
Haylou FlowLoop S33 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Haylou FlowLoop S33 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $188 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | - | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | LDAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Latency | 65 ms | - |
| Wireless range | 10 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 100 h | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 70 h | 30 h |
| Full charge time | 180 min | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | - | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 250 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 5 | 2 |
| Call noise reduction | ENC | - |
What reviewers said
Haylou FlowLoop S33
The Haylou FlowLoop S33 is an over-ear wireless headphone that prioritizes extended listening sessions, with a battery life reaching up to 100 hours without noise cancellation and 70 hours with it active. It features hybrid ANC, LDAC support, and a lightweight design, making it a solid budget-friendly pick for those who value stamina and comfort over premium extras. While it includes Bluetooth 6.0 and a transparency mode, it lacks multipoint connectivity, which may be a drawback for multitaskers.
- Pro:Exceptional battery life of up to 100 hours
- Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode for versatile listening
- Pro:Supports high-resolution LDAC codec for better audio quality
- Con:No multipoint connection for switching between devices
- Con:Charging takes about 3 hours, which is relatively slow
- Con:Limited frequency response range compared to some rivals
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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