Buy the Sony WF-1000XM6 for stronger measured noise canceling, longer battery life and multipoint that works with any phone or laptop. Buy the Galaxy Buds4 Pro only if you own a Galaxy phone: that's where Samsung's 24-bit codec and auto-switching work. iPhone owners should skip both and get AirPods Pro 3.
Our picks
Live pricesBuy the Sony WF-1000XM6 for stronger measured noise canceling, longer battery life and multipoint that works with any phone or laptop. Buy the Galaxy Buds4 Pro only if you own a Galaxy phone: that's where Samsung's 24-bit codec and auto-switching work. iPhone owners should skip both and get AirPods Pro 3.
Spec analysis · Published Oct 9, 2026
|
If you are… |
Buy |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Galaxy phone owner |
Galaxy Buds4 Pro |
Auto Switch, 24-bit SSC UHQ codec, IP57 |
|
Pixel or other Android owner |
Sony WF-1000XM6 |
LDAC and multipoint on any phone |
|
iPhone owner |
Neither: AirPods Pro 3 |
Samsung's app doesn't support iOS |
|
Long-haul flyer |
Sony WF-1000XM6 |
Top-tier ANC, 9 h 41 min in one lab test |
|
Gym regular |
Galaxy Buds4 Pro |
IP57 against IPX4 |
Scoreboard
|
Round |
Winner |
|---|---|
|
Noise canceling |
Sony |
|
Sound and codecs |
Draw (Galaxy on Galaxy, Sony elsewhere) |
|
Battery |
Sony |
|
Fit and durability |
Galaxy Buds4 Pro |
|
Connectivity |
Sony |
|
Mics |
Draw |
Gadget Clash readers' preference:
Key differences
|
|
Galaxy Buds4 Pro |
Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery, ANC on |
6 h, 26 h with case (Samsung claim) |
8 h, 24 h with case (Sony claim) |
|
Water resistance |
IP57 (buds) |
IPX4 |
|
Bud weight |
0.18 oz (5.1 g) |
0.23 oz (6.5 g) |
|
Case weight |
1.56 oz (44.3 g) |
1.66 oz (47 g) |
|
Codecs |
SBC, AAC, SSC, SSC UHQ (24-bit/96kHz), LC3 |
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
|
Multipoint |
No (Auto Switch between Galaxy devices) |
Yes |
|
Bluetooth |
6.1 |
5.3 |
|
Microphones |
6 |
Not published |
Noise canceling
Winner: Sony. In one independent lab's measurements, the WF-1000XM6 canceled more noise than 98% of the earbuds it has tested. The same lab measured 84% overall noise reduction from the Buds4 Pro and found them 5–10 dB better than the Buds3 Pro at low frequencies. Another review rated the Buds4 Pro's ANC level with AirPods Pro 3; one called it only average. Sony's lead is the more consistent.
Sound and codecs
Draw, decided by your phone. On a Galaxy phone, Samsung's SSC UHQ codec streams up to 24-bit/96kHz (Samsung claim). On a Pixel or other Android phone, the Sony's LDAC is the high-bitrate option, while Buds4 Pro fall back to AAC. On iPhone, both use AAC.
Battery
Winner: Sony. Sony claims 8 hours with ANC and one lab measured 9 h 41 min. Samsung claims 6 hours, and the same lab's result was about 6 hours. With the case the totals flip slightly: 26 hours for Samsung, 24 for Sony.
Fit and durability
Winner: Galaxy Buds4 Pro. They're lighter per bud and rated IP57 against dust and water; Sony's IPX4 covers splashes only. Both brands ship limited ear-tip ranges: Samsung includes three sizes, and reviewers flagged Sony's tip options as limited too.
Connectivity
Winner: Sony. Multipoint lets you stay connected to a phone and laptop at once. Buds4 Pro skip multipoint and rely on Auto Switch, which works only between Galaxy devices. Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app isn't available on iOS, so on an iPhone you lose most controls.
Mics
Draw. Samsung uses six microphones (Samsung claim). Sony rates calls at 5 hours with ANC on but doesn't publish a mic count. We don't have a same-lab call test for both.
What you get
- Galaxy Buds4 Pro: Gadget Clash score 8.5. Auracast support, 530 mAh case.
- Sony WF-1000XM6: Gadget Clash score 8.7. Qi wireless charging case, USB cable and extra tips in the box.
Who should buy the Sony WF-1000XM6
Anyone on Android who isn't using a Galaxy phone, plus anyone switching between a phone and a laptop.
Cons:
- IPX4 only.
- Bulky case.
- Sound changes noticeably with ANC off.
Who should buy the Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Galaxy phone owners, especially anyone who also has a Galaxy tablet or watch.
Cons:
- No Bluetooth multipoint.
- The best features need a Galaxy phone.
- Only three ear-tip sizes.
Consider instead
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the other ANC heavyweight. See Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Final verdict
Sony WF-1000XM6 for most Android users. It wins ANC, battery and connectivity. Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the right buy only alongside a Galaxy phone. Full specs: Galaxy Buds4 Pro · Sony WF-1000XM6.
How we evaluated this: This is a spec analysis. Gadget Clash hasn't tested either pair hands-on. We compared official manufacturer specs (labeled as claims), independent lab results and Gadget Clash scores. Every spec was checked against the manufacturers' official pages on Oct 9, 2026. AI assisted with research and drafting. How we score