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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and comfort, the Sony WF1000XM4 outperforms the Apple AirPods Pro and also has better noise isolation, which is great for air travel and noisy environments. However, the AirPods Pro integrates more seamlessly with Apple devices, supports wireless charging, and is more portable due to its smaller size. The Sony's battery life for continuous use is longer, and it offers an app equalizer for sound customization, which the AirPods Pro lacks. Choose AirPods Pro if you're looking for ease of use within the Apple ecosystem at a slightly lower cost; select Sony if top-notch sound and customization is your preference, at a higher price point. 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 Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.4
6.7
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro is very good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is very good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$220
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.1
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM4 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Sony WF1000XM4
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What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"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 Pro 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.
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