Sony WH-1000XM4 Black
Score: 84/100
Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are flagship over-ear wireless headphones delivering industry-leading ANC and up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging. Their bulkier build and higher latency may deter gamers and gym-goers. They excel for frequent travelers and users seeking high-resolution audio with a robust feature set.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) offer top-tier ANC, adaptive audio, and personalized spatial audio in a compact, IP54-rated design. The larger charging case and reliance on the latest iOS versions are notable compromises. Best suited for Apple ecosystem users seeking premium features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 6 hours | |
38 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 254 g | 240 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | — |
40 mmbest | — | |
16 Ωbest | — | |
10 mbest | — | |
5best | 2 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 30 hours | 6 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Audio(2) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Active | Active Noise Cancelling |
Microphone Count | 5 | 2 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 254 g | 240 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the WH-1000XM4 for its industry-leading ANC, long battery life, and warm, low-distortion sound enabled by the QN1 processor, while noting the bulkier chassis and higher latency make it less suitable for gaming or ultra-portable scenarios.
Everyday users consistently praise the headphones for blocking airplane and commuter noise, lasting battery life, and comfortable all-day wear, but they frequently mention the bulkiness, occasional app connectivity issues, and a bass-heavy default sound that may need EQ tweaking.
“the earbud weight difference between generations (5.3g vs. 5.4g) is imperceptible during use”
Professional reviewers praise the updated H2 chip for delivering markedly better active noise cancellation and transparency, note the practical benefit of extra battery life, and highlight the improved ear tip fit. They also point out the heavier charging case as a small compromise for the added features.
Everyday users appreciate the negligible weight difference of the earbuds, finding them comfortable for long sessions, and accept the slightly heavier case as a reasonable trade-off for the new capabilities. Overall sentiment is positive, with comfort and feature set being the most lauded aspects.
