Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Which noise-cancelling earbuds win?
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Which dissonance-cancelling earbuds win?
Apple tree or Sony? Our WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro comparison will show yous which wireless ANC earbuds are more deserving of your money. Both sets of wireless earbuds pack intuitive controls, great sound and powerful active racket cancellation into compact designs. They too stand up out as 2 of the best noise-cancelling earbuds coin tin can buy.
The much newer Sony WF-1000XM4 has already left a potent impression, with a fancy new appearance, stellar audio features and some of the longest battery life in the truthful wireless category. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro remains a top 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 ready of wireless earbuds? See the results of this Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro face-off below.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Specs compared
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $279 | $249 |
| Wireless charging | Yep | Yep |
| Chip | Sony V1 | H1 |
| Battery Life (Rated) | viii hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging instance), 36 hours (with charging case and ANC off) | 4.5 hours (ANC on), 5 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging instance) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Case Size | 2.iv x i.5 x 1.i inches | 1.8 x 0.9 ten 2.4 inches |
| Case Weight | 2 ounces | 1.6 ounces |
| Special features | Active noise cancellation, transparency style, Speak-to-Chat, customizable EQ, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, LDAC, Bluetooth v.ii, tri-digital assistant back up (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri), quick charging | Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, spatial audio, automatic switching, customizable fit, audio sharing, Fast Fuel charging, announced letters with Siri, "Hey Siri" voice-activated assistance, wireless charging instance |
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Toll
The AirPods Pro is the cheaper of the two options, marked at $249 brand new. We have seen some retailers drop the price down to every bit low as $180. Target has it for $199 at the time of publishing, while a refurbished pair tin can exist had for $179 on Best Buy.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 simply striking stores shelves with a $279 MSRP, which is $50 college than its predecessor, the well-received Sony WF-1000XM3. We don't encounter it going on sale anytime shortly.
For all of the latest Apple and Sony headphones sales, exist sure to bookmark our best cheap AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Design
Dissimilar shapes and dissimilar styles, the WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are both striking models that come up with their own sets of pros and cons that, when comparing the 2, cancel each other out.
Sony gave the WF-1000XM4 a serious makeover, which consists of a thick oval shape, big bear on panels, and copper ANC mic housings that add flair to its appearance. The buds are a scrap bulkier than we would similar, but this is still a welcomed upgrade from the WF-1000XM3's wide and elongated form. Build quality is sturdy and an IPX4 rating brings sweat and h2o resistance into the equation. Nosotros also like that Sony stuck with signature colors like Black and Silver, though a Midnight Blue version would besides expect attractive.
There are a few details that differentiate the AirPods Pro from its less-premium sibling, the AirPods 2. Those would be the black vents, ear tips, shorter stems, and IPX4 protection. The long-stem silhouette, all-plastic white frame, and silver accents remain intact. Construction is still subpar with the casing cracking if y'all drop the buds from a high distance or step on them.
The charging cases are both compact, minimalist, and won't weigh down your pockets or everyday carry bag. Sony's version is thicker, but keeps the buds safeguarded when on the become, while Apple tree's version is slimmer and doesn't provide the greatest protection. The AirPods Pro'southward case takes on scuffs and scratches hands, plus its magnet doesn't keep the hat tightly shut.
Where Apple makes upwards for its ho-hum design is in comfort and fit. We've stressed this numerous times already, but in case you lot haven't heard, the ear tips brand all the divergence. They create a nice seal around the canal and the sound port rests gently on the concha to article of clothing for 2 hours before fatigue sets in. Apple even created an Ear Tip Fit Test to reach optimal fit.
Part of the WF-1000M4's redesign was to provide an ergonomic surface for a more than stable fit. Mission unaccomplished. The memory foam tips that come up installed correct out of the box don't create a tight seal (we recommend using silicone tips). Sony did develop its own exam called Optimal Earbud Tips that is useful and provides necessary feedback to ensure the buds fit securely. Unfortunately, the sound port goes too deep into the canal, which feels awkward and applies unwanted pressure to the concha that worsens the longer yous vesture the buds.
Winner : Necktie
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Controls
Our minds haven't inverse: Apple still has the best control scheme of any wireless earbuds out there. The strength sensor arrangement at the bottom of each stem is responsive to presses, offering peace of mind when enabling intended commands. On-ear detection is just as reliable with audio automatically pausing whenever removing the buds. The real star is "Hey Siri" voice activation, granting y'all access to Apple'south AI bot whenever speaking the phrase out loud. Apple's mics capture every syllable spoken and the AirPods Pro acts on voice commands speedily to return results even quicker.
To phone call the WF-1000XM4's controls an comeback over the previous model would be an understatement. Bear on gestures are registered accurately and execute media functions with finesse. Sony programmed a full suite of controls into these buds, including playback, telephone call direction, listening fashion activation, digital help and book. Motion detection operates as smoothly as information technology does on the AirPods Pro to automatically pause playback. Google Banana and Alexa integration were thrown into the mix and work well, immediately activating whenever saying their respective action phrases.
In addition, there are other features that make the WF-1000XM4 user-friendly to operate. Speak-to-Chat will intermission music whenever you speak, whereas Quick Attention drops volume down to 10% to hear what's happening around you without pausing music.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Sound quality
Sony's sound profile was the most revered hallmark on the WF-1000XM3, yet the company felt it needed to be refined on the WF-1000XM4. Bass is at present toned downward to evangelize a meliorate residual between high and depression frequencies. What you lot go are get natural-sounding mids, detailed highs, and rich lows that however pack a dial. Turning on the DSEE Farthermost setting in the companion app will ameliorate allegiance on low-fi tracks besides. Sony fifty-fifty added support for its immersive 360 Reality Audio format that creates a 3D-like result when listening to tracks on uniform streaming services such as Deezer and Tidal. Also, we can't forget LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support for high-quality streaming over Bluetooth.
People nevertheless sleep on how great the AirPods Pro sounds. Apple's adaptive EQ tunes the low- and mid-frequencies to the shape of your ear, producing warm sound that emphasizes bass without compromising vocals. These buds won't blow you abroad with definition or range similar the WF-1000XM4, merely what you're getting rivals most competitors in the category. The inclusion of spatial audio takes it up a notch to provide a environment-sound-like experience when watching Dolby Atmos content or selected Apple Music songs. It is a feature that works better for movies than music.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Agile noise cancellation
Sony improves on its stalwart ANC, stuffing like adaptive noise-cancelling tech to the Sony WH-1000XM4 into the smaller WF-1000XM4. The technology is capable of adjusting on the fly based on your surroundings and is effective at rejecting the highest level of ambient racket possible. Indoors, the buds are amazing for silencing daily distractions like loud televisions, rowdy roommates, and the humming noise from an AC unit. Nosotros also 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's noise cancellation blocks out mayhem very well. The AirPods Pro's mic array performs both an internal and external sound analysis to hush your surroundings. It does a fantastic job outside, shutting out noises from big crowds, motorbikes, and even wind. The technology was besides beneficial on flights, pre-pandemic, reducing airplane engine droning. However, the feature 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 surroundings. The WF-1000XM4 is much stronger with 20 levels that tin can be adapted in the companion app to control the amount of ambient noise you want to let in. Setting the feature to max amplifies the mics and lets you hear conversations taking place across the street, though clarity tin exist hitting 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 likewise an option to focus on vocalization, along with an automatic switching setting to adjust transparency based on your actions in locations you consistently visit.
The AirPods Pro's Transparency mode is simply as good for eavesdropping on chats or identifying specific noises inside a two-cake radius. Clarion sounds such as construction tools and car horns come off a bit harsh, simply the add-on of Headphone Accommodations is fantastic and turns the buds into hearing aids by tuning environmental sounds to your hearing. Something that was just introduced in the latest iOS update is Conversation Boost, a feature to help people with mild hearing problems that want to engage 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 all-time and coolest features that can exist enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app. Our breakdown has already touched on major ones, including 360 Reality Audio, ANC, Ambience Sound Control, DSEE Extreme, Quick Attention, and Speak-to-Chat. At that place are several more than to play with.
Nearly users will make their way to the Equalizer when opening the app. Here is where yous can tweak the frequency levels and create your own audio profile or select from eight presets: Bass Boost, Brilliant, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Treble Boost, Speech, and Vocal. All of them are engineered superbly. Below the EQ is a Bluetooth Connection Quality setting to prioritize connectivity or sound quality. Battery level indicators for the earbuds and charging case, toggle controls, a music role player, and firmware updates round out the app.
Sony's flagship buds are one of the few to run on Bluetooth 5.2, giving you lot faster performance and steady range for wireless listening. Connecting to devices is super-fast, no matter the platform, though Android users tin expedite the process with Google Fast Pair to instantly pair with the touch on of a button.
The AirPods Pro's feature set is equally corking and doesn't require a companion app to access. Spatial audio, Headphone Accommodations, and "Hey Siri" have already been discussed, but there are many more than software perks to enjoy. Everything is tied to the H1 bit, which makes connecting to iOS/macOS devices lightning fast. The chipset too allows for sound sharing betwixt two Apple tree/Beats headphones, motorcar switching, Siri Announce Notifications, and Find My functionality to locate lost buds using your last known location or by playing a audio when nearby.
You're request whether the AirPods Pro offers some course of sound customization? The respond is yeah, and in different ways. Let's start with the EQ that tin be selected in the iOS settings to choose from over 20 unlike presets, most of which complement their respective genres or content. Users can alter the EQ settings in Spotify to achieve like outcomes. Headphones Accommodation is another option where three recommendations are available to tune audio: balanced tone, vocal range, and effulgence.
Neither model comes with multipoint technology. Sony also removed NFC this time around, pregnant yous won't exist able to effortlessly connect the WF-1000XM4 by borer its charging case on the dorsum of a uniform smartphone.
Winner : Tie
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Telephone call quality
Tom's Guide considers the AirPods Pro 1 of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls for several reasons. Apple tree's mics capture every spoken word and produce bang-up clarity for those on the opposite end to hear you loudly and clearly. The stiff seal produced by the ear tips lets you lot to hear calls meliorate. Current of air resistance is impressive to minimize interference when chatting in gusty weather condition. The H1 chip provides l% more talk time than the original AirPods too.
One would think that a stronger mic array, wind-resistant tech and even os conduction sensors would requite the WF-1000XM4 elite call quality. Sadly, though, Sony's buds keep to disappoint every bit a advice tool. Muffling is a major effect, and the buds pick up more noise than they neutralize. They came in handy for video calls, but only indoors and in quiet settings.
Winner : AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Battery life
One discussion: Sony. Non merely does the WF-1000XM4 receive a generous boost in ANC playtime (8 hours) from the previous version, only you lot tin can extend playtime to 12 hours when turning off ANC. Be mindful that volume, streaming, and running multiple features will decrease battery life past about 1 hour. Either way, that's a pregnant amount to piece of work with. The charging case holds between 24 to 36 hours, depending on how you use the buds.
If at that place's anything dainty to be said almost the AirPods Pro's bombardment life, it'south that the H1 fleck squeezes every bit of juice out for optimal employ and can acquire your daily charging routine to preserve bombardment wellness over time. Unfortunately, a full charge simply gives you iv.5 hours of ANC playback and 5 hours when the feature is turned off. That isn't very compelling. The charging case can concur up to 24 hours when fully charged.
Both models come with quick charging: a v-infinitesimal charge generates i 60 minutes of use on either set of buds. Wireless charging is on the spec sheet besides, though the AirPods Pro supports more options, including Apple's MagSafe Charger and the upcoming MagSafe Duo Charger.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. AirPods Pro: Verdict
Y'all look at most of these categories and effigy the WF-1000XM4 is the clear winner. Right? No. It'south close, merely the AirPods Pro remains the model to vanquish based on overall operation. Talk all you desire nearly the stale pattern and subpar bombardment life. At the cease of the mean solar day, Apple has given the states a pair of wireless earbuds that is practically perfect, specially when paired with whatsoever of the latest iPhones. The fact that information technology'south however existence updated with new features through software updates is marvelous. Noise cancellation is effective, and sound is gratifying enough to keep you entertained when commuting. Then you have the impeccable controls, highlighted by "Hey Siri" functionality, along with several means to personalize sound.
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price and value (five) | four | 5 |
| Design (15) | 11 | xi |
| Controls (10) | eight | ten |
| Sound quality (xx) | 19 | 18 |
| Active dissonance cancellation(20) | 18 | 17 |
| Special features and apps (fifteen) | 13 | 13 |
| Telephone call quality (5) | 3 | 5 |
| Bombardment life (10) | nine | 7 |
| Total score (100) | 85 | 86 |
The WF-1000XM4 is a stunner in numerous ways and well worth the money if you desire splendid sound, noise counterfoil and battery life in a fancy parcel. Some of Sony's moves may be considered risky, from the overhauled blueprint to the toned-down, but well-counterbalanced, sound contour. All were implemented for the greater good, even if the new design isn't equally ergonomic every bit advertised. However, the mediocre call quality and notable missing features hurt its case in this battle, giving the AirPods Pro a slight border.
- More: Our picks of the best inexpensive earbuds
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/sony-wf-1000xm4-vs-airpods-pro-review
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