DALI IO-12 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B
WINNER
Sony
WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B
69
69/100$188
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AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AISony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B narrowly beats the DALI IO-12 in the headphones category, especially in value ($188 vs $399), scoring 69 vs 65. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B is the recommended choice.
4 Reasons Why Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B Is Better
- 1.Lighter: 254g vs 320g
- 2.Lower price: $188 vs $399
- 3.Better value score: 72 vs 35
- 4.Higher overall score: 69 vs 65
What are you giving up?
Picking Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B over DALI IO-12 means trading these off.
You give up
Nothing meaningful — Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B matches or beats DALI IO-12 on every measured spec.
You gain
- +$211 cheaper ($188 vs $399)
- +66g lighter (254g vs 320g)
Spec Comparison
DALI IO-12Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B
Score Breakdown
DALI IO-12Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B
100
Codec Quality25% weight
100Tie
35
Price20% weight
72Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B Winner
29
Battery Life20% weight
29Tie
100
Noise Cancellation15% weight
100Tie
74
Driver Size10% weight
37DALI IO-12 Winner
50
Water Resistance10% weight
50Tie
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.
DALI IO-12
✓ Pros
- ●Better display score
✗ Cons
- ●Higher price: $399 vs $188
- ●Higher price relative to value
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Lower price: $188 vs $399
- ●Lighter build: 254g vs 320g
- ●Better value for money
✗ Cons
- ●Lower display score
Spec Comparison
| Spec | DALI IO-12 | Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 BW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | — | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 50mm✓ | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | — | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | Adaptive Noise Cancelling |
| Transparency Mode | true | Yes (Ambient Sound) |
| EQ App | — | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | — | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Google, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Battery Life | 30hrs | 30hrs |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX HD |
| Multipoint | true | Yes (2 devices) |
| Foldable | true | Yes |
| Weight | 320g | 254g✓ |
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | 399$ | 188$✓ |
Who Should Buy
Buy DALI IO-12 if…
The DALI IO-12 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B if…
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
DALI IO-12 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B — FAQ
DALI IO-12 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B: which is better?
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B narrowly beats the DALI IO-12 in the headphones category, especially in value ($188 vs $399), scoring 69 vs 65. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B is the recommended choice.
Is DALI IO-12 better than Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B?
No, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B scores higher (30 vs 81).
Which is cheaper, DALI IO-12 or Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B?
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B is cheaper at $188 vs $399 for the DALI IO-12.
Who should buy the DALI IO-12?
The DALI IO-12 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 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Which lasts longer, DALI IO-12 or Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B?
Both offer 30 hours of battery life.
Which is lighter, DALI IO-12 or Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B?
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B is lighter at 254g vs 320g.
Related Comparisons
Full DALI IO-12 review →Full Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) WH1000XM4 B review →All DALI Headphones →All Sony Headphones →
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 25, 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.