Apple AirPods 4 / Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

Sony WF-1000XM5: WF-1000XM5 · Black, Platinum Silver, Smoky Pink; colours share the same hardware

SpecificationApple AirPods 4Sony WF-1000XM5
Release year20242023
TypeOpen-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Apple		Closed, dynamic true wireless in-ear; active noise cancelling Sony
Audio technologyCustom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

Apple		—
Noise controlVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

Apple		—
ChipH2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Apple		—
Microphones and sensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

Apple		—
ControlsPress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

Apple		—
DurabilityIP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

Apple		—
BatteryUp to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

Apple		—
ChargingCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

Apple		Earbuds about 1.5 hours; case about 2 hours over USB; wireless charging on the case Sony
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Apple		—
Size and weightEarbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g Apple—
AccessibilityLive Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations Apple—
Driver—8.4 mm Sony
Frequency response—20–20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz); 20–40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz / 990 kbps

The extended range applies only with LDAC-capable sources, mostly Android phones.

Sony
Codecs—SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3

LDAC carries more detail at a high bit rate; LC3 is the efficient codec designed for LE Audio. The profile list includes LE Audio profiles (TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP).

Sony
Battery (music)—Up to 8 hours with noise cancelling on, 12 hours with it off

The figures are for one charge of the earbuds.

Sony
Battery (calls)—Up to 6 hours with noise cancelling on, 7 hours with it off Sony
Bluetooth—Bluetooth 5.3; about 10 m range; multipoint

With multipoint the earbuds stay connected to two devices at once.

Sony
Sound features—DSEE Extreme, Ambient Sound mode, Quick Attention

DSEE Extreme aims to restore detail lost in compressed music. Quick Attention lowers the music and lets outside sound in while a finger is held on the earbud.

Sony
Water resistance—IPX4 equivalent

It protects against splashing water; do not submerge.

Sony
Weight—About 5.9 g per earbud (with M tips); case about 39 g Sony
Case size—About 64.6 × 40.0 × 26.5 mm Sony
In the box—Charging case, Noise Isolation foam tips, reference guide, USB cable Sony
Staying connected in the case—Earbuds may stay connected while in the case

Sony attributes this to earbuds not seating fully in the case or dirty charging contacts, and suggests opening and closing the case, updating the firmware and wiping the contacts with a dry cloth.

Sony