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Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4

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Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Sony WH-1000XM4 ranks #5 in our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel 2026 list. Its biggest strength: folds flat unlike XM5, better bag packing geometry. The main caveat: slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation.

Overview

What the Sony WH-1000XM4 does well

The XM4 folds flat while the XM5 does not, a meaningful advantage for bag packing. Its case rests on folds flat unlike XM5, better bag packing geometry and 30-hour battery identical to XM5. The tradeoff: slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation.

The XM4 provides most of the XM5's office functionality at a lower price. It stands out for multipoint Bluetooth identical to XM5 and folds flat for commuters who carry the headphones to work. Keep in mind that no wear detection or speak-to-chat feature (XM5 added both).

The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Folds flat unlike XM5, better bag packing geometry
  • 30-hour battery identical to XM5
  • ANC nearly as good as XM5 at lower price

Cons

  • Slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation
  • No wear detection (XM5 added this feature)
Fit check

Should you buy the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for travel 2026
  • Shopping for office 2026

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation
  • No wear detection (XM5 added this feature)
Where it ranks

Featured in 2 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel 2026#5 / 10
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Office 2026#8 / 10
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Sony WH-1000XM4

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: noise cancelling headphones

  1. Over-ear designs typically block more noise.
  2. Check clamping force and cushions.
  3. Look for 20+ hours.
  4. Good mics help in noisy places.
  5. Multipoint and app EQ add convenience.

Read the full guides

Answers

Sony WH-1000XM4: common questions

Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Sony WH-1000XM4 ranks #5 in our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel 2026 list. Its biggest strength: folds flat unlike XM5, better bag packing geometry. The main caveat: slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation.

Who is the Sony WH-1000XM4 best for?

Based on our research it suits travel 2026 and office 2026. It's ranked #5 of 10 in our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the Sony WH-1000XM4?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: slightly behind XM5 on very low frequency cancellation; no wear detection (XM5 added this feature).

What are the best alternatives to the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Worth comparing: Bose QuietComfort 45, Apple AirPods Max and Jabra Evolve2 85. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Sony WH-1000XM4?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

Why did my ANC suddenly stop working?

The most common cause is a firmware update that reset the ANC settings, or the ANC toggle being accidentally turned off via the headphone's control app or physical button. Check the ANC mode in the companion app first. If that is correct, try a firmware check and then reset to factory defaults.

Why does my ANC headphone sound like the noise is louder with ANC on?

This is usually caused by a broken or obstructed external microphone. The ANC system needs to sample the incoming noise through the external mics before generating anti-noise. If a mic is blocked or damaged, the system generates incorrect anti-noise that can amplify rather than cancel certain frequencies.

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