Over-Ear
KEF Mu7
72Good
$399
Full review dataKEF Mu7 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.
KEF Mu7
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.0
Battery8.0
Calls5.0
Value6.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | KEF Mu7 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $399 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm full-range 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 | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 118.5 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 40 h | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 8 h | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
| Voice assistant | yes | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 309 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 2 |
| Call noise reduction | cVc | - |
What reviewers said
KEF Mu7
The KEF Mu7 offers a polished, hi-fi-leaning soundstage with robust wireless features like adaptive ANC, multipoint Bluetooth 5.1, and broad codec support, plus a strong 40-hour battery with quick charging. However, its performance can feel uninspired and less dynamic than top rivals, and the minimal control scheme and lack of app or EQ options limit its flexibility.
- Pro:Detailed, expansive sound signature
- Pro:Long 40-hour battery with fast top-up
- Pro:Wide codec support including aptX HD
- Con:Sound can lack drive and excitement
- Con:ANC hiss may be noticeable in quiet moments
- Con:No custom EQ or companion app
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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