is generally described as excellent and customizable, with a warm midrange and punchy bass, though some find the default tuning too bass-heavy.

"The XM4s are the kind of headphones your ears thank you for. They're comfy enough to wear all day, but the trade-off is a looser fit."

While many find the XM4 comfortable for extended wear due to plush padding and light weight, some users report a loose fit that can be problematic during movement.

"Despite wearing the 1000xM4 for 20 hours over the course of 3 days, the headphones still have 30% battery life. That falls in line with Sony’s 30-hour estimate with the ANC enabled."

The battery life is consistently praised, meeting or exceeding Sony's 30-hour claim with ANC enabled, and offering even longer life with ANC off.

"The overall build of the headphones is extremely light-weight, but they still felt strong enough to withstand most day-to-day abuse."

The build is generally considered good, lightweight, and professional-looking, with some minor suggestions that materials might be slightly less premium than previous models or competitors.

"I made several phone calls on the 1000xM4 and regardless of whether I was sitting in front of my TV or walking to the store, each of my callers reported they could hear me clearly."

Call quality is noted as improved over the predecessor, with callers generally being heard clearly, though some reviews mention a robotic tone or slight background noise bleed.

"The XM4 offers numerous customization options to tailor the audio to your preferences, but the touch controls can sometimes behave unpredictably."

The XM4 offers a robust set of smart features and reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, though multipoint connection can be finicky and touch controls are a common point of frustration.

"The sound quality is so good he doesn't even have to talk about it"

The sound quality is frequently lauded as 'amazing,' 'incredible,' and 'superb,' with many appreciating the bass and clarity, though some suggest EQ adjustments for optimal balance.

"The Sony’s aren’t firm enough and make a slight crinkly sound when you move your head."

While many find the headphones comfortable, particularly with larger earcups, a notable number of users report discomfort or ears getting hot during extended use.

"Definitely no problem making the entire flight with the battery life."

Battery life is consistently praised as excellent, with users reporting it lasting for entire flights or multiple days of use without needing a charge.

"they are very solid headphones and I'd recommend them over the XM5s any day"

Build quality is generally seen as good and durable, with many users reporting long-term satisfaction, though a few instances of breakage after extended use are mentioned.

"The only problem this headphone has is the mic, quite terrible, if I would say."

Call quality is frequently cited as a significant weakness, with users describing the microphone as 'terrible' and 'abysmal,' especially compared to competitors.

"The multi device support just adds so much more use for me."

Features like multi-device pairing and 'Speak to Chat' are appreciated, though some find touch controls finicky and note that some features existed on previous models.