Westone Westone 4R Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£390
  • Avg. price in US: ~$500
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Westone Westone 4R review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

10

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • westone-westone-4r
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  • westone-westone-4r
  • westone-westone-4r
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westone-westone-4r

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £390

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Westone 4R is a premium universal-fit in-ear monitor featuring a quad balanced-armature driver system with a three-way crossover (two bass, one mid, one high driver) and a frequency response of 10Hz – 18kHz. It offers 31 ohms impedance, 118 dB SPL sensitivity, up to 25dB passive noise attenuation, and a detachable, braided EPIC cable. Key strengths include an exceptionally wide, detailed soundstage, non-fatiguing sound, and high comfort, while potential drawbacks include slightly recessed upper-mids, sub-bass roll-off, and a high price point for its era.

Technical Specifications of Westone Westone 4R

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.5
Westone Westone 4R has a technical score of 4.54 points, which is lower than that of 69.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Westone Westone 4R has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.5

Price

5.7
Westone Westone 4R has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 89.5% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Westone Westone 4R does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 mm
Westone Westone 4R uses a driver size of 4 mm, smaller driver size than 99.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

4
Westone Westone 4R uses 4 drivers, more drivers than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Westone Westone 4R reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Westone Westone 4R has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Westone Westone 4R supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Westone Westone 4R does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Westone
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

12.7 g
Westone Westone 4R weighs 12.7 g, lighter than 92.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Westone Westone 4R vs the average headphone

  • 94.2% lower weight
    Westone Westone 4R is lighter than the average headphone (12.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Westone Westone 4R is lighter than the average headphone (12.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.12.7 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Westone Westone 4R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Westone Westone 4R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • In-line controls
    Westone Westone 4R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Westone Westone 4R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 94.2% lower weight
    Westone Westone 4R is lighter than the average headphone (12.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Westone Westone 4R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • In-line controls
    Westone Westone 4R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 36 mm smaller driver size
    Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average headphone (4 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 1.53 dB looser channel balance
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (2 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
  • 3 fewer drivers
    Westone Westone 4R has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone Westone 4R has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 years older release date
    Westone Westone 4R was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2011
  • 36 mm smaller driver size
    Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average headphone (4 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average headphone (4 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.4 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 4.33x more expensive
    Westone Westone 4R is more expensive than the average headphone (£390 vs £90).
    Westone Westone 4R is more expensive than the average headphone (£390 vs £90).£390 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone Westone 4R has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Westone Westone 4R has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Westone Westone 4R is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Westone Westone 4R is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 17.8% worse value for money
    Westone Westone 4R has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.72 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Westone Westone 4R has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.72 vs 6.736).5.72 vs 6.74
  • 1.53 dB looser channel balance
    Westone Westone 4R has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (2 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
    What it is: Tolerance between left and right channel volume balance
    When it matters: When stereo precision and left-right consistency matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=0.5 dB

    Westone Westone 4R has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (2 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.2 dB vs 0.47 dB

Graphic comparison of Westone Westone 4R and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Westone Westone 4R?

  • Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
  • Exceptional long-term comfort and lightweight fit
  • Super-wide soundstage for an in-ear monitor
  • High-quality, durable removable cable with minimal microphonics
  • Smooth, non-fatiguing sound signature
  • Rich accessory bundle, including a waterproof carrying case and many ear tips
  • Accurate instrument separation and layering

What customers dislike about Westone Westone 4R?

  • Lacks spatial depth in the soundstage (flat 2D presentation)
  • Sub-bass response is somewhat rolled off compared to mid-bass
  • Short memory wire on the cable can be uncomfortable or awkward for some
  • Sound can feel slightly 'veiled' or lacking 'air' in the treble
  • Relatively high price point
  • Tonal signature may be too relaxed or smooth for users seeking a more aggressive/engaging sound

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
05/12/2011

The Westone 4R in-ear monitors are characterized by a smooth, high-resolution sound profile featuring excellent comfort, a wide soundstage, and quick bass, complemented by a durable, removable cable system. Pros include the non-fatiguing, detailed mids and robust accessory package, making them strong contenders for listeners seeking a technically proficient, relaxed listening...Read more

H
hometheaterreview.com
12/12/2013

The Westone 4R is a premium in-ear monitor (IEM) retailing for $709 that utilizes a sophisticated quad-driver design, featuring two bass drivers, one midrange, and one tweeter alongside a three-way crossover. It stands out for its high-quality construction, which includes a detachable braided cable made of low-resistance tensile wire, a cleaning tool, and a removable in-line volume...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013

The Westone 4 (later updated as the W40) is a high-end, universal-fit in-ear monitor (IEM) that stands out as the industry's first universal earphone to feature a quad balanced-armature driver configuration. Priced at an MSRP of $499.99, it utilizes two dedicated bass drivers, one midrange driver, and one treble driver to deliver an exceptionally smooth, well-rounded, and spacious...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
25/01/2012

The TechPowerUp review of the $499 Westone 4R details an updated quad-driver, three-way crossover in-ear monitor that introduces tighter driver matching and a user-replaceable cable system. Performance is characterized by exceptional, controlled, and punchy bass, with a spacious, detailed, and slightly warm soundstage, fixing previous sibilance issues. Key advantages include the...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/12/2011

The Westone 4R is a quad-driver universal IEM lauded for its high resolution, precise bass, and excellent, lightweight comfort with a robust, recessed, removable cable. Proponents highlight its comfortable fit for long listening sessions and a mature, non-fatiguing sound signature. However, the 4R suffers from a wide but shallow, 2D soundstage and a 5 kHz dip that, while smooth,...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/12/2011

The Westone 4R is characterized as a highly capable universal-fit in-ear monitor featuring an exceptionally wide soundstage, superior instrument separation, and top-tier resolution, along with a smooth, non-fatiguing, and full-bodied sound signature. Key design advantages include a comfortable fit, a robust waterproof case, and a lightweight, removable twisted litz cable system....Read more

F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
16/01/2014

The Les Numériques forum review of the Westone W40Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights the earphones as a top-tier choice for universal high-fidelity in-ear monitors (IEMs), though it sparks a lively debate regarding their value and sound signature. Reviewer Tristanf praises the quad-driver IEMs for their exceptional fidelity and precision, calling them a...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
13/02/2013

The Westone 4 wired in-ear monitors received a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from Les Numériques, praised by users as an exceptional investment for serious audiophiles. The review highlights several notable strengths, including an excellent frequency response, a highly precise spatial sound reproduction, and a very comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. Additionally, they come...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
14/04/2011

The Westone 4 wired in-ear monitors achieve a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, with the review hailing them as a definitive benchmark that delivers audio quality comparable to high-end home hi-fi systems costing thousands of euros. The earphones utilize a unique three-way crossover system packed with four balanced armature drivers: one dedicated to the highs, one for the mid-range, and...Read more

S
stereo-head.it
13/09/2013

The Westone 4R is a premium, universal-fit in-ear monitor (IEM) that utilizes a complex quad-balanced armature configuration featuring two drivers for bass, one for mids, and one for highs, managed by three internal crossovers. The reviewer praises the earphones for their exceptional build quality, outstanding comfort, and an incredibly complete accessory package that includes 12...Read more

Video reviews

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