Sony’s WF-1000XM4 that we reviewed last year was, in our opinion, one of the best, if not the best high-end noise cancelling earbuds your money can buy. Sony really knows how to make audio gear and thanks to their knowhow in active noise cancelling (ANC) technologies, you expect nothing less with their high-end noise cancelling audio gears. But that is also a problem in itself made by Sony for themselves. How do you top their best product? While the answer is simply; “make everything better”, it really is not as simple as that.
Of course, while Sony still holds the lead in active noise cancelling headphones, there are players in the industry who are catching up. Apple, for example, introduced their 2nd generation AirPods Pro to a success and with stellar reviews on its aural and noise cancelling performances. Sony cannot just be content with their WF-1000XM4. They do need to push the envelopes a little. They have with the WF-1000XM5.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Despite being the ‘mark 5’ in the bunch, this is not Sony’s 5th generation ANC earbuds. It is, in fact, their 4th generation high-end earbuds. The earbuds also do not look totally dissimilar with the ‘mark 4’. It is supposedly 25% smaller and 20% lighter than before though. We think that Sony is going for that signature timeless look with their higher-end earphones now, sort of like what they are doing with their Xperia smartphones line-up.
Inside is a completely different earbuds compared to the WF-1000XM4 though. We start with the new driver; they call it the Dynamic Driver X unit. The new Dynamic Driver X is almost similar in size to the previous driver, but is developed specifically for the latest generation WF-1000 earbuds. According to Sony, the driver design offers a combination of materials from the dome to the edge of the diaphragm structure. What this does, according to them, is to reduce distortion on both high-end and low-end frequencies allowing the engineers to pump more power into the driver to produce detailed highs and powerful bass. Of course, they have not forgotten that a balanced audio reproduction requires a balanced and detailed mid-tone too.
Unlike the older WF-1000XM4, the new WF-1000XM5 comes packing two processors. They have a brand-new Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e and Integrated Processor V2. The Integrated Processor V2 now enables the earbuds to process 24-bit audio and offers high-performance noise amplification for super rich audio unlike anything you might have experienced in a pair of wireless earbuds. Of course, you still get Hi-Res support thanks to LDAC and DSEE Extreme. Sony’s highly acclaimed 360 Reality Audio now also comes with head tracking technology that ensures that your sound moves accordingly creating an even higher immersion than ever before.
Source: Sony
Alongside three mics on each earbud, the dedicated noise cancelling processor delivers noise cancelling performance and ambient noise mode even better than you find on the WF-1000XM4. They say that thanks to the three-mic combo, ambient noise can be captured more accurately than before resulting in a much more natural feel of your surroundings. Because noise is picked up much more accurately as well, the noise cancelling algorithm is more precise and therefore works better in noisy environments. You also get Sony’s clever polyurethane foam materials that passively cancels noise in the environment for a better seal in your ears.
Sony also claims that the new WF-1000XM5 offers better call quality than ever before. You still get the beamforming mic that was first introduced in the previous earphones. They have employed cleverer AI algorithms in the new earphones based on Deep Neutral Network (DNN) processing working alongside new bone conduction sensors to accurately pick up your voice. The result should be a more natural sounding, cleaner, and clearer voice at least from your end during a call.
Despite being smaller, the IPX4 water-resistant body of the WF-1000XM5 contains a battery that offers up to 8 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge. Of course, the case carries extra charges for the earbuds for up to 24 hours of listening time. You can also charge the earbuds wirelessly, like its predecessor. Thanks to Multipoint Connect, you can pair the WF-1000XM5 with up to two devices simultaneously, though you might have to sacrifice LDAC capabilities.
Price and Availability
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 will be available in two colour options, just like before. You can get it in black or silver when it is available in August 2023 onward. It will set you back MYR 1,299, which is more expensive than the previous WF-1000XM4 that sold for MYR 1,099 at launch. More on the Sony WF-1000XM5 can be found on their website.
When the Sony WF-1000XM3 (WF-1000X Mk. III) first came to light, we were very excited about it. Oddly enough, the truly wireless earbuds from Sony did not have a Mk. II revision. It skipped a generation, which also means that the Mk. III is effectively a second-generation earphone of its type. There is a good reason for that though.
Sony’s argument to the naming scheme is simple. It packs the same technology as the WH-1000XM3 flagship Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) over-ear headphones. It is also leaps and bounds better than the first iteration they came up with. For that reason alone, the second-generation WF-1000XM3 is named the way it is.
With the fourth generation WH-1000X headphone (WH-1000XM4), they also delivered the Sony WF-1000XM4. It shares no visual similarities with the older Mk. III save for the colours. It is also quite a bit more expensive than the older earphone.s It is now MYR 1,099 over the MYR 899 for the Mk. III.
Is it worth the extra ask though? Is it a better headphone than the Mk. III that you should now chuck them away for these new ones? Does it even live up to our expectations? We dive in and try to answer these questions.
Design
As we mentioned earlier, the new WF-1000XM4 looks nothing like its predecessor. It is more compact, more “regular”. It is still quite bulky though, just less so than the WF-1000XM3.
The new earbuds feel more natural and easier to work with compared to the predecessor. It is much easier to place the earbuds correctly now than ever. The touchpad is now a lot bigger and easier to work with than before. The only thing we think missing is gesture control.
Even the case is much more compact now. They still feature the same sort of design language that you get from the case of the WF-1000XM3. The cap is a lot more rounded than before. The bottom is now flat so you can stand it correctly. The bottom is also where the wireless charging receiver is.
Hardware
The new earphones come with a slew of minor improvements that completely changes the experience of a true wireless ANC headphone. The drivers remain at the same size at 6mm, but was redesigned for better response in all frequencies. They have also managed to pack a few more mics and pick ups despite the smaller size.
Bluetooth 5.2 Active Noise Cancelling IPX4 Wireless Charging DSEE Extreme
Features
There is a lot to unpack here. It is by far Sony’s most feature packed true wireless earbuds. Then again, you are paying MYR 1,099 for it.
IPX4
The WF-1000XM4 is officially rated at IPX4. That does not mean you can take it swimming though. Officially, IPX4 means that the hardware itself is splash protected in all direction. That also means that it will work rain or shine. We can also now take it for a jog or the gym without worrying. We recommend that you turn on ‘ambient noise’ when you are out and about for your own safety.
Hybrid Tips
For the Sony WF-1000XM4, Sony developed hybrid ear tips. It is a mix of foam and silicon that combines the best of both worlds. The foam is the part seals the ear, while the silicone keeps the structure and secure the tips to the body.
The result is an extremely comfortable fitting earphones that really seals off the world from you when you put your earphones on. You can wear it for hours on end without any sort of discomfort coming from the usual silicone ear tips. We cannot comment too much on its durability yet though, we need to use it for longer.
The noise isolation from the foam is significant enough that it blocks out most noise. Combined with the noise cancelling algorithm, the world is tuned out. Because foam is more compliant to ear shapes too, the experience should be consistent with most ears. Everyone’s ears are different though so you might get slightly different experiences.
All-New V1 Processor
Instead of the older generation QN1 processor, as per the WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4, the new true wireless earbuds feature a new V1 audio processor. A quick breakdown by EE Times shows that while the current V1 chip is slightly larger than the older processor, it integrates more features within the chip itself allowing Sony to wrap everything else into a smaller and tighter package. Of course, the V1 packs more processing power. That processing power allows Sony to fit more purpose-built hardware with cleverer algorithm for an even better noise cancelling experience than before.
Simultaneous Bluetooth Connection
Sony’s previous true wireless ANC earphones had some reported issues of desynchronised audio across both earphones. Sony have solved that with simultaneous Bluetooth connection on the WH-1000XM4. That also means that both earbuds will get data simultaneously. That also means a more stable, more synchronised listening experience across both ears. For the earphones to work though, you have to use the right earbud first. The left earbud will not work on its own. Sony, it is 2022, everyone else allows us to use individual buds either side.
Pair Quickly, and Correctly
Google’s Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair are lifesavers for modern Bluetooth earphones. It is really just a matter of opening the case and choose “pair” when Windows or your Android smartphone prompts you to pair with your ear buds. We almost forgot that it’s predecessor came with NFC because this just works. It took us less than 5 seconds to get the WF-1000XM4 going.
Sony Headphones App
The Sony Headphones App really enhances our experience with the WF-1000XM4. If you come from Sony’s modern headphones line-up, you will be quite familiar with the app. There are certain carry over functions as well.
Ear Analysis for Better Experience
You can easily get the app to recognise your ear shape by taking a few photos as per the app’s instructions and tailor your listening experience. The difference can be so marginal that you hardly notice. To some though, it makes the world of difference in their listening experience. In some ways, the app can also help the earphones tailor the noise cancelling experience specifically for you. This is on top of the clever noise cancelling based on the feedback from its microphones from inside your ears. The app now also allows you to check if the tips you picked are suitable for you by performing ‘leak’ tests to see if your ears are properly sealed.
Speak-to-Chat – Your Earphones can Stay on Forever
One feature that trickled over also from the WH-1000XM4 is speak-to-chat function. If you find it quite annoying you can turn it off. It cuts the music so that you can have a conversation. It also only triggers when you start talking though, so your friends will still need to get your attention first.
Ambient mode is better and more natural than before. It is still a little artificial though. Little noises still sound bigger than they actually are.
By default, the music will only cut back 15 seconds after you end your conversation. You can turn that to 5, or 30 seconds. If not, you can also set it to trigger only when you interact with either earbud. It takes up to one second for the earphones cut the music and go into transparency mode, you might want to be patient.
Location Preset
Location detection is one very handy feature we love to use. You can have ambient mode when you are out and about just so that you are aware of what is happening around you. Once you get home, or to the office, your headphones will still continue playing the music and noise cancelling is turned up to the desired levels accordingly. You can even turn equaliser to different presets in different locations. Even the speak-to-chwt function can be customised accordingly.
360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos with Bravia XR
Yes, you can connect your earphones with your TVs too via Bluetooth. If your Sony TV packs Sony’s Bravia XR processor, you can take advantage of Sony’s clever 360 Reality Audio and the details in Dolby Atmos. Unfortunately, we do not have a TV with Bravia XR engine, so we could not test this function.
Performance
The features do not make the headphones though. You want it to sound good. You want to immerse yourself in music. With an ANC headphone, you want to be isolated at that.
Immerse Yourself Anywhere, Anytime, and in Peace
Noise cancelling on this pair of headphones is much cleaner than before. While it does not cancel everything, you can say that 90% of the noise around you gets cancelled with a good seal, and suddenly you are transported far away from your pesky colleagues, or noisy patrons in your favourite café. At 60-75% volume, the music drowns out your environment.
There is only one way to describe the audio experience; it is remarkable. Low-end frequencies excel with the WF-1000XM4. With some clever engineering, there is a bigger diaphragm over its predecessor. That also means that the low-end frequencies are punchier than before, more so than most earphones with similarly sized drivers. There is no sacrifice in detail though.
The mid-tones and high frequencies are excellent and properly detailed as well. Somehow, the WF-1000XM4 offers better vocals than before. You can hear that with songs like Lost Without You by Freya Ridings. The Final Fantasy Medley by the Video Game Orchestra also highlights the balance of the WF-1000M4. We use Tidal which offers music streaming at FLAC qualities.
DSEE Extreme and Hi-Res LDAC
We have to credit the excellent listening experience to Sony’s clever DSEE Extreme and LDAC algorithm. It is Sony’s clever audio upscaling algorithm that brings your music listening experience closer to what you might get on a CD or lossless files. You can turn it off if you want, but we suggest keeping it on.
Calls
The Sony WF-1000XM4 features more function specific microphones to pick up voice. It features bone conduction mic and also something called a beamforming mic. Bone conduction mic only picks up vibrations that comes from your skull while beamforming mic is great at picking up vocals. The result should be crystal clear and stellar voice quality in calls.
The feedback from the person on the other end of the line seems satisfactory. Our voices are picked up nicely and clearly. It is not as clear as using the smartphone’s built-in mic apparently, but still acceptable. The call sounds clear and clean in your ears too.
The better mic experience also benefits the speak-to-chat and smart assistant features of the WF-1000XM4. Because the earphones picks up your voice much better, speak-to-chat functionality is accurate in most cases and will not cut out when you are halfway talking to your peers. Voice commands are also picked more accurately than before.
360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos
360 Reality Audio offers you a sort of a 3D audio experience in the music. Artists can work with a whole surround sound experience to create a sort of immersive experience. For example, the earphones can visualise an all-encompassing drum experience, an acoustic guitar on the front left side, a piano on the front right side, your vocalist right in front of you, and a bass guitar right behind you.
Dolby Atmos on the other hand is a little different. While Dolby Atmos is used in most surround sound solutions for your visual entertainment, it is more about the details. On Tidal, Dolby Atmos allows you to head the little intricacies of the instruments. You can think of it like sitting in a studio listening to the actual recording being done before it gets mastered for the general listening experience.
On Tidal we used David Bowie’s Space Oddity and Alicia Keys’ 3 Hour Drive to test out the 360 Reality Audio. for Dolby Atmos, Tidal offers Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses, Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, and I’ll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga. All of them offers different experience of 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos too.
Battery Life
Sony says that the WF-1000XM4 can last up to eight hours with continuous music playback and five and a half hours with continuous call time. Most of our calls end in less than three hours. One particular call that lasted about two hours did brought the charge down to about 50%. So, we can only take Sony’s word for its battery life.
We have never had the chance to use the earbuds for more than three hours in music playback too in our test period. The battery only went down to just about 60% in that time frame though. The estimation, based on the power consumption at that time, is more than seven hours of continuous use with Noise Cancelling in our case.
The case is also supposed to provide two extra charges, bringing up the total music playback battery life to a quoted 24 hours. We have never drained the battery on the case as well, but then again, we leave it on the wireless charger in the office or at home after every use of the earbuds. The case charges the earphones rather quickly too. In our use case, we never had to wait for more than 20 minutes for the earbuds to fully charge and get going again. You can charge it via the USB Type-C port too.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 Conclusion
We probably have said something similar with the WF-1000XM3, but this is sort of the gold standard now in ANC true wireless earphones. We think that the sound quality from the WF-1000XM4 has comparable sound quality even compared to the Sennheiser True Wireless Momentum II and the Klipsch T5 II.
At MYR 1,099 it is the same price as the AirPods Pro, and it sounds better. You could pick it up for less on other online platforms though. It is also cheaper than the Sennheiser and earbuds, both of which are considered some of the best sounding true wireless headphones out there.
This pair of earphones can offer you a completely tailored experience that is made only for your ears. That also means that each WF-1000XM4 out there could be marginally or completely different, depending on preferences as well of course. While that experience is only accessible through the Sony Headphones App, the app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Your entire audio experience is on a different level with the best-in-class noise cancelling algorithm. It blocks out enough that you feel like you are far away from distractions. With music, you are completely isolated and cut out from the world where you are. You are enjoying pure music.
Is it worth MYR 1,099? Based on its performance, we think the price tag is acceptable. MYR 1,099 for a personalised audio experience is actually highly accessible and reasonable, custom earphones will cost you at least twice that.
Is it better than the WF-1000XM3? Yes, it is. If you can get a good price for the Mk. IV, we think you should upgrade from the predecessor too. The WF-1000XM4 does not just live up to our expectations, it exceeds them. If Sony WF-1000XM4 is already this good; can Sony make anything much better than this?
When Sony introduced the world to the WF-1000XM3 last year, it was rated as one of the best truly wireless headphones that you can buy. There is little doubt to that claim and why it is so. The WF-1000XM3, the second-generation noise cancelling truly wireless earbuds from Sony packed arguably the best noise cancelling technologies in the world. It came with battery life longer than anything you can find in the market too at the same time without compromising on audio quality and fidelity. That is why we decided to own one.
To live up or replace the WF-1000XM3 then is no mean feat. It looks like Sony has done so though in their new WF-1000XM4. Except, the changes might not be too much around sound quality but more around additional features instead.
Integrated Processor V1 – Better Noise Cancelling
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
That is not to say that they have skimmed on trying to make it sound better. They developed a new processing chip for the WF-1000XM4, the Integrated Processor V1. It is supposed to be cleverer than the Mark III’s QN1e processor and more powerful, at least for this form factor. That also means better noise cancellation algorithms, supposedly. Alongside two noise sensors, noise cancelling is a lot more accurate too. The new chip is also a little more power efficient than the older chip, which explains the slightly more compact body.
Redesigned 6mm Drivers
To improve sound quality, a newly designed driver unit now boast 20% more magnet volume for increased low-end power for that much needed bass line. The driver is still the same size at 6mm though, that also means that it should be as power efficient as before. But this also means that noise cancellation can be even more precise with better low-end anti-noise reproduction from the drivers. They have also redesigned the Noise Isolation Tips to be more durable and more comfortable as well as reducing outside noise. The new processor even detects wind and automatically cancels it out.
Hi-Res and LDAC support with DSEE Extreme
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Sony is known for their Hi-Res audio, so it was a little funny when Sony did not include the Hi-Res certification to the old WF-1000XM3. On the new Sony WF-1000XM4, that changes. It now supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and all this is thanks to the now inclusion of Sony’s brilliant LDAC technology. With up to 990kbps of data transfer speed, high-resolution audio can easily be transmitted to the headphone with minimal loss. Latency might also be improved on the headphones.
DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) Extreme also finally makes it to the WF-1000XM4. The technology upscales music in real time on device to deliver even better sounding music than you are probably used to with Bluetooth Headphones. The technology fills gaps and restores any lost ranges and dynamics in music to deliver a richer and more complete audio experience.
Better Conversations with Speak-to Chat and Bone Conduction
Of course, the speak-to-chat function makes it to the WF-1000XM4. You can quickly start a conversation and the WF-1000XM4 automatically cuts music volume just so that you can easily order your favourite coffee or have a quick conversation with your friends. If you want to just quickly turn down the volume to hear announcements, simply place a finger over the left earbud. Of course, just like any older Sony headphone, Adaptive Sound Control is supported on this pair of headphones too.
Using the WF-1000XM3 for phone calls have not been its strongest suit. That is also about to change with the WF-1000XM4 though. Sony fitted the wireless headphones with Precise Voice Pickup technology and bone-conduction sensors to clearly and more accurately pick up your voice for calls. Additionally, beamforming microphones focuses on only picking up voices coming from your mouth and rejects unwanted noise from the background.
Compact, Comfort, Long-Lasting
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Besides being 40% smaller, the case is also a wireless charging unit. That also means you can lose your cables and just place your WF-1000XM4 on your existing wireless charger to get it up and running the next round you move out. Smaller case also means smaller earbuds at 10% reduction compared to it predecessor.
Speaking of size though, an earbud’s fitting in your ear is everything to get the best audio experience. Sony’s Headphone Connect App now helps you find the best fitting earbud tip size by measuring your ear size just with a simple photo. A perfect fitting earbud tip also helps with long term comfort, of course.
Finally, the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones are IPX4 certified. That also means that the headphones could be your perfect exercise buddy. Just do not take it swimming. On top of that, you can be sure that your earphones can continue playing your favourite tracks from the gym to the office and even to home with 8 hours of use. The case gives you an additional 16 hours of battery life to give you a total of 24 hours in battery life.
Simpler Than Ever
Connecting the Sony WF-1000XM3 was not exactly a difficult affair, but the WF-1000XM4 is easier than ever to connect to your devices. With Google’s Fast Pair features, you only need to open the case and you are one tap away from connecting your Android smartphone to the headphones. Even Microsoft’s Windows gets some love with Microsoft Swift Pair for the WF-1000XM4 to quickly pair with Windows 10 devices.
Availability and Price
The Sony WF-1000XM4 will be available in Malaysia mid-July 2021 onward. You can get your hands on for MYR 1,099. You can also pre-order yours now until 15th July 2021. Like the older WF-1000XM3, there are only two colour options – black or silver. Pre-orders can be made at Sony Store The Curve and KLCC, Sony Store Online, and Sony’s authorised stores across the nation. For more information on the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones with noise cancelling capabilities, you can visit Sony’s website.
