More compact
Powered by a new V1 chip, Sony was able to shrink the size of the buds and the charging case. The case is only marginally larger than an AirPods Pro and Echo Buds 2 case.
Crucially, they sound terrific. Better than AirPods Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Echo Buds 2. The fantastic sound can likely be attributed to the larger 6mm drivers, which are 20 percent larger than the ones in the WF-1000XM3. Larger drivers tend to translate to richer bass, clearer mids, and gentle, audible highs and that’s clearly the case with these buds.
Borrowed from the WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones is “Speak-to-Chat.” Start talking and your music pauses and ambient mode turns on. Detection is instant. It’s great for when you want to talk to someone and don’t want to take your earbuds out, like when you’re ordering at a coffee shop.
That’s two hours longer than the WF-1000XM3. The case holds another 16 hours of battery life. It’s mighty impressive! However, if battery life is a priority, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 lasts longer: up to 10 hours with ANC and 42 hours total with the case. They cost more, though.
$$$
Sony’s WF-1000XM4 are not cheap: $279. They’re more expensive than 1000XM3 when they launched for $229 and pricier than AirPods Pro ($249), Galaxy Buds Pro ($199), and Echo Buds ($139). But if you want simply the best ANC and sound quality and longer battery life, the WF-1000XM4 are worth paying extra for. (Or wait for an inevitable sale.)