The Sony WF-1000M4 and Apple AirPods Pro are two of the best-sounding earphone sets available, so comparing them is difficult. However, they are high-end, feature-rich sets that do more than just provide high-quality audio. But which should you choose for your next exercise?
The sound quality of the Sony and Apple sets is the key selling factor, even if you may select any of the finest exercise earbuds. Alternatives that cater to audiophiles do exist, but they struggle to strike a balance between cost, features, and performance.
Few people are likely to be let down by either. The AirPods Pro, though, are perhaps the better option for iPhone owners. Due to its longer battery life and propensity to be more affordable, Sony WF-1000XM4 have the advantage for Android users.
But not everyone will agree with that broad generalisation. Therefore, we’ve compared the Sony WF-1000M4 vs. Apple AirPods Pro across pricing, features, design, and sound quality to help you choose between these two premium sets of exercise earphones.
In September 2019 and September 2022, respectively, Apple announced the original and upgraded models of the AirPods Pro. The sound quality and active noise cancellation on this more recent model have both greatly improved (ANC). Even if the second-generation set has many upgrades, you may still get the first set for a lower cost.
In June 2021, Sony introduced the WF-1000XM4. They are a part of a collection that started in 2018 and includes some of the most well-known genuine wireless earbuds. The Sony pair is the most costly if you go by the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
The Apple AirPods Pro(opens in new tab) cost $249, while the WF-1000XM4 retails for $279. You’re more likely to discover a deal on the Sony set if you shop elsewhere because Apple seldom gives discounts on their items. To save you time, our on-page technology also instantly discovers the cheapest pricing.
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Apple AirPods Pro vs. Sony WF-1000M4: Design and Fit
In-ear monitors are the term for both of these earphones (IEMs). This indicates that they don’t hang as loosely in your ear as the traditional “non-Pro” AirPods, which employ tiny silicone or foam tips that restrict your ear canal. We also advise the AirPods Pro over the AirPods for exercising for this reason.
The most useful earphones are IEMs since they don’t leak sound and block outside noise. Your music won’t bother adjacent transport riders, and turning it up louder to drown out the noise is less likely to harm your hearing.
However, the Sony WF-1000XM4 (opens in new tab) and AirPods Pro may be distinguished visually right away. While the Sony pair has a more “traditional” headphones appearance, Apple earphones feature a stalk that dips below your tragus (the tougher portion of your ear nearest to your face).
Sony utilises more odd polyurethane foam tips whereas Apple uses more traditional silicone tips. The degree to which the three sizes of tips correspond to the dimensions of your ear canals determines how well these pairs fit. While silicone tips frequently endure the lifetime of the earphones, foam tips can become a bit smelly after some time. Foam tips generally give a more secure fit.
Unfortunately, both sets only have an IPX4 rating for water splashes, which means neither has outstanding water resistance. As a result, you won’t be able to drop them in your drink or run with them in the rain. However, there is a useful explanation for this.
It’s a byproduct of their sophisticated noise cancellation. These earpieces include several microphones, and each one is a potential entry site for water, ruining the performance.
Apple AirPods Pro vs. Sony WF-1000M4: Sound Quality
The Sony WF-1000XM4 has better internal audio technology, technically speaking, but sound quality goes beyond the internal speaker; Apple significantly improved sound quality with the 2nd Generation AirPod Pros.
The newest set has a different personality and is of equivalent quality, but the earlier pair was clearly a step below the Sony WF-1000XM4. A balanced, sophisticated tuning may be heard in the Apple AirPod Pro earbuds. In comparison to other headphones, the bass is also more subdued and subtle.
Consider, however, that the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a warmer sound with a somewhat deeper-sounding bass but less vigour in the upper frequencies. If a smoother character appeals to you, you may prefer the Sony aesthetic, but technically speaking, Apple’s tuning could be superior.
The performance out of the box is mostly what you’re stuck with because, like with other Apple devices, you have little influence over them. The EQ that is included in the companion app on your phone, however, allows Sony to offer you greater control over the sound. If you want more treble “zing,” it’s available.
Sony WF-1000M4 vs. Apple Airpods pro: Battery life
However, the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a significant advantage in battery life. In comparison to the AirPods Pro’s 5.5 to 6 hours of battery life, you can anticipate the pair to last 7.5 to 8 hours between charges with ANC.
These two hours have a significant impact on how comfortable these earbuds are to use month after month. And even though we seldom ever turn off ANC, the WF-1000XM4 can operate for up to 12 hours without it.
In contrast to Apple’s four complete charges for the AirPods Pro, the Sony case only supports a total of two charges. Additionally, if you purchase the second-generation AirPods Pro, a tiny speaker in the case plays a tone if you are attempting to find them using Apple’s Find My app.
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