Over-Ear
AKG K712
72Good
$327
Full review dataAKG K712 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 K712
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K712 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $327 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 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 | none | 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 | none | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | none | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
AKG K712
The AKG K712 are open-back, wired over-ear headphones aimed at critical listening and immersive home use. They deliver a spacious, detailed sound with strong imaging, but their tonal balance is uneven and they offer no isolation or portability. Their comfortable build and detachable cable are highlights, though they require a capable amp to sound their best.
- Pro:Spacious, accurate soundstage with excellent imaging
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Durable build with a detachable cable
- Con:Weak sub-bass and uneven mid/treble response
- Con:Open-back design offers no sound isolation
- Con:Not suitable for portable use without an amplifier
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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