Sony WH-1000XM4 vs JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option here, offering top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a lightweight design. In real-world use, you get 30 hours of playback with ANC on, which is impressive but not as good as the JBL Tour One M2, which lasts up to 50 hours. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 9.81 oz and Battery: 50h vs 30h (ANC On).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM4 (premium flagship) and JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive 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 | JBL Tour |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.2★ (685 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with ANC) |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | No high-resolution codecs at launch (no LDAC or aptX) |
| 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
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive)
5.3
SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update)
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 Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.2(685)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 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Smart Ambient: Ambient Aware + TalkThru) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40 mm dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 10 Hz – 40 kHz (Passive) / 10 Hz – 22 kHz (Active) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 7 microphones total (4 dedicated to calls with VoiceAware) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 50 hours (ANC Off) / Up to 30 hours (ANC On) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C (Fast Charge: 10 min = 5 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via 'Video Mode' in JBL Headphones App) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable included; Audio only – microphone does not work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 278 g (9.8 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch controls (Right ear cup) + Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, ANC mode) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | JBL Headphones App (10-band Custom EQ, Personi-Fi 2.0, Spatial Sound) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | JBL Spatial Sound; Smart Talk (auto-pause/transparency on voice detect); SilentNow (ANC only without Bluetooth); Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair |
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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
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive)
5.3
SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update)
Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 sensing mics)
Yes (Smart Ambient: Ambient Aware + TalkThru)
Pros
- Excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with ANC)
- Comprehensive app features (Personi-Fi 2.0, Spatial Sound, deep EQ)
Cons
- No high-resolution codecs at launch (no LDAC or aptX)
- Microphone does not function in wired mode
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC and sound quality crushes the JBL Tour One M2.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want the best noise cancellation, you value sound quality for music, or you often switch between devices. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you need 50 hours of battery life, you love customizing sound through an app, or you want a similar-weight design for long listening sessions.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
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 JBL Tour
Top-tier Active Noise Priority
Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.2★. However, JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive 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 JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with anc). 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 JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with anc). Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones no high-resolution codecs at launch (no ldac or aptx). 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 7, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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