Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro: Which One is Worth the Investment?
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We have tried and tested both the earpieces. Let’s explore which earbuds reign supreme in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort in our guide to Sony WF-1000xm4 vs Airpods Pro.
In fact, we have classified Sony WF-1000XM4 as one of the best earbuds premium earbuds in our list of the 11 Best Premium Wireless Earbuds.
In a Hurry
If you are in hurry and don’t have much time to scroll through the entire article, please view all details about these premium earbuds on Amazon in the link below:
- Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds: View on Amazon
- AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds: View on Amazon
True, when it comes to choosing wireless earbuds, the choices can be overwhelming. We also found it visibly tough.
With so many options on the market, it is indeed challenging to decide which one to invest in. Two of the most popular and rather premium brands in the market right now are Sony and Apple, with the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the AirPods Pro.
Lovely! We got both earbuds and they are packed with features that deliver excellent sound quality and noise-cancelling capabilities.
But which one is worth the investment?
Sure, this is a very legit question and as an end user, we are pretty sure we are curious to explore before making informed buying decision. Thus, we are here to add value to you and assist you take the best decision to buy the one that best suits your need and pocket.
In this guide, we’ll go through a detailed comparison of the Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro, providing you with all the information you need to make a wise decision.
So, whether you’re a music lover or a professional on the go, stick around to discover which of these earbuds is the best pick for you.
So, design and comfort are the one of many features we are looking at first. This of course gives the first impression for many users and our users and community members do agree with us too.
The design and comfort of earbuds are essential factors to consider while making a purchase. The Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro have distinct designs.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has a sleek, modern look, with a circular touchpad on each earbud.
The touchpad is customizable and can be used to control music playback, volume, and noise-cancelling features.
The earbuds come in a matte black finish and have a comfortable fit, thanks to the new design that makes them smaller and more ergonomic.
The earbuds are also sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for an active lifestyle.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has an advantage over the AirPods Pro in terms of comfort.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, have a unique design that sets them apart from other earbuds. They feature a stem that extends downward from the earbud, which contains the microphones and touch controls.
The stem also helps keep the earbuds in place, providing a secure fit.
The AirPods Pro come in a glossy finish and are available in white.
They are also sweat-resistant, making them ideal for workouts.
The AirPods Pro as they come with more ear tips, providing a better fit for different ear sizes.
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Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both Sony and Apple have a reputation for delivering exceptional audio experiences. The Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are no exception, with each earbud offering unique features to enhance the sound quality.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 boasts a new Integrated Processor V1, which promises to deliver improved sound quality and noise-cancelling capabilities.
The earbuds also feature a 6mm driver, which enhances the bass and midrange frequencies, making them ideal for music lovers.
The Sony earbuds also support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which provides an immersive audio experience.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, come with Apple’s proprietary H1 chip, which enables them to deliver high-quality sound.
The earbuds feature an adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound based on the shape of your ear, providing a personalized listening experience.
The AirPods Pro also support spatial audio, which simulates a surround sound experience, making them perfect for watching movies or TV shows.
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Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Noise-cancelling is a crucial feature for earbuds, especially if you want to listen to music or take calls in a noisy environment.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are both equipped with noise-cancelling capabilities, but which one is better?
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 boasts industry-leading noise-cancelling technology, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1.
The earbuds also feature a new noise-cancelling algorithm that blocks out more noise than the previous model.
The Sony earbuds also have a feature called Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses the music and turns off noise-cancelling when you start speaking.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro also have excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, thanks to the H1 chip and the ear tips that provide a secure fit.
The earbuds also feature a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music or taking calls.
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Both earbuds offer excellent sound quality, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a slight edge over the AirPods Pro, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 and the 360 Reality Audio support.
Both earbuds offer top-notch noise-cancelling features, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a slight edge over the AirPods Pro, thanks to the new noise-cancelling algorithm and the Speak-to-Chat feature.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro-Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor to consider while purchasing wireless earbuds. The Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro both offer decent battery life, but which one lasts longer?
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has a rated battery life of up to 8 hours with noise-cancelling turned on and up to 12 hours with noise-cancelling turned off.
The earbuds also come with a charging case that provides an additional 16 hours of battery life. The charging case supports fast charging, with 5 minutes of charging providing up to 60 minutes of playback.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, have a rated battery life of up to 4.5 hours with noise-cancelling turned on and up to 5 hours with noise-cancelling turned off.
The earbuds come with a charging case that provides an additional 24 hours of battery life. The charging case also supports fast charging, with 5 minutes of charging providing up to 1 hour of playback.
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In terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM4 clearly outperforms the AirPods Pro, providing almost double the battery life.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Fit for Fitness
For fitness enthusiasts, finding earbuds that stay securely in place during workouts is essential. Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are equipped to handle rigorous activities.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 features an IPX4 rating, making them sweat and splash-resistant.
The earbuds remain firmly in place, thanks to their ergonomic design and multiple ear tip options.
AirPods Pro
Similarly, the AirPods Pro carries an IPX4 rating as well, ensuring resistance against sweat and water during workouts.
The ear tips, available in different sizes, provide a secure and comfortable fit for most users.
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Whether you’re running, lifting weights, or engaging in other physical activities, both earbuds are designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Connectivity and Features
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro come with a range of connectivity options and features that make them stand out from other earbuds.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 features Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable connection and supports LDAC and aptX HD codecs for high-quality audio streaming.
The earbuds also come with a companion app that allows you to customize the touch controls, adjust the EQ, and update the firmware.
The app also features a location-based feature that helps you find your earbuds if you misplace them.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro also feature Bluetooth 5.0 and support AAC and SBC codecs. The earbuds come with a companion app that allows you to customize the touch controls and update the firmware.
The app also features a feature called Announce Messages, which reads out your incoming messages.
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Both earbuds offer excellent connectivity options and features, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 has an advantage, thanks to the support for LDAC and aptX HD codecs and the location-based feature.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Price Comparison
One of the most significant factors to consider while purchasing earbuds is the price. The Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro are both premium earbuds that come with a hefty price tag.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is priced a little higher, making them one of the most expensive earbuds in the market.
AirPods Pro
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro are priced at lower end as compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4, which is still on the higher end of the spectrum.
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While the Sony WF-1000XM4 is slightly more expensive than the AirPods Pro, they offer better sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and battery life, making them worth the investment.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- Additional Features
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro offer a range of features to enhance your listening experience.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 comes with support for LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio streaming from various devices.
It also features Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses your music and activates ambient sound mode when you start speaking, allowing you to have quick conversations without removing your earbuds.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro, designed specifically for Apple users, seamlessly integrates with the iOS ecosystem.
The H1 chip enables hands-free access to Siri, allowing you to control your music, answer calls, and more with just your voice.
The spatial audio feature creates an immersive surround sound experience, and the ear detection sensors automatically pause playback when you remove an earbud.
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Both earbuds support Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
However, it’s worth noting that the Sony WF-1000XM4 utilizes the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which provides improved range and better signal strength compared to the AirPods Pro’s Bluetooth 5.0.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro- User Reviews and Experts’ Ratings
We obtained feedback and reviews from our users and community members to gauge the performance of a product.
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro have received positive reviews from our users and tech experts.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon, with customers praising the excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling features, and battery life.
The earbuds have also received positive reviews from tech experts, with many calling them the best earbuds in the market.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro have received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, with customers praising the unique design, noise-cancelling capabilities, and the seamless integration with Apple devices.
The earbuds have also received positive reviews from tech experts, with many calling them the best earbuds for iPhone users.
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Both earbuds have received positive reviews and ratings, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a slight edge over the AirPods Pro, thanks to the better sound quality and noise-cancelling capabilities.
Pros and Cons- What’s Good and What’s Not Good
It’s important to consider these pros and cons based on your specific preferences and requirements. Each earbud offers unique features and advantages, and understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Therefore, we have come up with the following few points which go for against each earbuds in our guide to Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro. We are sure this will help you make informed buying decision.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with high-resolution audio support.
- Advanced noise cancellation technology for immersive listening.
- Long battery life and quick charging capabilities.
- Customizable touch controls and EQ settings.
- Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip options.
- Bluetooth connectivity with LDAC support for high-quality streaming.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other wireless earbuds.
- Not specifically rated for sweat or water resistance.
- Companion app interface could be more user-friendly.
- Bulky charging case compared to some competitors.
- Limited compatibility with certain voice assistants.
AirPods Pro
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Apple devices and easy setup.
- Active noise cancellation for immersive and focused audio experience.
- Spatial audio feature for an enhanced movie and TV show watching experience.
- IPX4 rated sweat and water resistance for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Convenient “Hey Siri” voice control and intuitive touch controls.
- Fast charging capabilities and compatibility with wireless charging.
Cons:
- Relatively shorter battery life compared to some competitors.
- Limited customization options for EQ settings.
- Compatibility and performance may vary when used with non-Apple devices.
- Some users may experience fit-related discomfort.
- Higher price point compared to other wireless earbuds.
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Conclusion - Which One to Choose?
When it comes to choosing between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both earbuds offer excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.
However, if you’re looking for earbuds that provide the best sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM4 should be your pick.
On the other hand, if you’re an iPhone user looking for earbuds that seamlessly integrate with your device, the AirPods Pro is an excellent choice.
Regardless of which one you choose, both earbuds are worth the investment and offer top-of-the-line features that promise to enhance your audio experience.
FAQs on Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro
A: The sound quality of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is generally considered superior to that of the AirPods Pro. The Sony earbuds offer a more immersive and balanced sound experience with support for LDAC and DSEE Ultimate technologies.
A: Yes, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is known for having industry-leading noise cancellation, often surpassing the AirPods Pro in this aspect. The Sony earbuds use advanced algorithms to provide excellent noise isolation in various environments.
A: The Sony WF-1000XM4 tends to have a longer battery life compared to the AirPods Pro. The Sony earbuds can provide around 8-12 hours of playback time on a single charge, while the AirPods Pro generally offer around 4-5 hours.
A: Comfort is subjective, but many users find the AirPods Pro to be more comfortable for extended wear due to their lightweight and compact design. However, the Sony WF-1000XM4 comes with multiple ear tip options for a more customized fit, which can enhance comfort for various users.
A: Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro offer stable connectivity, but the AirPods Pro might have a slight edge due to their seamless integration with Apple devices through the H1 chip. The Sony WF-1000XM4 uses Bluetooth technology and also maintains a reliable connection with devices.
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