AirPods 4 with ANC vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Battle of the noise-canceling buds

Nowadays, active noise cancelation (ANC) is no longer reserved for premium models. You can find this feature on increasingly affordable options, and Apple has finally brought ANC to its standard AirPods line with the AirPods 4. But the question remains: can these more budget-friendly AirPods deliver top-tier noise cancelation, or are you better off investing in one of the best ANC earbuds on the market, like the Sony WF-1000XM5?

We pit these two contenders against each other to see whether the AirPods 4 with ANC can hold their own against Sony’s flagship offering or if the extra investment in the WF-1000XM5 is worth it for those seeking the ultimate in noise cancelation and sound quality. Let’s dive into this battle to see if Apple’s latest can disrupt the ANC hierarchy or if Sony still reigns supreme.

Editor’s note: this article was published on September 23, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the AirPods 4 with ANC compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The AirPods 4 with ANC and Sony WF-1000XM5 offer distinctly different user experiences. The AirPods 4 with ANC features Apple’s signature unsealed design, which some users find more comfortable for extended wear. However, this design can be hit or miss, depending on your ear shape. The WF-1000XM5, on the other hand, uses a more traditional in-ear design with foam ear tips, which Sony has improved for better comfort and fit.

Both earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts. The WF-1000XM5 is notably smaller and lighter than its predecessor, addressing previous comfort issues. The AirPods 4 with ANC, while improved in design, may still pose fitting challenges for some users due to the lack of ear tips or stabilizer fins.

Should you use the apps of either AirPods 4 with ANC or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Both earbuds offer robust app support, but with different approaches. The AirPods 4 with ANC integrate seamlessly with iOS devices, with controls sprinkled throughout the operating system rather than confined to a single app. This allows for easy access to features like spatial audio, adaptive audio, and Find My tracking.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 relies on the Sony Headphones Connect app, available for both iOS and Android. This app offers a wealth of customization options, including EQ adjustment, ambient sound control, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio setup. While the app is comprehensive, it may feel less integrated than Apple’s approach for iOS users.

How do the AirPods 4 with ANC and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect?

Both earbuds offer modern connectivity options but with some differences. The AirPods 4 with ANC uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports the AAC codec, with seamless pairing for Apple devices. However, they lack support for higher-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 also features Bluetooth 5.3 but goes a step further by supporting SBC, AAC, and Sony’s high-quality LDAC codec. They also offer Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously, a feature the AirPods 4 with ANC lacks.

Is battery life better on the AirPods 4 with ANC or Sony WF-1000XM5?

In terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM5 takes the lead. They offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC on (and delivered 9 hours and 32 minutes in testing), with the case providing an additional 16 hours. The AirPods 4 with ANC provide about 6 hours of playback with ANC on, with the case offering an additional 24 hours.

Both earbuds support fast charging and wireless charging, but Sony’s Super Quick Charge feature provides slightly more playtime (about 60 minutes) from a short 3-minute charge compared to Apple’s 5-minute charge for an hour of playback.

Do the AirPods 4 with ANC or Sony WF-1000XM5 block noise better?

Both earbuds perform admirably in noise cancelation but with different strengths. The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers exceptional ANC performance, particularly in the low-frequency range, making them ideal for blocking out ambient noise in environments like airplanes or busy offices. They can attenuate over 30dB of low-frequency noise below 1kHz.

Despite their open design, the AirPods 4 with ANC surprisingly offer effective noise cancelation, especially in the mid-and high-frequency ranges. They can cancel about 20dB of noise in these ranges. However, due to their unsealed design, they struggle to isolate against low-frequency noise compared to the Sony earbuds.

Do the AirPods 4 with ANC sound better than the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Both earbuds offer good sound quality but with different characteristics. The Sony WF-1000XM5 generally provides a more balanced and detailed sound profile, with the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies accurately. They tend to have a slight emphasis on bass, which can be adjusted using the app’s EQ settings.

The AirPods 4 with ANC, while offering decent sound quality, don’t quite match the depth of the Sony earbuds due to their unsealed design. They lack some sub-bass response but provide good clarity in the mids and highs.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

As we can see from the MDAQS charts above, the Sony WF-1000XM5 outperforms the AirPods 4 with ANC in most categories, particularly in overall score, timbre, and immersiveness. The AirPods 4 with ANC score slightly better in distortion, but the difference is minimal.

Objective Measurements

Comparing the frequency responses to our house curve shows that the Sony WF-1000XM5 has a more balanced overall response, with a slight emphasis on the bass region. The AirPods 4 with ANC show a significant roll-off in the sub-bass region due to their unsealed design, but they exhibit a boost in the high frequencies, which can contribute to perceived clarity.

Do the AirPods 4 with ANC or Sony WF-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

Both earbuds offer decent microphone quality for calls but with different strengths. The AirPods 4 with ANC benefits from Apple’s AI processing when connected to an iPhone, which helps filter out background noise during calls. They perform well in various environments, including office and street conditions.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 also provides good call quality, with effective noise reduction in windy conditions. However, some users may find the AirPods 4 with ANC slightly better for call clarity, especially when used with an iPhone.

AirPods 4 with ANC microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

AirPods 4 with ANC microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (COMPARISON conditions):

AirPods 4 with ANC vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

The AirPods 4 with ANC are priced at $179, making them more affordable than the Sony WF-1000XM5, which retails at $299.99. Both are widely available through their respective manufacturers’ websites, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces.

Should you get the AirPods 4 with ANC or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Choosing between the AirPods 4 with ANC and Sony WF-1000XM5 largely depends on your priorities and ecosystem preferences.

Both earbuds offer excellent features and performance in their own right, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out in terms of overall sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC offers unmatched integration with Apple devices and a unique, unsealed design that some users may prefer. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences, budget, and the devices you use most frequently.

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