Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Beats Studio Pro
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option here, costing a bit more but offering top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that really shines in real-world use. Battery life: Beats Studio Pro is rated for up to 40 hours. Plus, its USB-C audio supports lossless playback, which is a game-changer for music lovers looking for quality sound on the go. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 9.17 oz and Battery: 30h vs 40h.
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM4 (premium flagship) and Beats Studio Pro (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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Beats Studio |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.5★ (24,643 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | USB-C audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | No wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed) |
| 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
Beats Studio Pro
Over-ear
Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input
Bluetooth 5.3
SBC, AAC
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Beats Studio Pro
Sony WH-1000XM4
Beats Studio Pro
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.5(24,643)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40mm custom active driver |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Upgraded voice-targeting microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 40 hrs (ANC off); up to 24 hrs (ANC or Transparency on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; 10 min Fast Fuel = up to 4 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | No (Supports ecosystem switching for Apple/Android) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (no dedicated wireless mode, lossless via USB-C) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C lossless audio + 3.5mm analog) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 260 g |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical 'b' button, volume rocker, multi-function button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | No app EQ; 3 onboard profiles available via USB-C only |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio w/ Head Tracking; Find My / Find My Device support; One-touch pairing (iOS/Android) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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
Beats Studio Pro
Over-ear
Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input
Bluetooth 5.3
SBC, AAC
Yes (Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Transparency mode)
Pros
- USB-C audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously
- Excellent physical control buttons (no finicky touch controls)
Cons
- No wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed)
- No generic Bluetooth Multipoint (can't connect to 2 devices at once)
Which one is better?
Grab the Sony if you prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and multi-device pairing - it's worth it for those features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you value the best Active Noise Cancellation for travel, need to connect to multiple devices seamlessly, or want a lightweight design for long listening sessions. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Beats Studio Pro if: you need extended battery life for longer trips, prefer physical control buttons over touch controls, or often use USB-C for lossless audio playback. (9.17 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 24,643 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Beats Studio
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 Beats Studio
Top-tier Active Noise Priority
Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.5★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Beats Studio Pro?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Beats Studio Pro wins if you value usb-c audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio Pro?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while Beats Studio Pro stands out with usb-c audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously. Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, Beats Studio Pro no wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed). 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: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.