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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and prefer an expansive soundstage, the AKG K712 Pro headphones provide a more immersive experience. However, they are wired, bulkier, and less portable, making them less suitable for travel or exercise. The Sony WF1000XM4 earbuds offer great sound quality as well, with the added advantages of active noise cancelling and wireless connectivity, which is convenient for those on the go. They also have a longer battery life, are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and support wireless charging. If you frequently take calls or attend meetings, or if you need headphones that are better suited for use during physical activities, the Sonys are the superior choice, despite their lower sound isolation due to their earbud design. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.7
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
Gaming
7.0
5.6
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
TV and Video
8.4
6.0
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The AKG K712 Pro does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Cost
$270
$278
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $270 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $278.
Build Quality
8.5
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 and AKG K712 Pro both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$270 | $278 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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