Over-Ear
AKG K280
Not yet scored
$195
Full review dataAKG K280 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG K280 vs Sony WH-1000XM4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM4
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K280
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K280 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $195 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 30 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 75 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | - | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 250 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
AKG K280
The Austrian K280 is an open-back over-ear headphone that uses two dynamic drivers per side, arranged to channel sound precisely into the ear canal for a spacious, speaker-like presentation. It emphasizes a rich low end and natural midrange, and comes with a lengthy ten-foot cable terminated in a quarter-inch jack for stationary listening. Priced around $195, it offers a wired-only experience with no noise cancellation, appealing to purists who prioritize soundstage over portability.
- Pro:Dual-driver design delivers impressive bass and midrange clarity
- Pro:Open-back construction creates a wide, airy soundstage
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience for replacement or upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so it leaks sound and lets in ambient noise
- Con:Requires a headphone amp due to 75-ohm impedance for best performance
- Con:Long fixed cable may be cumbersome for mobile use
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium wireless over-ears that blend top-tier adaptive noise cancellation with a well-balanced, detailed sound signature. They offer a lengthy 30-hour battery, LDAC support, and a comfortable, lightweight build that still holds up well against newer competitors. With handy features like multipoint pairing, touch controls, and a quick charge function, they remain a versatile choice for daily use and travel.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Detailed, accurate audio with LDAC support
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight for long sessions
- Con:No dedicated aptX codec support
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky for some users
- Con:Plastic build feels less premium than price suggests
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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