Sony WH-1000XM4 & Beats Studio Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 rather than the Beats Studio Pro.
Why Do I Recommend The Sony WH-1000XM4?
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 has adaptive active noise cancellation for consistently reducing low-frequency and sudden environmental noise during travel and office use, while the Beats Studio Pro uses standard noise cancellation.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity to stay connected to two devices simultaneously without manual switching, whereas the Beats Studio Pro requires disconnecting and reconnecting between devices.
- It features LDAC wireless codec support for higher-resolution audio streaming on compatible devices with improved detail and clarity, while the Beats Studio Pro uses SBC and AAC codecs only for wireless playback.
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 comes with a customizable multi-band equalizer to precisely tune bass, mids, and treble based on listening preferences, while the Beats Studio Pro has no manual EQ adjustment.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 includes Speak-to-Chat technology to automatically pause music when the user starts talking for quick conversations, whereas the Beats Studio Pro lacks automatic voice-detection features.
- It supports wear detection sensors to automatically pause playback when the headphones are removed and resume when worn again, while the Beats Studio Pro does not include wear detection.
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled for longer uninterrupted listening sessions, while the Beats Studio Pro delivers shorter playback time under the same conditions.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 includes a 3.5mm analog audio input to maintain compatibility with airplanes, audio interfaces, and wired sources, whereas the Beats Studio Pro does not support analog wired connections.
Maybe the Beats Studio Pro can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Beats Studio Pro |
| Primary Sound Signature | Balanced | Neutral |
| Noise Cancellation Type | Adaptive ANC | Standard ANC |
| Transparency Mode Type | Adjustable Ambient | Amplified Transparency |
| Wireless Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Lossless Audio Support | Wireless LDAC | Wired USB-C |
| Multi-Device Multipoint | Yes | No |
| EQ Customization | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Sound Control | Yes | No |
| Speak-to-Chat | Yes | No |
| Wear Detection Auto Pause | Yes | No |
| Wired Analog Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | ~30h | ~24h |
| Fast Charge Rate | ~5h/10min | ~4h/10min |
| Foldability | Fully Foldable | Flat Fold Only |
| USB-C Port Function | Charging Only | Charging + Audio |
| Microphone Quality Focus | ANC Voice | Clarity Voice |
| Case Size | Larger | Slimmer |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly Heavier |
| Ecosystem Optimization | Cross-Platform | Apple-Focused |
| Price | Check Sony XM4 Price | Check Beats Studio Pro Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Over-Ear Design: Both headphones use an over-ear form factor that fully surrounds the ears. This design improves comfort during long sessions and helps with passive noise isolation.
- Wireless Bluetooth Audio: Each model supports Bluetooth for cable-free listening with phones, tablets, and computers. This allows easy pairing and mobility without being physically tethered to a device.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones include active noise cancellation to reduce background sounds. This is important for travel, office use, and focused listening in noisy environments.
- Transparency / Ambient Mode: Each model provides a mode that lets outside sounds pass through the headphones. This helps users stay aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones.
- Built-In Microphones: Both headphones include integrated microphones for calls and voice commands. These microphones enable communication without needing an external mic.
- Hands-Free Calling: Each model supports taking phone calls directly through the headphones. This allows seamless switching between music playback and conversations.
- Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones can interact with voice assistants on connected devices. This enables hands-free control for tasks such as calling, messaging, or controlling playback.
- On-Headphone Controls: Physical or touch-based controls are built into both models. These controls allow users to adjust volume, manage calls, and control playback directly from the headphones.
- Companion Mobile App: Each headphone model works with a dedicated mobile app. The apps allow access to settings, device status, and software features.
- Firmware Updates: Both headphones support firmware updates. This allows manufacturers to improve performance, stability, and compatibility over time.
- Rechargeable Battery: Each model uses an internal rechargeable battery. This removes the need for disposable batteries and supports repeated long-term use.
- USB-C Charging: Both headphones charge via USB-C. This provides compatibility with modern chargers and simplifies cable management.
- Fast Charging Support: Each model supports fast charging for quick power top-ups. This is useful when limited time is available before use.
- Fold-Flat Ear-Cups: Both headphones allow the earcups to fold flat. This improves portability and makes storage easier in bags or cases.
- Included Carrying Case: Each model comes with a protective carrying case. The case helps prevent damage during travel or storage.
- Stereo Audio Playback: Both headphones support standard stereo sound output. This ensures proper left-right channel separation for music and media.
- Noise-Reducing Call Mics: Each model uses microphone processing to reduce background noise during calls. This improves voice clarity in busy environments.
Common Features
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Beats Studio Pro |
| Over-Ear Design | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Bluetooth Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency / Ambient Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Built-In Microphones | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-Free Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
| On-Headphone Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Companion Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging Support | Yes | Yes |
| Fold-Flat Earcups | Yes | Yes |
| Included Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Audio Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Noise-Reducing Call Mics | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Sony XM4 Price | Check Beats Studio Pro Price |