Apple
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Headphones
$179List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Headphones
$299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper.
- The 2 rankable overall specs split 1 to 1.
- Saves $120 at list price.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation has no LDAC or aptX.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Open-ear true wireless earbuds | In-ear true wireless earbuds with noise-isolation foam tips |
| WeightDesign | 8.6 g (0.30 oz) earbuds total (4.3 g each) / 34.7 g charging case | 11.8 g (0.42 oz) earbuds total (5.9 g each) / 39 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | No (pocket-sized charging case) | No (compact pocket case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Active Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode) | Yes (Integrated Processor V2 + HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e with dual feedback mics) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 4 hours listening time on single charge with ANC on (5 hours ANC off) / up to 20 hours with charging case (ANC on) | 8 hours listening time with ANC on (12 hours ANC off) / up to 24 hours total with case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Reasons to choose it
- Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio in an open-ear, tip-less fit
- Apple H2 chip with Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking
- Smallest wireless charging case with built-in Find My speaker and USB-C
Worth considering
- Open-ear ANC is naturally less isolating than in-ear silicone tip earbuds like AirPods Pro
- Battery life drops to 4 hours per charge with ANC enabled (20 hours total with case)
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Dual processors (QN2e + V2) provide stellar active noise cancellation across all frequencies
- Dynamic Driver X delivers wide frequency response and deep rich bass with LDAC Hi-Res support
- Compact 25% smaller and 20% lighter design than previous XM4 generation with polyurethane foam tips
Worth considering
- Polyurethane noise-isolation foam tips require a rolling squeeze technique to fit properly
- Glossy edge finish can make earbuds slightly slippery to grip from case
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation costs $120 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
Tied on flights & commutes. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper. The 2 rankable flights & commutes specs split 1 to 1. Saves $120 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 12 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.