Over-Ear
Sony Mdr-M1
78Great
$294
Full review dataSony Mdr-M1 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.
Sony Mdr-M1
Sound8.0
Value8.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony Mdr-M1 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $294 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-80kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | 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 | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 216 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
Sony Mdr-M1
The Sony MDR-M1 is a closed-back, wired studio headphone that pairs 40mm dynamic drivers with a 50-ohm impedance and 102dB sensitivity, making it easy to drive from standard gear without extra amplification. Its wide frequency response, detachable cable, and lightweight build make it a practical choice for professional monitoring and everyday production work, offering a modern take on the classic studio formula. It delivers solid performance and value for its price, especially for those seeking a reliable wired reference option.
- Pro:Easy to drive without an amp
- Pro:Detachable cable for convenience
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth option
- Con:Lacks USB-C connectivity
- Con:May not suit those preferring a neutral-leaning sound signature
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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