Sony just made the best pair of wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones even better.

After leaking in May, Sony’s new WH-1000XM4, take everything we loved about the M3s, and tweak them to perfection.

The update includes: improved noise cancellation, AI upscaling of lossy files for better sound quality, five microphones for better voice pick ups when on calls, multi device support for quick switching between paired devices, wearing detection to auto play/pause audio and auto shutoff, and speak-to-chat which automatically turns the volume down when it detects your voice. These improvements join a host of fantastic features that made the M3s so great.

Features:
  • Industry-leading noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology
  • Next-level music with Edge-AI, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo
  • Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
  • Touch Sensor controls to pause/play/skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls
  • Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations
  • Superior call quality with precise voice pickup
  • Wearing detection pauses playback when headphones are removed
  • Seamless multiple-device pairing
  • Adaptive Sound Control provides a personalized listening experience
  • Updated design relieves pressure for long-lasting comfort

The WH-1000XM4 come in very similar looking black and silver colours. Pre-orders have started at $349.99 on Amazon. They should be on your doorstep come 21st August.

https://youtu.be/lIJPrYIR8Ek

Note: last generations model WH-1000XM3 from two years ago are on Amazon currently for around $230.

If Sony isn’t your style, check out these top-end noise cancelling competitors:

Personally, I’m holding out for Apple’s efforts in this space, expected later this year. I’ll be waiting to see if Apple can compete with these Sony’s before dropping $350.