Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
If you're eyeing flagship headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the premium option here, thanks to its industry-leading ANC performance. In real-world testing, the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation literally blocks out the world, making it ideal for travelers and commuters. The Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones offer a unique feature called TV Audio Swap, letting you stream audio directly from Sonos soundbars.96oz compared to the Ace's 11oz, making it more comfortable for extended use. You'll feel the difference during long listening sessions, especially when you're on the go.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
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 Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.5(339)Best Buy |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.4 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless (Snapdragon Sound™) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | Custom-designed 40mm Dynamic Drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | N/A (Not officially specified by manufacturer) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 8 Microphones total (Beamforming for ANC and clear calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 30 hours (with ANC/Spatial Audio on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C Rapid Charge; 3 min = 3 hours playback; Full charge ~3 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive or TV Audio Swap Wi-Fi link) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C to USB-C for lossless digital; USB-C to 3.5mm for analog sources) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 11 oz (312 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Content Key (Slide/Press for Volume & Playback), Noise Control Button, Power/Pairing |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sonos App (Bass, Treble, Loudness toggle) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | TV Audio Swap (Wi-Fi connection to Sonos Soundbars); Dynamic Head Tracking; Magnetic Ear Cushions |
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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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Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • TV Audio Swap instantly transfers immersive home theater audio from Sonos soundbars to headphones
- • Supports aptX™ Lossless for bit-perfect CD-quality audio on compatible Android devices
- • Tactile 'Content Key' slider offers superior control compared to touch gestures
- • Plush memory foam and hidden hinge design provide premium comfort
- • USB-C port supports wired lossless digital audio playback
✗ Cons:
- • High price point places it in direct competition with established luxury rivals
- • TV Audio Swap requires specific Sonos hardware (Arc, Beam, Ray)
- • EQ customization is limited to basic Bass and Treble sliders
- • Heavier than some direct competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its industry-leading ANC crushes the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones. That said, grab the Sonos Ace if you need seamless integration with Sonos hardware for TV audio - it's designed for that specific use case.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you travel frequently and need top-notch noise cancellation, you prefer a lighter headphone for extended wear, or you want seamless multi-device pairing. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones if: you already own Sonos soundbars, you want high-fidelity audio with aptX™ Lossless support, or you prefer tactile controls over touch gestures. (11.01 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize tv audio swap instantly transfers immersive home theater audio from sonos soundbars to headphones. 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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