Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM4
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataSony WH-1000XM4 vs STAX SR-X21: 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
STAX SR-X21
74Good
$535
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
STAX SR-X21
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | STAX SR-X21 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $535 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 74 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2020 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | round electrostatic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz | - |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 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 | touch | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 254 g | 234 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | SR-X1 |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 2 | - |
What reviewers said
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
STAX SR-X21
The STAX SR-X21 is a lightweight electrostatic over-ear that offers a fast, detailed, and transparent sound with a neutral balance, making it an accessible entry into Stax's signature technology. It requires a dedicated electrostatic energizer, delivers limited bass impact compared to dynamic drivers, and its build feels less premium than its audio performance suggests. Best suited for stationary home listening, it provides strong technical performance for its price but comes with typical electrostatic trade-offs.
- Pro:Fast, detailed, and transparent sound
- Pro:Neutral tonal balance with good punch
- Pro:Very light and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic energizer or amp
- Con:Limited bass impact and extension
- Con:Build quality feels less rugged than premium
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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