Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM4
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataSony WH-1000XM4 vs Ultrasone Signature Pulse: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Ultrasone Signature Pulse, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Ultrasone Signature Pulse
Not yet scored
$550
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
Ultrasone Signature Pulse
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Ultrasone Signature Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $550 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 50mm Mylar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 5Hz-32kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 33.6 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 115 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 | buttons |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 254 g | 319 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| 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
Ultrasone Signature Pulse
The Ultrasone Signature Pulse is a closed-back over-ear headphone aimed at DJs, packing 50mm Mylar drivers and S-Logic 3 for a wide, three-dimensional soundstage. It delivers a balanced yet bass-forward signature with crisp highs and deep extension, but the snug fit from its headband and earpads can feel a bit tight during longer sessions. With a detachable cable and sensitive 115 dB output, it's built for portable, high-volume use without losing clarity.
- Pro:Powerful, punchy bass with deep sub-bass reach
- Pro:Open, spatial imaging thanks to S-Logic 3 tech
- Pro:Very high sensitivity for easy driving from most sources
- Con:Clamping force may cause discomfort over extended wear
- Con:Treble can come across as sharp or bright on some tracks
- Con:Build feels sturdy but not premium for the price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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