Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 880 32
78Great
$199
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 880 32 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.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 32
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value7.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 880 32 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $199 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-35kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 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 | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | 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 | 295 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic DT 880 32
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 32 is a wired, semi-open over-ear headphone that delivers balanced, detailed audio with a spacious soundstage, making it a solid choice for critical listening in quiet environments. It offers strong build quality and comfort, but its design leaks sound heavily and provides minimal isolation, so it's not suited for portable or noisy settings. While the 32-ohm version can work with basic devices, it truly shines with dedicated amplification, and the non-detachable cable limits practicality for some users.
- Pro:Balanced, detailed sound with strong midrange and treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Pro:Solid, durable construction
- Con:Significant sound leakage and poor isolation
- Con:Non-detachable cable
- Con:Needs a good amp for best performance
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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