While we chose the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the best wireless headphones available, that doesn’t mean the previous generation, the Sony WH-1000XM4, is obsolete. In fact, the headphones still hold up, offering a comfortable design, excellent sound, and all-day battery life. And you can snag them for 20 percent off thanks to a post-Labor Day discount at Amazon.
When Stefan Vazharov, our senior technology editor, reviewed the WH-1000XM4, he said the wireless headphones are among the best-sounding available. “The cans deliver a balanced sonic experience with supreme fidelity, courtesy of 40-millimeter audio drivers with outstanding frequency response that ranges from 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz,” he writes.
It’s not just the excellent sound performance that makes the WH-1000XM4 so good. Vazharov also highlighted their noise-canceling capabilities, with a special mention that he missed a package being delivered because he didn’t hear the doorbell go off.
The WH-1000XM4 also feature comfortable padded ear cups and a headband Vazharov said doesn’t “cause even a hint of discomfort,” making the wireless headphones ideal for days packed with video meetings and lengthy listening sessions. And with up to 30 hours of wireless playback, they can go days between needing a charge. You can get up to 5 hours of battery life after only 10 minutes of charging if the headphones run out of juice.
Another standout feature is the ability to pause, play, and skip tracks through convenient touch controls by tapping and swiping on the ear cups. You can also pair the WH-1000XM4 with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, allowing you to listen to music on your computer and take a call on your smartphone. The headphones also fold into the included case, protecting them when in your backpack or carry-on luggage.
We do consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 the best of the best, to be sure, but some of the upgrades are incremental compared to what’s baked into the WH-1000XM4. With this sale at Amazon, the more affordable price tag represents an excellent value for a phenomenal product.
Shop the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
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