Apple AirPods 4 vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Both headphones skip active noise cancellation, but they diverge significantly in strengths. Apple's AirPods 4 weigh 4.3g per earbud and deliver 5 hours of playback, using the proprietary H2 chip for Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking. Battery tops out at 30 hours total with the case. The Adaptive EQ system automatically adjusts audio based on your ear shape, and you get automatic device switching across the Apple ecosystem plus Find My precision finding. Sony's WF-C500 are heavier at 5.5g each but offer impressive 10-hour earbud runtime, stretching to 20 hours with the case. They feature DSEE digital sound enhancement and 360 Reality Audio technology, with Bluetooth 5.0 and a more affordable $99 price tag compared to Apple's $129. For Apple users deeply invested in the ecosystem, AirPods 4 justify the premium through seamless integration and advanced spatial audio features. Android users or anyone prioritizing battery longevity should strongly consider Sony's option, which provides excellent value and double the earbud playtime. Neither has ANC, so that's a wash. Sony edges ahead on raw battery performance and value, while Apple excels at ecosystem cohesion and audio customization.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 if…
- →Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- →Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- →USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
Buy the Sony WF-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4
Pros
- Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration across all devices
- IP54 dust and water resistance for workouts
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — pay $50 more for ANC model
- Open design leaks sound and lets ambient noise in
- AAC only — no aptX or LDAC for Android users
- 5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
Sony WF-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.3 g (each) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min charge for 1 hr playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | Apple H2 chip, custom driver | 5.8mm driver |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ auto-tunes music to ear shape, USB-C charging case, H2 chip with Voice Isolation for calls, Automatic device switching across Apple devices, Find My integration with precision finding | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
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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.
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