Battle of the Audio Titans: Microsoft Surface Headphones vs. Sony WH-1000XM4
What To Know
- The Surface Headphones offer a decent battery life of up to 15 hours with noise cancellation turned on and 20 hours with it turned off.
- The Surface Headphones come with a range of features, including touch controls for music playback and volume adjustment, a built-in Cortana virtual assistant, and a dedicated dial for adjusting noise cancellation levels.
- The WH-1000XM4 offer a comprehensive suite of features, including touch controls, a built-in Google Assistant, and a Speak-to-Chat function that automatically pauses music when you start speaking.
In the realm of premium wireless headphones, two giants stand tall: Microsoft Surface Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4. Both offer exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and sleek designs. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to unravel their strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Comfort
Surface Headphones
Microsoft Surface Headphones sport a minimalist and modern design with a headband made from premium aluminum and earcups covered in soft, breathable Alcantara fabric. They’re incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended listening sessions, thanks to their adjustable headband and plush ear cushions.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM4 also prioritize comfort with their lightweight and foldable design. The headband is made from durable plastic and features a soft, leather-like material for added comfort. The earcups are generously padded with memory foam, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Sound Quality
Surface Headphones
The Surface Headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with rich, well-balanced audio across all frequencies. They feature 40mm Free Edge drivers that provide deep bass, crystal-clear mids, and crisp highs. The soundstage is wide and immersive, making them ideal for both music and movies.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Known for their audio prowess, the WH-1000XM4 boast 40mm drivers with a wide frequency range. They offer a warm and detailed sound profile with punchy bass, clear vocals, and shimmering highs. The soundstage is expansive, creating a captivating listening experience.
Noise Cancellation
Surface Headphones
The Surface Headphones feature advanced noise cancellation that effectively blocks out ambient noise. They use a combination of passive and active noise cancellation to create a quiet and immersive listening environment. However, they may not be as effective at canceling out very low-frequency noises.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM4 set the benchmark for noise cancellation with their industry-leading technology. They utilize multiple microphones and a dedicated noise-canceling processor to eliminate a wide range of noises, including airplane engines and city traffic. The result is an incredibly quiet and serene listening experience.
Battery Life
Surface Headphones
The Surface Headphones offer a decent battery life of up to 15 hours with noise cancellation turned on and 20 hours with it turned off. They support fast charging, allowing you to get up to 4 hours of playtime with just a 15-minute charge.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4 boast an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled and 38 hours with it turned off. They also support fast charging, providing up to 5 hours of playtime with a 10-minute charge.
Features and Functionality
Surface Headphones
The Surface Headphones come with a range of features, including touch controls for music playback and volume adjustment, a built-in Cortana virtual assistant, and a dedicated dial for adjusting noise cancellation levels. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable connection.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4 offer a comprehensive suite of features, including touch controls, a built-in Google Assistant, and a Speak-to-Chat function that automatically pauses music when you start speaking. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair with two devices simultaneously.
Price and Availability
Surface Headphones
The Microsoft Surface Headphones are priced at around $349.99 and are available through Microsoft’s online store and select retailers.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are priced at around $349.99 and are available through Sony’s online store and various retailers.
The Verdict: A Close Call
Both Microsoft Surface Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 are exceptional wireless headphones that offer premium sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable designs. The Surface Headphones excel in comfort and battery life, while the WH-1000XM4 dominate in noise cancellation and feature-richness.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value comfort and long battery life, the Surface Headphones are an excellent option. If you prioritize superior noise cancellation and a comprehensive feature set, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the clear winners.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which headphones have better sound quality?
A: Both headphones offer excellent sound quality, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 have a slightly wider soundstage and more detailed sound profile.
Q: Which headphones have more effective noise cancellation?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM4 have industry-leading noise cancellation that outperforms the Surface Headphones in most situations.
Q: Which headphones are more comfortable?
A: Both headphones are comfortable to wear, but the Surface Headphones have a slight edge due to their plush Alcantara earcups and adjustable headband.
