Sony Xm4 vs Beats Studio Pro: Which Headphones Reign?
Struggling to choose between premium headphones? You’re not alone! The market is saturated with options, but two names consistently rise to the top: the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Beats Studio Pro. Both promise an immersive listening experience, but which one truly delivers the best value and performance for your needs?
This in-depth comparison dives into every crucial aspect, from sound quality and noise cancellation to comfort and design. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each headphone, helping you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which pair will become your new go-to audio companion.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or simply seeking an upgrade, this guide will provide the insights you need. We’ll examine the nuances of each model, comparing features and specifications. By the end, you’ll know exactly which headphones, the Sony XM4 or the Beats Studio Pro, are the perfect fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Sony XM4 | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, Lossless Audio |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Siri |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Cup Material | Soft Foam | Leatherette |
| Weight | 255g | 270g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 boasts industry-leading noise cancellation, utilizing Sony’s QN1 processor and dual noise sensor technology. It excels at blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds, making it ideal for travel and busy environments. However, some users report a slight pressure sensation.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro features active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by their own custom acoustic platform. While effective, it generally doesn’t match the level of the XM4, particularly with lower frequencies. It offers a more balanced approach, potentially with less pressure for some users.
- Winner: sony xm4
Sound Quality
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 delivers a balanced and refined sound signature, with a focus on clear vocals and well-defined bass. It supports LDAC for higher-quality audio streaming. Some audiophiles may desire a more pronounced bass response.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro offers a signature Beats sound profile, emphasizing bass and a more energetic sound. While capable of delivering impressive low-end frequencies, some users might find it less neutral or detailed than the XM4.
- Winner: sony xm4
Design and Comfort
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 features a comfortable over-ear design with plush earcups and a lightweight build. They are foldable for easy storage. Some users find the earcups can get warm after extended use.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro has a sleek and modern design with comfortable earcups and a durable build. They offer a good fit, but comfort can vary depending on head shape and ear size.
- Winner: sony xm4
Battery Life
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled and up to 40 hours with it off. It also offers quick charging capabilities.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro offers up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. It also includes fast charging.
- Winner: sony xm4
Microphone Quality
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 has a good microphone system for calls, performing well in various environments. It effectively reduces background noise during calls, providing clear voice transmission.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro features a decent microphone setup for calls. It can isolate your voice to provide clear calls.
- Winner: sony xm4
Connectivity
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and offers features such as multi-device pairing. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved connectivity and stability. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening and USB-C audio.
- Winner: beats studio pro
App & Features
- Sony Xm4: The Sony Headphones Connect app provides extensive customization options, including EQ settings, noise cancellation control, and ambient sound mode adjustments. It offers a comprehensive user experience.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats app offers simple controls and integration with Apple devices. It may lack advanced EQ controls compared to Sony.
- Winner: sony xm4
Price
- Sony Xm4: The Sony XM4 headphones are often available at a competitive price point, making them an excellent value for their performance.
- Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro are typically priced in line with the Sony XM4, but can often be found at a discounted rate.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality (Overall) | Sony XM4 |
| Bass Performance | Beats Studio Pro |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
| Features | Tie |
| Value | Sony XM4 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones feature effective active noise cancellation to block out distractions and immerse you in your audio.
- Transparency Mode: Both models include a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both headphones utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming from your devices.
- Built-in Microphones: Both devices include built-in microphones for making calls and using voice assistants.
- Comfortable Design: Both headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring over-ear designs and comfortable earcups for extended listening sessions.
- USB-C Charging: Both utilize USB-C for charging, offering a modern and convenient charging solution.
Sony XM4 Vs Beats Studio Pro Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
Both the Sony XM4 and Beats Studio Pro prioritize comfort, but they approach it differently. The Sony XM4 features a plush, over-ear design with soft earcups and a lightweight build, ideal for extended listening sessions. They are known for their gentle clamping force, minimizing pressure on the head. The Beats Studio Pro, while also over-ear, has a slightly firmer fit, potentially offering better stability during workouts, but it may feel less forgiving over longer periods. Consider your personal preference for the type of fit when making your choice. Both headphones generally offer good comfort for most users.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Sony XM4 and Beats Studio Pro deliver impressive audio experiences, although their sonic signatures differ. The Sony XM4 is renowned for its balanced sound profile, offering clear highs, a well-defined midrange, and a punchy but not overpowering bass. Its sophisticated digital signal processing enhances the overall listening experience. The Beats Studio Pro, on the other hand, leans towards a bass-heavy sound, which can be appealing for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. It may not have the same level of detail as the XM4, but its powerful low-end is a key selling point. Ultimately, sound quality is subjective, so consider your preferred music genres.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
Noise cancellation is a crucial feature for both headphones. The Sony XM4 sets a high standard with its industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). It effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds, from airplane engines to office chatter, allowing for immersive listening. The Beats Studio Pro also offers effective ANC, though it might not quite match the XM4’s performance in extremely noisy environments. However, the Beats Studio Pro’s ANC is still very capable, making it a great option for blocking out distractions. Consider your typical listening environments when evaluating noise cancellation.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for wireless headphones. The Sony XM4 boasts impressive battery life, typically providing around 30 hours of playtime with ANC enabled. The Beats Studio Pro also offers a respectable battery life, though it might be slightly shorter than the XM4. Both headphones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. Consider how long you typically listen and how often you’re able to charge your headphones when comparing battery life.
Connectivity and Features
Both headphones offer robust connectivity options. The Sony XM4 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and features a range of useful features, including customizable EQ settings via its companion app, and speak-to-chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking. The Beats Studio Pro also uses Bluetooth and boasts seamless integration with Apple devices. It may lack some of the granular EQ controls of the XM4, but it offers a streamlined user experience. Consider which features are most important to you, such as app customization and multi-device pairing.
Price and Value
The Sony XM4 and Beats Studio Pro often are priced similarly, but the value proposition can shift based on sales and promotions. The Sony XM4 often provides exceptional value, given its top-tier sound quality, noise cancellation, and features. The Beats Studio Pro’s value lies in its brand recognition, stylish design, and ease of use, particularly for Apple users. Evaluate your budget and prioritize your needs when considering the price and value of each headphone. Research current pricing and consider any potential deals to find the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Sony XM4 If…
- You prioritize a wider range of codec support, including LDAC for higher-quality audio on compatible devices.
- You value a more compact and slightly lighter design.
- You prefer the flexibility of choosing between Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants.
- You want a slightly more refined overall sound signature.
Buy Beats Studio Pro If…
- You want a headphone that seamlessly integrates with Apple devices.
- You prefer a more bass-forward sound signature.
- You value the inclusion of lossless audio support.
- You want a more modern Bluetooth version (5.3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in sound profile?
The Sony XM4 offers a more balanced sound signature with clarity across the frequency spectrum, making it versatile for various music genres. The Beats Studio Pro focuses on a bass-heavy sound, providing a powerful low-end response, which is ideal for those who prefer a more energetic and bass-driven listening experience. This makes it more appealing for genres like hip-hop and EDM.
How effective is the noise cancellation?
The Sony XM4 excels in noise cancellation, blocking out a broad range of ambient sounds, making it ideal for travel and noisy environments. The Beats Studio Pro also offers effective noise cancellation, though it may not be quite as effective in extremely noisy situations. Both are suitable for reducing distractions.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
Both headphones offer good call quality, but the Sony XM4 is often praised for its superior microphone performance, delivering clearer voice transmission in various environments. The Beats Studio Pro also has good call quality, but the XM4 tends to outperform it in terms of clarity and noise reduction during calls.
What is the battery life of each headphone?
The Sony XM4 typically offers around 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, while the Beats Studio Pro offers a slightly shorter battery life. Both headphones support fast charging, providing quick top-ups for extended use. Battery life can vary depending on usage.
Are there any differences in the design and build quality?
The Sony XM4 features a more lightweight and foldable design, emphasizing comfort with its plush earcups. The Beats Studio Pro has a more robust build with a sleek design, suitable for various activities. Build quality is generally excellent for both, although the feel might vary.
Which headphone is better for working out?
The Beats Studio Pro might be slightly better for workouts due to its firmer fit and more robust design, providing better stability during physical activity. The Sony XM4’s more relaxed fit might not be as secure during workouts, though both can be used for exercise.
Do either of these headphones have a companion app?
The Sony XM4 has a feature-rich companion app with customizable EQ settings, and other features. The Beats Studio Pro also integrates with an app, but its customization options may be more limited. The Sony app offers a broader range of options for sound customization.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony XM4 and Beats Studio Pro are excellent headphones, but they cater to different preferences. The Sony XM4 excels in balanced sound, superior noise cancellation, and app customization. The Beats Studio Pro emphasizes a bass-forward sound signature and seamless integration with Apple devices. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
Winner: Sony XM4