Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship choice here, offering industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). If you're looking for an immersive audio experience, the WH-1000XM4's ANC makes it a no-brainer for everyday use. The trade-off? You'll get the best wireless mic quality with the Razer, but miss out on the noise-canceling features that make the Sony headphones stand out in noisy environments.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
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 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4(11,865)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed (USB-A dongle) + Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Wired Audio & Charging) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | No (Passive noise isolation via memory foam seals) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | Razer TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 12 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Detachable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic (32 kHz sampling rate) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 70 hours (2.4 GHz wireless) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; ~4 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = 6 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (SmartSwitch Dual Wireless: Toggles between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed dongle) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C to USB-A cable for digital audio + charging; NO 3.5mm jack) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 11.3 oz (320 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical knobs/buttons (Volume knob, Mic mute, Power, SmartSwitch/EQ button) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Razer Synapse (PC); On-headset eSports FPS Profiles (Apex, CoD, CS:GO, Valorant) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | THX Spatial Audio (Windows only); Breathable FlowKnit memory foam cushions; USB extender cable included |
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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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Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
✓ Pros:
- • HyperClear Super Wideband Mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless)
- • Exceptional 70-hour battery life eliminates frequent charging interruptions
- • On-board FPS audio profiles tuned by pro gamers (usable without software running)
- • Extremely comfortable clamping force and breathable cushions for long sessions
- • SmartSwitch allows seamless toggling between PC (dongle) and phone (Bluetooth) audio
✗ Cons:
- • Completely lacks a 3.5mm analog jack (cannot connect to Xbox controllers or older devices)
- • No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features
- • SmartSwitch does not mix audio simultaneously (one source at a time)
- • Full feature set (THX Spatial, precise EQ) is locked to Razer Synapse software on PC
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC crushes the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023).
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want top-notch noise cancellation, you travel frequently and need a portable design, or you enjoy long listening sessions. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) if: you need a headset for gaming with superior microphone quality, you prefer longer battery life for extended use, or you want customizable audio profiles for different games. (11.29 oz weight)
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). Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is better if you prioritize hyperclear super wideband mic delivers near-broadcast vocal clarity (best-in-class for wireless). 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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