Now, this is a companion app! The free Sony Headphones Connect app (Android, iOS) unleashes a ton of functionality, setting the 1000xM4 far apart from the competition. It was annoying, but I found the best way to engage with the panel is slow, deliberate strokes and taps. There were several instances where I accidentally skipped tracks when I was trying to adjust the volume. You can’t indiscriminately swipe as you’ll accidentally activate the wrong command. The touch controls can take some getting used to. Speaking of voice commands, you can program the headphones to stop playing audio when you talk and switch to Ambient Noise mode via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Since summoning Google Assistant with my voice worked so seamlessly, I programmed the controls to react to the latter command. The earcups swivel to lay flat against your shoulders, making for a more comfortable fit when you’re wearing them around your neck.Īnd a long press, or the Custom button depending on how you map it, will either activate your device’s digital assistant or the Ambient Sound control. With the exception of the black, brushed aluminum extenders, the majority of the headphones’ frame is made of plastic while the headband and earcups are made from memory foam covered in black leatherette. Sony didn’t bother tweaking the 1000xM4’s design too much which is fine because that black chassis with its minute copper accents still looks great –– especially with the Sony badges stamped on both sides of the yolks. And you get active noise cancelling that, dare I say, is a serious contender to Bose’s crown, making the WH1000xM4 the latest entrant to our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones and Best Wireless Headphones pages. Now that that’s been taken care of, music lovers can enjoy everything this $349 pair of headphones has to offer, including excellent audio quality, 30 hours of battery life and a host of audio customization features that make the 1000xM4 some of the smartest headphones on the market.