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  1. Home
  2. /Headphones
  3. /Sony WH-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro 3

Sony WH-1000XM4vsAirPods Pro 3

WINNER
Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony

WH-1000XM4

7.3
7.3/10

$249

AirPods Pro 3

AirPods

Pro 3

3.8
3.8/10
AI

AI Matrix

Powered by Claude AI

Sony WH-1000XM4 clearly outperforms the AirPods Pro 3 in the headphones category, particularly in price, scoring 7.3/10 vs 3.8/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.

Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team|Our methodology

5 Reasons Why Sony WH-1000XM4 Is Better

  • 1.Longer battery life: 30h vs 6h
  • 2.Better performance score: 10.0 vs 5.0
  • 3.Better display rating: 3.7 vs 0.0
  • 4.Better battery score: 2.9 vs 0.4
  • 5.Better value score: 9.2 vs 2.5

Score Comparison

Price9.2 / 2.5Codec Quality10.0 / 5.0Noise Cancellation10.0 / 10.0Battery Life2.9 / 0.4Driver Size3.7 / 0.0Water Resistance5.0 / 5.0
Sony WH-1000XM4AirPods Pro 3

Score Breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM4AirPods Pro 3
9.2
Price20% weight
2.5
Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
10.0
Codec Quality25% weight
5.0
Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
2.9
Battery Life20% weight
0.4
Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0
Tied
3.7
Driver Size10% weight
0.0
Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0
Tied

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.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Winner

✓ Pros

  • ●Strong performance score
  • ●Better display quality
  • ●Superior battery life

AirPods Pro 3

✓ Pros

  • ●Water resistant (IPX4)

✗ Cons

  • ●Higher price tag
  • ●Shorter battery life
  • ●Lower display score

Side-by-Side Specs

SpecSony WH-1000XM4WAirPods Pro 3
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Driver TypeDynamicDynamic
Driver Size40mm✓11mm
Frequency Response4 Hz - 40,000 Hz20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance47 Ohm16 Ohm
Sensitivity104.5 dB/mW100 dB/mW
ANCtrueActive Noise Cancellation
Transparency ModeYes (Ambient Sound Mode)Yes
EQ AppSony Headphones ConnectApple Music
Touch ControlsYes (touch panel right ear cup)Yes (force sensor)
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant, AlexaSiri
Battery Life30hrs✓6hrs
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.3
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HDSBC, AAC
MultipointtrueYes
Water Resistance—IPX4
FoldableYes—
Weight254g5g✓
ColorsBlack, Silver, Midnight BlueWhite, Black
Price249$—

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 if…

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.

Buy AirPods Pro 3 if…

The AirPods Pro 3 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.

Community Vote

Who do you think wins this matchup?

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro 3 — FAQ

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro 3: which is better?

Sony WH-1000XM4 clearly outperforms the AirPods Pro 3 in the headphones category, particularly in price, scoring 7.3/10 vs 3.8/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.

Is Sony WH-1000XM4 better than AirPods Pro 3?

Yes, Sony WH-1000XM4 scores higher overall (5.9 vs 3.1).

Which is cheaper, Sony WH-1000XM4 or AirPods Pro 3?

Check the latest prices using the buy links above.

Who should buy the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.

Who should buy the AirPods Pro 3?

The AirPods Pro 3 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.

Which lasts longer, Sony WH-1000XM4 or AirPods Pro 3?

Sony WH-1000XM4 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 6 hours for the other.

Which is lighter, Sony WH-1000XM4 or AirPods Pro 3?

AirPods Pro 3 is lighter at 5g vs 254g.

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Full Sony WH-1000XM4 review →Full AirPods Pro 3 review →All Sony Headphones →All AirPods Headphones →