Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you want a lightweight option that lasts longer, the Beoplay HX shines with its luxurious design and solid sound quality. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4's top-tier noise cancellation and portability make it an strong fit for travelers and commuters alike. Plus, the luxurious materials and build quality of the Beoplay HX elevate the experience, making it feel worth every penny for those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 10.05 oz and Battery: 35h vs 30h (ANC On).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM4 (premium flagship) and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (high-end) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bang & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.2★ (1,325 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.2(1,325)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (Circumaural) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40 mm Electro-dynamic drivers with Neodymium magnets |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 4 x Digital MEMS voice mics (2 shared with ANC) + 4 x Dedicated MEMS ANC mics |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 35 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / Up to 40 hours (Bluetooth only) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C (Approx. 3 hours for full charge) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5 mm mini-jack; Passive playback supported; Mic does not work in wired mode; USB-C is charging only) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No official IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 285 g (10.1 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch interface (Right earcup: Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, ANC toggle, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bang & Olufsen App (Beosonic™ intuitive tone-touch EQ; not a standard band EQ) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair; Made for iPhone (MFi); Replaceable battery (serviceable); Lambskin leather ear cushions; Fabric carrying case included |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Transparency Mode)
Pros
- Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather
- Excellent battery life (35 hours with ANC) for a lightweight headset
Cons
- No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only)
- Charging is slow (approx. 3 hours) compared to competitors
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its superior noise cancellation crushes the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX. Battery life: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is rated for up to 35 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you need superior noise cancellation for travel, want a lightweight design at 8.96oz, or prefer a more portable option.
Choose the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you prioritize luxury materials, want longer battery life at 35 hours, or enjoy a balanced sound profile for casual listening.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,325 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Bang &
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Bang &
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.2★. However, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones no digital audio support via usb-c (charging only). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 6, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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