Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4 serve fundamentally different needs despite both offering ANC. AirPods 4 are ultra-portable in-ear buds weighing 4.3g per unit with 5-hour ANC battery life and 30 hours total with case, plus Apple's Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness features for seamless contextual switching. The H2 chip enables solid voice isolation and personalized spatial audio, though they use basic AAC/SBC codecs. Sony's WH-1000XM4 are professional-grade over-ear headphones delivering 30 continuous hours with ANC enabled, featuring industry-leading dual-sensor noise cancellation and LDAC hi-res audio support with aptX codecs for superior sound quality. At 254g, they're stationary listening solutions with multipoint pairing and wired connectivity via USB-C. Price difference of $170 reflects this positioning: AirPods 4 excel for iPhone users prioritizing convenience and portability, while WH-1000XM4 suit audiophiles and frequent travelers wanting extended passive listening and audio quality. For casual listening and Apple ecosystem integration, AirPods 4 offer remarkable value. For sound fidelity, comfort during extended wear, and platform versatility, Sony's premium investment pays dividends.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) if…
- →First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- →Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- →Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Pros
- First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness
- Cheaper than AirPods Pro 2
Cons
- ANC is weaker than tip-sealed earbuds like AirPods Pro 2
- No swappable ear tips means fit may not suit everyone
- AAC only — no hi-res or lossless codecs
- No Precision Finding (no U1 chip in case)
- No wireless charging on the cheaper non-ANC variant (this model has it)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.3 g (per bud) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Custom Apple low-distortion driver with high-dynamic-range amplifier | 30 mm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-fit (non-tip) design, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, H2 chip, Find My (case speaker, no Precision Finding U1), Voice Isolation for calls | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds and case) | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Sony products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) or the Sony WH-1000XM4.