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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer top-notch sound quality and active noise cancellation for focused listening or travel, choose the Sony WF1000XM4, although they cost more. For casual, budget-friendly listening and clear microphone quality—useful for calls—the Apple Earpods are a solid choice, especially since they're less expensive. However, the Earpods lack wireless connectivity and noise isolation, which might be important for activities like exercise or noisy commutes. Additionally, if you plan to use them with Android devices, Sony's earbuds provide better compatibility and app-based customization options, but for Apple users, the Earpods integrate seamlessly with Apple devices. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
5.6
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
6.7
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$220
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Earpods 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.
By the numbers
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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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