Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WH‑1000XM4 are still the two most talked-about premium headphones in 2025. Even though one is small in-ear buds and the other is big over-ear headphones, both have cutting-edge technologies that change what we anticipate from wireless audio.
Apple has perfected seamless connectivity and smart integration with the AirPods Pro 2, especially for iPhone users, offering impressive noise cancellation in a tiny package.
Meanwhile, Sony’s WH‑1000XM4, despite being a few years old, still holds a strong place in the market with its excellent battery life, customizable sound, and immersive over-ear comfort.
So, which one truly delivers the better experience in 2025? Is it the lightweight and intelligent AirPods Pro 2, or the full-sized, studio-quality XM4s?
Design & Comfort: Over-Ear vs In-Ear — Which Feels Better for Hours of Use?
When you’re spending over $200 on headphones, comfort becomes more than just a bonus — it’s essential. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WH‑1000XM4 approach comfort from two very different angles, and your preference could depend on how you plan to use them.
The AirPods Pro 2 are incredibly lightweight at just 5.3 grams per earbud, making them feel nearly invisible during use.
Apple includes three silicone tip sizes to ensure a good seal, and with the in-ear design, you can easily lie down, work out, or even fall asleep with them on. Their IPX4 sweat and water resistance also makes them perfect for active users.
On the other hand, the Sony WH‑1000XM4 goes for a plush over-ear design, weighing about 254 grams. While much bulkier, they provide a pillowy fit with soft memory foam padding that gently wraps around your ears.
If you’re someone who enjoys long listening sessions — like on flights, office hours, or deep work sessions — the XM4s feel like luxury cushions on your head. Plus, the over-ear seal naturally helps with passive noise isolation.
In short:
- AirPods Pro 2: Ultra-light, pocket-sized, best for mobility and casual use.
- Sony XM4: Big and comfortable, perfect for extended wear and immersive focus.
Noise Cancellation Showdown: Adaptive ANC or Studio Silence?
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best in their class when it comes to blocking out noise, but they do it in quite different ways.
The AirPods Pro 2 use Apple’s custom-designed H2 chip, which enhances real-time noise processing. These earbuds constantly adjust the ANC based on your environment using adaptive transparency mode and internal microphones.
Whether you’re walking through a noisy street or on a crowded train, the AirPods Pro 2 effectively block out most ambient noise, especially in the mid and high-frequency ranges like voices and city sounds. They’re surprisingly powerful for such a small size.
The Sony WH‑1000XM4, however, still reigns supreme in over-ear ANC. Thanks to Sony’s QN1 noise cancelling processor, the XM4s create a vacuum-like silence — particularly against low-frequency hums like airplane engines, AC units, or public transport.
In side-by-side comparisons, the XM4s tend to outperform AirPods in blocking deeper background noise. You also get ambient sound control, 20 levels of ANC adjustment, and an adaptive sound profile based on your location and activity.
In short:
- AirPods Pro 2: Impressive for in-ear ANC, best at voice and surface noise.
- Sony WH‑1000XM4: Best-in-class ANC, unbeatable in travel and deep focus zones.
If silence is golden, Sony may still have the crown — but Apple isn’t far behind.
Sound Quality & Audio Experience: Spatial vs Hi-Res?
Sound quality is where personal taste really comes into play — and both the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WH‑1000XM4 bring something unique to the table.
Starting with the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has fine-tuned the sound with a more balanced profile. Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds offer richer bass, clearer mids, and sparkling highs without distortion, even at high volume.
What really sets them apart is Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. If you’re watching movies or listening to Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos tracks, it feels like the sound is moving all around you — creating a mini home theater in your ears. However, there’s no custom EQ — you’re locked into Apple’s tuning.
In contrast, the Sony WH‑1000XM4 goes big with soundstage and depth. With 40mm drivers and support for LDAC (a high-resolution audio codec), these headphones deliver rich, warm, and layered sound — especially when listening to lossless audio on services like TIDAL or high-bitrate FLAC files.
You also get a 5-band custom EQ through the Sony Headphones Connect app, letting you tweak everything to your taste — whether you’re a bass lover or a classical purist.
Comparing the two:
- AirPods Pro 2: Cleaner vocals, 3D audio for Apple users, slightly flatter EQ.
- Sony WH‑1000XM4: Bigger bass, wider soundstage, Hi-Res audio support, customizable EQ.
In short, if you want plug-and-play sound with cinematic effects, AirPods win. But if you crave depth, detail, and control, the XM4s steal the spotlight.
Smart Features & Controls: Seamless Ecosystem or Smart App Control?
The AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WH-1000XM4 both have a lot of smart features, but they are good at different things.
Let’s start with the second set of AirPods Pro. If you utilize Apple products, the experience is smooth and amazing. The case connects to your iPhone automatically as soon as you open it.
You can switch between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch automatically, and you can even use Siri without touching anything. You may also use touch sensors on the stem to change the noise modes and level. The new Find My feature makes it easier to find both the case and the individual earphones.
The Sony WH‑1000XM4, while not as tightly integrated with iOS, shines with cross-platform versatility. With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can customize everything — from adaptive sound control (which changes ANC based on your movement) to speak-to-chat (which pauses music when you talk).
There’s also wear detection that pauses when you take them off, and multipoint connection lets you pair with two devices at once — like a laptop and phone.
To sum up:
- AirPods Pro 2: Best for Apple users — seamless switching, smart Siri, Find My, smooth gestures.
- Sony WH‑1000XM4: Best for tinkerers — full app control, smarter ANC, multipoint, EQ, speak-to-chat.
So, it’s a choice between Apple’s simplicity and Sony’s customization.
Battery Life: All-Day Power or Quick Juice Up?
Battery life can make or break your listening experience — especially if you’re always on the move. And this is where the size difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WH‑1000XM4 really shows.
The Sony WH‑1000XM4 delivers outstanding endurance. On a full charge, you get up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation on, and up to 38 hours without ANC.
That’s enough to power through a couple of long-haul flights or a full work week of use. If you ever forget to charge, Sony has your back — just 10 minutes of fast charging gives you 5 hours of playtime, thanks to its USB-C quick charge support.
The AirPods Pro 2, while compact, are surprisingly efficient. Each bud gives you about 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and the charging case extends it to a total of 30 hours — matching the Sony in total playback when you include recharges.
A quick 5-minute charge gives about 1 hour of listening, and the MagSafe-compatible case also supports wireless charging via Qi or Apple Watch chargers, making it super convenient.
Quick comparison:
- Sony WH‑1000XM4: 30 hours on a single charge, perfect for long, uninterrupted use.
- AirPods Pro 2: 6 hours per charge, 30 hours total with case, ideal for short sessions with easy top-ups.
So if you want long sessions without thinking about charging, Sony wins. But if you prefer smaller daily charges and more flexibility, the AirPods offer an edge.
Pricing & Value for Money: Premium Tag — But Is It Worth It in 2025?
Price always plays a major role in premium audio gear, and in 2025, both of these models are still widely available — but at very different price points due to age and market strategy.
The AirPods Pro 2 retail officially for $249, but often go on sale for around $199 depending on the store and season. For this price, you get Apple’s signature build, top-notch integration, and a high resale demand. Apple also provides regular software updates, which means your AirPods stay relevant longer.
The Sony WH‑1000XM4, originally priced at $349, can now be found for as low as $229 or even $199 during deals — especially since the WH‑1000XM5 is now Sony’s flagship.
Despite being a 2020 model, the XM4 continues to hold strong due to its incredible ANC, comfort, and battery life. It’s an aging legend, but still a fantastic value — especially at the reduced price.
In terms of value, both give you a lot for the money:
- AirPods Pro 2: Best value for Apple users and those wanting cutting-edge compact tech.
- Sony WH‑1000XM4: Best value for over-ear comfort, serious battery life, and feature-packed customization.
Both offer great resale value — but AirPods typically resell quicker due to the wider mainstream demand.
Final Verdict: Which One Deserves Your Money in 2025?
If you’re trying to decide between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WH‑1000XM4 in 2025, the choice really depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if:
- You’re deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem.
- You need compact, portable, and sweat-resistant earbuds.
- You enjoy features like Spatial Audio, seamless device switching, and Find My support.
Go for the Sony WH‑1000XM4 if:
- You want rich sound, long battery life, and ultra-soft comfort.
- You use Android or multi-platform devices.
- You want total control over EQ and ANC through Sony’s excellent app.
In the end, you’re comparing apples and oranges — literally. One is a modern, wireless in-ear solution built for flexibility. The other is a powerhouse over-ear headset made for immersive audio sessions.
And the best part? Both are now priced closer than ever — making either choice a win in 2025.
FAQs:
Q1: Which has better noise cancellation — AirPods Pro 2 or WH‑1000XM4?
A: Sony WH‑1000XM4 offers deeper noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds. AirPods Pro 2 are better for everyday environments.
Q2: Can I use Sony WH‑1000XM4 with an iPhone?
A: Yes, absolutely. While it doesn’t offer Apple’s ecosystem perks, it connects via Bluetooth and works perfectly with iPhones.
Q3: Which is more comfortable for long listening — AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WH‑1000XM4?
A: For extended sessions like flights or work, Sony WH‑1000XM4’s over-ear design is more comfortable. AirPods are better for shorter or mobile use.
Q4: Which one has better resale value in 2025?
A: AirPods Pro 2 generally resell faster due to Apple’s brand appeal and strong iPhone user base, but both hold value well.
