Table of Contents
The Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are both high-end true wireless earbuds with advanced features and great sound quality. Both types have a lot to offer, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is a stylish and high-end pair of earbuds with a unique dual-driver design that makes for great sound. It has a lot of features, like active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and a companion app that lets you change the sound profile to your satisfaction. But the PI7’s battery life isn’t as long as other headphones in its class, and it doesn’t have as many touch settings.
On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a very high-tech pair of earbuds with great noise-canceling features, a long battery life, and a number of smart features. It is also designed to fit comfortably and securely, and the touch settings are easy to use and can be changed. But the WF-1000XM4 is more expensive than some other headphones, and the app that goes with it can be too much for some users.
Bowers & Wilkins pi7 vs Sony wf-1000xm4 Comparison Table
Specification | Bowers & Wilkins PI7 | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 25.6 x 19.2 x 26.8mm | 32.9 x 21.6 x 18.5mm |
Weight | 7g (each earbud) | 7.3g (each earbud) |
Driver size | Dual 9.2mm drivers | 6mm drivers |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Battery life | Up to 4 hours | Up to 8 hours |
Charging | Wireless/USB-C | Wireless/USB-C |
Noise cancellation | Active | Active |
Water resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
Companion app | Yes | Yes |
Bowers & Wilkins pi7 vs Sony wf-1000xm4: Design

When you open the WF-1000XM4’s magnetic case, you’ll see that it has brand new earbuds. Sony has decided on a wider body that fits more inside the ear canal based on what customers said about the XM3 and what they learned about the human ear. The matte finish on each earbud makes the headphones feel high-end, and the small details around the microphone and sensor holes add a small splash of color. When it comes to color, the XM4 comes in black or silver.
People with smaller ears may have trouble getting a good fit, which is made worse by the fact that you only get three different ear tips to choose from to get a good seal. We get a tight fit by using the “twist and lock” method that is built into these kinds of designs. But the straight edges of the 8g buds make them less comfortable than what we’re used to when we listen for longer. You can buy this earbuds from its official website
Bowers & Wilkins pi7 vs Sony wf-1000xm4: Performance
The V1 processor that the Sony WF-1000XM4 uses seems to do a good job of making the earphones work better with less power, which is great for anyone who uses wireless earphones. The batteries in each earbud will last longer if you don’t charge them as often. If the batteries last longer, you’ll be less likely to replace your earphones with a new model, which will reduce waste.
We found that the way the earphones fit in the ear can be a little different each time. They are always very secure, but the earpieces can be in a few different places. This doesn’t have much of an effect on the sound quality because a strong seal is made no matter how the headphones are worn, so the sound is the same in both ears, but it does seem to have a small effect on how well the ANC works.
Bowers & Wilkins pi7 vs Sony wf-1000xm4: Battery life

Theoretically, Bluetooth 5.2 should also mean longer battery life. However, the best-case real-world scenario of 24 hours (eight to twelve hours in the earbuds, depending on whether active noise cancellation is on or off, plus two more charges in the case) isn’t all that great. Still, at least the WF-1000XM4 can be charged with a Qi charging pad, and plugging it in for five minutes will give you an extra hour of use.
When fully charged, the PI7 earbuds only last for four hours, which isn’t great. The case can hold four more charges, so you won’t need a power source or Qi wireless charging mat for 20 hours. That’s fine, but it’s not the best in its class, which is how the PI7 are billed and priced. On the plus side, ten minutes of quick charging through the case’s USB-C port lets you play for two hours.
Which one should you Buy?
Which one you choose between the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and the Sony WF-1000XM4 depends on your own tastes and goals. If you want excellent sound quality and a high-end look, the PI7 might be a better pick. But the WF-1000XM4 may be a better choice if you want advanced noise-canceling and a wide range of smart features.
Bowers & Wilkins pi7: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Stylish and luxurious design.
- Active noise cancellation.
The Bad
- Limited touch controls.
Sony wf-1000xm4: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities.
- Long battery life.
The Bad
- No wireless charging.
FAQS
Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones have a power life of up to 24 hours with a charging case. – Works best with Alexa and Google Assistant; built-in mic for phone calls; color: silver.
Sony WF-1000XM4: The Sony WF-1000XM4 has great noise cancellation and comfy memory foam ear tips. This makes them great for people who sleep on their backs or who need to sleep on their way to work.