Overview
- In terms of comfort, the WH-1000XM4s offer plush earcups and a snug fit, while the Surface 2 Headphones provide a more secure feel with their adjustable headband.
- The Surface 2 Headphones offer a balanced sound profile with clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass, while the WH-1000XM4s provide a more bass-heavy sound with a wider soundstage.
- The Surface 2 Headphones provide up to 20 hours of playback with ANC on, while the WH-1000XM4s offer a staggering 30 hours with ANC active.
In the realm of wireless headphones, two titans stand out: the Microsoft Surface 2 Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM4. Both devices boast impressive features and rave reviews, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two headphones, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Surface 2 Headphones feature a sleek and minimalist design, while the WH-1000XM4s have a more traditional over-ear look. Both headphones are well-built with premium materials, but the Surface 2 Headphones are slightly lighter and more compact. In terms of comfort, the WH-1000XM4s offer plush earcups and a snug fit, while the Surface 2 Headphones provide a more secure feel with their adjustable headband.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a crucial feature for headphones, and both the Surface 2 Headphones and WH-1000XM4s excel in this area. The Surface 2 Headphones utilize a hybrid ANC system that effectively blocks out ambient noise, while the WH-1000XM4s employ the industry-leading QN1 noise-canceling processor for exceptional noise attenuation. In noisy environments, both headphones provide a serene listening experience.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Surface 2 Headphones and WH-1000XM4s deliver rich and immersive audio. The Surface 2 Headphones offer a balanced sound profile with clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass, while the WH-1000XM4s provide a more bass-heavy sound with a wider soundstage. Both headphones support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, ensuring lossless audio transmission.
Features
Both the Surface 2 Headphones and WH-1000XM4s offer a range of features to enhance the user experience. The Surface 2 Headphones feature touch controls on the earcups, allowing for easy volume adjustment, track skipping, and ANC toggling. The WH-1000XM4s have similar controls but also include a speak-to-chat feature that automatically pauses music when you start speaking. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s boast multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery life is essential for wireless headphones, and the Surface 2 Headphones and WH-1000XM4s both offer impressive endurance. The Surface 2 Headphones provide up to 20 hours of playback with ANC on, while the WH-1000XM4s offer a staggering 30 hours with ANC active. Both headphones support fast charging, allowing you to get several hours of listening time from just a few minutes of charging.
Price
The Microsoft Surface 2 Headphones are priced at $249.99, while the Sony WH-1000XM4s are slightly more expensive at $349.99. The price difference reflects the additional features and slightly superior performance of the WH-1000XM4s.
Verdict
Choosing between the Microsoft Surface 2 Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, a secure fit, and a balanced sound profile, the Surface 2 Headphones are an excellent choice. However, if you demand the best noise cancellation, a wider soundstage, and more features, the Sony WH-1000XM4s are the clear winners. Ultimately, both headphones offer exceptional audio experiences, but the WH-1000XM4s edge out the Surface 2 Headphones with their superior noise cancellation and feature set.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM4s have industry-leading noise cancellation, slightly outperforming the Surface 2 Headphones.
Q: Which headphones are more comfortable?
A: Both headphones are comfortable, but the WH-1000XM4s provide a more plush fit with their large earcups.
Q: Do either headphones support wireless charging?
A: No, neither the Surface 2 Headphones nor the WH-1000XM4s support wireless charging.
Q: Which headphones have a longer battery life?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM4s have a longer battery life of 30 hours with ANC on, compared to 20 hours for the Surface 2 Headphones.
Q: Which headphones are better for gaming?
A: Neither headphones are specifically designed for gaming, but the Surface 2 Headphones offer a lower latency mode that may provide a slight advantage for gaming.