Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro

While this website is not about reviews, I try to command it in the same spirit I used to navigate Usenet, if it may be useful, it should be shared.

I've been lucky enough to be gifted both these earphones, as disappointed previous owners, disposed them my way.

The AirPods belonged to my wife that unfortunately could not get a proper fit. The WF-1000XM4 were offered by a brother that's an audiophile and upgraded to some very expensive, custom-tip made, ones.

After one month of commutes, extensive hours in the tube, 8 aeroplane rides, multiple jogs, 6 hours Zwifting and many more typing away, I have a pretty solid opinion on what works. For concrete details on fidelity and ample scrutiny, you should read what the soundguys wrote, the critic below is just my biased analysis of having using them both for a considerable amount of time.

Sound Quality

Just by looking at the specs, given the difference in driver's size, I'd thought Apple would have the upper hand. The SoundGuys also prove that, objectively, the AirPods are more accurate. My experience though is mixed. I found the WF-1000XM4 extremely pleasant to listen to music. Bass had punch and trebles were detailed. Personally, I'd say it's a close match. Perhaps leaning towards Sony.

Noise-cancelling

Sony is king in aeroplanes. Noise-cancelling is just on another level. With a closed back and memory foam tips, you get incredible passive noise-cancelling. When you add active suppression to that, it just blows the AirPods away.

Comfort

The 35% increase in weight isn't noticeable, but I can't wear them for more than a couple of hours at a time because I get tired. For extended use, nothing beats over-ear headphones.

I noticed that the Sony headphones took longer to fit because of the memory foam. When I needed to quickly take a phone call, I often chose the AirPods since they were faster to put on.

Sports

None of these is an actual sports earphone. I'm a fan of Bose's SoundSport which has a cable around the neck and large controls you can easily manage while running. Unfortunately, most brands discontinued cable earphones.

I'm yet to try the new Bose Sport Earbuds, so I can't comment on those, but one thing's for sure, the AirPods Pro and the WF-1000XM4 fall short of proper sport headphones.

There's a major difference though, while I could (and did!) take the AirPods for a jog, I could not even pretend to try and run with the WF-1000XM4. Having both a closed back and memory foam, Sony's earbuds create an airtight compartment in your ear canal. That seal, the reason why they are fantastic at noise-cancelling, is also their undoing for sports.

When you run (at least when I run), there is a slight movement in your ears as you hit the asphalt. That motion also wiggles the earphones. Regrettably, as the WF-1000XM4 are airtight, that shift creates a difference in pressure that directly hits your tympanums. Painful.

Aerodynamics (added August 2024)

Lately, I’ve been cycling a lot and noticed that using the WF-1000XM4s against the wind significantly increases the noise. Even active noise-canceling can’t damp a small breeze. The buzz of the wind rushing past the oddly shaped Sony earbuds is deafening. In this regard, the AirPods Pro are the clear winner.

Verdict

After one month, I found myself leaving home exclusively with the AirPods Pro. They're more versatile, faster to engage and, letting some outside noise in, makes them safer on the streets.

I'd say Sony designed the WF-1000XM4 with a specific purpose, whereas Apple made an all-round product.

Sony's WF-1000XM4 - 170 USD
Apple's AirPods Pro - 190 USD

Hope this helps steer your choice.

Edit: Noise Cancelling Chart

After a question from u/CorvusCascadia I've superimposed both charts from the soundguys.com so that we may better visualize the surreal difference in noise attenuation.