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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable option and use Apple devices, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) offer good value and integration, with features like the H1 chip for adaptive sound, noise handling, and low latency with Apple devices, which can be particularly useful for casual use and calls. However, if high-quality sound, noise cancellation, and battery life are priorities for you and the higher price isn't a barrier, the Sony WF1000XM4 are superior in these areas, with additional features like LDAC support and 360 Reality Audio, making them better suited for audiophiles and frequent travelers. Keep in mind that the Sony model may not integrate as seamlessly with Apple products as the Airpods do. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM4.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
Excellent for music
Very good for air travel
Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
9.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
5.6/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM4 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
10.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.4/10
6.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.9/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.