Sony
Sony WH-1000XM4
Headphones
$348List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Beats Studio Pro
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Beats
Beats Studio Pro
Headphones
$349List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4.
- Leads 3 of 4 rankable overall specs; Beats Studio Pro takes 1.
- Weight: 254 g vs 260 g
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.
Battery life: 30 hours vs 24 hours
It is also $1 cheaper.
The trade-off to know
Sony WH-1000XM4: Microphone voice isolation trails newer XM5 in windy conditions
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 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| WeightDesign | 254 g (8.95 oz) | 260 g (9.17 oz) |
| FoldableDesign | Yes (collapsible foldable headband) | Yes (folds into compact carrying case) |
| Carrying caseDesign | Compact hard-shell zippered carrying case included | Woven fabric zippered carrying case with cable storage |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 with Dual Noise Sensor) | Yes (Fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 30 hours (ANC on) / 38 hours (ANC off) | 24 hours (ANC/Transparency on) / 40 hours (ANC off) |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Reasons to choose it
- Folding headband hinges collapse smaller than the newer XM5
- Supports high-res LDAC streaming and DSEE Extreme upscaling
- Superb value with industry-tested noise cancellation
Worth considering
- Microphone voice isolation trails newer XM5 in windy conditions
- Cannot use LDAC while 2-device Bluetooth multipoint is enabled
Beats Studio Pro
Reasons to choose it
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz audio playback via USB-C cable
- Strong battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC off / 24 hours with ANC on)
- Dual Apple and Android one-touch native pairing ecosystems
Worth considering
- Plastic build feel compared to aluminum rivals
- No automatic wear-detection auto-pause
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Comfort, Clamp & Travel Fit Check
Ergonomic factors that affect daily comfort, glasses wearers, and luggage space.
Folding & Travel Packability
Sony
Folds flat & inward (ultra-compact zippered case)
Beats
Standard folding earcups
Clamp Force & Glasses Comfort
Sony
Gentle clamp force (~4.2 N, comfortable with glasses)
Beats
Standard headphone clamp
Weight & Crown Pressure
Sony
254g (lightweight plastic composite)
Beats
Standard headphone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Sony: What to watch for
- Hardware Quirk
Microphones struggle significantly in windy outdoor conditions.
- Ergonomics
Shallow earcups cause ear cartilage to touch inner driver grille.
Beats: What to watch for
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 Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Beats Studio Pro?
Sony WH-1000XM4 costs $1 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Beats Studio Pro?
Beats Studio Pro has this deal-breaker: no LDAC or aptX. Android phones stream at standard AAC or SBC quality.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Beats Studio Pro?
For flights & commutes, buy the Sony WH-1000XM4. Leads 2 of 2 rankable flights & commutes specs. Battery life: 30 hours vs 24 hours
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 10 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.