Westone Westone 4R Review | 93 Data compared

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Westone Westone 4R

Overall score

5.4

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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.

Sound

What it is: An evaluation of the headphones’ audio performance, including frequency response, driver configuration, impedance, distortion behavior, maximum output, passive isolation, and other factors that shape sound quality.

When it matters: When you care most about tonal balance, detail, isolation, and overall listening quality for music, movies, or gaming.

Score components:

30.0%

4.0

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

18.0%

Has passive noise reduction

15.0%

Driver type

8.0%

4.0

Hi-Res Audio certification

7.0%

1.0

Driver size

5.0%

4.0

Spatial audio

5.0%

Stereo speakers

3.0%

7.4

Lowest frequency

3.0%

Sensitivity

3.0%

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)

1.0%

Number of drivers

1.0%

1.0

Highest frequency

1.0%

Impedance

5.9

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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

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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

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

Calls & Controls

What it is: An analysis of call handling and user controls, including microphone hardware, voice pickup quality, mute and sidetone functions, button layouts, and other features that shape communication and direct interaction.

When it matters: When you use headphones for calls, meetings, chat, or streaming and need clear voice pickup plus practical onboard controls.

Score components:

24.0%

4.0

Noise-canceling microphone

18.0%

4.0

Can be used as a headset

16.0%

4.0

On-device controls

12.0%

In-line controls

8.0%

1.0

Number of microphones

6.0%

4.0

Wind noise reduction

4.0%

4.0

Mute function

4.0%

4.0

Sidetone

3.0%

Microphone SNR

3.0%

4.0

Microphone frequency range

2.0%

4.0

Boom microphone

4.5

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

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

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

Connectivity

What it is: A review of wired and wireless connection capabilities, covering Bluetooth standards, codec support, latency, pairing options, range, multipoint behavior, and other factors that affect compatibility and signal quality.

When it matters: When stable pairing, low latency, codec support, or broad compatibility with phones, PCs, consoles, and accessories affect everyday use.

Score components:

18.0%

Audio latency

15.0%

4.0

Multipoint support

12.0%

4.0

Connectivity

8.0%

4.0

Has a 3.5mm male connector

8.0%

4.0

LDAC

6.0%

4.0

aptX Adaptive

6.0%

4.0

Bluetooth LE Audio

5.0%

4.0

aptX HD

4.0%

4.0

aptX Low Latency

4.0%

4.0

aptX Lossless

3.0%

4.0

AAC

2.0%

4.0

Bluetooth version

2.0%

Maximum Bluetooth range

2.0%

4.0

Dongle included

2.0%

4.0

Auracast

1.0%

4.0

Fast pairing

1.0%

4.0

Low-latency game mode

1.0%

4.0

aptX

4.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

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

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: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

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: LOW

Features

What it is: An overview of additional usability features, such as ambient listening, app integration, tracking tools, smart assistants, adaptive ANC adjustments, and other functions that extend the headphones beyond basic playback.

When it matters: When smart extras like ambient listening, app tuning, tracking, or assistant integration can noticeably improve convenience and daily usability.

Score components:

22.0%

4.0

Adjustable ANC levels

17.0%

4.0

Ambient sound mode

16.0%

4.0

EQ support

16.0%

4.0

Head tracking

15.0%

4.0

Companion app

7.0%

4.0

Voice assistant support

7.0%

4.0

In/on-ear detection

4.0

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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

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

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

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: HIGH

Good value: >=4

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

Battery

What it is: A measurement of battery autonomy and charging behavior, considering endurance with different features enabled, charge times, battery capacity, charging methods, and other factors tied to wireless use.

When it matters: When you need headphones that last through travel, workdays, or long sessions without frequent charging interruptions.

Score components:

26.0%

Battery life

24.0%

Charging time

22.0%

Battery life with ANC

10.0%

4.0

Quick charge

7.0%

Battery capacity

3.0%

4.0

USB Type-C

3.0%

4.0

Battery level indicator

2.0%

4.0

Wireless charging

2.0%

4.0

Play while charging

1.0%

4.0

Removable battery

4.0

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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: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

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: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

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: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

Design

What it is: A description of the headphones’ physical design and wearing comfort, covering form factor, dimensions, materials, portability, durability features, and other details that affect fit and everyday use.

When it matters: When long listening sessions, daily portability, fit, or durability matter as much as sound quality in your buying decision.

Score components:

42.0%

Weight

22.0%

4.0

Replaceable earpads

10.0%

Detachable cable

6.0%

Form factor

6.0%

Clamp force

6.0%

Earcup inner height

4.0%

Earcup inner width

4.0%

4.0

Foldable

8.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

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: LOW

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: LOW

Westone Westone 4R vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Westone Westone 4R better than the average pair of headphones?

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94.2% lower weight
Westone Westone 4R is lighter than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Westone Westone 4R is lighter than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
3 more drivers
Westone Westone 4R uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 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
Westone Westone 4R uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.4 vs 1
8 Hz lower bass extension
Westone Westone 4R has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
3 more drivers
Westone Westone 4R uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Westone Westone 4R has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Why is Westone Westone 4R worse than the average pair of headphones?

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non-replaceable earpads
Westone Westone 4R has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
36 mm smaller driver size
Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (4 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
1.5 dB looser channel balance
Westone Westone 4R has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
no battery indicator
Westone Westone 4R does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
not headset-ready
Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Westone Westone 4R has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
no voice assistant support
Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 older release date
Westone Westone 4R was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
October 2011
36 mm smaller driver size
Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Westone Westone 4R has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (4 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.4 mm vs 40 mm
non-replaceable earpads
Westone Westone 4R has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Westone Westone 4R has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
no voice assistant support
Westone Westone 4R does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
not headset-ready
Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% 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: LOW
Westone Westone 4R is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
no battery indicator
Westone Westone 4R does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Westone Westone 4R does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
4.33x more expensive
Westone Westone 4R is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£390 vs £90).
Westone Westone 4R is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£390 vs £90).£390 vs £90
14.8% worse value for money
Westone Westone 4R has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.34 vs 7.279).
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 pair of headphones (6.34 vs 7.279).6.34 vs 7.28
1 fewer microphones
Westone Westone 4R has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Third-party reviews

stereo-head.it

no rating assigned

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

forum.lesnumeriques.com

no rating assigned

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

lesnumeriques.com

no rating assigned

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

lesnumeriques.com

no rating assigned

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

head-fi.org

no rating assigned

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

head-fi.org

no rating assigned

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

hometheaterreview.com

no rating assigned

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

theheadphonelist.com

no rating assigned

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

techpowerup.com

no rating assigned

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

head-fi.org

no rating assigned

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