What To Know
- The Surface Headphones feature a minimalist and elegant design, with a padded headband and soft earcups made of Alcantara fabric.
- The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, have a more substantial and luxurious look, with a leather-covered headband and plush memory foam earcups.
- Both headphones offer excellent sound quality, but the WH-1000XM4 have a slightly warmer and more immersive sound, especially in the bass department.
In the realm of premium noise-canceling headphones, the Microsoft Surface Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 stand as formidable contenders. Both offer exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and advanced features. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two audio powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Comfort
The Surface Headphones feature a minimalist and elegant design, with a padded headband and soft earcups made of Alcantara fabric. They are relatively lightweight, weighing in at 290 grams. The WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, have a more substantial and luxurious look, with a leather-covered headband and plush memory foam earcups. They are slightly heavier, weighing 254 grams. Both headphones offer excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality
Both the Surface Headphones and WH-1000XM4 deliver exceptional sound quality. The Surface Headphones boast 40mm Free Edge drivers that provide a balanced and detailed soundstage, with clear highs and deep, punchy bass. The WH-1000XM4 feature 40mm HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 drivers that offer a slightly warmer and more immersive sound, with a particularly impressive bass response.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a key feature of both headphones. The Surface Headphones utilize four microphones and a proprietary algorithm to effectively reduce ambient noise. The WH-1000XM4, however, go a step further with their industry-leading noise cancellation technology. They employ eight microphones and a new Dual Noise Sensor system that continuously detects and adjusts to environmental noise, providing exceptional isolation.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration. The Surface Headphones have a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to 15 hours with noise cancellation turned on. The WH-1000XM4 boast an impressive 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, making them a better choice for extended listening sessions.
Features and Controls
Both headphones offer a range of features and controls. The Surface Headphones have touch-sensitive earcups that allow you to control volume, playback, and noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM4 feature a combination of touch controls and physical buttons, providing a more intuitive and customizable experience. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft Surface Headphones are available for a price of around $350, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 are priced at around $399. Both headphones are widely available from various retailers and online stores.
Verdict: Which Headphones Are Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 are both excellent noise-canceling headphones with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
If you prioritize comfort, battery life, and a minimalist design, the Surface Headphones are a great choice.
If you demand the best possible noise cancellation, immersive sound quality, and advanced features, the WH-1000XM4 are the clear winners.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which headphones have better sound quality?
A: Both headphones offer excellent sound quality, but the WH-1000XM4 have a slightly warmer and more immersive sound, especially in the bass department.
Q: Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
A: The WH-1000XM4 have industry-leading noise cancellation technology that provides exceptional isolation from ambient noise.
Q: Which headphones have longer battery life?
A: The WH-1000XM4 have an impressive 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, compared to the Surface Headphones‘ 15 hours.
Q: Which headphones are more comfortable?
A: Both headphones offer excellent comfort, but the WH-1000XM4 have slightly more plush earcups and a more substantial headband.
Q: Which headphones are more affordable?
A: The Surface Headphones are slightly more affordable than the WH-1000XM4, with a price difference of around $50.
