Skip to content
HearWiki

FiiO Ft5 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.

FiiO Ft5
Sound8.2
Value7.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of FiiO Ft5 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
SpecFiiO Ft5Sony WH-1000XM4
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$382$300
HearWiki score78 / 100 · Great88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20242020
Audio
Driverplanardynamic
Driver size90 mm40 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response7Hz-40kHz4 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Impedance36 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity96 dB/mW105 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)110-
Wireless
Bluetooth-5
Bluetooth version-5.0
Codecs-SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
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 cancellingNoYes
ANC type-adaptive
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controls-touch
Voice assistant-Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Design
Weight456 g254 g
Water resistance-none
Detachable cableYes-
USB-C-Yes
Balanced connectionYes-
Calls
Microphones-2

What reviewers said

FiiO Ft5

The FiiO FT5 is an open-back planar over-ear headphone that delivers a spacious, detailed, and engaging sound profile, with a robust build and a large 90mm driver. While it excels in resolution and musicality, its significant weight and large frame may pose fit challenges for smaller heads, and its tuning leans toward a colored, non-neutral presentation. It offers solid value for planar enthusiasts who prioritize soundstage and texture over portability or strict accuracy.

  • Pro:Spacious and detailed soundstage
  • Pro:Excellent build quality
  • Pro:Strong bass texture and resolution
  • Con:Heavy and bulky for extended wear
  • Con:May fit poorly on smaller heads
  • Con:Tuning is not strictly neutral

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.