Sony WF-1000XM4
Technics EAH-AZ100
What Buyers Say
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds receive high praise for their exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation, which many users describe as magical. However, the stock memory foam ear tips are a common pain point, causing discomfort and poor seal for some, leading several to replace them with silicone tips. Battery life and build quality are generally good, though the charging case feels flimsy and the left earbud may experience battery degradation over time. Overall, these are premium earbuds that excel in audio performance but require tip adjustments for optimal comfort.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Magical noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit with silicone tips
- Long battery life
- Durable build
Cons
- Uncomfortable stock foam ear tips
- Poor seal with foam tips
- Charging case feels flimsy
- Battery degradation on left earbud
- No simultaneous dual device connection
Technics EAH-AZ100
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, with users highlighting deep bass, clear highs, and immersive audio. Comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation are also frequently commended, though some users note the price is high and volume could be louder. A few minor issues like Bluetooth LE disconnects and initial multi-device pairing were mentioned, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Deep immersive bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- High price point
- Limited maximum volume
- Bluetooth LE disconnects
- Initial multi-device pairing issues
- Plastic exterior
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Noise Isolation Earbud Tips | 5 x Eartip Pairs |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 6 mm | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, HFP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 2.5 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 5-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time | 15 min. for 90 min. playback |
| Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 28 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 4 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Headphones Connect | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Sony WF-1000XM4
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong mic (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong connectivity (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong sound (87th percentile)87th %ile
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 39 specs.
