Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2020
Meze Audio 109 Pro
Open-back
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black lands at 90 and Meze Audio 109 Pro at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Meze Audio 109 Pro if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black leads on anc (88 vs 0).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight BlackSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($349 vs $799).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black | Meze Audio 109 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Open-back |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Meze Audio 109 Pro
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black vs Meze Audio 109 Pro
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black or Meze Audio 109 Pro? +
Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Is Meze Audio 109 Pro worth the price? +
At $799, Meze Audio 109 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.
Does Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black or Meze Audio 109 Pro 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.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black or Meze Audio 109 Pro? +
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (88 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is the better value, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black or Meze Audio 109 Pro? +
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($349 vs $799). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.