| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $248 MSRP (frequently $199–$229 on sale) |
| ANC | Very strong — previous-generation Sony QN1e |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C; 10 min = 5 hrs quick charge |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Weight | 254g |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Multipoint | Yes |
The Sony WH‑1000XM4 launched in 2020 to universal critical acclaim. In 2026, with its street price regularly at $199–$249, it has become the best‑value premium Sony headphone available. The ANC is excellent for everyday use. LDAC support is maintained. The 30‑hour battery matches the XM5. And it folds flat — something neither the XM5 nor XM6 can do. At $199, it is an exceptional buy.
Rating: 8.4 / 10 ★★★★☆
Introduction: Should You Buy Last Generation?
The WH‑1000XM4 spent two years as the undisputed #1 noise‑cancelling headphone recommendation from virtually every technology publication. Then the XM5 arrived and took the crown. Then the XM6 pushed the category further. So is the XM4 still worth recommending in 2026?
Yes — for specific buyers. The XM4 at $199 is a genuinely compelling purchase: you get LDAC, 30‑hour battery, a foldable design, the full Sony app ecosystem, and excellent everyday ANC for significantly less than any current Sony flagship. This review explains exactly when the XM4 is the right choice.
Design & Build Quality
The XM4 uses Sony’s previous angular design language — more technical‑looking than the XM5’s smoother lines. Build quality is solid: lightweight plastic construction, leatherette headband and ear cushion padding, firm but smooth headband slider adjustment.
The XM4 folds flat — both ear cups and headband fold into a compact shape that fits a smaller hard case than the XM5 or XM6. For commuters who want maximum portability, the XM4’s foldable design is one of its most valuable features relative to its successors.
Build Quality Score: 8.0 / 10 — Good quality and foldable design. Older aesthetic than XM5 and XM6.
Controls & Interface
The XM4 uses the same touch‑sensitive control panel as the XM5 — effectively identical in behaviour. Swipe for volume and tracks, tap to play/pause, hold palm for Quick Attention. The XM4 also includes the Speak‑to‑Chat feature from launch.
Anyone upgrading from XM4 to XM5 or XM6 will find the transition immediate — control muscle memory transfers directly.
Controls Score: 8.5 / 10
Noise Cancellation Performance
The XM4 uses the QN1e processor — Sony’s previous generation ANC chip, one step below the XM5’s QN1. The performance is genuinely excellent for everyday use, though measurably behind the XM5 and XM6 in demanding environments.
| Environment | XM4 ANC | vs XM5/XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Excellent | Effectively equal in practice |
| Train | Very good | XM5/XM6 noticeably stronger |
| Aircraft | Very good | XM5/XM6 stronger for engine rumble |
| Coffee Shop | Good | Gap is small in this environment |
| Street | Good | XM5/XM6 stronger |
For office and moderate commute use, the XM4’s ANC is entirely sufficient — the gap vs XM5 is small enough that many users would not reliably detect it in those environments. For frequent fliers or heavy train commuters, the XM5’s stronger ANC is worth the additional cost.
ANC Score: 8.5 / 10
Sound Quality
The XM4 has a slightly warmer, more bass‑forward tuning than the XM5 — some listeners prefer this presentation for pop, hip‑hop, and electronic music. LDAC support is maintained, enabling hi‑res Bluetooth audio at up to 990kbps on compatible Android devices.
The Sony Headphones Connect app provides the full ten‑band parametric EQ, 360 Reality Audio, and Speak‑to‑Chat settings — identical to the XM5 and XM6 app experience.
Sound Quality Score: 8.8 / 10 — Excellent. LDAC maintained. Slightly warmer than XM5; some users prefer it.
Battery Life
The XM4 matches the XM5’s 30‑hour battery with ANC on — one of the few specifications where it fully keeps pace with its successor. Quick charge is actually better than the XM5: 10 minutes delivers 5 hours of playback, versus the XM5’s 3‑minute / 3‑hour ratio. This is a genuine XM4 practical advantage.
Battery Score: 9.5 / 10 — Matches XM5. Better quick charge ratio.
XM4 vs XM5 vs XM6: When to Buy Which
| Feature | XM4 | XM5 | XM6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (current) | $199–$249 | $279–$349 | $399 |
| ANC | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Battery | 30 hrs | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 10min = 5hrs | 3min = 3hrs | 3min = 3hrs |
| LDAC | Yes | Yes | Yes + LC3 |
| Foldable | Yes | No | No |
| Case Size | Compact | Larger | Larger |
| App | Same Sony app | Same Sony app | Same Sony app |
Decision guide:
- XM4 at $199 — exceptional value; buy if portability and price matter more than maximum ANC
- XM5 at $279–$299 — better ANC for demanding environments; worth the extra $80–$100 for frequent fliers
- XM6 at $399 — best overall; buy if you want the current flagship with LC3 and strongest ANC
✅ Pros
- 30‑hour battery — matches XM5
- Foldable — significantly more portable than XM5 and XM6
- LDAC hi‑res audio support
- Same Sony app as XM5/XM6 — 10‑band EQ, full features
- Excellent everyday ANC
- Better quick charge ratio than XM5
- Exceptional value at $199
❌ Cons
- ANC behind XM5 and XM6 in demanding environments
- No LC3 codec support
- Older Bluetooth version (5.0)
- No longer receiving major new feature updates from Sony
- Older design aesthetic
Who Should Buy the Sony WH‑1000XM4?
- Value Buyers: Who find it at $199 — exceptional value at that price
- Portability‑Focused Buyers: Who want a foldable Sony headphone
- Office & Moderate Commute Users: Where XM4 ANC is sufficient
- Android Users: Who want LDAC at below‑$250 pricing
Who Should Skip It?
- Frequent Fliers: Who need the best aircraft ANC — buy XM5 or XM6
- Flagship Seekers: Who want the latest Sony flagship — buy XM6
- LC3 Users: Anyone who needs LC3 for Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility
Final Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | 8.0 / 10 |
| ANC Performance | 8.5 / 10 |
| Sound Quality | 8.8 / 10 |
| Battery Life | 9.5 / 10 |
| Software & App | 8.5 / 10 |
| Value | 9.5 / 10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.4 / 10 ★★★★☆ |
Final Verdict
The Sony WH‑1000XM4 in 2026 is what a mature, discounted flagship looks like. At $199, it remains a remarkable headphone: LDAC, 30‑hour battery, foldable design, full Sony app ecosystem, and ANC that is excellent for everyday use even if it no longer leads the category. If you find it at $199, buy it. If you’re choosing between XM4 at $249 and XM5 at $299, spend the extra $50 for the XM5’s better ANC. If both are close to full price, the XM5 or XM6 are the right recommendations.
Final Rating: 8.4 / 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sony XM4 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — particularly at $199. It remains excellent with LDAC, 30‑hour battery, and a foldable design that its successors lack.
What’s the main difference between XM4 and XM5?
The XM5 has stronger ANC, a more refined design, and a more premium look. The XM4 folds flat, has a better quick‑charge ratio, and is significantly cheaper at current sale prices.
Does the XM4 fold?
Yes — the XM4 folds flat into a compact case. This is one of its most significant practical advantages over the XM5, XM6, and most current premium competitors.
Does the XM4 support LDAC?
Yes. The XM4 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC — the same codec support as the XM5. The XM6 adds LC3 to this list.
Is the XM4 good enough for flying?
Yes — the ANC handles aircraft noise well. For the very best aircraft ANC, the XM5 or XM6 are stronger. For infrequent or short‑haul travel, the XM4 is entirely functional.
Will Sony update the XM4 firmware?
Sony has provided firmware support for the XM4, but new feature development focuses on the XM5 and XM6. The XM4 is stable on current firmware; don’t expect major new features to be added.