Sony WF-1000XM4 Black
Score: 82/100
Technics EAH-AZ40
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Sony WF-1000XM4 deliver top-tier ANC, LDAC high-resolution audio and up to 12 hours of playback without ANC. They lack wireless charging and are slightly bulkier than newer models. Suited for audiophiles and travelers seeking premium sound and strong noise cancellation.
Technics EAH-AZ40-S combines LDAC hi-res sound, 10-hour ANC playback and a 28-hour total battery with three-device multipoint and app-based EQ customization. Its feed-forward ANC is less effective and LDAC cannot be used while multipoint is active. Great for multitaskers and commuters needing long battery life.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 28 hoursbest | |
12 hoursbest | 10 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 90 minutesbest | — |
6 mm | 10 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 15 minutesbest |
10 metersbest | 10 metersbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 55.6 gbest | — |
— | 4best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 12 hours | 10 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Audio(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 6 mm | 10 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the WF-1000XM4 for its superior sound quality, thanks to 6 mm drivers, the Integrated Processor V1, and LDAC support, while also highlighting the lightweight build and solid ANC performance. However, they warn that the strong noise cancellation can reduce situational awareness, making the earbuds unsuitable for activities like biking, and note the lack of detailed dimension data and reduced call-time battery life as drawbacks.
Everyday users praise the earbuds for their lightweight comfort, effective noise cancellation on commutes and travel, and high-quality audio when using LDAC. Recurring complaints focus on occasional fit issues, safety concerns during outdoor activities due to ANC, and shorter battery life during voice calls.
“perfect all around”
“clear calls even in noise”
Professional reviewers praise the Technics EAH-AZ40M2 for its intuitive touch controls, robust three-device multipoint connectivity, long battery life, and high-resolution LDAC audio, while noting that the feed-forward only ANC and inability to use LDAC during multipoint are drawbacks compared to more advanced competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the comfortable fit, long battery endurance, clear call performance, and the convenience of multipoint switching, though they also report occasional Bluetooth hiccups, the need for precise ear-tip selection, and the lack of water-resistance on the charging case.
