Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N

Sony’s XM series has continuously represented the peak of the company’s audio offerings, particularly in terms of active noise cancellation (ANC). About Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N have you any idea? The Sony WH-1000XM4, a new addition to the XM series, is the defending winner in this category. Sony, on the other hand, has its “extra bass” line, with the Sony WH-XB910N being the most recent arrival.

Like the WH-1000XM4, it combines the appeal of ANC with the promise of boosted low frequencies. In this head-to-head comparison, we get into the details: How does the ANC of the WH-XB910N compare to the 1000XM4?

How noticeable is the bass boost? We’ll answer these questions and more, guiding you through the differences and similarities between these two remarkable Sony headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: A Comprehensive Guide

Specification

Feature	Sony WH-1000XM4	Sony WH-XB910N
Form Factor	Over Ear	In Ear
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40000Hz	7 Hz – 25000Hz
Impedance	16 Ohms	48 Ohms
Driver Unit size	40mm	30mm
Battery Life	30h	40h
Charging Time	3 h	3.5h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5	5.2
Color	Black, Blue, Silver	Black
Weight	254g	252g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony WH-1000XM4	Sony WH-XB910N
Headphone	Headphone
Carrying Case	Carry Case
Connection Cable	Cable
User Guide	User Guide

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to fit and comfort, both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N headphones deliver. These headphones are built with user comfort in mind, with lightweight construction and plush cushioning on the ear cups and headbands.

Both headphones excel in providing a snug and comfortable fit that minimizes fatigue, whether used for longer durations during long flights or extended listening sessions.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones have a premium feel and a slightly more substantial design, which contributes to a sense of sturdiness and longevity.

The ear cups swivel and conform to the contour of your head, increasing comfort and assuring a perfect fit. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, making them a perfect choice for travelers and daily commuters.

Similarly, the WH-XB910N headphones provide a comfortable fit, but some users may perceive a somewhat less premium feel when compared to the WH-1000XM4.

Nonetheless, they are lightweight and have pleasant padding, making them perfect for longer usage. Regardless of whether headphones are chosen, both are designed to provide a comfortable fit, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts without being distracted by pain.

Finally, comfort preferences differ across individuals, so testing both headphones on before making a purchase might help you identify which one best meets your preferences.

Design & Build

When it comes to design and construction, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-XB910N have a similar modern appearance, but there are some small distinctions worth considering. Both headphones seem modern and subtle.

They are lightweight and provide comfort throughout long listening sessions. The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, emits a somewhat more luxurious and solid feel, as one would expect from a flagship model.

The materials utilized for the headband and ear cups give it a distinct advantage in terms of build quality. The WH-XB910N, on the other hand, deviates slightly in design while remaining well-made. Notably, neither of these headphones is waterproof, so use caution in wet environments.

For playback functions, both headphones have straightforward touch controls on the right earcup. You may change the volume with up and down swipes, skip tracks by swiping forward, and return to the previous track with a backward swipe.

These touch controls are consistent with recent Sony titles, and while they may require a short learning curve, they quickly become second nature. Furthermore, both headphones have an identical set of controls on the left earcup, including a power button for turning the device on and entering pairing mode.

Another button on the left earcup allows users to switch between active noise canceling and ambient sound settings, providing convenience and control at your fingertips.

Sound Quality

Comparing the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N reveals diverse sonic characteristics adapted to individual preferences. Starting with the WH-1000XM4, these headphones provide outstanding clarity, precise detail, and a wide soundstage.

While they maintain a balanced sound profile, there is a small emphasis on the low end, which might improve the listening experience, especially for bass-heavy genres.

Some users have described the WH-1000XM4 as having a “boomy” quality at times, however, this isn’t always the opinion among most listeners. Audiophiles looking for a flatter EQ can fine-tune their preferences with the accompanying app.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones, on the other hand, are intended for individuals who prefer a more prominent bass experience.

They provide deeper bass for bass aficionados or anyone looking for that extra low-end presence when needed. Sony manages to keep clarity and detail without overpowering other frequencies, creating a careful balance.

Unlike prior Extra Bass models like the XB950 or the Skullcandy Crusher Evo, which are noted for their booming bass, the WH-XB910N sits somewhere in the middle, providing a pleasing bass experience without going overboard.

Both the WH-1000XM4 and the WH-XB910N can be modified with Sony’s headphones app, which has a variety of presets for adjusting the EQ and Clear Bass settings to your liking.

This adaptability is a useful feature that improves the listening experience by allowing users to customize the sound signature to their preferences.

If you like a cleaner EQ with more detail, the WH-1000XM4 is a great option, while those looking for maximum bass should go with the WH-XB910N, which strikes a happy medium between clarity and low-end punch.

Noise Cancellation

When it comes to noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones clearly take the lead with top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC).

These headphones excel at eliminating the persistent background noises that typically occupy our daily lives, whether it’s the buzz of an air conditioner at home or the rumble of subway trains during a commute.

The WH-1000XM4 effectively reduces these sounds, even at low to moderate volume levels, making it useful in a variety of situations, including office environments with chatty coworkers—typically a struggle for ANC headphones, especially with higher frequencies.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones, on the other hand, provide good active noise cancellation but fall short of the WH-1000XM4’s performance.

The WH-XB910N excels at lower frequencies, effectively eliminating ambient noises such as air conditioner hum. However, it does not achieve the same level of noise reduction as the WH-1000XM4.

In busier surroundings, such as a coffee shop or crowded location, the WH-XB910N still offers substantial noise reduction but is behind the WH-1000XM4, especially when it comes to handling extra talk and hustle.

Both headphones also have an ambient or transparency mode, which amplifies exterior noises to give situational awareness—a crucial feature in instances where you need to hear your surroundings, such as in the workplace when dealing with coworkers.

Furthermore, the Sony Headphones app allows users to fine-tune the level of noise cancellation to meet their preferences, providing flexibility for people who may not want to filter out all extraneous noise, making it a vital tool for personalizing your listening experience.

Microphone or Call Quality

The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-XB910N headphones differ in terms of microphone and call quality. The WH-1000XM4 has an inbuilt microphone but no boom microphone. Its microphone performance is adequate but not extraordinary.

The recorded voice sounds low, muffled, and weak, which may not fulfill expectations given the headphones’ price range. Furthermore, its noise handling capabilities are slightly disappointing, since background noise might interfere with the clarity of your speech, making it less than ideal for noisy places.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones, on the other hand, provide good microphone performance and call recording functionality, resulting in clearer audio delivery. However, it should be noted that there may be some distortion present.

Unfortunately, its noise control performance is only approximately average, and background noises have the potential to drown out your voice during calls, especially in noisy environments such as bus stops or subway stations.

Overall, while both headphones enable call capability, neither reaches great call quality, and users may need to consider their unique demands and situations while deciding between them.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important issue for headphone users, and both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-XB910N provide remarkable longevity. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a whopping 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.

Surprisingly, the Sony WH-XB910N matches this with an equally remarkable 30 hours of ANC playback. Sony, on the other hand, goes above and beyond with the WH-XB910N, touting an incredible non-ANC battery life of up to 50 hours.

Both headphones have quick charging capability to keep you listening without long interruptions. The WH-1000XM4 gives 5 hours of playback after a quick 10-minute charge, while the WH-XB910N provides 4.5 hours of use after a quick 10-minute charge. 

Furthermore, both headphones include the option for wired connections, allowing you flexibility in how you choose to enjoy your audio, making them dependable choices for customers who require extended battery life without sacrificing sound quality or features.

Control System

The contest between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N for the best pair of headphones goes beyond sound quality. It’s a battle of control systems, each with its own approach to improving user experience.

The WH-1000XM4 features an assortment of simple touch controls, providing a seamless and intelligent method to handle your audio playback and calls with just a few taps or swipes. Touch motions that can be customized take personalization to a new level.

The WH-XB910N, on the other hand, takes a different approach, appealing to tactile fans with well-placed physical buttons. Its layout is intended for bass aficionados, with simple access to bass-boosting features. 

Both headphones also provide extensive control via separate smartphone apps, allowing you to fine-tune settings and personalize your audio experience.

Whether you like the elegance of touch controls or the dependability of physical buttons, these headphones have alternatives to meet your specific needs. It’s not just about what you hear; it’s also about how you engage with your auditory environment.

Sony delivers versatility and innovation in this battle of control systems, ensuring that you’re in command of your audio experience no matter which path you take.

Connectivity

Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N provide a variety of connecting options to meet the demands of a wide range of users.

The WH-1000XM4 has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, however, the newer WH-XB910N has Bluetooth 5.2, which may provide a modest edge in terms of connection reliability and efficiency. Both headphones have USB-C charging connections, allowing for quick and easy power replenishment via a USB-C cable.

They also contain typical 3.5mm headphone ports for wired connections, providing options for consumers who prefer wired audio. Sony includes a headphone cable with both models for this purpose.

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-XB910N support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs for high-quality wireless audio streaming.

However, neither of these headphones supports the aptX or aptX HD codecs. Both models include built-in microphones for phone calls as well as active noise cancellation (ANC) capability. Furthermore, they feature Bluetooth multipoint, allowing users to connect the headphones to various devices at the same time, such as a laptop and smartphone.

However, while utilizing Bluetooth multipoint, the LDAC codec is not accessible, and the headphones will automatically transition to either SBC or AAC, depending on the connected devices, ensuring a seamless and versatile listening experience.

Support for Bluetooth Codec

Bluetooth codec support is critical in delivering a high-quality audio experience in the realm of luxury headphones.

When comparing the Sony WH-1000XM4 to the Sony WH-XB910N, one must evaluate their support for various codecs, since it has a substantial impact on audio quality and connectivity. The WH-1000XM4 is well-known for its broad codec support, which includes SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC.

This broad range ensures device compatibility as well as the capacity to offer high-resolution audio when linked with LDAC-compatible sources. The WH-XB910N, on the other hand, supports SBC and AAC codecs but lacks aptX and LDAC support. 

While this may not be a deal breaker for some users, audiophiles and those seeking the finest audio fidelity may prefer the WH-1000XM4 due to its greater codec support.

Both headphones maintain outstanding Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM4’s codec adaptability gives it the edge when it comes to offering the finest possible wireless audio experience, ensuring you hear every nuance and detail in your music.

So, if you care about audio quality and codec support, the Sony WH-1000XM4 could be the perfect solution to improve your wireless listening experience.

Extra Feature

In the world of expensive headphones, it’s frequently the extra features that truly set a pair distinct. When comparing the Sony WH-1000XM4 to the Sony WH-XB910N, it is clear that both headphones provide a variety of excellent extras that appeal to distinct user preferences.

Sony’s flagship model, the WH-1000XM4, features industry-leading noise-canceling technology, giving an unrivaled immersive experience.

It also has Speak-to-Chat, which pauses playback when you start conversing and resumes when you stop—a very useful function. The WH-1000XM4 also boasts call quality, featuring several microphones and superior noise reduction for crystal-clear conversations.

The WH-XB910N, which is part of Sony’s Extra Bass series, shines with its emphasis on bass-heavy sounds. It has an extra bass button that amplifies low frequencies, making it ideal for individuals who want a deep, powerful sound.

Furthermore, it has an ambient sound option that allows you to be aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones, improving safety during commuting or walks.

Both headphones have touch controls, configurable sound profiles via the Sony Headphones Connect app, and voice assistant integration.

Finally, the choice between these two exceptional models comes down to your priorities: world-class noise cancellation and call quality with the WH-1000XM4 or a bass-boosted music experience with additional ambient sound awareness with the WH-XB910N.

Sony caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that you find the extra features that properly complement your audio trip.

Which is the Winner?

Choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N is a difficult undertaking because it ultimately depends on your specific demands and tastes.

The WH-1000XM4 excels in multiple categories, including superb noise cancellation, industry-leading sound quality, and a slew of innovative features like Speak-to-Chat. Its extensive codec support and great call quality make it a top pick for individuals who value audio fidelity and communication clarity.

The WH-XB910N, on the other hand, appeals to bass fans, providing a deep and powerful low-end audio experience ideal for genres such as EDM and hip-hop.

It also gives ambient sound awareness for safety during outdoor activities. So the winner here isn’t a specific model, but rather the headphone that best meets your needs.

The WH-1000XM4 is the best choice for noise canceling and audio quality. However, if you’re a basshead looking for a deep audio experience with added functions for on-the-go listening, the WH-XB910N could be the right partner. Sony’s commitment to quality assures that, regardless of your preference, you’re getting a high-quality audio product.

Alternative Options

While the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-XB910N are good choices in their respective categories, it’s vital to investigate other options to ensure you discover the best headphones that match your preferences.

If you want top-notch noise cancellation and excellent audio quality, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is a serious challenger to the WH-1000XM4, giving a similar amount of noise reduction and an equally immersive listening experience.

If, on the other hand, you’re tempted by the WH-XB910N’s bass focus but want even more customizable sound, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless gives great audio clarity and the option to alter your EQ settings to your specific liking. 

Furthermore, for individuals who value affordability without sacrificing quality, the JBL Live 660NC provides enough noise canceling and sound performance at a more affordable price range.

Finally, the choice between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-XB910N or its competitors comes down to your unique needs and budget, guaranteeing that you may have a personalized audio experience that suits you best.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N – FAQs

What are the main differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N?

The WH-1000XM4 is noted for its greater noise canceling, whilst the WH-XB910N concentrates on providing more bass.

For improved audio quality, the WH-1000XM4 includes a broader choice of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX.

The WH-XB910N offers a unique button configuration designed for bass control, appealing to people who value deep, powerful sound.

Do both headphones support touch controls?

Yes, both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-XB910N have touch-sensitive controls on the earcups, allowing you to manage music, adjust volume, and more with easy movements.

Which headphone is better for phone calls and voice assistant integration?

With its multiple microphones and superior noise reduction, the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in call quality, making it an excellent choice for crystal-clear discussions. Both headphones work with voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant.

Can I change the touch gestures on these headphones?

Yes, all models allow you to create touch gestures using the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing you to attach certain functions to different touch patterns for a more personalized experience.

Do these headphones have a long battery life and are they comfortable to wear for lengthy periods of time?

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a battery life of up to 30 hours, while the WH-XB910N has a battery life of up to 35 hours with noise canceling enabled. Both are pleasant for lengthy usage, thanks to plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband that prevents discomfort during long listening periods.

Final Thoughts

The decision between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-XB910N is ultimately determined by your personal audio preferences and demands.

The WH-1000XM4 stands out for its unrivaled noise-cancellation capabilities, industry-leading sound quality, and innovative touch controls, making it a perfect choice for individuals who value audio clarity and immersive experiences.

The WH-XB910N, on the other hand, is designed for bass fans, with a unique button layout and bass-boosting capabilities that give a powerful low-end punch.

Whether you prefer the elegance of touch controls or the tactile gratification of physical buttons, Sony ensures that both headphones deliver a variety of options to enrich your audio journey.

Your choice should be based on your musical preferences and how you wish to interact with your headphones, ensuring a tailored listening experience that connects with you.