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Gaming verdict: Sony WH-1000XM4
- ✅ Story & single-player games: great
- ❌ Competitive online games: not ideal over Bluetooth (noticeable lag)
- 🎧 Best way to game: the 3.5 mm cable (no lag)
- 🎙️ Game chat: headset mic doesn't work over the cable, so use your controller's mic
Sony WH-1000XM4 for Gaming (2026): Lag, Mic and Console Setup
Prime Big Deal Days has ended. Black Friday is November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Amazon's Black Friday deals often start a few days early. Our picks are chosen on year-round value, not just sale pricing; tap any link to see today's price.
Can you use the Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming?
Short answer: Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 work well for gaming, especially for single-player titles, RPGs and casual multiplayer. Their noise cancellation, 30-hour battery and comfort suit long sessions. The trade-offs: there’s no boom mic (the built-in mics work over Bluetooth on a PC or phone but switch off when you use the 3.5 mm cable), and standard Bluetooth (SBC/AAC) typically adds about 150–200 ms of delay, according to SoundGuys’ Bluetooth codec guide. That’s noticeable in competitive shooters but fine for everything else; plug in the cable for zero lag. See our Bluetooth latency guide for how each connection compares. Looking at other Sony models? Are Sony headphones good for gaming? Our Sony guide compares the XM5, XM6 and INZONE headsets.
Best for: RPGs, story games, MMOs, podcasts during gameplay, work-from-home meetings.
Not best for: Competitive FPS, fighting games, or anywhere milliseconds matter.
Check the Sony WH-1000XM4 on Amazon →
Want something better for gaming? The newer Sony XM6 gained an LE Audio gaming mode in a July 2026 update that promises lower latency (see our XM5 and XM6 for gaming guide), and for competitive games a low-latency 2.4GHz headset like the Sony INZONE H9 II, which uses the same drivers as the XM6, is the better buy. See all our best gaming headsets.
Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming at a glance
| Where you play | Game audio lag | Mic for chat | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 or Xbox (3.5 mm cable into the controller) | None | No: use the controller’s mic or a separate mic | Good for any game |
| PC (3.5 mm cable) | None | No: add a USB or desk mic | Best way to play on PC |
| PC or phone (Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC) | About 150–200 ms (SoundGuys) | Yes, but a PC switches to low-quality hands-free audio | Fine for story games, not shooters |
| Nintendo Switch (Bluetooth) | Noticeable | No: the Switch doesn’t support Bluetooth mics | Use the cable for action games |
Key specs: released August 2020 · 254 g · up to 30 hours with noise cancelling · folds for travel · Bluetooth codecs SBC, AAC and LDAC, with no low-latency gaming mode. For the newer models, see XM5 and XM6 for gaming.
Should you buy the XM4 in 2026 or upgrade to the XM5?
Sony released the WH-1000XM5 in 2022 and the XM6 in 2025, but the older XM4 remains widely available — often at significant discounts. Here’s the honest breakdown for 2026 buyers.
Buy the XM4 if:
- You can find it well below its launch price (it's often discounted on Amazon)
- You want a folding design for less — the XM5 doesn't fold (the XM6 does, but costs more)
- Multi-device connection and 30hr battery are enough for you
- You want LDAC codec and Sony 360 Reality Audio without paying flagship prices
Upgrade to the XM5 / XM6 if:
- You want the latest noise cancellation engine (modest improvement over XM4)
- You value the slightly lighter weight and more comfortable headband
- You'll use them daily for calls — call quality is meaningfully better
- Budget isn't the constraint
For most buyers in 2026, the XM4 at its current price is the better value. The XM5’s improvements are real but incremental, and the XM4’s foldable design is genuinely useful for travel.
Thinking of upgrading mainly for gaming? See our Sony XM5 and XM6 for gaming guide: lag by connection type, PS5 and Xbox setup, and the XM6’s new LE Audio gaming mode. For the bigger picture, see Bluetooth headphones for gaming: latency explained. Comparing all of Sony’s gaming options? See the best Sony headphones for gaming.
Black Friday 2026: XM4, XM5 and XM6 deals
Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with deals usually starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). The XM4 is discounted often, so the best way to judge an XM4 deal is against what the newer models sold for last Black Friday:
| Model | Black Friday 2025 price | List price then | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $248 | $399.99 | Engadget |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $398 | $450–$460 | 9to5Toys |
- If an XM4 deal is close to $248, look at the XM5 instead: it hit $248 last Black Friday, and it’s the newer, better-sounding model.
- The XM4 makes most sense well below the XM5’s price, for example if you want the folding design for travel.
- Check the seller: buy from Amazon itself or Sony, and compare against the price history rather than the “was” price.
For gaming-first headsets with real low-latency wireless, see the deals section of our best gaming headsets guide, and for all over-ear options our best noise-cancelling headphones.
Comfort and controls
At 254 g, the XM4 is comfortable for long sessions, and it folds into its case for travel. A touch panel on the right ear cup handles volume, playback and calls.
What we like for gaming
- Incredible battery life
- Great ANC & sound quality
- Super comfortable
What we don't
- Noticeable lag over Bluetooth (about 150–200 ms)
- Mic switches off on the 3.5 mm cable
- 2020 model: the XM5 and XM6 have better call mics
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a great choice if you mostly play single-player and casual games and also want top-tier noise cancelling for travel and music. If you mostly play online shooters on a console, a dedicated gaming headset is the better tool; see our best Sony headphones for gaming.
How the Sony WH-1000XM4 compares to its 2026 competitors
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2020 | 2022 | May 2025 | September 2025 |
| Battery (ANC on) | 30 hrs | 30 hrs | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Foldable | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Weight | 254g | ~250g | ~254g | — |
| Hi-res Bluetooth | LDAC | LDAC | LDAC, LC3 (LE Audio) | aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon phones) |
| Multi-device | ✓ 2 devices | ✓ 2 devices | ✓ 2 devices | ✓ 2 devices |
| Black Friday 2025 price | no reliable dated price | $248 (list $399.99) | $398 (list $450–$460) | $399 (list $449) |
Black Friday 2025 prices from Engadget (XM5) and 9to5Toys (XM6, Bose). Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy. If an XM4 deal is close to the XM5’s Black Friday price, the XM5 is the better buy.
Most asked questions about SONY WH-1000XM4 Headphones
Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 good for gaming?
Yes, for single-player, story-driven, and casual multiplayer games. Their sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort make long sessions easy. For competitive shooters they are a compromise: over Bluetooth there is noticeable audio delay, and when you plug in the 3.5mm cable to remove it, the built-in microphone stops working. If you mainly play ranked FPS with voice chat, a dedicated gaming headset is the better tool: see our best gaming headsets guide.
Do the Sony XM4 have lag when gaming?
Over Bluetooth, yes. The XM4 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC but no low-latency gaming codec, so sound arrives a fraction of a second after the action on screen. You will not notice it in menus or cutscenes, but you may notice it in rhythm games, fighting games, and shooters. Using the included 3.5mm cable removes the delay entirely.
Can you use the Sony WH-1000XM4 on PS5?
Yes, but only with the cable. The PS5 does not support Bluetooth headphones, so plug the included 3.5mm cable into the headphone jack on the DualSense controller. Game audio then works with no lag. Because the XM4's microphone does not work over the cable, use the DualSense's built-in mic for party chat.
Can you use the Sony WH-1000XM4 on Xbox?
Same as PS5: Xbox Series X|S consoles do not support Bluetooth headphones. Plug the 3.5mm cable into the controller's headphone jack for game audio. You will need another microphone for chat, since the XM4 mic is disabled when wired.
Do the Sony XM4 work with Nintendo Switch?
Yes. The Switch supports Bluetooth headphones, so you can pair the XM4 wirelessly, though you will hear some delay and the Switch does not support Bluetooth microphones. In handheld mode, the 3.5mm cable into the console's headphone jack gives lag-free audio.
Does the XM4 microphone work for gaming chat?
Only over Bluetooth. On PC, using the XM4 mic over Bluetooth also switches the headphones to a hands-free mode that noticeably lowers game audio quality. For regular voice chat, the best setup is the 3.5mm cable for game audio plus a separate USB or clip-on microphone.
Are Sony headphones good for gaming?
Sony's noise-cancelling headphones (the WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5, and XM6) are excellent for immersive, relaxed gaming and double as travel and everyday headphones. They are not built as gaming headsets: no boom mic, no low-latency wireless dongle, and Bluetooth delay. If you want one pair of headphones for everything, they are a great choice. If gaming comes first, see our best Sony headphones for gaming, which compares Sony's INZONE gaming headsets with the 1000X series.
Sony XM4 vs XM5 for gaming: which is better?
For gaming, they are very close. Both have the same Bluetooth latency, use the same 3.5mm wired workaround, and disable the mic when wired. The XM5 has clearer call microphones and slightly better noise cancellation, but the XM4 folds up and is often cheaper, which makes it the better value if gaming is part of the reason you are buying.
Related reading
- Top gaming headsets with immersive sound
- Best gaming headsets (2026): dedicated headsets with proper boom mics
- Best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones (2026)
- Best budget gaming laptops under $1,200
Updated October 7, 2026 — Sourced the Bluetooth latency figure, clarified how the microphone works with the cable, and added structured data for the FAQ. Earlier update (May 30, 2026): added the gaming FAQ.