Home Wireless Earbuds Skullcandy Indy Fuel Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4

A Review By Comparison of the Skullcandy Indy Fuel Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4

Last updated on Apr 20, 2023   8 min read
Note: This page may contain affiliate links, we only earn from qualifying purchases!
Sony WF 1000XM4

Sony WF 1000XM4

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Sony WF 1000XM4

Overall Score 7.9 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Overall Score 4.9 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP55
  • Battery Life of 3 hours

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Sony WF 1000XM4 Skullcandy Indy Fuel
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IP55
weight 7.1g 57g
has no wires or cables
wingtips included
sweat resistance
is dust proof and water-resistant
has an earbud foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 6mm 6mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 40000Hz 20000Hz
sound pressure level 105dB/mW 105dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 8hours 3hours
battery life of charging case 16hours 27hours
charge time 1.5hours 0.3hours
battery power 40mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5
maximum bluetooth range 10meters
has aac
has ldac
has aptx hd
audio latency 40ms
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only
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

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony WF 1000XM4 IPX4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel IP55

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

Scoring IP55, the Skullcandy Indy Fuel's rating is read as, the first number of 5 denotes 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 medium pressure jet that's 6.3mm diameter, similar to garden hose from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5 to 3 metres.

In comparison to the Skullcandy Indy Fuel, Sony WF 1000XM4 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that no data available to specify a protection rating and that of liquids is that, Skullcandy Indy Fuel has a higher liquid rating than Sony WF 1000XM4

Weight

Sony WF 1000XM4 7.1g
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 57g

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel have a weight of 57g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

The Sony WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g weigh less than the Skullcandy Indy Fuel by -49.9g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables linking any part of the device together, Skullcandy Indy Fuel are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the 2 earbuds .

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

Wingtips Included

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel come with wingtips, these are reserved for workout earbuds and are usually an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit.

Sweat Resistance

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel are resistant to sweat

Sony WF 1000XM4's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Is Dust Proof And Water-Resistant

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel are both dustproof and water-resistant.

Has An Earbud Foam

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The earbud foam is designed to be ultracompact and lightweight, with almost no interference with earrings, spectacles, hats, or hairstyles. The Sony WF 1000XM4 have an earbud foam to some it is more comfortable than the in-ear foam.

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel have stereo speakers, devices with stereo 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

Sony WF 1000XM4
See price on Amazon

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 hence "diluting" the noise.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears as you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel stay well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down background noise and also prevents the device music from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony WF 1000XM4 6mm
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 6mm

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel have a unit size of 6mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size corellates with the sound produced by the earbuds.

Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound gets , 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 20Hz
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 20Hz

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 40000Hz
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 20000Hz

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio component makes high human frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, this means that Sony WF 1000XM4 produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sound Pressure Level

Sony WF 1000XM4 105dB/mW
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 105dB/mW

SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Skullcandy Indy Fuel's measurement is 105dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Sony WF 1000XM4's sound pressure level measurement is 105dB/mW. How loud a device is can be taken differently by separate persons, so we need to have a way of getting a standard measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 have neodymium magnets, if used in earbuds produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help generate music at quite a high sound pressure level, using high magnetic flux.

Power

Battery Life

Sony WF 1000XM4 8hours
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 3hours

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel's battery life is 3 hours, these last less than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Sony WF 1000XM4's battery life is more than that of Skullcandy Indy Fuel by 5 hours . Every time you recharge your device, 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
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 27hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Skullcandy Indy Fuel's case is said to have a full charge of 27 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before having to recharge the case itself.

Sony WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of Skullcandy Indy Fuel by 11 hours

Charge Time

Sony WF 1000XM4 1.5hours
Skullcandy Indy Fuel 0.3hours

It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Skullcandy Indy Fuel's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Sony WF 1000XM4 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Skullcandy Indy Fuel by 1.2 hours

Battery Power

Sony WF 1000XM4 40mAh
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sony WF 1000XM4's battery power is 40mAh, battery power, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

Has Wireless Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply place down on a compatible charging pad.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also support wireless charging, always look out for the charging standard of a device.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and case.

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

Sony WF 1000XM4
See price on Amazon

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sony WF 1000XM4 have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Sony WF 1000XM4 v5.2
Skullcandy Indy Fuel v5

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel 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 Skullcandy Indy Fuel . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony WF 1000XM4 10meters
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Has Aac

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sony WF 1000XM4 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF 1000XM4 will work well with your iPad. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Has Ldac

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The 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 Hd

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 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).

Audio Latency

Sony WF 1000XM4 40ms
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Sony WF 1000XM4 have a latency of 40ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Sony WF 1000XM4 4only
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sony WF 1000XM4 have 4 microphones.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound.

Sony WF 1000XM4
See price on Amazon

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Sony WF 1000XM4 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Sony WF 1000XM4 have a find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device.

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

Multipoint Count

Sony WF 1000XM4 2only
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Sony WF 1000XM4 support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

With the Skullcandy Indy Fuel, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device.

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

Has Voice Prompts

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

Skullcandy Indy Fuel have voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony WF 1000XM4
Skullcandy Indy Fuel

The Skullcandy Indy Fuel come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them in your pockets without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

Related Reviews