The WF-1000XM4 true wireless ANC earbuds are Sony's follow-up to the wonderfully reviewed WF-1000XM3 and a worthy successor in every way featuring a smaller design, better battery life, and the same great sound and active noise cancellation.

If you're looking to make a lot of phone calls using earbuds, these are the choice for you

These earbuds offer truly fantastic audio performance that is yet to be bettered by any other true wireless rivals. Noise cancellation is very well executed, and the slimmed down design is both easy to wear and still packs a decent punch of battery life.

Few earbuds can stand up to the AirPods, but Sony's latest 'buds are as worthy an adversary as there has ever been....

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are the complete package, offering first-rate sound quality, effective ANC and numerous useful features

Excellent audio quality; Smart, effective noise cancellation; Useful quality-of-life features;

No multipoint pairing; Fit can be a bit fiddly;

You might want to read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review before buying any other pair of true wireless earbuds. It’s running away from the pack right now.

: Still the Best ANC TWS around but needs a bit more polishing

: Best-in-Class NC, sensitive touch controls and superb audio, Speak-to-Chat

: No seamless multi-device switch, PU earbuds make my ears itch

Pre-pandemic, the number of true wireless earbuds with noise canceling was just a trickle. Now they are entering the market in a steady stream, and just in time. Even with reduced travel demand, in-ear headphones with active noise-canceling (ANC) still have their uses—blocking out background conversations in busy households, muffling the cacophony of loud streets, and the like.

The Sony WF-1000XM4's improvements over previous generations keep them a strong contender against popular rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Jabra 85t. With a slim, easily pocketable case, good battery life, and a pleasing default sound profile, most people looking for a portable set of true wireless earbuds with solid all-around performance won't be disappointed.

Well-balanced default sound profile; Detailed audio reproduction; Customizable EQ settings;

Sensitive touch controls; Good in-ear seal can be difficult; Ambient sound mode can be disorienting;

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are the complete package, offering first-rate sound quality, effective ANC and numerous useful features

Excellent audio quality; Smart, effective noise cancellation; Useful quality-of-life features;

No multipoint pairing; Fit can be a bit fiddly;

• Claimed battery life: 16 with the case or 8 without • Adaptive active noise cancellation: Yes Creators of the world’s first in-ear headphones, Sony has a reputation for making high-quality headphones and our tech expert couldn’t get enough of the rich sound these earbuds produced as well as the...

Alexa built-in, Touch controls, Quick charging and Qi compatible, IPX4 water-resistant

Expensive, Mic could be improved