Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Get the Sony WF-1000XM6. Unless you have a Samsung Galaxy phone — then the Buds4 Pro add hi-res sound and auto switching, for less.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Comfy, detailed and very quiet, with the best features on a Galaxy phone. Not for iPhone users.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Outstanding noise cancelling, rich detailed sound and clear calls. The best earbuds overall.
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The Sony are quieter, sound richer, last about 8 hours against 6 and don't need a Samsung phone. The Buds4 Pro are comfortable and stable, resist sweat and rain, and are at their best on a Galaxy.
- —You have a Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet or watch.
- —You want earbuds that survive sweat and rain.
- —You want to spend less.
- —You use another Android phone.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —You switch between a phone and a laptop.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Excellent noise cancelling
- +Comfortable, stable fit
- +Hi-res sound and auto switching on Galaxy phones
- −Battery is about 6 hours with noise cancelling, shorter than the Sony.
- −There's no Galaxy Wearable app for iPhone.
- −No standard multipoint: switching works between Samsung devices only.
- −Only three tip sizes, and calls can sound muffled in loud places.
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with LDAC on Android
- +Clear calls and multipoint
- −The buds are bulky, and the foam tips come in XS to L only, with no extra-large size.
- −The case is big for a pocket and feels less premium than the price.
- −Battery is about 8 hours with noise cancelling, no better than the WF-1000XM5.
- −No aptX, and LDAC hi-res works on Android only.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Galaxy Buds4 Pro worth it?
- Is the Sony WF-1000XM6 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.