Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Ananda?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the HiFiMAN Ananda to the Sony WH-1000XM4 buys you 10.0 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in sound (8.0 to 9.0) and value (7.0 to 8.0). On paper: active noise cancelling, weight 399 g to 254 g and usb-c. It's also $40 cheaper, which makes this an easy call. If your current pair is worn out or the gains line up with how you listen, this one is worth the money.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.09.0
- Value7.08.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Ananda | WH-1000XM4 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes | |
| Weight | 399 g | 254 g | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Driver | Planar | dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-55kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Ananda to WH-1000XM4". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.