It’s not every day that a flagship product like the Sony WH-1000XM4 sees a price drop as dramatic as this. These headphones were renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and comfortable design. With the release of the WH-1000XM5, Sony has effectively made the XM4s a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers.
Why were the Sony WH-1000XM4 so popular?
- Industry-leading Noise Cancellation: The XM4s utilize Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, which effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds, from the rumble of airplane engines to the chatter of a busy cafe. I personally used these on a long-haul flight, and the silence was truly remarkable.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Featuring precise audio engineering and support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, the XM4s deliver a rich and detailed listening experience. Whether you’re into classical music or bass-heavy electronic tracks, these headphones provide impressive clarity and dynamic range.
- Comfort and Convenience: Designed for extended wear, the XM4s boast soft earcups and a lightweight build. They also offer smart features like “Speak-to-Chat,” which automatically pauses your music when you start talking, and “Wearing Detection,” which pauses playback when you take the headphones off.
What makes this deal so special?
A $220 discount on a product that originally retailed for around $350 is a significant price drop. This puts the XM4s in a very competitive price bracket, making them an even more attractive option compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
Is it still worth buying the Sony WH-1000XM4 in 2024?
Even with the release of the XM5s, the XM4s remain a compelling choice, especially at this discounted price. While the XM5s offer some improvements in noise cancellation and call quality, the XM4s still deliver a fantastic overall experience. If you’re looking for top-notch noise cancellation and audio quality without breaking the bank, the XM4s are still a great option.
What are the key features of the Sony WH-1000XM4?
- HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1: This dedicated processor analyzes and cancels out a wide range of frequencies for highly effective noise cancellation.
- Dual Noise Sensor Technology: Two microphones on each earcup capture ambient noise for precise noise cancellation.
- Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer: This feature personalizes the noise cancellation based on your individual ear shape and wearing style.
- Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing: Optimizes noise cancellation for high-altitude environments like airplanes.
- DSEE Extreme: Upscales compressed digital music files in real time for improved sound quality.
- LDAC: Supports high-resolution audio streaming for a more detailed and immersive listening experience.
- Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses music when you start speaking.
- Wearing Detection: Pauses playback when you take the headphones off.
- Multipoint Connection: Allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
- 30-hour battery life: Provides ample playtime for even the longest journeys.
- Quick charging: Get 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
- Touch controls: Easily control playback, volume, and calls with intuitive touch gestures on the earcups.
- Voice assistant support: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: What’s the difference?
While the XM4s are an excellent value, especially at the discounted price, it’s worth considering the key differences between the XM4s and the newer XM5s:
- Noise Cancellation: The XM5s offer slightly improved noise cancellation, particularly in the mid-range frequencies.
- Call Quality: The XM5s have upgraded microphones for better call clarity.
- Design: The XM5s have a more refined design with a sleeker headband and slightly larger earcups.
- Price: The XM5s are significantly more expensive than the discounted XM4s.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for the absolute best noise cancellation and call quality, the XM5s are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a great value and can live with slightly less effective noise cancellation, the XM4s are still an excellent option.
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