Over-Ear
HiFiMAN He-R10d
76Great
$339
Full review dataHiFiMAN He-R10d 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 He-R10d
Sound8.0
Battery5.0
Value6.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN He-R10d | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $339 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-35kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 60 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 h | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Battery incl. case | 6 h | - |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
| Voice assistant | none | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 337 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN He-R10d
The HiFiMAN He-R10d is a closed-back wireless over-ear headphone that pairs a 50mm dynamic driver with Bluetooth 5.0 and support for high-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. Its sound is characterized by warm, punchy bass, clear imaging, and extended highs, making it particularly enjoyable for pop and R&B, though its tuning may not appeal to those seeking neutrality. While it offers solid technical performance and easy drivability, its build quality and comfort have been flagged as underwhelming for its premium price point.
- Pro:Engaging, warm sound with punchy bass and crisp treble
- Pro:Excellent imaging and micro-detail for a closed-back design
- Pro:Supports high-resolution Bluetooth codecs including LDAC
- Con:Build quality feels subpar for the high price
- Con:Comfort is limited, especially for long sessions
- Con:Midrange can sound slightly recessed or hollow
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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