Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4
The Verdict
Beats Studio Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4 serve different needs and use cases. The Beats are over-ear headphones offering 24 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, superior comfort for extended wear sessions, lossless audio via USB-C, and strong Apple ecosystem integration. Their 40mm drivers deliver rich sound, and Fast Fuel charging provides 4 hours of playback in just 10 minutes. However, they lack multipoint connectivity and water resistance. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are ultraportable at 7.3g each, featuring class-leading ANC through Sony's Processor V1, LDAC codec support for Hi-Res wireless audio, and multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching. Their IPX4 rating handles light water exposure, and the charging case extends total battery to 24 hours. The 8-hour single-charge battery (with ANC) is noticeably shorter than Beats' 24 hours. At $279 versus $349.99, Sony offers superior value and versatility for commuters and travelers needing portability. Beats win for stationary listening, studio quality, and Apple users prioritizing wired lossless audio. Choose Beats for desktop/home use with extended sessions; choose Sony for mobility and multidevice connectivity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Studio Pro if…
- →Lossless USB-C wired audio playback
- →Works well with both iOS and Android
- →Comfortable, lightweight build
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM4 if…
- →Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- →LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- →8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Studio Pro
Pros
- Lossless USB-C wired audio playback
- Works well with both iOS and Android
- Comfortable, lightweight build
- Strong battery life
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- ANC trails Sony, Bose, Apple
- Same physical design as 2017 Studio 3
- No aptX or LDAC codec support
Sony WF-1000XM4
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- 8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
- Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you start talking
- Foam ear tips provide excellent passive noise isolation
Cons
- Foam ear tips degrade over time and need replacement
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance — not suitable for heavy sweat
- At 7.3 g per earbud they are slightly heavier than competitors
- Charging case is bulky compared to AirPods Pro
- Touch controls can be oversensitive on the small surface area
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 7.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (40 hours ANC off) | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hours Fast Fuel | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 40mm custom dynamic | 6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, Lossless audio over USB-C, Native compatibility with both Apple and Android, Transparency mode, Three signature sound profiles via USB-C | Integrated Processor V1 for ANC and audio, LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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 Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Studio Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM4.