Wireless Earbuds Review: AirPods Pro vs. Sony WF-1000XM4

by reviewzinsight.com · Published 17 July 2024 · Updated 17 July 2024

Wireless earbuds have revolutionized the way we listen to music, making it easier than ever to enjoy high-quality sound on the go. Among the most popular models on the market are Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM4. Both earbuds have set high standards in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and user experience. This detailed review will compare the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4 across various aspects to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Design and Comfort

AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro have a sleek and compact design, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The earbuds feature a short stem that houses the force sensor for controls. They come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a customizable and comfortable fit for most users.

Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Comfortable for extended use
Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4 rating)
Cons:
The stem design may not be preferred by all users
Only available in white Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have a more robust and slightly larger design compared to the AirPods Pro. They feature a rounded, matte-finish body and come with memory foam ear tips that adapt to the shape of your ear, providing a secure fit.

Pros:
Premium build quality
Memory foam tips for a secure and comfortable fit
Water-resistant (IPX4 rating)
Cons:
Larger size might not be as comfortable for everyone
Heavier than the AirPods Pro Sound Quality AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro are known for their balanced sound profile, which offers clear mids and highs, along with a decent bass response. The Adaptive EQ feature automatically tunes the music to the shape of your ear, enhancing the listening experience.

Pros:
Balanced and natural sound
Adaptive EQ for personalized sound
Good bass response without overpowering mids and highs
Cons:
May not satisfy audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds excel in sound quality, thanks to their custom-designed 6mm drivers and support for high-resolution audio. The earbuds deliver deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.

Pros:
Exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
Support for high-resolution audio (LDAC codec)
Customizable EQ settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app
Cons:
Bass-heavy default profile might require adjustment for some users Noise Cancellation AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The Transparency Mode allows you to hear and interact with the world around you without removing the earbuds.

Pros:
Effective ANC for reducing ambient noise
Seamless switch to Transparency Mode
Adaptive ANC that adjusts based on your environment
Cons:
ANC performance may not be as strong as the Sony WF-1000XM4 Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation, powered by the Integrated Processor V1. The ANC effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies, providing an immersive listening experience even in loud environments.

Pros:
Industry-leading ANC performance
Ambient Sound Mode for situational awareness
Customizable ANC settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app
Cons:
Slight pressure sensation due to the intensity of ANC Battery Life AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless charging and can quickly provide additional battery life with just a few minutes of charging.

Pros:
Decent battery life with ANC enabled
Wireless charging case
Fast charging capabilities
Cons:
Battery life could be better compared to competitors Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds boast an impressive 8 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless charging and offers a quick charge feature that provides an hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.

Pros:
Superior battery life with ANC enabled
Wireless charging case
Quick charge feature
Cons:
Larger case compared to the AirPods Pro Connectivity and Controls AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro use Apple’s H1 chip, which ensures a seamless and stable connection with Apple devices. They support Bluetooth 5.0 and offer easy pairing and switching between Apple devices. The force sensor on the stem allows for intuitive controls, including play/pause, skip tracks, and switching between ANC and Transparency Mode.

Pros:
Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
Stable and reliable connection
Intuitive controls with the force sensor
Cons:
Limited customization options for controls Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2, providing a stable and efficient connection. They support a wide range of codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC, ensuring high-quality audio across different devices. The touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds allow for easy control of playback, volume, and noise cancellation settings.

Pros:
Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable connection
Support for high-resolution audio codecs
Customizable touch controls through the Sony Headphones Connect app
Cons:
Touch controls may be prone to accidental activation Additional Features AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro come with a range of features designed to enhance the user experience, particularly for Apple device users. These include Siri integration, Audio Sharing, and automatic switching between Apple devices. The Spatial Audio feature provides an immersive surround sound experience, particularly for compatible content.

Pros:
Seamless integration with Siri
Spatial Audio for an immersive experience
Automatic switching between Apple devices
Cons:
Some features are exclusive to the Apple ecosystem Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are packed with advanced features, including Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses the music when you start talking, and Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts the ANC settings based on your activity and location. The earbuds also support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Pros:
Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
Support for multiple voice assistants
Customizable settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app
Cons:
Some features may require a learning curve to use effectively Price and Value AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro are priced at a premium, reflecting their high-quality build, advanced features, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. While they may be more expensive than some competitors, the overall experience they offer justifies the price for many users.

Pros:
High-quality build and features
Excellent integration with Apple devices
Regular software updates from Apple
Cons:
Higher price point compared to some alternatives Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are also priced at a premium, reflecting their superior sound quality, industry-leading ANC, and advanced features. They offer excellent value for audiophiles and those seeking the best noise cancellation in true wireless earbuds.

Pros:
Superior sound quality and ANC
Advanced features and customization options
Competitive price for the features offered
Cons:
Premium price may be a barrier for some users

Both the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4 are exceptional true wireless earbuds, each offering a unique set of features and strengths. The choice between them ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

AirPods Pro: Ideal for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless connectivity, excellent noise cancellation, and a balanced sound profile. They are particularly suited for those who value ease of use and compatibility with Apple devices.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Best for audiophiles and those seeking the highest sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. They offer a rich and immersive audio experience, along with advanced features and extensive customization options.

In summary, if you prioritize seamless integration with Apple products and a user-friendly experience, the AirPods Pro are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are hard to beat. Both models represent the pinnacle of what true wireless earbuds can offer, making either choice a worthy investment for enhancing your audio experience.