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Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is paramount for your listening experience, the Sony WF1000XM4 usually offers superior audio reproduction. If you're often on calls or meetings, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has better microphone quality, which might be more suitable. For those who prioritize battery life, the Sonys have a longer battery life for both earbuds and case. While both have noise-canceling features, if you're specific about codec support for high-resolution audio, the PI7 supports AptX Adaptive and AptX Low Latency, whereas the Sony supports LDAC. The PI7 are better for gaming due to lower latency, but if you need an app with equalizer settings to customize your sound, the Sony provides this option. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7
Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
Excellent for music
Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
9.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1/10
5.6/10
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.1/10
6.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8/10
10.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8/10
6.0/10
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Sony WF1000XM4 are both only fair for TV and video, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Battery
3.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$220
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
"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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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