Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)vsSony WH-1000XM4
Apple
AirPods 4 ANC
5.2
5.2/10$179
WINNER
Sony
WH-1000XM4
7.3
7.3/10$249
AI
AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AISony WH-1000XM4 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.3/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.
5 Reasons Why Sony WH-1000XM4 Is Better
- 1.Larger battery: 2,800mAh vs 280mAh (+900%)
- 2.Longer battery life: 30h vs 4h
- 3.Better performance score: 10.0 vs 5.0
- 4.Better display rating: 3.7 vs 0.0
- 5.Better battery score: 2.9 vs 0.2
Score Comparison
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Sony WH-1000XM4
Score Breakdown
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Sony WH-1000XM4
9.4
Price20% weight
9.2Tied
5.0
Codec Quality25% weight
10.0Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
0.2
Battery Life20% weight
2.9Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0Tied
0.0
Driver Size10% weight
3.7Sony WH-1000XM4 wins
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0Tied
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.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)
✓ Pros
- ●Water resistant (IP54)
✗ Cons
- ●Shorter battery life
- ●Lower display score
- ●Lower performance score
Sony WH-1000XM4
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Strong performance score
- ●Better display quality
- ●Superior battery life
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Sony WH-1000XM4W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 47 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 104.5 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
| EQ App | No | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | Yes (touch panel right ear cup) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 254g |
| Colors | White, Black | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue |
| Price | 179$✓ | 249$ |
Who Should Buy Which?
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-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.
Community Vote
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Sony WH-1000XM4 — FAQ
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which is better?
Sony WH-1000XM4 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.3/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.
Is Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) better than Sony WH-1000XM4?
No, Sony WH-1000XM4 scores higher (5.9 vs 4.0).
Which is cheaper, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is cheaper at $179 vs $249 for the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Who should buy 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.
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.
Which has better battery life, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Sony WH-1000XM4 has a larger battery (2,800mAh vs 280mAh for the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Which lasts longer, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Sony WH-1000XM4 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Which is lighter, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 254g.
