Sony WH-1000XM4 Black
Score: 90/100
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium over-ear headphones featuring industry-leading active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio via LDAC. Their bulk and premium price may deter some users. Perfect for travelers and audiophiles who value top-tier ANC and sound quality.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true-wireless earbuds with advanced ANC, heart-rate sensing, live translation and personalized Spatial Audio powered by the H2 chip, providing up to 8 hours of ANC playback. The case is bulkier and full feature set requires the latest iOS, making them less universal. Best suited for ecosystem-locked users demanding top-tier ANC and health features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 8 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 254 g | 9.07 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | — |
40,000 Hzbest | — | |
40 mmbest | — | |
10 mbest | — | |
16 Ωbest | — | |
105 dBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 30 hours | 8 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 254 g | 9.07 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.
“more exciting”
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods Pro 2 for its markedly improved active noise cancellation, the power of the H2 audio chip, and the immersive Spatial Audio experience, while noting that the product's marketing leans heavily on Apple-provided data and that the lack of interchangeable ear-tips may limit acoustic customization.
Everyday users consistently praise the strong ANC, long battery life, and comfortable fit, but they also voice frustration over the bulkier case, the necessity of staying within the Apple ecosystem for full feature access, and occasional fit challenges despite the multiple ear-tip sizes.
