There are two leaders on the market of premium headphones, AirPods Pro 2, produced by Apple, and WH-1000XM4 created by Sony. Both of them are in their own categories, the leaders – one is a true wireless in-ear product, and the other is an over-ear powerhouse.
The real question arises, however, which one is better for you? The choice between them is not only a matter of brand loyalty, but the way in which you enjoy your music or conversations on the phone, the way in which you feel comfortable and what kind of convenient life you lead.
We are going to explore design, sound quality, noise cancellation, features, battery, and value in this article. By the final, you shall have a clear picture of which one suits you among the pairs; whether you travel a lot, a casual listener or a professional with a sensitive need to have the best audio output.
Design and Comfort for Everyday Use
Design is a significant aspect of how enjoyable your headphones will be in the long term. AirPods Pro 2 follow the classic in-ear conception and are covered with silicon tips that make them fit snugly in place and are customizable.
They are light, discreet and can fit in pockets, hence a portable tool that suits people on the go. Apple has made them more comfortable than their predecessor, and aesthetically, they are also suitable to wear when doing sports (they are sweat and sweat-resistant, with an IPX rating of 4).
On the one hand, the WH-1000XM4 by Sony has a profoundly different design. It is an over-ear headphone equipped with great cushion padding and a lightweight headband, which distributes the weight of the headphone across the head.
The earcups swivel and fold, thus they are travel-friendly despite their size. Although they are not as compact as AirPods, many prefer to use them during long listening sessions during flights or commutes, as the over-ear fit already has some noise blocking effect even before the active noise canceling.
When comparing comfort, it largely depends on your use case:
- AirPods Pro 2 suits people who want something light, minimal, and easy to carry everywhere.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 is better for those who value all-day comfort and immersive listening without ear fatigue.
Sound Quality and Listening Experience
Sound is where the real battle begins. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 delivers a clean, balanced audio profile. With Apple’s H2 chip, they offer richer bass, clearer vocals, and improved detail compared to the first generation.
Spatial Audio with head tracking makes movies and music more immersive, especially when paired with an iPhone or iPad. For casual listeners and Apple ecosystem users, the experience feels polished and natural.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4, however, takes sound performance to the next level. These headphones are tuned with a warm, bass-forward profile, making them fantastic for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
But they don’t just stop at bass—mids and highs are well-rounded, giving you a fuller listening experience. Plus, with Sony’s LDAC codec, they support high-resolution Audio for users who care about every detail in their music library.
Another difference? Customization. Sony gives you an equalizer in the app, letting you fine-tune the sound exactly how you want. Apple doesn’t offer that level of control; instead, it focuses on delivering a universally pleasing default sound.
Verdict: If you prefer an effortless plug-and-play experience, AirPods Pro 2 shines. If you’re an audiophile who wants control and power, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better bet.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Noise cancellation is one of the main reasons people buy premium headphones, and both models excel here—but in slightly different ways.
The AirPods Pro 2 uses advanced adaptive ANC powered by the H2 chip. They constantly adjust to your surroundings, cutting out everyday noises like traffic, chatter, and the hum of appliances.
What really sets them apart is the Transparency Mode, which feels almost natural—like you’re not wearing earbuds at all. Apple has nailed this feature for people who move in and out of conversations or need environmental awareness.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is legendary for its noise cancellation. Using multiple microphones and advanced algorithms, they create a bubble of silence around you. They’re particularly effective at blocking low-frequency noises such as airplane engines or train rumbles.
For travelers, this makes a world of difference. Sony also offers an “Ambient Sound” mode, though it doesn’t feel quite as natural as Apple’s Transparency Mode.
In short:
- AirPods Pro 2 wins for a natural blend of silence and awareness.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 remains the gold standard for total isolation in noisy environments.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
When it comes to smart features, Apple and Sony take slightly different approaches.
With the AirPods Pro 2, the magic lies in their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Features like Automatic Device Switching, Find My support, and Audio Sharing make them extremely convenient if you already own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Add to that the touch-sensitive stems, which let you adjust volume with a simple swipe, and you’ve got earbuds that feel truly smart in daily use. Voice assistant access via Siri is instant and reliable, though of course, it limits you to Apple’s ecosystem.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 aims for versatility. They support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making them flexible for both Android and iOS users. The Sony Headphones Connect app is another highlight—it gives you control over EQ, adaptive sound settings, and more.
One standout feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses your music when you start talking, then resumes once you stop. Add to that multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and Sony gives you serious convenience when using multiple devices.
Verdict: If you’re all-in with Apple, AirPods Pro 2 are unbeatable for convenience. If you’re platform-agnostic or want more customization, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the smarter pick.
Battery Life and Charging Convenience
Battery life is a crucial factor when deciding between earbuds and over-ear headphones.
The AirPods Pro 2 delivers about 6 hours per charge with Active Noise Cancellation on, and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. The case supports both Lightning and MagSafe wireless charging, making it very convenient. For quick top-ups, just 5 minutes in the case gives you about an hour of listening time.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4, being larger over-ear headphones, naturally packs more battery power. They last up to 30 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, and can push close to 38 hours without ANC. Fast-charging is impressive too—just 10 minutes of charging gives you around 5 hours of playback. The only drawback is the lack of wireless charging, but they do use a USB-C port for convenience.
Verdict: For everyday use and portability, AirPods Pro 2 hold their own with their case and wireless charging. But if you need marathon sessions without recharging, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the undisputed winner.
Price, Value, and Long-Term Investment
Price is always a deciding factor, and both of these premium devices sit in a similar range, though with different philosophies.
The AirPods Pro 2 usually retail for around $249. For what you pay, you’re getting a compact, ecosystem-friendly device with premium features like Adaptive Transparency and Spatial Audio. They’re a great long-term investment if you plan to stick with Apple devices since their full potential really shines within the Apple ecosystem.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 launched at $349, but they frequently drop to around $279–299, making them competitively priced. For that, you’re getting best-in-class noise cancellation, superb audio quality, and tons of customizable features. They’re more universal, working equally well across iOS, Android, Windows, and more.
When it comes to long-term investment, AirPods Pro 2 might need replacing sooner due to their smaller battery cells and less repair-friendly design—Sony WH-1000XM4, being over-ear headphones, often last longer with proper care.
Verdict: AirPods Pro 2 delivers value through ecosystem integration, while WH-1000XM4 give you more durability and versatility for the price.
Real-Life Usage Scenarios: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?
Let’s imagine how these headphones fit into everyday life.
- Commuters & Travelers: The Sony WH-1000XM4 dominates here. Their superior ANC blocks out engine rumbles and chatter, while the long battery life makes them perfect for long flights or train rides.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner—they’re sweat-resistant, light, and won’t weigh you down during workouts. Over-ear headphones like Sony’s can feel bulky in the gym.
- Office Professionals: Both work well, but Sony’s Speak-to-Chat and multi-device pairing make them slightly more work-friendly. However, if you use Macs and iPhones heavily, AirPods Pro 2 feels more seamless.
- Casual Listeners: AirPods Pro 2’s ease of use, quick pairing, and pocketability make them the more convenient choice.
This shows that there isn’t one absolute winner—it depends on your lifestyle and daily routines.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
So, after comparing design, sound, noise cancellation, smart features, battery life, and value, which should you buy?
If you’re deep into Apple’s ecosystem and want portability, seamless syncing, and features like Spatial Audio and Transparency Mode, the AirPods Pro 2 are a fantastic choice. They fit perfectly into a mobile lifestyle where convenience matters as much as sound.
If you’re an audiophile, frequent traveler, or someone who wants top-tier noise cancellation with long-lasting battery life, then the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands tall. They’re versatile, customizable, and built to last, making them a smart choice for people who value performance and durability.
Bottom line:
- Pick AirPods Pro 2 for convenience, portability, and Apple synergy.
- Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 for immersive sound, endless battery, and travel comfort.
At the end of the day, both are winners in their own right—your choice depends on whether you want the freedom of in-ear portability or the richness of over-ear power.
FAQs
Are AirPods Pro 2nd generation better than WF 1000XM4?
AirPods Pro 2 offer better ecosystem integration and Transparency Mode, while WF-1000XM4 delivers richer sound and stronger ANC. The choice depends on your lifestyle needs.
Are Apple AirPods Pro better than Sony?
AirPods Pro are more portable and seamless for Apple users, while Sony headphones usually win in sound quality and battery life. Each excels in different areas.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 better than the Apple?
Sony WH-1000XM4 provides superior noise cancellation and long battery life. AirPods Pro 2 shines with portability, spatial Audio, and Apple device integration.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 better than the AirPods Pro 2?
Sony WH-1000XM5 outperforms in sound depth and ANC for over-ear use. AirPods Pro 2 remains better for compact, on-the-go convenience within the Apple ecosystem.