Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad900x
72Good
$300
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad900x 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.
Audio-Technica Ad900x
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value7.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Ad900x | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2012 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-35kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| 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 | 265 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad900x
The Audio-Technica AD900X is an open-back, over-ear headphone that prioritizes a spacious, airy soundstage and lightweight comfort over isolation or portability. It offers clean, detailed audio with extended highs and is easy to drive, though its plastic construction and lean bass response may not suit everyone. Best enjoyed in quiet settings, it serves as a solid entry point into open-back listening.
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with detailed highs
- Pro:Easy to drive without a dedicated amplifier
- Con:Open-back design offers little isolation and leaks sound
- Con:Build uses mostly plastic materials
- Con:Bass and mids can sound thin
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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