
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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Technics EAH-T700 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $450 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 58 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 3Hz-100kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | adaptive | none |
| Transparency mode | Yes | No |
| Companion app | Yes | No |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | No |
| Controls | touch | none |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 254 g | 470 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| 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
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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