The battle for audio supremacy continues, and two of the heavyweight contenders in the wireless headphone arena are Sony’s WH-1000XM4 and Apple’s AirPods. These audio giants have their respective loyal followings, but which one comes out on top in this comprehensive comparison? We’ll delve into various aspects, including sound quality, design, comfort, features, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones feature an over-ear design with plush ear cups and a sleek, modern look. They offer a solid and premium build quality, along with comfortable padding that’s perfect for extended listening sessions.
Apple AirPods: Apple’s AirPods come in two variants: AirPods Pro (in-ear) and AirPods Max (over-ear). The AirPods Pro have a compact and lightweight design, while the AirPods Max exude a sense of luxury with their aluminum frame and plush ear cushions. The build quality for both AirPods models is excellent.
Sound Quality
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are renowned for their superb sound quality. They offer a well-balanced audio profile with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making them a favorite among audiophiles.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max both provide impressive sound quality. The AirPods Pro deliver rich, immersive sound in a small form factor, while the AirPods Max provide an audiophile-grade listening experience with high-fidelity audio processing.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are equipped with industry-leading noise-cancellation technology. They offer customizable ANC settings and ambient sound modes, making them ideal for various environments.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max both offer effective ANC, with the AirPods Max providing particularly robust noise-cancellation capabilities.
Battery Life
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a full charge. They also support quick charging, with just 10 minutes of charging providing up to 5 hours of playback.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and additional charges from the case. The AirPods Max provide up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC on.
Connectivity
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones offer seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, and they support LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming. They also allow for multipoint pairing, enabling you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max connect seamlessly to Apple devices via the H1 chip, offering quick pairing and hands-free Siri access. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 for compatibility with non-Apple devices.
Additional Features
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones have a range of features, including touch controls, speak-to-chat functionality, and customizable sound settings. They are foldable for easy portability.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offer various features, such as spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and customizable button functions. The AirPods Max also feature a knit mesh canopy for weight distribution.
Price
The price of these headphones varies based on the model and features you choose:
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are competitively priced, providing remarkable value for their sound quality and features.
Apple AirPods: The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are positioned in the premium segment of the headphone market, reflecting their high-end build quality, sound performance, and the convenience of the Apple ecosystem.
Conclusion
Both Sony’s WH-1000XM4 and Apple’s AirPods have their strengths, making them suitable for different use cases and user preferences. If you value top-tier sound quality, industry-leading noise-cancellation, and a robust set of features, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you seek a seamless integration with Apple devices, distinctive design, and exceptional sound quality, Apple’s AirPods Pro or AirPods Max could be the right fit for you. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and specific needs, but rest assured that both options deliver impressive audio experiences.
