Sony WF-1000XM4 - Active Noise Cancelling Test ( Central London )

I got these pair of earbuds a day ago and i find that even with the ANC feature turned on, i am able to hear the noise from the outside world, such as let's say the sound from the television across the room, are my earbuds defective?

I have a doubt sir, does ANC work only when something is being played ? Let's say you just connect the buds to your mobile device and turn on anc, will you be able to hear the outside world?

Ambient mode lets noise in, these earbuds ANC were very disappointing when i bought them as they only blocked out about as much noise as my earbuds without ANC. Correct that once music is playing loud, can't hear outside noise, but with just ANC, it doesn't do much.

I don't really see that the noise cancelling is worth a darn on these WF-1000-mx4. I've had Bose QC and Samsung Pro Buds. The difference is Night and Day. I can hear EVERYTHING with the Sony Bud, with the others it's like being in a Sound Deprivation Tank.
I can't believe the hype on how well the NC is. Even my Jabra 85Ts were quieter. So sad.

From India! It's not what I expected, but it isn't bad.

From my point of view this test doesn't make sense. You have put music in the noisy environment. Okay the ANC once is activated works with any ANC headphones.... but the good test is to know how many real noise reduction is applied by Sony software...sorry guys it seems very professional but it isn't.

I love your jobs !

can noise cancelling work without any music / sound ? just for silence

I really don't understand. How can you guys who are experienced on review things do this? Turning Off ANC doesn't mean Turning On Ambient Mode. You must really switch to Off position. Otherwise it seems like a super ANC earphones but actually it is definitely NOT. Yes it is cancelling some background noise but this is because of the nature of in-ear design. I can't see huge difference between OFF and ANC ON.

Mine don't cancel at all. Been through all the settings and troubleshooting. Been very disappointing

Great idea, unfortunately poor execution.

I wish you guys did this in a train terminal or airport!

I'd never dare to turn anc on in central London bruv, that's asking to be a rob and stab target.

With anc on, there is a lot of static noise in the right earbud. Anyone else facing similar issue?

One funny thing they never mention on WF-1000XM4 reviews:
Be prepared for the music to pause if you burp or sneeze 😅 technically it still involves your mouth making a sound so the headset would pause to let you sneeze in peace 🤣

Mine are disconnecting the ANC during the call, aren't yours? It's something that irritates me a lot

great review but i think bose quietcomfort earbuds are better at noise canceling vs sony..

What? A test like this without ambience noise cancelling on its own?

After testing the NC on these, do you still think the jbl reflect flow pro anc is top tier?

Watch out for buyers , nobody is talking in the reviews how LOW those earbuds sound. At higher volume is cutting the Bass. Good sound , but too low for noisy environments !

Still no multipoint yet huh?

Really needs doing without music. Pity

You need to test ANC without the music on

Would have been nice to hear the ANC with, and without the music. If Sony allows more customizing (like I have with the Liberty 3 Pro) I'd consider them again.

Sony have always made consistently good products.

Treated myself to some WH-1000XM4's a few weeks ago, my first pair of noise cancelling headphones. Amazing how much noise they cancel out, especially on the underground. Must have been making myself deaf over the years turning up the music to compensate...

Watching on my 1 III with XM3 earbuds 😀

full on sony day

Love London, I’ll be there in a couple of month to spend the holidays. Sony is a great company, sadly their smartphones are too expensive. Cheers mate!

First like and this is first comment.. 🥳