True Wireless
Apple AirPods 4
76Great
$205
Full review dataApple AirPods 4 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 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 WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $298.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM6
88Outstanding
$298
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods 4
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery5.5
Calls6.0
Value6.5
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $205 | $298 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, ALAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 4 h | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | 5 min = up to 1 h | 3 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.3 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | 32.3 g | 47 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Model code | Apple AirPods 4 | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | 8 |
| Call noise reduction | Voice Isolation | - |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods 4
The Apple AirPods 4 are open-style true wireless earbuds that prioritize a comfortable, barely-there fit and seamless integration with Apple devices. They deliver balanced sound with improved bass, plus useful features like adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode on the ANC version. However, their open design limits noise isolation, and the modest battery life plus premium price mean they face stiff competition from cheaper alternatives, especially if you don't need Apple-specific perks.
- Pro:Excellent comfort and secure fit for open earbuds
- Pro:Seamless pairing and solid ecosystem integration with Apple devices
- Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode work well for the design
- Con:Battery life is short, especially with ANC on
- Con:No multipoint Bluetooth for switching between devices
- Con:Open design offers weak passive noise isolation
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
- Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
- Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
- Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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