Stuff - UK (2021-08)

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FIRST TEST SONY WF-1000XM4

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20hrs 21hrs 22hrs 23hrs 24hrs

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STUFF SAYS +++++

The best true wireless earbuds

around – small(er) is beautiful

and this is the complete package

With the arguable exceptions of call

quality and app slickness, the Sony

WF-1000XM4s aren’t quite the

best at anything. But they’re so

close to being the best at everything

that their all-round game is untouchable. No

other true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds

are so consistently accomplished across the

board. @OnlySimonLucas

Q Tweaking

Sony’s control app is the

best around. As well as

adjusting EQ and ANC

levels, you can assign

specific commands to

the touch controls and

deploy Speak-to-Chat

automatic pausing.

Q Blasting

The sound is really

accomplished: balanced,

vibrant and articulate.

There’s plenty of punch

and drive, but lots of

subtlety too, and they

never let even the finest

details escape.

Q Speaking

Sony has put a lot of effort

into improving call quality,

and a bone-conducting

vibration sensor ensures

clarity is immaculate. The

feed-forward mics even

switch off if they detect

too much wind noise.

Q Lasting

Battery life is in the ‘good

but not great’ category.

With ANC on they’ll run

for around 8hrs, and there

are two charges in the

case. So unless you cane

the volume you should be

OK for a 24hr solo party.

So the specs and features are impressive, but what’s

it like to hang out with Sony’s new noise-cancellers?

Audio 6mm neodymium drivers

Connectivity Bluetooth 5,

USB-C and Qi charging

Battery life 8hrs (buds), 16hrs (case)

Waterproof rating IPX4

Weight 7.3g each, 41g case

Best buds forever?