Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)vsSony WH-1000XM5
Apple
AirPods 4 ANC
5.2
5.2/10$179
WINNER
Sony
WH-1000XM5
6.8
6.8/10$349
AI
AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AISony WH-1000XM5 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
5 Reasons Why Sony WH-1000XM5 Is Better
- 1.Larger battery: 3,000mAh vs 280mAh (+971%)
- 2.Longer battery life: 30h vs 4h
- 3.Better performance score: 10.0 vs 5.0
- 4.Better battery score: 2.9 vs 0.2
- 5.Higher overall score: 6.8/10 vs 5.2/10
Score Comparison
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Sony WH-1000XM5
Score Breakdown
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Sony WH-1000XM5
9.4
Price20% weight
8.9Tied
5.0
Codec Quality25% weight
10.0Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
0.2
Battery Life20% weight
2.9Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0Tied
0.0
Driver Size10% weight
0.0Tied
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
- ●Better value for money
- ●Water resistant (IP54)
✗ Cons
- ●Shorter battery life
- ●Lower performance score
Sony WH-1000XM5
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Strong performance score
- ●Superior battery life
✗ Cons
- ●Higher price tag
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Sony WH-1000XM5W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 30mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 47 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound) |
| EQ App | No | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX HD |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 250g |
| Colors | White, Black | Black, Silver |
| Price | 179$✓ | 349$ |
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-1000XM5 if…
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 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-1000XM5 — FAQ
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which is better?
Sony WH-1000XM5 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Is Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) better than Sony WH-1000XM5?
No, Sony WH-1000XM5 scores higher (4.8 vs 4.0).
Which is cheaper, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM5?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is cheaper at $179 vs $349 for the Sony WH-1000XM5.
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-1000XM5?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 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-1000XM5?
Sony WH-1000XM5 has a larger battery (3,000mAh 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-1000XM5?
Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Which is lighter, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Sony WH-1000XM5?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 250g.
