Wireless headphones offer freedom of movement and comfort by eliminating a wired connection. In this comparison, we analyze connection quality, battery life, sound, comfort and ease of use to identify models suited to different situations and devices.
What we analyze
We analyze wireless connection stability and range, battery life, sound quality, comfort, controls and compatibility. We also consider charging time, microphone quality, ease of pairing and functions that help you get more from the headphones during everyday use.
How to choose wireless headphones
Before choosing, check that connectivity is compatible with your devices and provides a stable connection for your needs. Assess battery life and charging time if you use them for many hours, as well as comfort and controls. Also consider microphone quality and additional features that may make everyday use easier.
Available comparisons
We compare wireless headphones by connection quality, battery life, sound and comfort. We evaluate different designs and features to help you find models suited to music, calls, consuming content or use while traveling.
| Feature | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
| Type | True wireless in-ear | True wireless in-ear | True wireless in-ear | Semi-open true wireless |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Earbud battery life | Up to 8 h with ANC | Up to 6 h with ANC | Up to 8 h with ANC | Up to 5 h |
| Total battery life with case | Up to 24 h | Up to 26 h with ANC | Up to 30 h with ANC | Up to 30 h |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 6.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Notable codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | AAC, SBC, SSC, SSC-UHQ, LC3 | Not specified by Google | AAC |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 | IP54; case IPX4 | IP54 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spatial audio | 360 Reality Audio | 360 Audio | Spatial audio with head tracking | Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Approximate weight per earbud | 6.5 g | 5.1 g | 4.7 g | 4.3 g |
| Main focus | Sound quality and connectivity | Hi-Fi sound and Galaxy ecosystem | Smart functions and comfort | Integration with Apple devices |