Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4 Review In Detail

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony WF 1000XM4 IPX4

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 IP54

Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP54, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's rating for solids indicates that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, Sony WF 1000XM4 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that no data available to specify a protection rating and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Sony WF 1000XM4 7.1g

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a weight of 50g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to carry.

The Sony WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g weigh less than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by -42.9g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds together.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the 2 earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Sony WF 1000XM4 are resistant to sweat

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have stereo speakers, what this means is that Bowers & Wilkins PI7's speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have stereo speakers

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

ANC makes use of advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (noise) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 thus "diluting" the noise.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have ANC making either of the earbuds ideal for flights and morning travels. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and Sony WF 1000XM4 operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the setting that suits your travel or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 sit tightly in place, this creates a sound covering that reduces your environment sounds well as preventing the device sound from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony WF 1000XM4 6mm

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a unit size of 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size corellates with the loudness of the device.

Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 3.2mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 20Hz

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10Hz

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Bowers & Wilkins PI7 produce a juicier bass than the Sony WF 1000XM4

Highest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 40,000Hz

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20,000Hz

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through.

Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that Sony WF 1000XM4 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Sound Pressure Level

Sony WF 1000XM4 105dB/mW

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

The sound pressure level, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Sony WF 1000XM4's measurement is 105dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

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Battery Life

Sony WF 1000XM4 8hours

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is 4.5 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Sony WF 1000XM4's battery life is more than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 3.5 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sony WF 1000XM4 16hours

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's case has a charge of 18 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.

Sony WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 2 hours

Charge Time

Sony WF 1000XM4 1.5hours

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Sony WF 1000XM4 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 1.5 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply put down on a supported charging pad.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging state of your earbuds and case.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

Has Usb Type-C

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Sony WF 1000XM4 v5.2

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sony WF 1000XM4 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony WF 1000XM4 10meters

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sony WF 1000XM4 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Has Aac

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 will work fine with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Ldac

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Sony WF 1000XM4 support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✗

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Has Aptx Hd

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Sony WF 1000XM4 support APTX HD too.

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Number Of Microphones

Sony WF 1000XM4 4only

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have 6 microphones.

Sony WF 1000XM4 microphones are 4, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 2 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even while wearing them

The Sony WF 1000XM4 support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music while being aware of what’s happening around you, say you’re having a run but still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support the find earbuds feature.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

Also the Sony WF 1000XM4 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Sony WF 1000XM4 2only

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

The Sony WF 1000XM4 have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the mute function. It means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

With the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 also support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony WF 1000XM4 ✓

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them in your bag without a casing can easily damage them.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.

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Category	Features	Sony WF 1000XM4	Bowers & Wilkins PI7
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	IPX4	IP54
	weight	7.1g	50g
	has no wires or cables	✓	✓
	sweat resistance	✓	✗
	has stereo speakers	✓	✓
SOUND QUALITY	has active noise cancellation (noise control)	✓	✓
	has passive noise reduction	✓	✓
	driver unit size	6mm	9.2mm
	lowest frequency	20Hz	10Hz
	highest frequency	40,000Hz	20,000Hz
	sound pressure level	105dB/mW	✗
POWER	battery life	8hours	4.5hours
	battery life of charging case	16hours	18hours
	charge time	1.5hours	3hours
	has wireless charging	✓	✓
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✓	✓
	bluetooth version	v5.2	v5
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✓
	has ldac	✓	✗
	has aptx adaptive	✗	✓
	has aptx hd	✓	✓
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	4only	6only
MICROPHONE	has a noise-canceling microphone	✓	✓
EXTRAS	has ambient sound mode	✓	✓
	has in/on-ear detection	✓	✓
	has find earbuds feature	✓	✓
	supports fast charging	✓	✓
	multipoint count	2only	✗
	has a mute function	✓	✓
	control panel placed on a device	✓	✓
	has voice prompts	✓	✓
	travel bag is included	✓	✓
		See price on Amazon	See price on Amazon

Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4 Review

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Reasons why you might like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

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Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4 Review In Summary

Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4 Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sweat Resistance

Has Stereo Speakers

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Driver Unit Size

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Sound Pressure Level

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Has Wireless Charging

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Ldac

Has Aptx Adaptive

Has Aptx Hd

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Multipoint Count

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included