Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option, delivering industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a robust sound profile. That's a game changer for anyone tired of frequent recharges. What really sets these headphones apart is the Sennheiser's Sound Personalization feature, which tailors audio to your hearing profile. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM4’s ANC is top-notch, making it ideal for noisy environments.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
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 Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.1(1,285)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Audio/Charging) + 2.5mm Jack (Analog input on earcup) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, SBC, mSBC, CVSD |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Adaptive Hybrid ANC) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 37mm dynamic drivers (Angled) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 2 beamforming microphones (Speech) + ANC microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 50 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C Digital Audio + Analog via included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 8.0 oz (227 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch pad (Right earcup: Volume, Play/Pause, Skip, ANC toggle) + Physical Power/Pairing button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sennheiser Smart Control app (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Smart Pause (Wear detection); Wind Noise Reduction; Carrying case included; 3.9' USB-C cable & 4.2' audio cable |
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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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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled reduces charging anxiety
- • Sound Personalization feature creates a custom audio profile for your hearing
- • Supports high-resolution wired audio via USB-C (plug-and-play with PC/phones)
- • Includes a robust carrying case (unlike the standard Accentum model)
- • Touch controls are responsive and intuitive for playback/volume adjustments
✗ Cons:
- • Earcup input is 2.5mm (sub-standard size), making replacement cables harder to find
- • Clamp force can feel slightly tight on larger heads due to the compact headband
- • Lacks an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance
- • Design does not fold completely for compact storage (earcups swivel flat only)
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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 Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black). That said, grab the Sennheiser if you need a whopping 50 hours of battery life - it's a no-brainer for long trips.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want the best ANC for noisy environments, you value premium sound quality, or you listen for hours without discomfort. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if: you need 50 hours of battery life for extended use, you appreciate customizable sound profiles, or you prefer a lighter headphone for daily wear.
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is better if you prioritize impressive 50-hour battery life with anc enabled reduces charging anxiety. 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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