Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 are two excellent audio products that cater to distinct listening needs. The WF-1000XM4 are genuine wireless earbuds that offer the convenience of a tiny, portable design without sacrificing music quality.

Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM4 is a pair of over-ear headphones noted for their exceptional noise-cancellation and immersive audio experience. Both gadgets bear the Sony trademark, which is linked with high-quality sound and cutting-edge technology.

In this comparison, we will look at fit and comfort, design, sound quality, noise-cancellation capabilities, microphone performance, battery life, control systems, connectivity, supported Bluetooth codecs, and extra features to see which one comes out on top. 

Whether you like the freedom of wireless earbuds for on-the-go listening or the enveloping soundstage of over-ear headphones for immersive audio, this comparison will help you pick which Sony gadget best fits your preferences and lifestyle.

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM4: A Comprehensive Guide

Specification

Feature	Sony WH-1000XM4	Sony WF-1000XM4
Form Factor	Over Ear	In-Ear
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40000Hz	4 Hz – 40000Hz
Battery Life	30 h	22 h
Charging Time	3 h	1.5 h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5	5.2
Color	Black, Blue, Silver	Black, Copper
Weight	254 g	1.45 ounces
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony WH-1000XM4	Sony WF-1000XM4
Headphone	Headphone
Case	Case
Cable	Cable
User Guide	User Guide

Fit & Comfort

The choice between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 headphones comes down to personal preferences in terms of fit and comfort. The WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds have a tiny and lightweight design that is ideal for those who value portability and minimalism.

With a variety of ear tip sizes and secure fit options, they may snugly fit in your ears, giving comfort during extended listening sessions and assuring a secure fit even during workouts or commuting.

The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, are over-ear headphones that provide a different level of comfort. Their velvety ear cups and padded headband engulf your ears, delivering a comfortable and immersive listening experience.

These headphones are built for extended listening sessions, whether you’re on a long journey or working from home. They are, however, bigger and less portable than earphones, which may not suit individuals who prefer a more compact and on-the-go solution.

In the end, your option is determined by your lifestyle and comfort preferences. If you value portability and discretion, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds are a fantastic alternative. However, if you value all-day comfort and immersive sound quality, the WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones will not disappoint.

Design & Build

When comparing the design and build of the Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4, you’ll see two separate approaches tailored to different listening tastes. The WF-1000XM4 is a pair of true wireless earbuds with a tiny and lightweight design. They are extremely portable and discrete, making them an excellent alternative for on-the-go use.

These earphones come with a compact charging case that fits effortlessly in your pocket, boosting their portability. Despite their small size, they are well-crafted and sturdy, guaranteeing they can withstand regular use and the occasional drop.

The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, is an over-ear headphone model recognized for its high build quality. These headphones have plush ear cups and a padded headband for increased comfort during long listening sessions.

The construction quality is strong and long-lasting, designed to withstand years of use. However, because of their bigger size, they are less portable than earbuds and may not be as useful for travelers or commuters.

Finally, the choice between these two models is a matter of personal preference. If you value portability and a subtle design factor, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds are the way to go. However, if you value comfort and immersive sound quality over size, the WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones deliver a wonderful listening experience.

Sound Quality

When comparing the Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4, sound quality is crucial, and both excel in delivering great audio experiences adapted to varied listening settings.

The WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones give a more immersive and expansive soundscape, making them excellent for critical listening and immersing yourself in music.

They provide a balanced sound character with great detail across the full frequency range, bringing every instrument and vocal to life with clarity.

In comparison, the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds provide remarkable sound quality despite their small size. They produce rich and deep sounds with a focus on clarity and accuracy, making them suited for a wide range of music genres. 

While they do not provide the same level of soundstage as over-ear headphones, they excel at offering an immersive experience within the constraints of their physical factor.

Finally, the choice between the two models comes down to whether you choose mobility and convenience with the WF-1000XM4 or a more immersive listening experience with the WH-1000XM4.

Both versions demonstrate Sony’s dedication to delivering high-quality audio, guaranteeing that your music, podcasts, and phone calls sound great no matter which model you choose.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is an important function in both the Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 and Sony has consistently excelled in this area. The WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones are known for their industry-leading noise cancellation, which creates a calm listening environment by effectively eliminating ambient sounds.

Whether you’re on a noisy flight, in a busy workplace, or simply searching for some peace and quiet, the WH-1000XM4’s powerful noise-canceling technology adapts to your environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your audio.

Despite their tiny size, the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds provide excellent noise reduction. Sony has managed to cram the same industry-leading noise-canceling technology into these little earphones. They excel in reducing background noise, whether you’re commuting, working in a coffee shop, or simply listening to music in a noisy environment.

The adaptive sound control technology improves noise cancellation based on your activities, allowing you to focus on your music or conversation with fewer distractions.

Both the WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 offer great noise cancellation performance, making them top picks for people wanting a tranquil and immersive listening experience.

Whether you prefer the convenience of wireless earbuds or the over-ear comfort of headphones, Sony’s noise-canceling technology ensures you can listen to music in peace.

Microphone or Call Quality

Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones excel in terms of microphone and call quality. They are outfitted with powerful microphones and signal processing technology to ensure clear and crisp audio delivery during calls.

The WF-1000XM4 includes Precise Voice Pickup technology, which uses beamforming microphones to focus on your voice while eliminating background noise. This results in exceptional call clarity, allowing you to have discussions even in noisy situations.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones also provide excellent call quality thanks to multiple microphones that work together to effectively isolate your voice and decrease ambient noise. Whether you’re taking calls in a crowded airport or a busy downtown street, the WH-1000XM4 ensures that your voice is heard clearly on the other end of the line.

In conclusion, both the WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 provide excellent microphone and call quality, making them versatile solutions for people who need to stay connected while on the road.

Whether you prefer the convenience of true wireless earbuds or the immersive listening experience of over-ear headphones, Sony’s commitment to call quality ensures that your conversations are crystal clear.

Battery Life

When comparing the battery life of the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds to the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones, there are some obvious discrepancies due to their form forms.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds deliver around 8 hours of listening on a single charge with noise canceling enabled, and the supplied charging case enables an additional three full charges, bringing the total battery life to around 24 hours.

This is extremely excellent for earphones and assures that they will last throughout the day with occasional charging in the case.

When noise cancellation is enabled, the WH-1000XM4 headphones can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. In comparison to earbuds, these headphones provide substantially longer continuous playback.

Furthermore, they support rapid charging, with a 10-minute charge providing up to 5 hours of playback. However, keep in mind that the bigger size of over-ear headphones may make them less portable than the small WF-1000XM4.

Finally, your choice between the two will be determined by your desire for form factor and how long you generally use your audio devices in a single session. Both models have strong battery life, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts for a lengthy amount of time before needing to recharge.

Control System

The control mechanisms of the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones are designed to deliver straightforward and convenient user experiences adapted to their particular form factors.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds have touch-sensitive displays on each earpiece, letting users control music, adjust volume, answer calls, and activate voice assistants with simple taps and swipes. These touch controls are responsive and can be adjusted via the Sony Headphones Connect app, giving versatility and convenience of use.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones, on the other hand, have a blend of touch controls and physical buttons. The right ear cup has a touch-sensitive display for functionality such as music control and call management.

Meanwhile, there are physical buttons on the left ear cup for power, noise canceling adjustments, and custom features. The tactile buttons allow you to change settings without having to remove the headphones.

Both devices excel at delivering accessible control systems, but the choice between them is mostly determined by personal preference and the user’s familiarity with touch controls versus physical buttons.

The touch controls on the WF-1000XM4 are great for people who like a minimalist and streamlined design, whereas the WH-1000XM4’s combination of touch and physical controls provides versatility and ease of use, especially for those who are used to traditional headphone buttons.

Connectivity

Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones excel in terms of connectivity, providing a variety of choices to accommodate a variety of usage circumstances.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds include Bluetooth 5.2, offering a stable and dependable wireless connection to your devices. They also offer simultaneous pairing with two devices, making it easy to switch between your smartphone and laptop without having to re-paint.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones also have Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless connectivity. What distinguishes them is their extra capabilities for multi-device pairing. With this capability, you may connect the WH-1000XM4 to two devices at the same time, such as your smartphone and tablet, and easily switch between them as needed. 

This is especially handy for people who often switch between devices during their daily routines.

The Sony Headphones Connect app, allows you to fine-tune settings, update firmware, and modify numerous audio characteristics, allowing you to effortlessly manage and customize both devices.

While the WF-1000XM4 focuses on true wireless mobility, the WH-1000XM4 prioritizes versatility for consumers who prefer over-ear headphones and frequently juggle numerous devices. Sony has guaranteed that both versions provide a fluid and reliable wireless experience that is suited to the user’s preferences.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, enabling high-quality audio streaming and adaptability for a variety of devices. Both devices support the basic SBC (Subband Coding) codec as well as the more modern AAC (modern Audio Coding) codec.

These codecs provide good audio quality and are broadly compatible with most smartphones and gadgets, making them acceptable for everyday usage.

The WH-1000XM4 genuinely shines in its compatibility with LDAC (Low Latency Audio Codec), Sony’s proprietary high-resolution audio codec. LDAC provides great wireless audio quality, particularly for high-bitrate audio files, and gives a more immersive listening experience. 

LDAC compatibility is very beneficial for audiophiles who demand the finest quality audio reproduction and lossless music streaming. In terms of audio performance, the WH-1000XM4 is distinguished by this codec.

While both devices offer great codec support, the WH-1000XM4’s LDAC compatibility gives it an advantage when it comes to offering audiophiles with the best wireless music quality.

Whether you’re listening to your favorite songs or enjoying high-resolution music, the WH-1000XM4 provides an outstanding and detailed sound experience, making it a top pick for consumers who seek the finest in Bluetooth codec support.

Extra Feature

Both the Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones include extra functions that improve the entire user experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has various unique features, including speak-to-chat technology. When you start speaking, this feature automatically pauses playing and activates ambient sound, allowing you to have brief conversations without having to remove your headphones.

It also has Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts noise reduction levels according to your activities and surroundings. The WH-1000XM4 also has wearing detection, which means that playing pauses when you remove the headphones and resumes when you put them back on.

Furthermore, it is compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing users to fine-tune settings, tweak the equalization, and receive firmware upgrades for continual improvement.

The Sony WF-1000XM4, on the other hand, is loaded with convenience features geared to its truly wireless design.

It has sophisticated features like automatic play/pause when you remove one earphone and resume when you put it back in. It also features configurable touch controls for playing, volume adjustment, and call management.

These earbuds support both Google Assistant and Siri voice assistants, making it simple to manage your music or get answers to queries hands-free. Furthermore, they offer an IPX4 grade for perspiration and splash resistance, making them excellent for exercises and outdoor activities.

Finally, both devices come with their own set of important features that cater to varied listening habits and lifestyles.

The WH-1000XM4 concentrates on advanced customization and adaptive capabilities for over-ear headphone fans, whereas the WF-1000XM4 provides practical and easy controls dedicated to the genuine wireless earbud experience.

Which is the Winner?

The decision between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 is based on your specific demands and preferences. If you value portability, convenience, and a more compact form factor, the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are the clear winner.

They include excellent sound quality, robust noise cancellation, and a slew of intelligent functions designed for on-the-go listening. With an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, they are suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, making them a versatile choice.

If you value the immersive audio experience, long listening sessions, and greater noise cancellation given by over-ear headphones, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are the clear winner. They offer great sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and a variety of innovative functions such as speak-to-chat and Adaptive Sound Control. 

The higher battery capacity of the WH-1000XM4 offers extended playback duration, which is great for long flights or commuting. Additionally, the over-ear style provides outstanding comfort for longer wear.

Finally, the decision between the WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 comes down to your lifestyle and listening preferences. If you need the compact convenience of true wireless earbuds for an active lifestyle, the WF-1000XM4 is the winner.

However, if you’re an audiophile looking for the greatest sound quality and immersive experience, the WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones take the top spot.

Alternative Options

There are various fantastic alternatives to the Sony WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 to consider based on your personal tastes.

The Apple AirPods Pro is a great candidate for true wireless earbuds, especially if you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. They provide outstanding active noise cancellation, seamless networking with Apple devices, and spatial audio for an immersive listening experience.

If you’re searching for over-ear headphones with excellent noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is a viable option. They offer a competitive alternative in this category because of their excellent ANC performance, comfort, and balanced sound quality.

For those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality, the Anker SoundCore Life Q30 delivers commendable noise cancellation, decent sound, and a lengthy battery life, making it a terrific value proposition.

If you like in-ear headphones and are searching for a less expensive option to the WF-1000XM4, the Jabra Elite 75t provides a comfortable fit, dependable performance, and configurable sound profiles.

Finally, examine your requirements, whether they are seamless integration, superior noise cancellation, budget-friendliness, or other specific qualities that correspond with your demands and tastes.

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM4 – FAQs

1. What are the main differences between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4?

The WF-1000XM4 are true wireless earbuds, while the WH-1000XM4 are over-ear headphones. The key distinctions are form factor, portability, and use cases. The WF-1000XM4 is intended for on-the-go listening, and the WH-1000XM4 is intended for immersive audio experiences.

2. Which has stronger noise cancellation: the WF-1000XM4 or the WH-1000XM4?

Both models include Sony’s industry-leading noise-cancelling technology. However, due to its larger ear cups, the WH-1000XM4’s over-ear design often provides slightly superior passive noise isolation. The WF-1000XM4 offers remarkable noise canceling for earbuds but may not equal the WH-1000XM4’s capabilities in extremely noisy conditions.

3. Are there any differences in sound quality between the two models?

Both the WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 provide excellent sound quality, with crisp highs, detailed mids, and deep, powerful bass. However, some users may prefer the over-ear WH-1000XM4 for its more immersive soundstage, while others may favor the tiny WF-1000XM4 for its portability.

4. Can I use the WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 to make phone calls?

Yes, both versions include microphones and facilitate hands-free calling. They give adequate call quality, however, the WH-1000XM4’s over-ear design may provide slightly greater call clarity by eliminating ambient noise.

5. Which has a longer battery life: the WF-1000XM4 or the WH-1000XM4?

When compared to the WF-1000XM4, the WH-1000XM4 has a greater battery life per charge. With noise cancellation enabled, the WH-1000XM4 may provide up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge, while the WF-1000XM4 provides roughly 8 hours. The WF-1000XM4’s case, on the other hand, enables additional charges, extending the total listening duration to roughly 24 hours, making them appropriate for all-day use on the fly.

Final Thoughts

The choice between the Sony WF-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM4 is ultimately determined by your specific demands and preferences.

The WF-1000XM4 provides the ease of true wireless earbuds with outstanding noise canceling, making them ideal for on-the-go listening, workouts, and commuting. They are ideal for people who value portability over audio quality.

The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, excels at giving an immersive audio experience with prolonged battery life, making it great for lengthy trips, deep gaming, or home listening. Their over-ear design provides great passive noise isolation, boosting noise cancellation performance. 

Both versions provide great sound quality and advanced noise cancellation, demonstrating Sony’s dedication to audio perfection. Finally, you must decide whether you like the tiny, wireless form factor of the WF-1000XM4 or the rich audio and extended battery life of the WH-1000XM4.