Sony WH-1000XM4 vs JBL Live 770NC
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option here, dominating with its industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). In real-world use, the WH-1000XM4's lightweight design at 8.96oz means you can wear them for hours without discomfort. However, the 770NC offers a unique feature called Personi-Fi 2.0, which adapts the sound profile to your hearing, making it ideal for those who want a personalized audio experience.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
JBL Live 770NC
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 JBL Live 770NC
Sony WH-1000XM4
JBL Live 770NC
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | JBL Live 770NC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.6(1,519)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready via OTA update) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC (LC3 ready via future update) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 noise-sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Smart Ambient / TalkThru) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (JBL Signature Sound) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 2 Beamforming Microphones for calls (Wind-noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 65 hours (ANC off) / Up to 50 hours (ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; Full charge in 3 hours; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Multi-point connection for 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (Video Mode available via JBL Headphones App) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (Detachable 3.5mm audio cable included; Microphone DOES NOT work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating stated) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 9.03 oz (256 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Power, Bluetooth) + Touch Control on earcup (Voice Assistant, ANC) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | JBL Headphones App (Personi-Fi 2.0, Parametric EQ, Spatial Sound) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | JBL Spatial Sound; Auto Play/Pause; Google Finder support; Comfort-fit fabric headband |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
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JBL Live 770NC
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • Personi-Fi 2.0 adapts the sound profile to your specific hearing capabilities
- • True Adaptive ANC effectively adjusts to changing environments automatically
- • Lightweight design with a fabric headband ensures comfort for long sessions
- • Supports Bluetooth Multipoint for seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Microphone functionality is disabled when using the wired connection
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs like LDAC or aptX at launch
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating makes them unsuitable for heavy workouts
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Which one is better?
Grab the Sony if you need top-tier ANC and sound quality - it's worth it for serious audiophiles.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want the best noise cancellation for flights, need a lightweight option for long listening sessions, or value sound quality with advanced features. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the JBL Live 770NC if: you need 2+ days of battery life, enjoy customized sound profiles, or want a more budget-friendly headphone for everyday use.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). JBL Live 770NC is better if you prioritize excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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