Headphones / WH-1000XM4 vs Studio Pro
WH-1000XM4 vs Studio Pro
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 Studio Pro is still an excellent choice — especially if the value-priced apple-ecosystem pick, especially on sale.
The WH-1000XM4 and Studio Pro are both closely matched headphones, and the Studio Pro is $68.10 cheaper than the WH-1000XM4 ($179.95 vs $248). On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.9 vs 7.9/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On sound quality, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.8 vs 8.4/10) — driver performance, tuning, and detail. On travel, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.6 vs 8.2/10) — foldability, case, anc on planes, battery for long trips. Overall, the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.4/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.2/10 for the Studio 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 | WH-1000XM4 | Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.00 | $179.95 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30✓ | 24 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 38 | 40✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 5✓ | 10 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Weight (g) | 254✓ | 260 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 5 | 6✓ |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, Sandstone, Deep Brown, Navy |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM4 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (38 hours with ANC off), while the Studio Pro is rated for up to 24 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM4 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 5-minute top-up, versus a 10-minute top-up for the Studio Pro.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM4 rates 8.9/10 versus 7.9/10 for the Studio Pro. 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 WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g and scores 8.7/10 for comfort; the Studio Pro weighs 260g and scores 8.3/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM4 8.8/10, Studio Pro 8.4/10. Driver size is 40mm on the WH-1000XM4 versus 40mm on the Studio Pro — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM4 uses a 5-microphone array and scores 8.0/10 for calls, while the Studio Pro uses 6 microphones and scores 8.1/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM4 scores 8.6/10 and folds flat; the Studio Pro scores 8.2/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 6.8/10 for the WH-1000XM4 and 7.0/10 for the Studio Pro. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
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 travel often and want reliable ANC, a compact fold, and long battery life on planes.
- • You wear headphones for hours at a time and need superior comfort.
- • You want maximum battery life — the WH-1000XM4 runs up to 30 hours on a charge.
Choose the Studio Pro if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $68.10 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is workout.
Pros & Cons
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
Studio Pro
Pros
- +Frequently discounted to well under $200 — strong value
- +Works equally well across iOS and Android
- +Punchy, bass-forward tuning fans of Beats expect
- +USB-C lossless audio input
Cons
- −ANC is a step behind Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser
- −Case is bulkier than competitors
- −App EQ is more limited than Sony/Sennheiser/Bose
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM4 or Studio Pro 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 WH-1000XM4 or the Studio Pro?+
The WH-1000XM4 lasts longer, rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on versus 24 hours for the Studio Pro.
Is the WH-1000XM4 worth the price difference over the Studio Pro?+
The Studio Pro is the cheaper option at $179.95 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 WH-1000XM4 or the Studio Pro?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The WH-1000XM4 scores higher here (8.6/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM4 has the stronger ANC, scoring 8.9/10 versus 7.9/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM4 and Studio Pro for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the Studio Pro scores better for gaming use (7.0/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM4 and Studio Pro support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint. Yes, the Studio Pro 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 WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g and the Studio Pro weighs 260g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM4 vs the Studio Pro?+
The WH-1000XM4 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Studio Pro 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.
Cheaper Option
Space One Pro — $129.99
Premium Option
Tour One M2 — $249.95