AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds
Open-fit TWS · ANC · 5h/30h · H2 chip · BT 5.3
MSRP
WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 30h · LDAC · BT 5.2
MSRP
Our verdict
The WH-1000XM5 Headphones takes the performance lead with a 15% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones tells a compelling value story. At $300 versus the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds's $180 price tag, it costs $120 less while delivering performance that's only 15% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the smarter purchase. The AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
WH-1000XM5 Headphones
15% faster overall
Best value for money
WH-1000XM5 Headphones
5% better value per dollar
AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds best for
Value for money
5% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the WH-1000XM5 Headphones worth $120 more than the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The WH-1000XM5 Headphones scores 90 overall vs 78 for the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds or WH-1000XM5 Headphones?
The WH-1000XM5 Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The WH-1000XM5 Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds or WH-1000XM5 Headphones?
Choose the AirPods 4 ANC Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the WH-1000XM5 Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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