Headphones / WH-1000XM4 vs Tour One M2
WH-1000XM4 vs Tour One M2
WH-1000XM4
Still the budget-friendly gateway into the XM series.
Wins overall by 0.1 points
Quick Verdict
This is a close call. The WH-1000XM4 edges ahead by 0.1 points overall, but the Tour One M2 is still an excellent choice — especially if a lightweight, feature-rich alternative that undercuts the big three.
The WH-1000XM4 and Tour One M2 are both closely matched headphones, and they're priced almost identically ($248 vs $249.95). On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.9 vs 8.3/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On comfort, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.7 vs 8.2/10) — clamp force, padding, and weight for long sessions. On durability, the WH-1000XM4 leads (8.2 vs 7.8/10) — build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity. Overall, the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.4/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.3/10 for the Tour One M2, 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 | Tour One M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.00 | $249.95 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 38 | 45✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 5 | 5 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Weight (g) | 254 | 236✓ |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 5 | 8✓ |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, Tan |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM4 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (38 hours with ANC off), while the Tour One M2 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (45 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM4 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 5-minute top-up, versus a 5-minute top-up for the Tour One M2.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM4 rates 8.9/10 versus 8.3/10 for the Tour One M2. 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 Tour One M2 weighs 236g and scores 8.2/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM4 8.8/10, Tour One M2 8.5/10. Driver size is 40mm on the WH-1000XM4 versus 40mm on the Tour One M2 — 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 Tour One M2 uses 8 microphones and scores 8.3/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM4 scores 8.6/10 and folds flat; the Tour One M2 scores 8.6/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 6.8/10 for the WH-1000XM4 and 7.1/10 for the Tour One M2. 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.
- • You wear headphones for hours at a time and need superior comfort.
- • You want the most durable build quality for daily heavy use.
- • Sound quality matters most to you — the WH-1000XM4 is tuned for detail and clarity.
Choose the Tour One M2 if…
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
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
Tour One M2
Pros
- +Lightest headphone in this comparison set
- +Strong feature set for the price, including Personi-Fi tuning
- +Long battery life with ANC on
- +Detailed, adjustable app EQ
Cons
- −Build quality feels less premium than Sony/Bose/B&W
- −Brand has smaller resale/support ecosystem
- −ANC good but not class-leading
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM4 or Tour One M2 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 Tour One M2?+
The WH-1000XM4 lasts longer, rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the Tour One M2.
Is the WH-1000XM4 worth the price difference over the Tour One M2?+
The WH-1000XM4 is the cheaper option at $248 versus $249.95. 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 Tour One M2?+
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 8.3/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM4 and Tour One M2 for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the Tour One M2 scores better for gaming use (7.1/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM4 and Tour One M2 support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint. Yes, the Tour One M2 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 Tour One M2 weighs 236g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM4 vs the Tour One M2?+
The WH-1000XM4 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Tour One M2 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
Studio Pro — $179.95
Premium Option
Tour One M2 — $249.95