Sound Quality
Counting among some of the best earbuds on the market in terms of sound quality, the Sony WF-1000MX4 gives off audio that is as clear as it gets. Each note is audible with the utmost clarity, be it a shrill high or a deep low. The separation of instruments and vocals also stands out and makes the listening experience much better than its competition. For those who choose to customize the sound profile according to their needs, Sony provides a companion Headphones Connect app which comes with an equalizer to tune audio settings.
The company's proprietary DSEE Extreme System uses AI technology to improve the sound quality of compressed audio files, ensuring that the listening experience is consistent and enjoyable no matter what kind of music you choose.
Hardware
Weighing in at 7.3g each, these earbuds are far from being considered one of the lighter ones in the market. However, much to our surprise, they don't feel heavy when worn and are comfortable even after multiple hours of usage. On the other hand, they're not the slimmest pair of true wireless earbuds on the market either, sticking out visibly from either ear.
Although they are rated at IPX4 against moisture, signifying that they are waterproof enough to sustain sweat (and nothing more), they're not an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts. This is so because of the fact that apart from the foam bud tips which are rather snug and comfortable, there isn't much in terms of structure to hold them in during intense movement.
Battery and Case
Where the Sony WF-1000MX4 continues to shine bright are the battery and case departments. They last up to almost 8 hours with Active Noise Cancelling on and nearly 12 hours without it. They can also provide approximately 5.5 hours of talk time, all of which is significantly more than its competitors.
The case is incredibly compact and has been shrunk down further as compared to its previous generations. It can be charged entirely using USB C or Qi wireless charging in just 90 minutes and can charge the earbuds twice - providing a total of at least 24 hours of listening.
Active Noise Cancelling and Calling
The noise-cancelling function on the Sony WF-1000MX4 is genuinely baffling and easily the best that we have experienced on any earbud so far. Thanks to the new V1 chip inside, the distracting noise of traffic, people and the environment, in general, gets cut off to an extent where the audio is crystal clear with zero noise. The best part is the control users have over how much outside noise can be cancelled using a slider on the companion app.
Though the microphone is not extraordinary, it is certainly good enough for video and voice calls. One complaint we did have was that the ambient noise control may sometimes result in muffling of the voice, but that is rare and likely to happen only in extremely noisy surroundings.
Connectivity
The Sony WF-1000MX4 uses Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your smartphone, which can result in improved battery life for the phone. In addition, the earbuds need to be paired only during the first time that they are used, and initiating the process is simple too. Simply take the buds out of the case, insert them in your ears and hold your fingers against both buds for 6 seconds.
Verdict
Priced at AED 1,499 they are quite clearly not for people who are looking for a bargain. However, the incredible sound and build quality make them worth every last buck. Not only do they provide a listening experience that is unexpected from earbuds, but they are also bound to last a long time.
