Product Overview
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a wireless over-ear headphone model designed for music listening, communications, travel, and environments where active noise reduction is useful. The black configuration associated with this product record uses Sony model designation WH-1000XM4 and color-specific part number WH1000XM4/B. It combines 40 mm dynamic drivers with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, active noise cancellation, ambient-sound controls, and optional wired audio operation.
The headphones support SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth audio codecs. Sony also provides DSEE Extreme processing, Adaptive Sound Control, Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer, Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, Quick Attention, Speak-to-Chat, and wearing detection. Multipoint connectivity allows the headset to maintain connections with two compatible Bluetooth devices.
A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 hours of music playback with noise cancellation enabled under Sony’s specified test conditions. USB-C is used for charging, while a detachable 3.5 mm audio cable supports wired listening. The headphones fold for storage in their supplied carrying case. This model entered Sony’s 1000X headphone family in 2020 as the successor to the WH-1000XM3 and was later followed by the WH-1000XM5.
Product Information
Identification
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Manufacturer | Sony Corporation |
| Category | Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones |
| Series | 1000X Series |
| Model | WH-1000XM4 |
| MPN | WH1000XM4/B |
| UPC | 027242919419 |
| ASIN | B0863TXGM3 |
Physical Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Wearing Style | Circumaural over-ear |
| Weight | Approximately 254 g (8.96 oz) |
| Design | Foldable, closed-back dynamic headphones |
Product Identifier Summary
Model Number
The model number identifies the headphone design within Sony’s product range. It is commonly used to locate manuals, firmware, replacement parts, technical specifications, and support information.
MPN
A Manufacturer Part Number identifies a particular manufacturer configuration. Color suffixes can help distinguish otherwise similar versions of the same headphone model.
UPC
A Universal Product Code is a 12-digit barcode identifier used by inventory, distribution, and product-matching systems. It helps distinguish a specific packaged configuration from related products.
EAN
An EAN is an international barcode identifier used for product identification in many markets. A separate verified EAN for this exact U.S. black configuration is omitted rather than inferred from another regional record.
GTIN
A Global Trade Item Number is part of the international system for uniquely identifying commercial products. UPC and EAN codes are both forms of GTIN.
ASIN
The ASIN identifies the specific online catalog record supplied for this reference page. It helps distinguish the black WH-1000XM4 record from other colors, bundles, and related headphone models.
ISBN
ISBN identifiers apply to books and certain published works. They are not applicable to these headphones.
Common Uses
- Wireless music and podcast listening
- Air travel and commuting
- Reducing continuous environmental noise
- Listening in offices and shared indoor spaces
- Hands-free phone and computer calls
- Connecting to smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Wired listening through compatible 3.5 mm audio equipment
- Switching between two connected Bluetooth devices
- Monitoring environmental sound through Ambient Sound Mode
- Using compatible smartphone voice-assistant functions
Maintenance and Care
Sony instructs users to wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth for routine cleaning. If heavier cleaning is required, a cloth lightly moistened with diluted neutral detergent can be used after excess liquid has been removed.
Solvents such as benzene, thinner, and alcohol should not be used on the exterior. Moisture should not be allowed to enter the earcups, microphone openings, sensor area, charging connection, or other openings.
- Keep the headphones dry during use and storage.
- Avoid leaving heavy objects on the headset because prolonged pressure can deform it.
- Fold the headphones carefully to avoid catching fingers in the hinges.
- Store the headphones in their carrying case when practical.
- Allow moisture around the wearing-detection sensor to dry before continued use.
- Charge the battery periodically during extended storage.
- Sony advises charging approximately once every six months during long periods of non-use to reduce excessive battery discharge.
Safety Information
The WH-1000XM4 is not waterproof. Sony warns that water or foreign material entering the headset can create a risk of malfunction, electric shock, or fire.
- Do not use the headphones in rain, snow, or other conditions where they may become wet.
- Use caution around sinks, drinks, and other liquid containers.
- Avoid handling the headphones with wet hands.
- Do not subject the headset to excessive impact.
- Do not cover the noise-canceling microphones during normal operation.
- Stop using the headphones if wearing them causes discomfort.
- Do not listen at unsafe volume levels for extended periods.
- Use caution when noise cancellation reduces awareness of surrounding traffic or other hazards.
- Keep the headphones and their magnets away from medical devices when required by medical-device guidance.
- Follow airline instructions regarding Bluetooth use during flight.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Headphone Type | Closed, dynamic |
| Wearing Style | Circumaural |
| Driver Unit | 40 mm dome type with CCAW voice coil |
| Driver Magnet | Neodymium |
| Diaphragm | Aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz |
| Bluetooth Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz sampling |
| LDAC Bluetooth Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz at 96 kHz sampling and 990 kbps |
| Sensitivity, Powered Wired Operation | 105 dB/mW at 1 kHz |
| Sensitivity, Passive Wired Operation | 101 dB/mW at 1 kHz |
| Impedance, Powered Wired Operation | 40 ohms at 1 kHz |
| Impedance, Passive Wired Operation | 16 ohms at 1 kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Power Class | Class 1 |
| Bluetooth Frequency Band | 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz |
| Maximum Bluetooth Range | Approximately 10 m (30 ft) line of sight |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Supported Bluetooth Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| NFC | Supported |
| Audio Input | 3.5 mm stereo mini jack |
| Headphone Cable | Approximately 1.2 m detachable cable |
| Charging Connection | USB Type-C |
| Battery Type | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Full Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Music Playback with Noise Cancellation | Up to 30 hours |
| Music Playback with Noise Cancellation Off | Up to 38 hours |
| Music Playback in Ambient Sound Mode | Up to 22 hours |
| Quick Charge | Approximately 5 hours of music playback after 10 minutes of charging |
| Communication Time with Noise Cancellation | Up to 24 hours |
| Standby Time with Noise Cancellation Off | Up to 200 hours |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Charging Temperature | 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F) |
| Rated Power Consumption | 8 W |
| Noise Cancellation | Active noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology |
| Ambient Sound Mode | Supported |
| Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer | Supported |
| Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing | Supported |
| Quick Attention | Supported |
| DSEE Extreme | Supported |
| Touch Controls | Supported |
| Passive Wired Operation | Supported |
| Weight | Approximately 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Product History
The WH-1000XM4 became part of Sony’s 1000X wireless noise-canceling headphone family in 2020. Sony documentation for the model dates from August 2020, while the company identifies September 2020 as the release period for the WH-1000XM4.
The WH-1000XM4 followed the WH-1000XM3, which Sony released in 2018. The newer model retained the QN1 noise-canceling processor concept while adding features such as multipoint Bluetooth connections, Speak-to-Chat, improved wearing detection, and revised sound processing.
Sony released the WH-1000XM5 in May 2022 as the next numbered generation. The XM5 changed the physical design and expanded the microphone and processing arrangement used for noise cancellation.
Key Features
- Active noise cancellation
- Dual Noise Sensor technology
- HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
- 40 mm dynamic drivers
- DSEE Extreme digital audio processing
- LDAC Bluetooth audio support
- Multipoint connection for two compatible Bluetooth devices
- Speak-to-Chat automatic conversation detection
- Adaptive Sound Control
- Ambient Sound Mode
- Quick Attention function
- Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer
- Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing
- Wearing detection with automatic playback control
- Touch-sensitive playback and volume controls
- Foldable earcup structure
- USB-C charging
- Detachable wired audio connection
Package Contents
- Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headset
- Carrying case
- USB Type-C charging cable, approximately 20 cm
- Detachable headphone cable, approximately 1.2 m
- Plug adapter for compatible in-flight entertainment systems
Compatibility of the supplied in-flight adapter depends on the aircraft entertainment system. Some aircraft systems use different audio connections and may not support the supplied adapter.
Compatibility
Bluetooth Devices
The headphones can connect to compatible phones, tablets, computers, televisions, and other audio devices that implement supported Bluetooth profiles. Bluetooth compatibility is not guaranteed with every device even when both products support the Bluetooth standard.
Bluetooth Audio Codecs
The headset supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC. The codec actually used depends on the transmitting device, its operating system, connection settings, and supported Bluetooth features.
Multipoint Connections
The WH-1000XM4 can maintain Bluetooth connections with two compatible devices through its multipoint feature. Audio does not play simultaneously from both sources; the feature is intended to simplify switching between connected devices.
LDAC and Multipoint
Sony documentation states that LDAC cannot be used while the two-device simultaneous connection setting is enabled. Users who require LDAC playback must disable the multipoint setting.
Wired Audio Devices
The supplied 3.5 mm headphone cable allows the headset to connect to compatible analog audio outputs. Passive wired listening is supported even when the headset electronics are switched off.
Mobile Application
Compatible mobile devices can use Sony’s headphone-control application to adjust noise cancellation, Ambient Sound settings, equalization, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, and other supported functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is B0863TXGM3 the black Sony WH-1000XM4?
Yes. This product record corresponds to the black WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphone configuration.
What does WH1000XM4/B mean?
The base model is WH-1000XM4, while the color-specific product designation ending in /B identifies the black configuration.
Are the WH-1000XM4 over-ear or on-ear headphones?
They use a circumaural design, meaning the ear cushions are intended to surround the ears rather than sit directly on them.
Are the WH-1000XM4 waterproof?
No. Sony specifically states that the headset is not waterproof. It should be protected from rain, sweat accumulation, spills, and other sources of moisture.
Can the headphones work without Bluetooth?
Yes. Compatible analog audio equipment can be connected using the supplied headphone cable. The headphones also support passive wired listening when powered off.
Can the headphones be used when the battery is empty?
Basic wired audio remains possible through passive operation. Electronic functions such as active noise cancellation and Bluetooth require battery power.
Can the WH-1000XM4 connect to two devices?
Yes. Multipoint functionality allows two compatible Bluetooth devices to remain connected, making it easier to switch between sources or respond to calls.
Can two devices play audio through the headphones at the same time?
No. Multipoint provides simultaneous connections rather than simultaneous mixing of audio from two sources.
Does multipoint work with LDAC?
Sony documentation states that LDAC is unavailable when the two-device simultaneous connection feature is enabled.
Can the headphones be used on an airplane?
They can be used in accordance with airline rules. The package includes an adapter intended for certain in-flight entertainment systems, although compatibility varies between aircraft.
What does Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing do?
The function adjusts the noise-canceling system for changes associated with atmospheric pressure, including conditions encountered during air travel.
What is Quick Attention?
Quick Attention temporarily reduces audio playback and allows surrounding sound to become more audible when the user covers the right earcup.
What is Speak-to-Chat?
Speak-to-Chat detects when the wearer begins speaking and adjusts playback so a conversation can take place without manually removing the headphones.
Can Speak-to-Chat be disabled?
Yes. The feature can be controlled through the supported headphone settings and companion application.
Do the headphones automatically pause when removed?
A wearing-detection sensor can pause supported audio playback when the headphones are removed and resume playback when they are worn again.
Do they support NFC pairing?
Yes. NFC functionality is included for compatible devices and supported pairing workflows.
Do they work with an iPhone?
Yes. Standard Bluetooth functions are compatible with supported iPhone models. Codec and feature availability depends on the phone and software configuration.
Do they work with Android phones?
Yes. Compatible Android devices can connect through Bluetooth, and some models also support LDAC audio transmission.
Can the ear cushions wear out?
Yes. Sony notes that the earpads may deteriorate through prolonged use and storage. Replacement parts may be available through authorized service or parts channels.
How should the headphones be stored?
They should be folded carefully and stored without prolonged pressure or exposure to moisture. The supplied carrying case provides a structured storage option.
How often should the battery be charged during long-term storage?
Sony recommends charging the battery approximately once every six months when the headphones remain unused for an extended period.
Can the battery be replaced?
The lithium-ion battery is built into the headset and is not treated as a routine user-replaceable component. Sony advises contacting an appropriate service provider if battery operating time declines significantly.
What warranty applies to the WH-1000XM4?
Warranty coverage varies by region, date of purchase, and applicable Sony warranty terms. The current warranty for an individual unit should be confirmed through the product documentation, proof of purchase, and Sony support resources for the relevant country.
Buying Considerations
The WH-1000XM4 is an older generation in Sony’s 1000X family, although Sony continues to document and support the model. Researchers comparing generations should distinguish it from the differently designed WH-1000XM5 and later models.
Codec compatibility can affect wireless audio capabilities. LDAC requires a compatible transmitting device, and Sony specifies that LDAC cannot be used while multipoint operation for two devices is enabled.
The headphones are not water-resistant. Exposure to rain, heavy perspiration, or other moisture therefore requires more caution than with headphones carrying a documented water-resistance rating.
Battery operating time varies with noise-canceling settings, Bluetooth codec, volume, communication use, temperature, and other conditions. Published maximum operating times should be understood as controlled specification values rather than guaranteed results in every use case.
The foldable design differs from some newer Sony generations and reduces the space required for storage. Users comparing models should also consider connection features, microphone requirements, app support, fit, and the age and battery condition of an individual unit.
Customer Feedback Summary
This section summarizes recurring themes found across public owner feedback and independent headphone evaluations. These observations represent generalized user experiences rather than verified product specifications.
Positive feedback frequently focuses on the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation, particularly for steady low-frequency sounds associated with aircraft cabins, public transportation, and indoor mechanical noise. Comfort during longer listening sessions and the ability to fold the headphones into their carrying case are also recurring favorable themes.
Sound reproduction is commonly described as full and bass-forward, while users who prefer a different tonal balance often discuss adjusting the equalizer through Sony’s software. Long battery operation and quick charging are also frequently mentioned as useful characteristics during travel and extended listening.
Reported limitations include mixed experiences with microphone performance during calls, particularly in noisy environments. Some users also find Speak-to-Chat activates when it is not wanted, although the function can be disabled. Touch controls can require familiarization, and individual comfort varies according to head shape, ear size, temperature, and listening duration.
Public feedback should not be interpreted as evidence that every unit behaves identically. Firmware version, connected device, Bluetooth environment, fit, settings, battery age, and individual expectations can all affect user experience.
Related Products
- Sony WH-1000XM3: Previous-generation 1000X wireless noise-canceling headphones.
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Later-generation model with a redesigned headband structure and revised noise-canceling hardware.
- Sony WH-1000XM6: Newer generation in Sony’s 1000X over-ear headphone family.
- Sony WF-1000XM Series: True wireless in-ear products from Sony’s noise-canceling audio family.
- Sony ULT WEAR: Wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones positioned in a separate Sony headphone family.
Last Updated
August 8, 2026
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