Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
By Linus Tan
Updated Aug 2023
The Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) are two of the most popular true wireless earbuds on the market. While both earbuds offer excellent sound quality and noise-cancellation features, there are some notable differences between them that could sway your decision.
In this review, we compare the Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) on price, design, and sound performance to determine the best wireless earbuds for you.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Sound & Performance
Sony WF-1000XM4
Highly-rated wireless earbuds
✓ Exceptional sound quality
✓ Powerful active noise cancellation
✓ Up to 8 hours of battery life
Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Powerful & Functional
✓ Cutting-edge H2 chip
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Adaptive Transparency & Spatial Audio
#1 Price
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Price is an important factor to consider. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is priced at around US$279, whereas the AirPods Pro (Gen 2) cost approximately US$249.
While this price difference may not be significant for some users, those who want to save money may prefer the AirPods Pro.
#2 Design & Specs
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
When it comes to design and specs, both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) offer sleek and modern designs. The Sony earbuds take on a more traditional design with an angular, round shape and a matte finish that boasts a premium look. The earbuds come with various sizes of silicone and foam ear tips to ensure the perfect fit for your ears.
The AirPods Pro (Gen 2) feature a unique design with a rounder shape and a glossy finish and comes with three different sizes of silicone tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for most users. The stem of the AirPods Pro also contains touch controls, allowing you to easily play, pause, skip tracks, and activate Siri without having to take out your phone. Additionally, the AirPods Pro are sweat and water-resistant, making them perfect for use during workouts or in rainy weather.
In terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours provided by the charging case. The AirPods Pro (Gen 2) offer up to 5 hours of listening time on one charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
Overall, both earbuds offer impressive designs and specs that make them top contenders in the true wireless earbud market.
#3 Sound & Performance
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
When it comes to sound and performance, both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) deliver exceptional audio quality.
The Sony earbuds use a 6mm driver with a liquid crystal polymer diaphragm that reproduces a full range of frequencies up to 40kHz. This results in a clear, detailed sound that is perfect for music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Sound quality is where the Sony's will edge over the AirPods.
The AirPods Pro (Gen 2) also offer impressive audio quality thanks to their custom-designed high-excursion drivers and adaptive EQ technology. They have a balanced sound signature with deep bass and crisp highs that make them ideal for all types of content. Additionally, they come with several useful features like ‘Adaptive Transparency’, ‘Personalised Spatial Audio’ and automatic switching between Apple devices that make them a great choice for Apple ecosystem users.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Both earbuds boast noise-cancellation technology that can significantly reduce ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. The Sony WF-1000XM4 utilizes a new V1 processor for improved performance compared to its predecessor, along with advanced noise-cancellation algorithms that analyze ambient sounds in real-time and adjust accordingly. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro employs Apple's powerful H2 chip and dual microphones to effectively cancel out background noise.
Overall, both earbuds offer excellent sound quality and noise-cancellation features that are sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles.
Compare Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Verdict
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
In conclusion, both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) are excellent true wireless earbuds that offer great sound quality and noise-cancellation features.
If you are looking for the best sound quality and noise-cancellation performance, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is the way to go. However, if you are an Apple user looking for a more affordable option with powerful features and exceptional ease of use, the AirPods Pro (Gen 2) will be a better choice.
Ultimately, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and priorities. Regardless of which earbuds you choose, you can't go wrong with either of these top contenders in the true wireless earbud market.
If you like to read more on wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) vs Beats Fit Pro
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds I
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Sony Linkbuds S
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