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Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 87. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $278.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WF-1000XM6 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
  • Sony WF-1000XM6
HearWiki score
84
87
Sound
9.1
9.3
Noise cancelling
8.3
9.2
Battery
7.3
8.4
Calls
8.6
8.4
Value
7.9
8.1
Price (USD)
$210
$280

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Both shipped in 2026. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 6.1 against 5.3. It also adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • Galaxy Buds 4 Pro2026
  • WF-1000XM62026
What differsGalaxy Buds 4 ProWF-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
6.1
5.3

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, LE Audio (LC3), ANC type, Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Galaxy Buds 4 ProWF-1000XM6
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$210
$280
HearWiki score
84
87
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
2-driver hybrid
8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
8.4 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
warm
-
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
6.1
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable, LC3
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
7 h
12 h
Battery life (ANC on)
6 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
30 h
-
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Bixby
Google Assistant
Weight
10.2 g
6.5 g
Case weight
44.3 g
47.1 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
8
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are top-tier wireless earbuds with adaptive noise cancellation and a robust feature set, including LDAC support and multipoint connectivity. They offer a comfortable, IP57-rated design with a long battery life, making them a strong contender for premium listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive ANC
  • Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC codec
  • Pro:Durable IP57 water resistance
  • Con:Pricey at around $250
  • Con:No foldable design for storage
  • Con:Touch controls may be sensitive for some

Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
  • Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
  • Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
  • Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
  • Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonSamsung Galaxy Buds 4 ProSony WF-1000XM6