Sony
Sony WF-1000XM6
V2 chip · LDAC · 30hr · 360 Reality Audio
94
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple
AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black
H3 · Adaptive ANC · Real-time translation
94
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WF-1000XM6 lands at 94 and AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black at 94. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sony WF-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Class-leading sound + ANC combo
- ✓LDAC + multipoint
- ✓30-hour total battery
Pick AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- ✓Real-time Live Translate
- ✓Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Sony WF-1000XM6 94
vs 94 AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black
Score breakdown
Sony WF-1000XM6
94 anc 94
sound 95
comfort 86
battery 92
features 96
AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black
94 anc 96
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 82
features 98
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM6 | AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | — |
| Codecs | LDAC + AAC + LC3 | — |
| Battery | ▲ 8 hr (24 hr with case) | 6 h (ANC) / 35 h case |
| Charging | USB-C / Qi | — |
| Weight | 5.4 g per bud | — |
| IP rating | IP54 | — |
| Chip | — | H3 |
| Connectivity | — | BT 5.4 |
| Water rating | — | IP57 |
| Release year | — | 2025 |
Sony WF-1000XM6
Pros
- +Class-leading sound + ANC combo
- +LDAC + multipoint
- +30-hour total battery
Cons
- −App-required for advanced EQ
- −Larger than AirPods Pro 3
- −Premium pricing
AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black
Pros
- +H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- +Real-time Live Translate
- +Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Cons
- −Pricier than AirPods Pro 3
- −Android compatibility limited
- −Battery ~6h still
FAQ: Sony WF-1000XM6 vs AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Sony WF-1000XM6 or AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black? +
Both score 94 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WF-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $299, Sony WF-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in features.
Is AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $279, AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in features.
Does Sony WF-1000XM6 or AirPods Pro 4 · Midnight Black last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.