What Makes the Sony WH-1000XM4 Stand Out Today?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 remain widely respected for their combination of rich, punchy sound, highly effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. Their sonic profile is full-bodied—bass is deep but not overwhelming, vocals are clear, and the soundstage stays lively across genres. This makes them an easy recommendation for a mix of use cases: commuting, office work, travel, and relaxed home listening.
Battery life continues to impress, regularly delivering around 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling enabled. Quick charging provides roughly 5 hours of use from just 10 minutes plugged in, a convenience that holds up well nowadays. The lightweight build and memory foam pads remain comfortable on extended sessions, and the fold-flat design is especially handy for travelers—something that’s not always found in newer models.
How Does the WH-1000XM4 Compare to Newer Models?
In 2024, two direct rivals stand out in this price range: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and the JBL Live 780NC. The newer Sony WH-1000XM6 offers slightly better noise cancellation and fresher aesthetics, but it’s significantly more expensive—often costing nearly double the price of discounted XM4s.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Renowned for comfort. Noise cancellation is a hair smoother than the XM4, but sound quality is more laid back and battery life is slightly shorter. Usually sells for about AU$50 more than the XM4 when discounts align.
- JBL Live 780NC: Costs less, offers a brighter, more energetic sound and colorful styling, but noise cancellation is a step behind. Build materials feel less premium, and app support is less refined than Sony's. Best if you want to save as much as possible and prefer a livelier signature.
Relative to its successors, the XM4 wins on value and portability. You miss out on some incremental tech upgrades, but the main benefits—strong ANC and immersive sound—remain as compelling as ever, especially at a lower price.
Who Should Buy the WH-1000XM4 and Who Should Skip?
If you’re seeking headphones that excel in daily comfort, reliable noise cancellation for travel or noisy offices, and balanced sound for varied music tastes, the XM4 remain a fantastic buy. They’re especially attractive for budget-minded shoppers who want solid performance without paying for the newest bells and whistles. Frequent travelers get the added advantage of the fold-flat design missing from newer models.
You might want to skip the XM4 if you’re after the absolute latest tech (like improved call quality or adaptive head tracking found on the XM6), or if you need peak noise cancellation at any cost. Gamers and home cinema fans looking for the very best spatial features may also prefer newer, pricier models.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 in 2024?
Despite being several years old, the Sony WH-1000XM4 continue to outperform most wireless headphones in their price class. The combination of comfort, battery life, strong active noise cancellation, and vibrant sound makes them a near-unbeatable value—especially when found near or below AU$300. Unless you need the absolute latest features, they’re one of the smartest purchases you can make in wireless audio this year.