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Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Technics EAH-T700: 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.

Score 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
Technics EAH-T700
Sound5.5
Value5.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Technics EAH-T700
SpecSony WH-1000XM4Technics EAH-T700
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$300$450
HearWiki score88 / 100 · Outstanding58 / 100 · Average
Released20202018
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size40 mm50 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response4 Hz - 40,000 Hz3Hz-100kHz
Impedance16 Ω28 Ω
Sensitivity105 dB/mW102 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5-
Bluetooth version5.0-
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC-
Multipoint pairingYesNo
Battery
Battery life38 h-
Battery life (ANC on)30 h-
Full charge time180 min-
Quick charge10 min = 5 h-
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingYesNo
ANC typeadaptivenone
Transparency modeYesNo
Companion appYesNo
Custom EQYesNo
Wear detectionYesNo
Controlstouchnone
Voice assistantGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa-
Design
Weight254 g470 g
Water resistancenone-
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CYesNo
Calls
Microphones2-

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

Technics EAH-T700

The Technics EAH-T700 is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone with a dual-driver dynamic design and high sensitivity, aimed at audiophiles using portable hi-res players. While its build quality is excellent and it can deliver distortion-free sound, its tuning is divisive—critics point to harsh treble and exaggerated frequencies that undermine musicality. Comfort issues like heat buildup and head pressure, plus a lack of a padded case, further hold it back at its price point.

  • Pro:Excellent build quality and premium materials
  • Pro:Distortion-free output with high sensitivity
  • Pro:Two-driver dynamic design for detailed sound
  • Con:Harsh treble and uneven frequency tuning
  • Con:Uncomfortable heat buildup and head pressure
  • Con:No protective padded case included

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

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