Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Which noise-cancelling earbuds win?
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Which dissonance-cancelling earbuds win?
Apple or Sony? Our WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro comparing volition show you lot which wireless ANC earbuds are more deserving of your money. Both sets of wireless earbuds pack intuitive controls, great audio and powerful active noise cancellation into compact designs. They also stand out every bit ii of the best noise-cancelling earbuds money can buy.
The much newer Sony WF-1000XM4 has already left a stiff impression, with a fancy new advent, stellar sound features and some of the longest battery life in the true wireless category. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro remains a meridian seller for its superb interconnectivity with iOS devices and an ever-growing feature set via iOS updates.
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Both products are stellar performers that offer unique listening experiences, only which is the better set of wireless earbuds? Meet the results of this Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro confront-off beneath.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Specs compared
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Toll | $279 | $249 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Chip | Sony V1 | H1 |
| Battery Life (Rated) | 8 hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging instance), 36 hours (with charging instance and ANC off) | 4.5 hours (ANC on), 5 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging example) |
| H2o Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Case Size | 2.four 10 1.5 10 i.1 inches | ane.8 x 0.9 x 2.4 inches |
| Case Weight | 2 ounces | 1.half-dozen ounces |
| Special features | Active racket cancellation, transparency style, Speak-to-Chat, customizable EQ, 360 Reality Sound, DSEE Extreme upscaling, LDAC, Bluetooth 5.2, tri-digital assistant support (Alexa, Google Banana, and Siri), quick charging | Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, spatial audio, automatic switching, customizable fit, audio sharing, Fast Fuel charging, announced messages with Siri, "Hey Siri" vox-activated assistance, wireless charging case |
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Price
The AirPods Pro is the cheaper of the 2 options, marked at $249 brand new. We have seen some retailers drop the price down to as depression as $180. Target has it for $199 at the time of publishing, while a refurbished pair can be had for $179 on Best Buy.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 simply hitting stores shelves with a $279 MSRP, which is $50 college than its predecessor, the well-received Sony WF-1000XM3. Nosotros don't see it going on sale anytime shortly.
For all of the latest Apple and Sony headphones sales, be certain to bookmark our best inexpensive AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Pattern
Dissimilar shapes and different styles, the WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are both striking models that come with their own sets of pros and cons that, when comparison the two, cancel each other out.
Sony gave the WF-1000XM4 a serious makeover, which consists of a thick oval shape, large impact panels, and copper ANC mic housings that add together flair to its appearance. The buds are a bit bulkier than nosotros would similar, simply this is still a welcomed upgrade from the WF-1000XM3's wide and elongated course. Build quality is sturdy and an IPX4 rating brings sweat and water resistance into the equation. Nosotros also like that Sony stuck with signature colors like Black and Silver, though a Midnight Blue version would as well look attractive.
In that location are a few details that differentiate the AirPods Pro from its less-premium sibling, the AirPods ii. Those would be the blackness vents, ear tips, shorter stems, and IPX4 protection. The long-stem silhouette, all-plastic white frame, and argent accents remain intact. Construction is still subpar with the casing nifty if y'all drop the buds from a loftier altitude or pace on them.
The charging cases are both compact, minimalist, and won't weigh down your pockets or everyday carry bag. Sony'south version is thicker, but keeps the buds safeguarded when on the go, while Apple tree's version is slimmer and doesn't provide the greatest protection. The AirPods Pro's instance takes on scuffs and scratches easily, plus its magnet doesn't proceed the chapeau tightly shut.
Where Apple tree makes upwards for its boring pattern is in comfort and fit. We've stressed this numerous times already, but in case you lot oasis't heard, the ear tips make all the difference. They create a nice seal effectually the canal and the audio port rests gently on the concha to habiliment for 2 hours earlier fatigue sets in. Apple even created an Ear Tip Fit Test to accomplish optimal fit.
Part of the WF-1000M4's redesign was to provide an ergonomic surface for a more stable fit. Mission unaccomplished. The retentiveness foam tips that come installed right out of the box don't create a tight seal (we recommend using silicone tips). Sony did develop its ain test chosen Optimal Earbud Tips that is useful and provides necessary feedback to ensure the buds fit securely. Unfortunately, the sound port goes likewise deep into the canal, which feels bad-mannered and applies unwanted pressure to the concha that worsens the longer you wear the buds.
Winner : Tie
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Controls
Our minds haven't changed: Apple tree still has the all-time control scheme of any wireless earbuds out there. The force sensor system at the bottom of each stalk is responsive to presses, offering peace of listen when enabling intended commands. On-ear detection is just as reliable with sound automatically pausing whenever removing the buds. The real star is "Hey Siri" voice activation, granting you access to Apple's AI bot whenever speaking the phrase out loud. Apple'southward mics capture every syllable spoken and the AirPods Pro acts on voice commands speedily to return results even quicker.
To call the WF-1000XM4's controls an improvement over the previous model would exist an understatement. Touch gestures are registered accurately and execute media functions with finesse. Sony programmed a full suite of controls into these buds, including playback, call management, listening fashion activation, digital help and book. Motion detection operates every bit smoothly as it does on the AirPods Pro to automatically break playback. Google Assistant and Alexa integration were thrown into the mix and work well, immediately activating whenever maxim their respective action phrases.
In addition, there are other features that make the WF-1000XM4 user-friendly to operate. Speak-to-Conversation volition intermission music whenever you speak, whereas Quick Attention drops volume down to 10% to hear what's happening effectually y'all without pausing music.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Audio quality
Sony's audio contour was the most revered hallmark on the WF-1000XM3, yet the company felt information technology needed to exist refined on the WF-1000XM4. Bass is now toned downward to deliver a improve residuum between high and low frequencies. What you get are go natural-sounding mids, detailed highs, and rich lows that yet pack a punch. Turning on the DSEE Extreme setting in the companion app will meliorate fidelity on depression-fi tracks too. Sony even added support for its immersive 360 Reality Audio format that creates a 3D-like effect when listening to tracks on compatible streaming services such as Deezer and Tidal. Also, we tin't forget LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support for high-quality streaming over Bluetooth.
People still slumber on how great the AirPods Pro sounds. Apple tree'due south adaptive EQ tunes the low- and mid-frequencies to the shape of your ear, producing warm audio that emphasizes bass without compromising vocals. These buds won't blow you away with definition or range like the WF-1000XM4, just what you lot're getting rivals near competitors in the category. The inclusion of spatial audio takes it up a notch to provide a surround-sound-similar experience when watching Dolby Atmos content or selected Apple tree Music songs. It is a feature that works improve for movies than music.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Active racket counterfoil
Sony improves on its stalwart ANC, stuffing similar adaptive dissonance-cancelling tech to the Sony WH-1000XM4 into the smaller WF-1000XM4. The engineering science is capable of adjusting on the fly based on your surroundings and is constructive at rejecting the highest level of ambience noise possible. Indoors, the buds are amazing for silencing daily distractions like loud televisions, rowdy roommates, and the humming noise from an Ac unit. Nosotros likewise loved the quietness they provided on walks with dog barks and speedboats going silent, while deafening noises like ambulance sirens and leaf-blowers were reduced enough to stay focused on whatever content was playing.
Apple'southward noise cancellation blocks out commotion very well. The AirPods Pro'due south mic array performs both an internal and external audio analysis to hush your environment. Information technology does a fantastic chore exterior, shutting out noises from large crowds, motorbikes, and even wind. The engineering science was also benign on flights, pre-pandemic, reducing aeroplane engine droning. However, the characteristic isn't perfect and lets in voices and other notable sounds (like doorbells and kitchen appliances) when indoors.
Transparency modes are programmed into each product and are serviceable for gaining greater awareness of your environment. The WF-1000XM4 is much stronger with 20 levels that tin be adjusted in the companion app to control the corporeality of ambient noise y'all desire to let in. Setting the feature to max amplifies the mics and lets you hear conversations taking identify beyond the street, though clarity tin can be hit or miss depending on how loudly people speak. Nonetheless, to pick up voices from that far is a testament to how powerful Sony's mics are. There's also an selection to focus on vocalism, along with an automatic switching setting to arrange transparency based on your deportment in locations you consistently visit.
The AirPods Pro's Transparency way is only as adept for eavesdropping on chats or identifying specific noises within a two-cake radius. Blaring sounds such equally structure tools and motorcar horns come off a bit harsh, simply the addition of Headphone Accommodations is fantastic and turns the buds into hearing aids past tuning environmental sounds to your hearing. Something that was just introduced in the latest iOS update is Conversation Boost, a characteristic to assistance people with mild hearing bug that want to appoint in clearer-sounding conversations without removing the buds.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Special features and apps
The WF-1000XM4 comes fully equipped with some of the best and coolest features that can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app. Our breakdown has already touched on major ones, including 360 Reality Audio, ANC, Ambient Audio Command, DSEE Extreme, Quick Attending, and Speak-to-Conversation. At that place are several more to play with.
Most users volition make their fashion to the Equalizer when opening the app. Hither is where you tin tweak the frequency levels and create your own sound profile or select from eight presets: Bass Boost, Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Treble Heave, Spoken communication, and Song. All of them are engineered superbly. Beneath the EQ is a Bluetooth Connectedness Quality setting to prioritize connectivity or sound quality. Battery level indicators for the earbuds and charging example, toggle controls, a music thespian, and firmware updates round out the app.
Sony'southward flagship buds are one of the few to run on Bluetooth five.ii, giving yous faster performance and steady range for wireless listening. Connecting to devices is super-fast, no thing the platform, though Android users can expedite the process with Google Fast Pair to instantly pair with the touch of a button.
The AirPods Pro's feature set is every bit swell and doesn't require a companion app to admission. Spatial audio, Headphone Accommodations, and "Hey Siri" have already been discussed, but there are many more software perks to enjoy. Everything is tied to the H1 flake, which makes connecting to iOS/macOS devices lightning fast. The chipset as well allows for audio sharing between 2 Apple/Beats headphones, auto switching, Siri Denote Notifications, and Observe My functionality to locate lost buds using your last known location or past playing a audio when nearby.
You're asking whether the AirPods Pro offers some form of audio customization? The reply is yep, and in different means. Allow's start with the EQ that can be selected in the iOS settings to choose from over 20 different presets, most of which complement their respective genres or content. Users can alter the EQ settings in Spotify to reach similar outcomes. Headphones Accommodation is some other choice where three recommendations are bachelor to tune audio: balanced tone, vocal range, and brightness.
Neither model comes with multipoint technology. Sony also removed NFC this time effectually, meaning you lot won't be able to effortlessly connect the WF-1000XM4 by borer its charging case on the back of a uniform smartphone.
Winner : Tie
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Phone call quality
Tom's Guide considers the AirPods Pro one of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls for several reasons. Apple's mics capture every spoken word and produce great clarity for those on the contrary terminate to hear you loudly and clearly. The stiff seal produced by the ear tips lets you to hear calls better. Current of air resistance is impressive to minimize interference when chatting in gusty atmospheric condition. The H1 chip provides fifty% more talk time than the original AirPods also.
Ane would remember that a stronger mic array, current of air-resistant tech and even bone conduction sensors would give the WF-1000XM4 elite call quality. Sadly, though, Sony's buds proceed to disappoint as a advice tool. Muffling is a major issue, and the buds pick upward more noise than they neutralize. They came in handy for video calls, but but indoors and in tranquillity settings.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Bombardment life
One give-and-take: Sony. Not only does the WF-1000XM4 receive a generous boost in ANC playtime (8 hours) from the previous version, merely yous can extend playtime to 12 hours when turning off ANC. Be mindful that volume, streaming, and running multiple features volition subtract bombardment life past well-nigh i hour. Either mode, that's a meaning amount to work with. The charging case holds between 24 to 36 hours, depending on how you use the buds.
If there's anything dainty to exist said about the AirPods Pro'south battery life, information technology's that the H1 fleck squeezes every bit of juice out for optimal use and can acquire your daily charging routine to preserve battery health over fourth dimension. Unfortunately, a full charge merely gives you 4.5 hours of ANC playback and 5 hours when the feature is turned off. That isn't very compelling. The charging case tin can concur up to 24 hours when fully charged.
Both models come with quick charging: a 5-minute charge generates ane hour of use on either set of buds. Wireless charging is on the spec sheet as well, though the AirPods Pro supports more options, including Apple tree's MagSafe Charger and the upcoming MagSafe Duo Charger.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Verdict
You look at most of these categories and figure the WF-1000XM4 is the clear winner. Correct? No. It'due south close, but the AirPods Pro remains the model to beat based on overall performance. Talk all you lot want virtually the stale pattern and subpar battery life. At the end of the day, Apple has given u.s. a pair of wireless earbuds that is practically perfect, peculiarly when paired with whatever of the latest iPhones. The fact that it's still existence updated with new features through software updates is marvelous. Noise counterfoil is effective, and sound is gratifying plenty to go along you entertained when commuting. Then yous accept the impeccable controls, highlighted past "Hey Siri" functionality, along with several ways to personalize sound.
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Toll and value (5) | 4 | 5 |
| Design (15) | 11 | xi |
| Controls (ten) | viii | 10 |
| Audio quality (20) | xix | eighteen |
| Active noise counterfoil(20) | 18 | 17 |
| Special features and apps (15) | 13 | xiii |
| Call quality (5) | 3 | 5 |
| Bombardment life (10) | 9 | 7 |
| Total score (100) | 85 | 86 |
The WF-1000XM4 is a stunner in numerous means and well worth the coin if you want excellent audio, noise cancellation and bombardment life in a fancy package. Some of Sony'south moves may be considered risky, from the overhauled design to the toned-down, but well-balanced, sound profile. All were implemented for the greater good, even if the new pattern isn't as ergonomic as advertised. However, the mediocre telephone call quality and notable missing features injure its case in this battle, giving the AirPods Pro a slight edge.
- More: Our picks of the best inexpensive earbuds
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/sony-wf-1000xm4-vs-airpods-pro
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