Sony Wf-1000xm4 vs Airpods Pro 2: Which Earbuds Reign?
In the crowded world of true wireless earbuds, two titans stand out: the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Both promise an unparalleled listening experience, but which one truly delivers the goods? This in-depth comparison dives into the features, performance, and overall value of each contender.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has long been a favorite, lauded for its exceptional noise cancellation and rich sound quality. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, build on the success of its predecessor with improved features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and design to help you decide which pair of earbuds is the perfect fit for your needs. Get ready to discover which of these premium earbuds comes out on top in the ultimate showdown: Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro 2.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | WF-1000XM4 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 8 hours (earbuds) / 24 hours (with case) | 6 hours (earbuds) / 30 hours (with case) |
| Driver Size | 6 mm | Custom high-excursion Apple driver |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes (with dynamic head tracking) |
| Voice Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Alexa | Siri |
| Case Size | Slightly larger | More Compact |
| Ear Tips | Foam | Silicone (XS, S, M, L) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, combined with the new ear tip design, provides industry-leading ANC. Effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies, but some users may experience a slight pressure sensation.
- Airpods Pro 2: Upgraded ANC performance with the H2 chip, offering up to 2x more noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro. Effective at blocking out background noise, but may not be as aggressive as the WF-1000XM4 in some scenarios.
- Winner: sony
Sound Quality
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Features a custom 6mm driver and supports LDAC for high-resolution audio. Delivers a rich, detailed sound signature with a balanced profile, but can be slightly bass-heavy for some listeners.
- Airpods Pro 2: Uses a new custom driver and supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Offers a clear and balanced sound with improved bass response compared to the original AirPods Pro, but lacks high-resolution audio codec support.
- Winner: sony
Design & Comfort
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Compact and lightweight design with a comfortable fit, available in multiple ear tip sizes. Some users may find the ear tips require frequent adjustment and the earbuds can feel bulky.
- Airpods Pro 2: Features a similar design to the original AirPods Pro with a slightly improved fit and a new XS ear tip size. Comfortable for most users, but the stem design may not be preferred by everyone.
- Winner: airpods
Battery Life
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Offers up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC on, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Battery life is impressive, but some users may find the charging case is bulky.
- Airpods Pro 2: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Charging case offers extended battery life, and overall battery performance is good.
- Winner: airpods
Call Quality
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Features Precise Voice Pickup Technology for clear voice calls. Offers good call quality in most environments, but may struggle in very windy conditions.
- Airpods Pro 2: Improved call quality with enhanced voice pickup and wind noise reduction. Delivers clear calls in various environments.
- Winner: airpods
Water Resistance
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: IPX4 water resistance, offering protection against splashes and sweat. Suitable for workouts and light rain.
- Airpods Pro 2: IPX4 water resistance, similar to the WF-1000XM4. Provides protection against splashes and sweat.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity & Features
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Supports Bluetooth 5.2, Google Fast Pair, and a variety of customizable features via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Offers a wide range of features, but the app interface can be complex.
- Airpods Pro 2: Uses the H2 chip for seamless pairing and integration with Apple devices, supports Spatial Audio, and features touch controls. Offers a user-friendly experience for Apple users, but lacks advanced customization options for Android users.
- Winner: airpods
Charging & Case
- Sony Wf-1000xm4: Wireless charging and USB-C charging. The case is a bit bulky.
- Airpods Pro 2: Wireless charging with MagSafe and USB-C charging. The case has a built-in speaker and lanyard loop.
- Winner: airpods
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Sound Quality | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
| Noise Cancellation | Sony WF-1000XM4 (Slightly) |
| Ecosystem Integration | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 2 (with case) |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 feature excellent active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. This allows for immersive listening experiences in noisy environments.
- Transparency Mode: Both models offer a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is useful for conversations or remaining aware of your environment.
- Water Resistance: Both earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, protecting them from splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
- Wireless Charging: Both the charging cases support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Comfortable Fit: Both earbuds are designed to provide a comfortable fit, though the specific fit may vary depending on individual ear shapes.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro 2 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The Sony WF-1000XM4 features a more traditional earbud design, with a slightly larger housing than the AirPods Pro 2. This can be a pro or con depending on ear shape. The Sony buds offer a more secure fit for some with included foam tips that mold to the ear. The AirPods Pro 2 boasts a sleek, stem-based design with silicone tips. The AirPods Pro 2 are generally perceived as being more comfortable for longer listening sessions due to their lighter weight and design.
Noise Cancellation
Both earbuds excel at noise cancellation, but they achieve it differently. The Sony WF-1000XM4 uses a powerful processor and superior noise isolation, resulting in impressive noise reduction. The AirPods Pro 2 also offer excellent noise cancellation, leveraging adaptive transparency and personalized spatial audio. Both are great, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 may have a slight edge in blocking out low-frequency noises.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, the Sony WF-1000XM4 typically offers a more detailed and balanced sound profile, with a wider soundstage. They support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, enhancing the listening experience for compatible devices. The AirPods Pro 2 delivers a well-tuned sound with a focus on clarity and balance. They excel with Apple’s ecosystem, providing seamless integration and optimized audio.
Call Quality and Mic Performance
Both earbuds provide good call quality, but with different strengths. The AirPods Pro 2 often excels in noisy environments, thanks to its advanced microphone system and noise reduction capabilities. The Sony WF-1000XM4 also delivers clear calls, but may struggle slightly in extremely windy conditions. Ultimately, both do a respectable job, but the AirPods Pro 2 might be better for consistent clarity.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sony WF-1000XM4 generally offers longer battery life compared to the AirPods Pro 2, particularly with noise cancellation enabled. The Sony earbuds can last around 8 hours on a single charge. The AirPods Pro 2 offer around 6 hours. Both offer charging cases that provide additional battery life. The AirPods Pro 2 charging case also supports wireless charging.
Features and Ecosystem
The AirPods Pro 2 shines within the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless pairing, automatic device switching, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is more versatile, pairing with any Bluetooth device and supporting a wider range of audio codecs. Sony offers its own app for customization and control. Both offer touch controls for music playback and calls.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sony wf-1000xm4 If…
- You prioritize the highest quality audio codecs, including LDAC.
- You need multipoint pairing to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
- You prefer a more customizable EQ experience via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- You value the included foam ear tips for a more secure fit and enhanced noise isolation.
Buy airpods pro 2 If…
- You’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and desire seamless integration.
- You want spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive experience.
- You prefer a more compact charging case.
- You value the convenience of Siri integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which earbuds offer better noise cancellation?
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the AirPods Pro 2 have excellent noise cancellation. However, the Sony WF-1000XM4 often gets the edge in blocking out low-frequency noises, such as engine rumbles and general ambient noise. The AirPods Pro 2 offers excellent cancellation and is better for calls.
Which earbuds have better sound quality?
This is subjective, but the Sony WF-1000XM4 often provides a more balanced and detailed sound profile with a wider soundstage. They also support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, which enhances the listening experience for compatible devices. The AirPods Pro 2 delivers a well-tuned sound with a focus on clarity.
Which earbuds have better battery life?
The Sony WF-1000XM4 generally offers better battery life, especially with noise cancellation turned on. The Sony earbuds can last around 8 hours on a single charge, while the AirPods Pro 2 provides around 6 hours. Both come with charging cases that extend the overall battery life significantly.
How do the controls work on each earbud?
Both earbuds feature touch controls for managing music playback, answering calls, and activating voice assistants. The Sony WF-1000XM4 uses touch controls on each earbud, allowing for customization through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The AirPods Pro 2 offer force sensor controls, providing intuitive and responsive control over various functions.
Are the earbuds comfortable for long listening sessions?
Comfort varies from person to person, but the AirPods Pro 2 is often considered more comfortable for longer listening sessions due to its lighter weight and design. The Sony WF-1000XM4 offers a more secure fit for some with included foam tips that mold to the ear. Both include multiple ear tip sizes.
Which earbuds are better for making phone calls?
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 offer good call quality. The AirPods Pro 2 is considered to be a bit better in noisy environments, thanks to its advanced microphone system and noise reduction capabilities. The Sony WF-1000XM4 also delivers clear calls, but may struggle slightly in windy conditions.
Which earbuds are better for Apple users?
The AirPods Pro 2 is the clear winner for Apple users due to seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. They offer easy pairing, automatic device switching, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is compatible with Apple devices but lacks the same level of integration.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds. The Sony excels in sound quality and noise cancellation, offering a more versatile experience. The AirPods Pro 2 provides seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem and a more comfortable design for some. The choice depends on user priorities and ecosystem preference.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2