Sony Xm4 vs Airpods Pro 2: Which Noise Cancelling Wins?
Tired of noisy commutes or distractions at the office? You’re in luck! We’re diving headfirst into a battle of titans: the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). These two sets of headphones are among the best when it comes to active noise cancellation, but which one comes out on top?
Both the Sony XM4 and the AirPods Pro 2 promise an immersive audio experience, designed to block out the world and let you focus on your music, podcasts, or calls. Deciding between them can be tough, as they both have impressive features. We’ll break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
We will compare everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to comfort, features, and price. Whether you’re an Android user, an Apple enthusiast, or just someone who wants the best audio experience, this comparison of the Sony XM4 vs AirPods Pro 2 will help you decide which is the perfect fit for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Sony XM4 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 6 hours (earbuds) / 30 hours (case) |
| Water Resistance | No | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Touch & Physical Buttons | Touch |
| Charging | USB-C | Lightning, Wireless Charging |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Siri |
| Comfort | Over-Ear | In-Ear |
| Case Size | Larger | Smaller |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 boasts industry-leading noise cancellation, utilizing Sony’s QN1 processor. This effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds. However, some users report a slight pressure sensation.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 offers impressive noise cancellation, enhanced by the H2 chip. It effectively reduces background noise, though it may not quite match the XM4’s performance in all scenarios. Some users prefer the more natural sound profile.
- Winner: sony xm4
Sound Quality
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 delivers rich, balanced sound with a focus on bass. They support LDAC for higher-quality audio streaming. Some users find the default sound signature slightly bass-heavy.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 offers clear and balanced sound with improved clarity over the first generation. Spatial audio provides an immersive experience. Bass may not be as prominent as the XM4.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort & Fit
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 features a comfortable over-ear design with plush earcups. They are generally comfortable for extended wear. The over-ear design can be warmer in hot weather.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 utilizes a lightweight in-ear design with various ear tip sizes for a secure fit. They are generally very comfortable for most users. Some users may experience fatigue with in-ear designs.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 provides excellent battery life, offering around 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. Quick charging is also available.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 provides good battery life, with around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC) and more with the charging case.
- Winner: sony xm4
Microphone Quality
- Sony Xm4: The XM4’s microphone quality is good, suitable for calls and voice assistants. It performs well in most environments.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 has excellent microphone quality, making them ideal for calls. The microphones effectively reduce background noise for clear voice transmission.
- Winner: airpods pro 2
Water Resistance
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 has a basic level of water resistance, but it is not ideal for intense workouts.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 offers IPX4 water resistance, making them more suitable for workouts and light rain.
- Winner: airpods pro 2
Controls & Features
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 features touch controls and a companion app with customizable settings. They offer features like Speak-to-Chat.
- Airpods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 offers intuitive touch controls and seamless integration with Apple devices. They also have features like personalized spatial audio.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Sony Xm4: Generally, the Sony XM4 are typically priced higher than the AirPods Pro 2.
- Airpods Pro 2: Generally, the AirPods Pro 2 are typically priced lower than the Sony XM4.
- Winner: airpods pro 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Sony XM4 |
| Battery Life | Sony XM4 |
| Portability | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Ecosystem Integration | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Water Resistance | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the Sony XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 feature excellent active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out distracting ambient sounds. This is a key feature for both models, allowing for immersive listening experiences.
- Transparency Mode: Both headphones offer a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This is useful for conversations or remaining aware of your environment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, allowing for easy pairing with a variety of devices. They both support multipoint connection.
- Comfort: Both the Sony XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 are designed for comfort, though they offer different form factors. The XM4’s over-ear design and the AirPods Pro 2’s in-ear design.
- Built-in Microphones: Both include built-in microphones for making calls and using voice assistants. The microphone quality is good on both for clear voice pickup.
Sony XM4 Vs AirPods Pro 2 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a comfortable over-ear design with plush earcups and a padded headband. This design is generally favored for longer listening sessions. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, boast a compact in-ear design with silicone tips, providing a more discreet and portable experience. This often means less heat buildup. Factors such as head size and ear shape play a crucial role in deciding which design is most comfortable for you.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The Sony XM4 excels in sound quality, delivering a rich and balanced audio profile. They offer exceptional noise cancellation, blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. The AirPods Pro 2 also provide impressive sound, especially considering their size, and feature excellent noise cancellation, which has been improved in the second generation. Both offer personalized sound profiles.
Features and Functionality
The Sony XM4 includes features such as Speak-to-Chat, which pauses music when you speak, and intuitive touch controls. They also support multiple device connections. The AirPods Pro 2 integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, offering features like spatial audio for a more immersive experience and easy switching between devices. Both support voice assistants, but Siri integration is smoother on the AirPods Pro 2.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sony XM4 offers impressive battery life, often lasting around 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. They charge via USB-C. The AirPods Pro 2 provide a shorter battery life on a single charge, but their charging case extends their overall usage time. The charging case can be charged wirelessly and via Lightning. The overall battery life is dependent on noise cancellation usage.
Microphone Quality and Call Performance
The Sony XM4 features a decent microphone for calls, but the AirPods Pro 2 have generally better call quality and clarity, making them more suitable for frequent phone calls. The AirPods Pro 2’s beamforming microphones excel at isolating your voice and reducing background noise during calls, which is a key advantage. The XM4’s microphone is sufficient but not as optimized.
Price and Value
Both the Sony XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 are premium products, but their prices can fluctuate. Consider your budget and the features that matter most to you. The value proposition depends on your priorities. The AirPods Pro 2 may have a lower initial cost, but the XM4 offers a generally more comprehensive feature set, especially if you prioritize extended battery life and over-ear comfort. Consider where you will use them.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Sony XM4 If…
- You prioritize superior sound quality and a more immersive listening experience.
- You prefer over-ear headphones for comfort and noise isolation.
- You want the best possible noise cancellation performance.
- You value the support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration.
- You prefer a more compact and portable design.
- You need water resistance for workouts or outdoor activities.
- You value the convenience of easy pairing and switching between Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better noise cancellation, the Sony XM4 or AirPods Pro 2?
Both the Sony XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 offer excellent noise cancellation. However, the Sony XM4 generally provides slightly superior noise cancellation performance, particularly in blocking out lower-frequency sounds. The AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation is still impressive and has improved over the previous generation, making it a close contest. The choice depends on the specific noise environment.
Are the Sony XM4 or AirPods Pro 2 better for phone calls?
The AirPods Pro 2 typically provide a better call experience. Their microphones are designed to isolate your voice and reduce background noise more effectively than the XM4. The AirPods Pro 2’s beamforming technology enhances call clarity. While the XM4’s microphone is adequate, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a superior solution for clear communication during phone calls.
Which headphones have better battery life?
The Sony XM4 has significantly better battery life than the AirPods Pro 2. The XM4 can typically last around 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer a shorter listening time on a single charge. The AirPods Pro 2’s charging case extends the overall battery life, but the XM4 provides longer continuous listening.
Do the Sony XM4 work with iPhones?
Yes, the Sony XM4 are compatible with iPhones and other iOS devices. They connect via Bluetooth. While they won’t seamlessly integrate with the same features as AirPods Pro 2 (like automatic device switching), they work perfectly fine for audio playback and calls. You can still use the Sony Headphones Connect app on iOS to customize settings.
Can the AirPods Pro 2 be used with Android phones?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are fully compatible with Android phones. You can pair them via Bluetooth and use them for audio playback and calls. However, you won’t have access to all the advanced features (like spatial audio) or the automatic device switching found on Apple devices. There are Android apps available to customize some settings.
Which is better for travel: Sony XM4 or AirPods Pro 2?
Both are great for travel. The Sony XM4’s superior noise cancellation and longer battery life make them ideal for long flights or train journeys. The AirPods Pro 2’s compact size and portability make them convenient for everyday use and easier to carry. The choice depends on your specific travel needs and preferred form factor.
What’s the main difference between the XM4 and AirPods Pro 2?
The main difference lies in their design and ecosystem integration. The XM4 are over-ear headphones with superior noise cancellation and longer battery life, while the AirPods Pro 2 are in-ear earbuds with seamless Apple ecosystem integration, spatial audio, and a more portable design. Your preference will depend on your comfort, usage, and device preference.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 are excellent choices, offering impressive sound quality and noise cancellation. The Sony XM4 excels in over-ear comfort, battery life, and overall noise isolation, making it a great choice for extended listening sessions and travel. However, the AirPods Pro 2 provide superior call quality, portability, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. For overall versatility and a balanced feature set, the Sony XM4 is the slightly better choice.
Winner: Sony XM4