A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Sony WF1000XM4 depends on your preferences and use cases. The ATH M30X, significantly less expensive, offers a wired over-ear experience, suitable for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and a reliable, high-quality wired connection for music or studio work. The Sony WF1000XM4, while more expensive, provides a wireless in-ear experience with active noise canceling, making them ideal for travel, exercise, or environments where blocking out noise is key. The Sony earbuds also have extra features like app equalization, touch controls, and an integrated mic for calls. If you need a balance of sound quality and versatility on the go, despite the higher price, the Sony WF1000XM4 may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for an affordable, solid pair of headphones primarily for listening to music at home or work, the Audio Technica ATH M30X would be a great fit. 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- 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
7.6
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Gaming
6.6
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
7.2
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Sony WF1000XM4
See more
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
Why trust us
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,000
Recommendations made
19,200
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
