2 perspectives. One decision.
Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Galaxy Buds4 Pro: start with your phone
Two premium ANC earbud pairs, compared through phone compatibility, controls, fit and charging.
Researched · Specification comparison
The short answer
Choose Sony for flexible phone support and multipoint. Galaxy Buds4 Pro makes more sense with a compatible Galaxy phone that unlocks its extra audio and control features.
For mixed-device use
Sony WF-1000XM6 · black
One black pair with charging case, USB cable and Noise Isolation tips.
Check it out: Sony WF-1000XM6 on Amazon.de (opens a new tab)Image: Sony / Amazon.de product listing
For compatible Galaxy phones
Galaxy Buds4 Pro · black
One black Pro pair with case and three tip sizes; charging cable not listed in the checked package.
Check it out: Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro on Amazon.de (opens a new tab)Image: Samsung / Amazon.de product listing
Affiliate links may earn us a commission. Compare the exact variant and current price before buying. Specifications are manufacturer claims, not our own test results.
Let the phone narrow the choice
Both are sealed ANC earbuds for commuting, calls and everyday listening. Sony is easier to consider across phone brands because Sound Connect supports Android and iOS. Samsung works as ordinary Bluetooth audio on other systems, but its advanced configuration needs a compatible Android phone.
A Galaxy owner should check the exact handset and One UI version. The Buds4 Pro name alone does not guarantee access to every advertised feature.
Separate codecs from sound quality
Sony offers LDAC for compatible sources. Samsung reserves its highest-resolution SSC path for supported Galaxy devices. Neither codec specification tells us which pair will sound better to you, and streaming settings can prevent the advertised mode from being used.
Galaxy Auto Switch also belongs to Samsung’s device ecosystem. Sony’s multipoint is a different proposition for people moving between a phone and a computer. Check the actual combination you intend to connect.
Give the seal time
The Sony pair uses a rounded, stemless housing; Samsung puts pinch and swipe controls on stems. Those differences can matter more during daily use than another feature in an app.
Try the supplied tip sizes and check both ears separately. A poor seal affects bass and noise reduction. We have not worn these pairs or measured ANC, so neither comfort nor cancellation superiority is established by this comparison.
Read battery figures consistently
Sony quotes longer playback from the earbuds with ANC enabled. Samsung quotes a slightly longer combined ANC total once case recharges are included. These are different manufacturers’ estimates, not results from a shared test.
Both cases support wired and wireless charging. The checked Samsung package lists no charging cable. Keep that small accessory difference in mind if you are assembling a complete kit from scratch.
Choose the features you will reach for
Galaxy Buds4 Pro suits a compatible Galaxy setup where integrated controls, Auto Switch and SSC audio are useful. Sony suits mixed devices and people who want access to its app from an iPhone.
Samsung’s higher resistance rating applies to the earbuds only; neither case is protected for immersion. Dry the buds before charging. Make your final choice around phone support, fit and controls, with runtime treated as an estimate.
Side by side
The differences that matter.
On smaller screens, swipe across the table to compare all products.
| At a glance | Sony WF-1000XM6 · black | Galaxy Buds4 Pro · black |
|---|---|---|
| Linked version | WF-1000XM6 black; B0GF9ZNLWM | Galaxy Buds4 Pro black; B0G58CDZN5 |
| Design | Sealed in-ear; stemless | Sealed in-ear; pinch/swipe stems |
| Drivers | 8.4mm dynamic | Two-way woofer and tweeter; dual amplifier |
| Microphones | Four per earbud | Three per earbud plus voice pickup sensor |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 6.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, SSC HiFi, SSC UHQ, LC3; host-dependent |
| Noise controls | ANC, ambient sound, Quick Attention | Adaptive ANC/EQ, ambient sound, voice and siren detection |
| Device switching | Multipoint | Galaxy Auto Switch; supported Galaxy devices and account required |
| Customisation | Sony Sound Connect on supported Android/iOS | Android 12+ and at least 1.5GB memory; Galaxy-only extras |
| High-resolution path | LDAC needs a compatible source; no LDAC on iPhone | SSC UHQ up to 24-bit/96kHz on supported Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1.1+ |
| Head gestures | Check Sound Connect feature support | Galaxy phone with One UI 8.5+ required |
| ANC music estimate | Up to 8 hours; 24 hours including case | Up to 6 hours; 26 hours including case |
| ANC-off music estimate | Up to 12 hours; 36 hours including case | Up to 7 hours; 30 hours including case |
| Calls, earbuds only | Up to 5 hours ANC on; 5.5 off | Up to 4.5 hours ANC on; 5 off |
| Battery-test caveat | Manufacturer estimates; codec, processing and volume affect runtime | Manufacturer estimates using Galaxy phone; settings and use affect runtime |
| Charging | USB-C case or wireless charging | USB-C case or wireless charging |
| Sony charge times | About 1.5 hours earbuds; 2 hours case by USB | Not applicable; no equivalent time confirmed here |
| Earbud weight | 6.5g each with medium tips | 5.1g each with medium tips |
| Case weight | 47g | 44.3g |
| Case dimensions | 61.6 × 41.1 × 26.5mm | 51 × 51 × 28.3mm |
| Resistance | IPX4 earbuds; case excluded | IP57 earbuds; case excluded; not for pool or beach use |
| Supplied items | Pair, case, USB cable, Noise Isolation tips, documentation | Pair, case, S/M/L tips and quick guide; no cable listed |
| Separate accessories | USB power adapter or wireless charger | USB cable/power adapter or wireless charger |