Sony WF-1000XM4
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
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
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Useful heart-rate sensor
- Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
- Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
- Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
- Case battery could be stronger
- High price point
- Different fit compared to previous generations
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Noise Isolation Earbud Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.04 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 6 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 4★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Headphones Connect | Android & iOS |
| Bone Conduction | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 |
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
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 36 specs.
