Two flagship true wireless earbuds landed in 2026 with similar ambitions but different priorities. The Sony WF-1000XM6 asks $278 for class-leading noise cancelling and LDAC support, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro costs $210 and counters with a hybrid driver design and tougher water resistance. Neither is cheap, and both have real strengths, so the right pick depends on what you value most.
This head-to-head uses only published specifications, review consensus, and the HearWiki database. We do not test products ourselves, so every judgement below comes from recorded data and external reviews.
Price and positioning
The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the more expensive of the two at $278. That premium buys you a 12-hour battery life with ANC on, LDAC support, and adaptive noise cancellation that scores exceptionally well in reviews. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro undercuts it at $210, which is a meaningful gap of $68. For that lower price, you get a 2-driver hybrid setup, Bluetooth 6.1, and an IP57 rating that the Sony does not match.
Sony positions the WF-1000XM6 as an all-rounder for commuters and travellers who want the best ANC money can buy. Samsung aims the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at people already in the Samsung ecosystem, though it works fine with any Android phone and even iOS, with some feature limitations. Neither is a budget option, but the Samsung asks noticeably less for a slightly different set of strengths.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki score is a buyability score derived from published review consensus, price, and current availability. The Sony WF-1000XM6 scores 87/100, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro scores 84/100. That three-point gap is real but modest; both sit firmly in the "very good" tier of true wireless earbuds. Do not read too much into the difference, as the sub-scores below tell a more nuanced story.
| Product | Sound | ANC | Battery | Calls | Value | Headline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 87/100 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 84/100 |
The Sony leads on sound, ANC, battery, and value, while the Samsung wins on call quality. The biggest single gap is ANC (0.9 points), followed by battery (1.1 points). The headline scores are close because the Samsung's call advantage and lower price offset some of its battery deficit.
Sound
Both earbuds sound excellent, and the difference between them is smaller than the sub-scores suggest. The Sony WF-1000XM6 uses an 8.4 mm dynamic driver and supports LDAC, which allows high-resolution audio over Bluetooth if your phone and streaming service support it. Reviewers describe its sound as rich and detailed, with strong bass and clear treble. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro uses a 2-driver hybrid design, which separates bass and treble duties, and also supports LDAC according to the recorded specs, though its codec list includes Samsung Scalable as an alternative.
In practice, the Sony edges ahead on sheer resolution and soundstage, which is why it scores 9.3/10 versus 9.1/10. But the Samsung is not far behind, and some listeners may prefer its punchier, more energetic tuning. If you listen to lossless audio on a compatible phone, the Sony is the safer bet. If you just want a fun, engaging sound, the Samsung delivers almost everything the Sony does.
Noise cancelling and battery
This is where the two diverge most clearly. The Sony WF-1000XM6 has adaptive noise cancellation that scores 9.2/10, and reviews consistently call it among the best in the class. It adapts to your environment automatically and handles low-frequency rumble like engines and air conditioning very well. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's ANC scores 8.3/10, which is good but not class-leading; it blocks a lot of noise but lets through more mid-frequency chatter than the Sony.
Battery life follows the same pattern. The Sony lasts 12 hours with ANC on, which is outstanding for true wireless earbuds. The Samsung manages 7 hours with ANC on, which is average and noticeably shorter. If you fly often or work long shifts without charging, the Sony's extra five hours make a real difference. The Samsung's case adds more charges, but you will still reach for it more often.
Calls and everyday use
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro wins on call quality, scoring 8.6/10 versus the Sony's 8.4/10. That is a narrow margin, but reviews note the Samsung handles windy conditions and background noise slightly better, keeping your voice clearer on the other end. The Sony is still good for calls, just not quite as consistent.
In everyday use, the Sony's charging case is bulkier than the Samsung's, which is a minor annoyance if you carry earbuds in a pocket. The Samsung's IP57 rating means it survives dust and full submersion in water, while the Sony's rating is not recorded in the database, so do not assume it matches. Both support multipoint connectivity, so you can pair them with a phone and laptop at the same time. The Samsung's touch controls can be sensitive, and the Sony's stock ear tips may not fit every ear shape, so budget for aftermarket tips if you struggle with fit.
Which one should you buy?
If you want the best noise cancelling and the longest battery life, buy the Sony WF-1000XM6. It costs more, but it is the better travel companion and the safer choice for audiophiles who value LDAC and detailed sound. The bulkier case and higher price are the trade-offs.
If you want to save $68 and make clearer calls, buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. It is tougher, cheaper, and sounds nearly as good, though its battery life is short and its ANC is a step behind. It is the better everyday earbud for most people, especially if you already use a Samsung phone.
For a full breakdown of every spec and sub-score, see the comparison table. You can also browse other top picks in our best true wireless guide or check best ANC earbuds for more options.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better noise cancelling, Sony or Samsung?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 has better noise cancelling, scoring 9.2/10 versus the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's 8.3/10. The Sony blocks more low-frequency noise and adapts automatically to your surroundings, making it the stronger choice for flights and noisy commutes.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro work with iPhones?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro work with iPhones via standard Bluetooth, but you lose some features like quick pairing and Samsung Scalable codec support. You still get AAC audio and the touch controls, though call quality may vary compared to using them with a Samsung phone.
How long does the Sony WF-1000XM6 battery last?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 lasts 12 hours with noise cancelling on, which is excellent for true wireless earbuds. With the charging case, you get several more full charges, though the case itself is bulkier than the Samsung's.
