Sony’s WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds set a high bar when they launched in 2021, but with the WF-1000XM5 now on the market and regular price drops on the older model, buyers face a real trade-off. This comparison digs into the facts — from driver size and battery endurance to gym suitability and long-term value — to help you decide whether the XM4 is still a smart buy in 2026. We rely on verified specs from Sony, independent test data from SoundGuys, and pricing history from What Hi-Fi? to ground every claim.

Last checked: 2026-06-07

Model: Sony WF-1000XM4 · Type: Truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds · Key feature: Integrated V1 HD processor for adaptive noise cancelling · Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds) + 16 hours (charging case) · Water resistance: IPX4 · Weight: 7.3 g per earbud

By Editorial Team

Snapshot: Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. WF-1000XM5

1 Launch & Price Gap

• The WF-1000XM4 debuted in 2021 at $280 / £250; the XM5 launched in July 2023 at $299.99 / £259. (What Hi-Fi?)

2 Driver & ANC Hardware

• XM4 uses 6 mm drivers + V1 processor; XM5 uses 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X + upgraded ANC with 3 mics per bud (6 total vs 2 per bud on XM4). (Stuff)

3 Real-World Battery

• Official claims: 8 h buds, 16 h case (both). Tested: XM5 = 9 h 32 min, XM4 = 7 h 43 min with ANC on. (SoundGuys)

4 Size & Weight

• XM5 case: 65 × 27 × 40 mm, ~20% lighter buds than XM4 case (69 × 30 × 30 mm). (Stuff; measurements: SoundGuys)

Key facts: Sony WF-1000XM4

Attribute	Value
Model	Sony WF-1000XM4
Type	Truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds
Key feature	Integrated V1 HD processor for adaptive noise cancelling
Battery life (buds + case)	8 hours + 16 hours
Water resistance	IPX4
Weight per earbud	7.3 g
Driver unit	6 mm
Release year	2021

Is the Sony WF-1000XM4 still worth it?

The WF-1000XM4 remains a strong noise-cancelling earbud even five years after its release. Its V1 processor still delivers adaptive ANC that competes with many 2025 mid-range models, and the 6 mm drivers produce a warm, detailed sound signature that many listeners prefer over brighter alternatives. However, battery degradation is a real concern: reports of reduced runtimes after two years of use are common, and Sony does not offer official battery replacement (Major HiFi).

In 2026, the key draw is price. Street prices have fallen to around $200–$220 in the US and £155–£170 in the UK (What Hi-Fi?). That makes it a compelling budget pick if ANC quality is your top priority and you accept that you won’t get the latest refinements in fit or battery endurance.

“From sound quality, noise cancellation and comfort, to battery life and design, the WF-1000XM5 beats its predecessor in most margins. Price is really the only key marker where the WF-1000XM4 comes out on top.”

Stuff editorial team (Stuff)

The bottom line: The XM4 is worth buying only if you find it at a deep discount and you are okay with potentially degraded battery — for full peace of mind, the XM5’s improved real-world battery and better ANC justify the extra cost.

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WF-1000XM5: Which is better?

To answer this head-on, here is a side-by-side comparison of the key specs that matter most to buyers.

Feature	Sony WF-1000XM4	Sony WF-1000XM5	Sony WH-1000XM4 (over‑ear)
Noise cancelling	Industry-leading (V1 HD processor)	Superior (3-mic per bud, new ear tips)	Excellent
Battery life	8 h + 16 h (case)	8 h + 16 h (claimed); tested 9 h 32 min ANC‑on	30 h (ANC on)
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4	None
Weight	7.3 g per bud	~5.9 g per bud (lighter)	254 g
Driver size	6 mm	8.4 mm	40 mm
Release year	2021	2023	2020
Price range (2026)	~$200–$220 / £155–£170	~$250–$299 / £209–£259	~$230–$280

Beyond the table, the WF-1000XM5 brings three concrete upgrades: significantly better passive isolation thanks to new foam ear tips (RTINGS), a fuller soundstage from the larger drivers, and head-tracking spatial audio on Android 13+ devices. The XM4 lacks that spatial audio feature entirely (Stuff).

“Sony launched its WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds in H2 2023, priced at $299, a $20 increase over the previous generation.”

Counterpoint Research (Counterpoint Research)

The trade-off: The XM5 is the better earbud in almost every objective measure, but the XM4 still holds its own if you prioritise saving money over top-tier ANC and comfort.

Noise cancelling comparison

RTINGS measured the XM5’s noise isolation as “significantly better” than the XM4’s, largely due to the redesign of the ear tips that create a tighter passive seal (RTINGS). The XM5 also packs six microphones (three per bud) vs the XM4’s four, which helps cancel a wider range of ambient noise (What Hi-Fi?).

Sound quality differences

The XM5’s 8.4 mm “Dynamic Driver X” delivers a cleaner, more balanced sound with slightly brighter treble, while the XM4’s 6 mm driver gives a warmer, thicker presentation. Both respond well to the in-app equaliser (Major HiFi). In practice, the XM5 is an incremental step up rather than a revolution — die‑hard XM4 fans may not feel compelled to upgrade for sound alone.

Battery life comparison

Official figures are identical: 8 hours with ANC on and 16 more from the case. But SoundGuys’ lab test found the XM5 lasted 9 h 32 min vs the XM4’s 7 h 43 min under the same conditions (SoundGuys). That nearly two-hour gap is significant for long flights or heavy use.

Are Sony WF-1000XM4 good for the gym?

The WF-1000XM4 carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle sweat and light splashes. That makes it fine for most workouts — but the ear tips are foam-based, which can lose grip when wet. Several reviewers note that the XM5’s new ear tips and lighter weight (20% less per bud) provide a more secure fit during movement (Stuff).

No official statement from Sony rates either model for swimming or heavy rain. Both are splash-proof, not waterproof. The over‑ear WH-1000XM4 has no water resistance at all, so if you need gym earbuds, the in‑ear WF series is the obvious choice.

The catch: The XM4’s larger buds can feel bulky during side‑lying stretches or high‑intensity interval training. The XM5’s reduced size helps here, but if you already own the XM4, it’s serviceable for the gym.

Is Sony discontinuing the XM4?

Sony has not officially announced discontinuation of the WF-1000XM4. However, the XM5’s launch in mid-2023 and subsequent price cuts on the XM4 suggest that Sony is winding down production. As of 2026, most major retailers still stock the XM4, but inventory is shrinking and prices have stabilised at low levels (What Hi-Fi?).

In the UK, the XM4 has been seen as low as £155 on Amazon, and in the US around $178 during flash sales (What Hi-Fi?). That pricing pattern is typical of products being phased out.

What to watch: If you want the XM4 new, buy sooner rather than later — once stock clears, options will be limited to used or refurbished units.