ConsFirst / Wireless earbuds / Compare
EarFun Air Pro 4 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
EarFun Air Pro 4 ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on comfort & fit, durability. Sony WF-1000XM6 wins on sound, noise cancelling, call quality.
The biggest complaint about the EarFun Air Pro 4 is stem design may not seal or stay put; for the Sony WF-1000XM6 it's bulky shape and hard-to-seal foam tips. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in wireless earbuds | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Noise-cancelling | Noise-cancelling |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 9% | 27% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Sound | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Noise cancelling | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Comfort & fit | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Call quality | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Battery | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
EarFun Air Pro 4
- Stem design may not seal or stay put
Wirecutter says people with tiny or deep-set ear canals may not get a proper seal, and the stems may slip loose from small ears or during high-impact workouts. Amazon owners, by contrast, praise a secure fit during workouts.
- Touch controls misfire
Wirecutter says the tap-and-hold commands take practice to learn and often registered a single tap when testers adjusted the buds.
- Sound and mics trail pricier buds
Wirecutter says the highs are coarser and recordings less dimensional than pricier picks, and SoundGuys says ANC reduces sound quality. SoundGuys found the mics struggle in noisy settings, while Wirecutter found calls clear even in wind.
- Occasional connection failures
Amazon's summary says connectivity is generally easy, but some customers report connection failures.
Sony WF-1000XM6
- Bulky shape and hard-to-seal foam tips
None of Wirecutter's three testers got a good seal with the supplied foam tips. Sony's alternative silicone tips fit better but cut measured ANC from 30.4 dB to 23.3 dB. SoundGuys says the large size may not suit smaller ears and they're too wide for side sleeping. Amazon calls fit mixed, and low-star Walmart reviews describe pain and buds that stick far out of the ear.
- Disconnects and uneven battery drain
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is a concern, with earbuds disconnecting, and that some owners see the right earbud drain too fast or unreliable performance.
- Price hike and an awkward case
Tom's Guide lists the odd case design (hard to pocket) and the price increase over the XM5 as its only cons. SoundGuys lists price as a con at a $329.99 MSRP, and Amazon shoppers say they aren't worth the price. Walmart reviewers complain of weak case magnets and charging-pin trouble.
Who should pick which
Pick the EarFun Air Pro 4 if
Strong ANC for under $100
Long battery days
Android users who want LDAC/aptX
Skip it if: You have very small or deep-set ear canals; You do high-impact workouts; You make lots of calls in loud places (mixed mic reviews)
Pick the Sony WF-1000XM6 if
Maximum noise blocking on planes and trains
Android users who want LDAC and a full-featured app
Long listening sessions (about 8-10 hours per charge)
Skip it if: You have small ears or sleep on your side; You can't easily return earbuds that don't fit; You need more than IPX4 water resistance
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