Over-Ear
AKG K701
82Great
$570
Full review dataAKG K701 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM4 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM4 - Outstanding overall at around $300.
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 K701
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K701 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $570 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2006 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-39.8kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 62 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 105 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | 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 | No | 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 | 235 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
AKG K701
The AKG K701 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone designed for critical listening, offering a spacious and neutral sound signature with strong detail retrieval. Its lightweight build and breathable earcups make it exceptionally comfortable for long sessions, though its open design leaks audio and its price point is a notable consideration. It suits home listeners who prioritize clarity and an airy presentation over isolation or portability.
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight for extended wear
- Pro:Open, wide soundstage with detailed, balanced audio
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience and repairability
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Relatively expensive for its feature set
- Con:Not suitable for portable or noisy environments
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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