Looking for an honest Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear comparison in 2026? We scored both headphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear comes out ahead 48/100 to 59/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear undercuts the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) by 49% ($120 vs $179), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear edges out the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, especially in display quality, scoring 59 vs 48. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear is the recommended choice.
Picking Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear over Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-EarW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — |
Buy Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if…
The Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear if…
Buy the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear edges out the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, especially in display quality, scoring 59 vs 48. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear is the recommended choice.
No, Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear scores higher (84 vs 73).
Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear is cheaper at $120 vs $179 for the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC).
The Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear lasts longer with 30 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 300g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| 102 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | Digital Noise Cancelling |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound) |
| EQ App | — | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | false | Yes (2 devices) |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
| Foldable | false | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 300g |
| Colors | White, Black | Black |
| Price | 179$ | 120$✓ |