The Sony WH-1000XM4 earned a reputation fast: superb noise cancelling, easy everyday use, and sound that flatters anything from podcasts to drum and bass. If you live in New Zealand and want travel-friendly, office-proof, and couch-comfy wireless headphones, this guide explains what the sony wh-1000xm4 is, how it works, how it compares, and how to get the best out of it—before you tap “Add to cart” at PB Tech, Noel Leeming, JB Hi-Fi, or your favourite local store.
What is
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a premium pair of over‑ear, wireless noise-cancelling headphones. It connects via Bluetooth, folds into a compact case, and lasts up to 30 hours on a charge with active noise cancelling (ANC) turned on. Beyond the headline specs, it’s known for comfortable long listening, reliable multipoint connectivity (two devices at once), and thoughtful extras like Speak‑to‑Chat, wear detection, and quick-access “Quick Attention” for brief conversations.
In New Zealand, the sony wh-1000xm4 sits in the sweet spot: it’s often more affordable than brand‑new flagships but still delivers top-tier ANC, balanced sound, and features the average commuter, remote worker, or traveller will actually use.
How it works
Active noise cancelling without the faff
ANC relies on microphones around the earcups to hear the world and generate an equal and opposite signal to cancel it. In the WH‑1000XM4, multiple mics feed Sony’s QN1 noise‑cancelling processor. The result: city rumble, bus engines, and office aircon get pushed way down. High, sporadic noises (keyboard clicks, sudden voices) are reduced but not erased—no ANC system can delete everything—yet the XM4 handles daily din with impressive calm.
Bluetooth, codecs, and multipoint
The sony wh-1000xm4 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC. On Android phones that support LDAC, you can stream high‑bit‑rate audio; on iPhone, AAC is the go‑to. There’s no aptX here, but in practice LDAC or AAC covers most needs cleanly. Multipoint lets you connect to, say, your laptop and phone at once—music pauses for inbound calls, then resumes. It’s one of the XM4’s big quality‑of‑life wins.
Smart touches that feel… smart
- Speak‑to‑Chat: Start talking and the XM4 pauses audio and lowers ANC so you can answer a quick question at the café till. It resumes once you stop speaking.
- Quick Attention: Hold a hand over the right earcup to drop volume and pipe in the outside world—great for onboard announcements on Air New Zealand flights.
- Wear detection: Take the headphones off and audio pauses; put them back on and it resumes.
- NFC pairing: Tap an Android phone on the left earcup to pair instantly.
- Wired backup: Use the 3.5 mm cable with inflight systems or when you want zero latency; the headphones can play passively without power, though ANC needs battery.
Companion app control
The Sony Headphones Connect app (iOS/Android) lets you tune the EQ, set ANC levels, switch between LDAC and standard quality, set auto‑power‑off, and map touch controls. It also supports 360 Reality Audio with compatible services. For New Zealanders, location-aware “Adaptive Sound Control” can learn routines—quiet at home, focused ANC at work, ambient sound on the footpath—though you can keep it manual if you prefer.
Types / examples
Where the WH‑1000XM4 fits in Sony’s line—and your life
- Daily commute in Auckland or Wellington: Strong ANC to tame buses and trains; Quick Attention for platform calls.
- Hybrid work: Multipoint keeps Teams/Zoom on your laptop and calls on your phone without fiddling.
- Travel: Folding design, long battery life, and an airplane adapter in the box make long‑haul easier.
- Home listening: Comfortable clamping force and soft pads for marathon sessions.
Comparison: WH‑1000XM4 vs alternatives
| Model | Noise Cancelling | Bluetooth / Codecs | Multipoint | Foldable | Battery (ANC on) | Weight | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH‑1000XM4 | Excellent for travel and office hum | BT 5.0; SBC, AAC, LDAC | Yes (two devices) | Yes (compact case) | Up to ~30 hours | Approx. 254 g | Speak‑to‑Chat, Quick Attention, EQ in app, 360 Reality Audio |
| Sony WH‑1000XM5 | Even stronger, especially for voices | BT 5.x; SBC, AAC, LDAC | Yes | No (larger case) | Up to ~30 hours | Approx. 250 g | Newer mic array, improved call quality, refined ANC |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Very good, natural tuning | BT 5.x; SBC, AAC | Yes | Yes | Up to ~24 hours | Approx. 240 g | Comfort standout, straightforward controls |
If you want the strongest pure ANC and don’t mind a non‑folding design, the XM5 edges ahead. If portability, price, and an intuitive feature set matter, the sony wh-1000xm4 remains a smart buy in NZ.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Balanced, engaging sound with adjustable EQ.
- Class‑leading ANC for constant low‑frequency noise.
- Reliable multipoint; smooth switching between laptop and phone.
- Comfortable fit and foldable design.
- Long battery life with fast top‑ups (about 10 minutes for hours of play).
- Helpful extras: Speak‑to‑Chat, Quick Attention, wear detection, NFC.
- Works wired for planes and latency‑sensitive use.
Cons
- No aptX support (LDAC or AAC covers most cases but some Android users may miss it).
- Microphone quality is good indoors; wind and busy streets can challenge it.
- Not sweat‑proof; not ideal for heavy workouts.
- Touch controls can misfire in rain or with gloves.
How to use or choose
Step‑by‑step: first‑time setup and best sound
- Charge fully: Use the included USB‑C cable until the LED indicates full.
- Pair via Bluetooth: Hold the power button to enter pairing. On your phone or laptop, select “WH‑1000XM4”. Android users can tap with NFC for instant pairing.
- Install Sony Headphones Connect: On iOS or Android, confirm firmware is current and enable multipoint if you want two devices active.
- Pick your codec: On Android, set Bluetooth audio quality to “LDAC” in the app for higher bit‑rate; on iPhone, AAC is automatic.
- Tune ANC: In the app, choose maximum noise cancelling for buses/planes. For walking, allow some ambient sound so you can hear traffic.
- Customise controls: Map double‑taps, adjust Speak‑to‑Chat sensitivity, and set auto‑pause on wear detection.
- Fit check: Extend the headband so pads fully seal around your ears; a proper seal equals better bass and stronger ANC.
How to choose the right model in New Zealand
- Commuters and travellers: The sony wh-1000xm4 folds small, kills engine rumble, and includes an airplane adapter. Easy win.
- Remote workers: Multipoint and decent call mics make day‑to‑day switching painless.
- Audiophiles on Android: Use LDAC and try a gentle EQ tweak in the app to taste.
- If calls are your top priority: The WH‑1000XM5 has a newer mic system that handles wind and chatter better.
- Budget timing: Watch Boxing Day, Click Frenzy, and Back‑to‑School sales at PB Tech, Noel Leeming, JB Hi‑Fi, Harvey Norman, or Mighty Ape.
Quick tips to get more from your WH‑1000XM4
- Enable Quick Attention for announcements on Auckland Transport and Metlink.
- Use wired mode for in‑flight entertainment; carry the included dual‑prong adapter.
- Set auto power‑off when not worn to save battery.
- Clean pads with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid solvents and heavy sweat.
- Keep firmware up to date through the app for stability improvements.
FAQ
Is the Sony WH‑1000XM4 still worth buying?
Yes. It remains one of the best all‑round noise‑cancelling headphones, often discounted in NZ compared with newer flagships. You get excellent ANC, sound, comfort, and multipoint.
Does the WH‑1000XM4 support LDAC and aptX?
It supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC. There is no aptX. On Android, choose LDAC for higher bit‑rate; on iPhone, AAC is the default and works well.
How long does the battery last?
Up to around 30 hours with ANC on, and longer with it off. A short 10‑minute charge can provide several hours of playback. Actual life varies with volume, codec, and temperature.
Can I connect to two devices at once?
Yes. Multipoint lets you keep a phone and a computer connected simultaneously. Enable it in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Are they good for calls?
Indoors or in quiet spaces, call quality is solid. In wind or heavy traffic, expect some background noise to slip through. For frequent outdoor calls, consider a windscreen or the newer XM5.
Do they work on planes?
Yes. Use ANC to cut cabin noise, and the included 3.5 mm cable (plus the airplane adapter) to plug into in‑flight entertainment. Quick Attention helps for crew announcements.
Can I use them without battery power?
Yes, over the 3.5 mm cable. Audio will play passively; ANC and onboard processing require power.
Are they water or sweat resistant?
No official water resistance rating. They’re fine for daily commuting but not for rain‑soaked runs or the gym.
What’s the difference between WH‑1000XM4 and WH‑1000XM5?
The XM5 refines ANC (especially for voices), improves call mics, and changes to a non‑folding design with a larger case. The XM4 folds smaller, is often cheaper in NZ, and still nails the fundamentals.
Which NZ retailers stock the Sony WH‑1000XM4?
Common options include PB Tech, Noel Leeming, JB Hi‑Fi, Harvey Norman, and Mighty Ape. Check local stock, colours, and bundle deals, and compare warranty terms covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Do they support spatial audio?
They support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio with compatible services and the Headphones Connect app. They don’t do platform‑specific spatial formats like Apple’s head‑tracked version.
Can I game with the WH‑1000XM4?
For casual gaming over Bluetooth it’s fine, but there’s some latency. Use the wired cable for consoles, including when flying or when low delay matters.
Bottom line
The sony wh-1000xm4 keeps its place as a Kiwi favourite because it gets the important things right: hushes the world, sounds great out of the box, and slides into daily life without drama. If you want premium ANC headphones that travel well, work hard, and don’t cost flagship money, the WH‑1000XM4 belongs on your shortlist.