Sony WH-1000XM4 Black
Score: 88/100
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM4 (Black) remains a benchmark in noise-cancelling headphones, offering top-tier ANC, LDAC high-resolution streaming, and a suite of smart features with 30 h battery life and quick charging. It excels in comfort and connectivity but lacks aptX support and can suffer from touch-control sensitivity.
Second-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-tier ANC, adaptive transparency and spatial audio in an ultra-light package with modern USB-C charging, though they lack hi-res codec support and extensive customization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 6 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 255 g | 5 gbest |
40 mmbest | — | |
38 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | — |
105 dB SPLbest | — | |
10 mbest | — | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 255 g | 5 g |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 30 hours | 6 hours |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers hail the WH-1000XM4 as a benchmark in noise-cancelling headphones, lauding its ANC, sound fidelity, LDAC support, and intelligent features, while noting the lack of aptX and occasional touch-control issues.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the XM4's noise cancellation, sound quality, quick-charge speed, and Speak-to-Chat convenience, but repeatedly mention touch-control sensitivity, ear-cup heat, and occasional LDAC stutter on non-Sony phones.
“Best noise cancellation I've ever used-blocks out airplane engines completely.”
“Sound quality is rich and balanced, better than my old Bose QC35.”
“Love the quick charge-10 minutes gets me through a workday.”
Professional reviewers, notably PCMag, commend the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for their rich, balanced sound and industry-leading active noise cancellation, highlighting Conversation Aware and the case's built-in speaker, while noting the absence of hi-res codec support and a fixed EQ as drawbacks.
Everyday users rave about the superior noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio, and convenience of stem-swipe volume control, while also noting fit issues for certain ear shapes and limited Android functionality.
