Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N

The noise-canceling headphone market is heating up with countless phenomenal models at your disposal. However, that does not mean all the models are excellent and durable. In today’s review, we will discuss two exceptional units from Sony.

They are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones vs the Sony WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Noise Cancelling Headphones. Over the years, Sony has managed to produce some opulent models.

They are reliable, elegantly built, and come with spectacular features in them. Moreover, the ANC infused in them comes with exceptional sound quality. The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphone is the successor to the WH-1000XM3 wireless headphone.

It comes with several touch-sensitive control features, multi-device pairing, and a long battery working life. The model comes with eloquent noise isolation and a very comfortable fitting. They also appear top-notch in design and have a bass-heavy sound profile.

But you can customize the audio effects with the graphic EQ’s help. Besides, you can make use of the headphones connect app. It provides an exceptional fit but is not designed to be used when doing physical activities.

Not to mention, the unit also has a cumbersome design to it that does not make it portable. The model is priced slightly on the higher side. Does that mean that they are better than the WH-XB910N wireless unit?

We will have to read the full post to understand that. The Sony WH-XB910N wireless headphone is a fantastic model. They come with a highly bass-heavy sound profile. You would be delighted to know that the model provides an exceptional punch, thump, and boom to the sound performance.

However, you can find some discrepancies in the audio performance at times. But you can use the companion app that can help you adjust their sound to your liking. Users may be satisfied using the noise-canceling feature in the model. It works better than the earlier version.

The ambient noise from outside is blocked eloquently. You can also use the 1/8″ TRS cable to connect consoles with an AUX port. Gamers can only use the audio, not the microphone, which can be frustrating.

Let us read further to learn more about these incredible models. We have mentioned the winner at the end of the post.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Design & Comfort

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have an eloquent design & comfort feature. They are pretty similar to the previous model, the WH-1000XM3. You can note that the unit comes with a matte finish.

The earcups are eloquently padded, and you can feel the firmness present on the headband. That is very important. You can wear the headphone for a prolonged period without facing any discomfort.

You do not feel any fatigue in your ears because the clamping force is right. When it is too tight, then you can loosen it a bit. However, the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless model is considered the best when it comes to comfort.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones have a fantastic design & comfort feature to them. They come similar in design to the previous unit, the WH-XB900N. This is something that the maker will have to work on.

Users may not be attracted to the headphone if they resemble the previous model sold a few years ago. Thankfully, that is not the case with the new WH-1000XM5 model, which comes with a sleeker & elegant design than the previously sold models from Sony.

The WH-XB910N headphone has a basic design that looks a bit cheap. You cannot call it elegant by no means compared to the WH-1000XM4 design. However, the fitting was good, and they are pretty light.

The clamping force of the headphone is not too tight. They can be worn on large heads without hassle. It comes designed with an excellent material that feels good to wear. You might find it challenging to wear glasses for extended music sessions when you wear them.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Build Quality

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer you top-notch build quality. Like we said in the previous segment, they are designed almost the same as the earlier WH-1000XM3 model. The feel is quite durable, and it should be a breakdown with a few falls.

The headband is robust. But we noticed that the hinges come slightly flexible that can break with time. Otherwise, they are nice and stable to use for a prolonged period. The model can remain on your head without discomfort and mild movements.

However, they are not ideal or suitable for physical activities. If you shake your head or move around too much, it can come off. Not to mention, the model has a poor breathable capability.

It is a normal thing that happens to wear over-the-ear headphones. The heat is immensely trapped, and the airflow is tremendously reduced. They are ideal for wearing at home, in your office, and during your commute.

It comes in attractive colors of black, silver, and midnight blue. You can choose from them. There is a silent white, which is a limited edition released on Sony’s 75th anniversary. The Sony XB910N headphones come with the powerful build quality.

We felt that they are stronger than the WH-1000XM4 model. The use of plastic has been infused elegantly on the model. There is the faux leather padding found on the model on the earpads.

Its hinges are not at all shaky or wobbly. They can last a few years without getting damaged. When you go for the appearance, they look somewhat cheap. Besides, the yokes can be slightly weak if they bend too much.

Otherwise, they come with a powerful fitting, and they should not fall off despite moving around. But we may not recommend them for physical activities as they can fall off your head. Otherwise, they should remain still when listening to music or talking to somebody.

Its portability is average. The main issue with Sony models is that they are somewhat cumbersome to use and carry around. You can place them on your head. But that might not be the ideal solution during long travels.

They provide you with a carrying case that does a fantastic job. The model comes with good controls providing you with sublime use. Its buttons can be found on the left and the right. You can use the voice prompts by switching to ambient mode and ANC.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Audio Performance

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone comes with an opulent audio performance. You can hear the vocals and instruments clearly. The ANC works well, and you can feel the difference with the sound effects.

You can notice that it comes with a slight emphasis on the low end. Besides, most consumers love this kind of sound. Not to mention, it is suitable for bass-music lovers. If you are an audiophile, you would prefer having a flat EQ.

You can do that with the help of the companion app. Both the models can connect with the companion app. It makes a lot of difference when you listen with the app switched on. That is because you can make several changes using the presets.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones provide you with a stunning audio performance. Though the headphone is priced cheaper, we were astounded by their sound quality of it. The audio on the device comes with more emphasis on the low end.

It can retain plenty of detail and clarity. Our tester noticed the bass is not overemphasized at all. We found that the bass works predominantly on a model like this. You do not get to listen to the unwanted booms found on most models.

If you notice, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo comes highly boomy. This Sony model is somewhere in the middle. But we will want you to know that the sound profile of the Sony models can differ according to the length of your hair.

Those of you wearing glasses might notice some changes too. So, you may also break the earcups with thick hair. They both are bassy units, and they can affect hearing to a certain extent. However, the noise isolation performance was good.

Using the ANC, you can notice that the rumbles of the motor or subway train get quashed. Users can also wear them on the airplane and enjoy the ride. On the whole, they both are suitable for daily commute.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Microphone Performance

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones come with an integrated microphone and not a boom microphone. It can provide you with the average recording quality. That is because the voice sounds low, muffled, and mild.

Though the other person on the line can hear what you are saying, they could have done better for the price point. Its noise handling performance is disappointing. You can feel that the voice is getting out due to your noise.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones have good microphone performance. It provides you with a decent call recording capability, and the voice is good. But you will want to know that there is some distortion on it as well.

Not to mention, the noise handling performance is just about average only. The background sound can drown the voice. The person who is on the other end of the line may not be able to hear you talking if you are calling up from the bus stand or subway station.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Compatibility

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones come with powerful compatibility. The headphone comes infused with a headphones connect app that provides you with graphic EQ and presets. They also help customize the audio to blend with the sound of your liking.

It has a magnificent Bluetooth connectivity, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and is NFC-compatible. You can connect them with two devices simultaneously. But they do not support aptX or aptX HD codecs.

The Sony WH-XB910N headphones come with exceptional compatibility. It works stupendously well using the headphones connect app. It also offers you with adaptive sound controls. It also gives you the use of a graphic EQ and presets.

The auto-off feature, the audio playback plus volume, and the touch controls can all be controlled by them. Unlike the Sony WH-XB900 model, this unit supports the NFC pairing.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Price

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones are priced under $349. It comes embedded with a dual noise sensor technology. The model also comes with the next-level music with Edge-AI, which is in partnership with Sony Music Studios Tokyo.

The model provides you with more than 30 hours of battery working life. You can also find that it comes with the quick charging features of 10 minutes to provide 5 hours of operation. You can use the touch sensor controls for performing a wide range of tasks.

When you are talking to somebody, the speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces the volume. Besides, the call quality is good, and your voice comes with amazing clarity for others to listen to what you have to tell them.

The wearing detection pauses the play when you remove the headphones. The Sony WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Noise Cancelling Headphones are priced under $250. The unit is priced under $179 at the time of writing.

You might want to take this opportunity and place an order if you are keen on getting it for yourself. It comes with several exciting features like the dual noise-canceling, extra bass for lovely audio, and an exceptional battery that allows you to listen all day.

The model helps you make clear hands-free calling & you can switch effortlessly between devices. Moreover, you can make use of the Sony headphones connect app. All in all, both the headphones are priced aggressively.

Sony has done a magnificent job at that. This gives consumers a choice in deciding on the model that suits their needs and budget. When you dig deep inside your pocket, then the WH-1000XM4 sounds fine.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N: Verdict

We have ended our comparison review between the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones vs the Sony WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Both the models come with their capabilities and price quote. The Sony WH-1000XM4 model is suitable for regular users. If you are somebody who spends a considerable amount of time using headphones, then this is a worthy investment.

We are talking about an under $350 model. The unit is lightweight, and you can wear them for a prolonged period. You can also use the carrying case offered with the unit. The battery’s working life is astonishing and operates for more than 36 hours.

The ANC works like a charm. Unfortunately, it leaks some noise when you play music at loud volumes. The Sony WH-XB910N model is a good choice for users. When you are a student or somebody searching for a budget headphone with decent features, this is it.

It comes with a bass-heavy sound profile that offers you an intense thump & punch for the audio. The companion app works like a charm and enables you to adjust the sound effects opulently.

But the audio can be muddy and the vocals somewhat harsh. The ANC works nicely, and it does better than the earlier model. The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones could be the better model as it comes with a lower low-frequency, higher high-frequency, and higher sound pressure level.

It also has lower impedance, more microphones, and a shorter charge time. The model also offers adequate support for Bluetooth pairing using NFC. The Sony WH-XB910N wireless headphones are good because they have a tangle-free cable, a mute function, and wireless charging.

The model is way cheaper than the WH-100XM4 headphone. Our winner between the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-XB910N headphones is the WH-1000XM4 model. Though it comes expensive, the unit has tremendous power.

The sound profile, calling abilities, and the number of features makes it a second to none product. We also found that the ANC provides significantly better noise isolation performance. There are also NFC pairing capabilities.

But you can find that the WH-XB910N model has a better overall battery performance & priced cheaper. If you want sound quality, performance, and microphone effect, you can choose the WH-1000XM4 unit.