True Wireless
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
Not yet scored
$159
Full review dataApple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls7.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (2nd generation) | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $159 | $199 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2019 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 6 mm |
| Driver size | - | 6 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | - | 5 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | touch | - |
| Voice assistant | Siri | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4 g | 41.1 g |
| Case weight | 38.2 g | 41 g |
| Water resistance | none | IPX4 |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 2 | - |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
These are Apple's entry-level true wireless earbuds from 2019, built around the H1 chip for seamless pairing and low-latency performance. They deliver a balanced, open sound with a comfortable universal fit, offering about 5 hours of playback per charge and 24 hours total with the wired charging case. They lack noise cancellation, transparency mode, and any app-based customization, but they work effortlessly with Apple devices and support Siri hands-free.
- Pro:Effortless pairing and stable connection with Apple devices
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Pro:Reliable 5-hour battery per charge with 24 hours total via case
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No EQ, app support, or ear tip customization
- Con:Lightning connector instead of USB-C
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are high-end true wireless earbuds that excel in active noise cancellation and sound quality, with a compact 6mm driver and support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. They provide about 8 hours of playback per charge, extendable to 24 hours with the case, and include handy features like multipoint connectivity and quick charging. Their IPX4 rating makes them suitable for workouts, though the overall design is a bit bulky for some ears.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Good battery life with fast charging
- Con:Bulkier fit compared to rivals
- Con:No wireless charging on the case
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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