Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Ananda Nano
84Great
$319
Full review dataHiFiMAN Ananda Nano 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.
HiFiMAN Ananda Nano
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Ananda Nano | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $319 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-55kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 14 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 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 | 419 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Ananda Nano
The HiFiMAN Ananda Nano is a highly efficient open-back planar headphone that pairs stealth magnet and nanometer diaphragm tech for fast, detailed sound. Its low impedance and high sensitivity make it surprisingly easy to drive with portable gear, while delivering strong dynamics, resolution, and a spacious stage for its price. It's a clear step up from earlier Ananda models, though some ergonomic and accessory compromises remain.
- Pro:Exceptional efficiency for a planar, works well with portable sources
- Pro:Fast transients and low distortion for crisp, detailed audio
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with solid dynamics
- Con:Clamp force may feel tight for some listeners
- Con:Included accessories are fairly minimal
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
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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