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Edifier WH950NB 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Edifier WH950NB
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery8.5
Calls6.0
Value7.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Edifier WH950NB vs Sony WH-1000XM4
SpecEdifier WH950NBSony WH-1000XM4
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$180$300
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20222020
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 40,000 Hz4 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Impedance-16 Ω
Sensitivity91 dB/mW105 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35
Bluetooth version5.35.0
CodecsLDAC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingYesYes
Battery
Battery life55 h38 h
Battery life (ANC on)34 h30 h
Full charge time90 min180 min
Quick charge10 min = 7 h10 min = 5 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancelling-Yes
ANC typehybridadaptive
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controls-touch
Voice assistant-Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Design
Weight296 g254 g
Water resistancenonenone
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones42

What reviewers said

Edifier WH950NB

The Edifier WH950NB is a wireless over-ear headphone designed for long listening sessions, offering up to 55 hours of playback without ANC and 34 hours with it enabled. It supports high-resolution LDAC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.3, and includes multipoint connectivity for switching between devices. With a lightweight 296g build and 40mm dynamic drivers, it aims to balance comfort and sound quality.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, lasting up to 55 hours without ANC
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Fast charging adds 7 hours from just a 10-minute charge
  • Con:No water resistance rating, so not suitable for workouts or rain
  • Con:Sensitivity is relatively low at 91 dB, requiring more volume
  • Con:Charging takes a full 90 minutes to reach 100%

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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