Advanced noise cancellation

Whether you’re flying long-haul or relaxing in a café, the WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver our advanced noise cancelling performance, keeping out even more high- and mid-frequency sounds.

The technology behind the noise cancellation

Dual noise sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise-Cancelling Processor QN1. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise-Cancelling Processor QN1 then applies noise-cancelling processing in real time to a range of acoustic environments. Working together with a new Bluetooth Audio SoC (System on Chip), it senses and adjusts to music and noise signals, as well as acoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears, at over 700 times per second. 

Optimizing noise cancelling

The WH-1000XM4 headphones incorporate two technologies to maximize noise cancelling performance. Unique Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing delivers optimal sound at high altitude while Personal Noise Cancellation Optimizer analyzes unique sonic characteristics caused by head size, glasses, and hair, then tailors sound to you.

Wireless freedom, premium sound

LDAC transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps) than conventional BLUETOOTH® audio, allowing you to enjoy High-Resolution Audio content in exceptional quality, as close as possible to that of a dedicated wired connection.

Sound you can believe in

A built-in analogue amplifier integrated in the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 realizes an unmatched signal-to-noise ratio for low distortion and exceptional sound quality for portable devices. Powerful 40-mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms make the headphones perfect for handling heavy beats and can reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz.

Real-time restoration of all your compressed files 

Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence) co-developed with Sony Music Entertainment, DSEE Extreme™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. Dynamically recognizing instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, it restores the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience.

For everyday convenience, just Speak-to-Chat

As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically stops the music and lets in ambient sound so you can conduct a conversation—handy if you want to keep your headphones on, or your hands are full. Based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, this smart feature uses five microphones built into your headphones and advanced audio signal processing to recognize and react to your voice. And once your chat is over, your music starts playing again automatically.

Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts to your location and behaviour

Adaptive Sound Control is a smart function that can learn to recognize locations you frequently visit, such as your workplace or favourite café, and tailor sound for the ideal listening experience. In addition, it automatically detects what you’re up to—for example, walking, waiting or travelling—then adjusts ambient sound settings to suit the situation.

Headphones that react to you

A proximity sensor in your headphones can detect whether you’re wearing them or not, then adapt playback accordingly to help save battery power. Take off your headphones and the music pauses automatically. Put the headphones back on and the music automatically resumes.

Quick Attention

Need to quickly hear voices or sounds around you? Just place your hand over the housing to instantly turn your music volume down and let ambient sound in.

Wear all day in total comfort

WH-1000XM4 headphones blend sophisticated style with exceptional comfort. Super-soft, pressure-relieving ear pads in foamed urethane evenly distribute pressure and increase ear/pad contact for a stable fit. And with a lighter-weight design, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

All day power and quick charging

With a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power even for long trips. And if you need to top up in a hurry, you can get 5 hours’ worth of charge after just 10 minutes with the optional AC adapter.

Be smarter with Voice Assistant

Get hands-free help. Just say “OK Google” or “Alexa” to activate your preferred voice assistant.. Enjoy entertainment, connect with friends, get information, listen to music and notifications, set reminders and more. You can even control your headphones’ features like noise cancellation with your voice.

Clearer hands-free calling 

Conversation flows freely with easy, hands-free calling. Leave your phone where it is, just speak with a double tap. Thanks to Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing, WH-1000XM4 delivers clearer voice quality to the other person on the phone. 

Control at your fingertips

Change the track, turn the volume up or down, and take or make calls just by tapping or swiping the panel.

Sony | Headphones Connect app

With the Sony | Headphones Connect app, Ambient Sound Control lets you adjust the volume of background sound and gives you the option to allow voices alone to be heard. Meanwhile the Equalizer lets you customize sound levels to suit your music.

Swivel foldable structure

The ear cups swivel inwards so they pack up neatly in a compact case. 

Carry case with cable

The supplied carry case is durable and includes a cable for wired listening.

360 Spatial Sound Personalizer

With the Sony | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, you’ll enjoy a sound experience that’s optimized for you. The app captures and analyzes your ear shape, allowing these headphones to create your own personal spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR TVs.

Dolby Atmos experience

With a Sony WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter connected to a BRAVIA XR TV, your headphones create the ideal arrangement of phantom speakers all around you so you can enjoy a Dolby Atmos experience. Be immersed in the scene and feel right at the heart of the action.

Ambient Sound Control

Adjust ambient sound with the Sony | Headphones Connect app to cancel noise while still allowing essential sounds, like transport announcements, through when you’re listening on the move.

Multipoint connection

For total convenience, WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. So when a call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connect to the right one automatically. You’ll also be able to quickly, smoothly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button.