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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize comfort and plan to use the earbuds in noisy environments, the Sony WF1000XM4 excels with better noise isolation and is especially more comfortable for longer sessions. However, if you're active and need earbuds that stay secure during workouts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro with ear hooks may be a better choice as they're sweatproof and designed for exercise. The Sony WF1000XM4 also offers a high-quality audio experience which is more immersive for music, but if budget is a concern, the Beats are less expensive and still provide a solid sound quality for music and calls. Both have similar battery life, but the Sony earbuds provide virtual surround features, which the Beats lack. 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$250
$220
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $250 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
7.0
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Powerbeats Pro to be good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
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 Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Build Quality
8.8
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Beats Powerbeats Pro both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$250 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
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 Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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