Headphones / Space One Pro vs WH-1000XM4
Space One Pro vs WH-1000XM4
WH-1000XM4
Still the budget-friendly gateway into the XM series.
Wins overall by 0.2 points
Quick Verdict
This is a close call. The WH-1000XM4 edges ahead by 0.2 points overall, but the Space One Pro is still an excellent choice — especially if the budget pick that doesn't feel like a compromise.
The Space One Pro and WH-1000XM4 are both closely matched headphones, and the Space One Pro is $118 cheaper than the WH-1000XM4 ($129.99 vs $248). On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.9 vs 7.8/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On sound quality, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.8 vs 8.0/10) — driver performance, tuning, and detail. On battery, the Space One Pro leads (9.1 vs 8.3/10) — playtime, standby, and charging speed. Overall, the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.4/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.2/10 for the Space One Pro, though the gap is close enough that your specific use case should decide it. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Space One Pro | WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $248.00 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 40✓ | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 65✓ | 38 |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 5 | 5 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Weight (g) | 275 | 254✓ |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 6✓ | 5 |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 18 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The Space One Pro is rated for up to 40 hours with ANC on (65 hours with ANC off), while the WH-1000XM4 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (38 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the Space One Pro roughly 3 hours of playback from a 5-minute top-up, versus a 5-minute top-up for the WH-1000XM4.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the Space One Pro rates 7.8/10 versus 8.9/10 for the WH-1000XM4. WH-1000XM4 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The Space One Pro weighs 275g and scores 8.1/10 for comfort; the WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g and scores 8.7/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: Space One Pro 8.0/10, WH-1000XM4 8.8/10. Driver size is 40mm on the Space One Pro versus 40mm on the WH-1000XM4 — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The Space One Pro uses a 6-microphone array and scores 7.6/10 for calls, while the WH-1000XM4 uses 5 microphones and scores 8.0/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The Space One Pro scores 8.7/10 and folds flat; the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.6/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 6.9/10 for the Space One Pro and 6.8/10 for the WH-1000XM4. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the Space One Pro if…
- • You want maximum battery life — the Space One Pro runs up to 40 hours on a charge.
- • You want to spend less — it's $118 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is workout.
Choose the WH-1000XM4 if…
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.9/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • Sound quality matters most to you — the WH-1000XM4 is tuned for detail and clarity.
- • You want the most durable build quality for daily heavy use.
- • You wear headphones for hours at a time and need superior comfort.
Pros & Cons
Space One Pro
Pros
- +Best value in this comparison set by a wide margin
- +Long battery life with ANC on, exceptional with it off
- +22-band EQ is more granular than most flagship apps
- +18-month warranty, longer than most premium brands
Cons
- −ANC and call quality trail the $300+ flagships
- −Build materials feel noticeably cheaper
- −Smaller brand reputation for long-term durability
WH-1000XM4
Pros
- +Lowest price of any current-gen Sony XM model
- +Still folds flat into a compact case
- +Proven, widely reviewed noise cancelling performance
- +Great value for students and budget travelers
Cons
- −Oldest Bluetooth version of the three XM models
- −Weakest microphone array of the lineup
- −No USB-C wired audio, only 3.5mm
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Space One Pro or WH-1000XM4 better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM4 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the Space One Pro or the WH-1000XM4?+
The Space One Pro lasts longer, rated for up to 40 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the WH-1000XM4.
Is the Space One Pro worth the price difference over the WH-1000XM4?+
The Space One Pro is the cheaper option at $129.99 versus $248. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in noise cancelling.
Which is better for travel, the Space One Pro or the WH-1000XM4?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The Space One Pro scores higher here (8.7/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM4 has the stronger ANC, scoring 8.9/10 versus 7.8/10.
Can I use the Space One Pro and WH-1000XM4 for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the Space One Pro scores better for gaming use (6.9/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the Space One Pro and WH-1000XM4 support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the Space One Pro supports multipoint. Yes, the WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM4 scores higher on comfort (8.7/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the Space One Pro weighs 275g and the WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g.
What's the warranty on the Space One Pro vs the WH-1000XM4?+
The Space One Pro ships with a 18-month warranty; the WH-1000XM4 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Premium Option
Tour One M2 — $249.95