The Sony WH-1000XM4 Midnight Blue (WH-1000XM4) headphones have been highly anticipated, and after weeks of rigorous testing in various environments, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. These over-ear headphones promise premium sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation, but do they deliver?

The WH-1000XM4 boasts a compelling feature set. Beyond the stunning Midnight Blue color, you get active noise cancellation (ANC), voice assistant compatibility (allowing seamless integration with your preferred digital assistant), and a foldable design for easy portability. The intuitive touch controls on the earcups are responsive and easy to learn, making adjustments on the fly a breeze.

The sound quality is exceptional. The bass is deep and rich without overpowering the mids and highs. Vocals are clear and crisp, and the overall soundstage is impressive, creating a truly immersive listening experience. I tested them with a variety of music genres, from classical to electronic, and the headphones handled everything with grace. The ANC is also top-notch. It effectively blocks out a significant amount of ambient noise, making them ideal for travel or noisy commutes. I tested them on a busy train and found them effective at silencing the background clatter. However, at maximum volume, a slight hissing sound is noticeable when ANC is active; this is a small trade-off for the impressive noise cancellation capabilities.

Battery life has been consistent with Sony’s claims, providing many hours of playback on a single charge. Pairing with my devices was quick and straightforward. The only occasional hiccup I experienced was a rare instance of momentary disconnection, but it was not a frequent problem. Comfort was another key aspect. Even during extended listening sessions, the earcups remained comfortable and did not cause any discomfort. The overall build quality felt robust and durable, reflecting the premium price point.

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality
• Effective active noise cancellation
• Long battery life
• Comfortable design
• Foldable and portable
• Intuitive touch controls
• Premium build quality

Cons:

• Slight hissing sound with ANC at maximum volume
• Occasional, rare disconnections (in my experience)
• Price point is high

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Midnight Blue (WH-1000XM4) headphones are a fantastic pair of over-ear wireless headphones. The exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design make them a worthwhile investment for discerning audiophiles and frequent travelers. While the price is high, the quality and performance justify the cost for many users. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a premium listening experience.