Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM2
Sony is one of the most renowned headset manufacturers. Their noise canceling headphones are considered as some of the best. In this article, we will discuss the comparison between Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM2, two wireless models with active noise cancelation. So, which one is better?
In this article, we will discuss further about:
– What accessories that are included with each model
– The comparison of their design and comfort
– The noise cancelation features and performance of each model
– The sound quality of Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM2
– The battery life comparison between these two models
– Which headset that is generally more recommended for you
What’s in the Box?
Let’s start by checking the items that are included in the box of each model. Note that, although these two headsets have Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, they do have audio input ports and come with audio cables. You can use your headset with a wired connection when the battery is low. See also: Sony MDR1A vs MDR1AM2.
Sony WH H900N comes with a standard audio cable, a USB cable for charging, and a carrying pouch. Note that the audio cable isn’t very long. It is just long enough so that you can connect the headset to your mobile device in your pocket. The USB charging cable is about 45cm (1.5 feet) long. The carrying pouch is made from soft fabric.
Sony WH 1000XM2 has a more complete set. The bundle includes an audio cable, an adaptor for use in an airplane, a USB charging cable, and a carrying case. The included audio cable is very nice because it has OFC strands and a gold-plated connector. The adaptor allows you to connect the headset to the audio port on an airplane. The carrying case has a padded interior and a zippered closure.
Design
In a glance, Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM2 look very similar. They both have solid, sturdy, yet lightweight frames. They both have large circumaural ear cups with thick, soft, and very comfortable ear pads. Their headbands are padded, too.
However, the folding mechanisms differ. When folded, the ear cups of Sony WH H900N are on the top of each other. It is quite compact. Meanwhile, Sony WH 1000XM2 has swiveling ear cups so that the folded form is flat and slim. The folded form fits nicely into the carrying case, which then can be slipped easily into your bag or even attached to your belt.
Both models are very comfortable to wear. They can be a bit hot if worn continuously for multiple hours – a common thing for closed-back circumaural headphones. However, Sony WH H900N is a bit heavier at 10.23 oz. Sony WH 1000XM2 is slightly lighter at 9.7 oz.
These two models come with different colors choices. Sony WH H900N provides three options. There are black, red, and blue variants available. On the other hand, Sony WH 1000XM2 is only available in two variants, which are black and gold.
Noise Cancelation
A dramatic improvement is given to the noise cancelation performance of Sony WH 1000XM2, although Sony WH H900N isn’t bad at all. The company has listed several different features related to the noise cancelation of Sony WH 1000XM2. However, the effects of these features may not be apparent right away. So, let’s take a deeper look.
Both of these two models have touch-sensitive control pads on their right ear cups. They have the Quick Attention mode, which allows you to hold the right ear cup with the palm of your hand to mute momentarily. They also have the Adaptive Ambient Sound mode, which allows some audio pass-through by adjusting the level of the noise cancelation depending on what you are doing, so that you can still be aware of what is happening around you.
A notable difference between Sony WH H900N vs Sony WH 1000XM2 is the atmospheric pressure optimization. Sony WH H900N doesn’t have this feature. Sony WH1000XM2 comes with this feature, which enables the headset to compensate the sound according to the atmospheric pressure for the best noise cancelation performance. So, regardless of whether you are in a subway train or thousands of feet above the ground, you will still get the best performance.
In addition, Sony WH H900N doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app. Sony WH 1000XM2 comes with a dedicated mobile app that allows you to tinker with the headset. Through the mobile app, you can adjust the noise cancelation level, the balance between connection stability and sound quality, and the virtual positioning and virtual surround.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, Sony WH H900N and Sony WH 1000XM2 are great. They both have excellent dynamism, powerful energy, and amazing rhythmic precision. They have a neutral tonal balance and accurate frequency response. Not a single thing is exaggerated. The bass is solid and enjoyable without any flab, the midrange is direct and clear, and the treble is free from sibilance.
However, Sony WH H900N has a lower impedance level, which is 32 ohms. So, it is easier to drive when using the audio cable. It can deliver louder volume levels more easily.
Meanwhile, Sony WH 1000XM2 has an impedance level of 46 ohms. You will need to push the volume a bit higher when using the audio cable. However, the overall sound of this headset is definitely clearer and more accurate. One reason is that the optimized noise cancelation also helps in improving the audio performance.
Battery Life
Sony WH H900N already has decent battery life. On a continuous playback, the headset can last for 28 hours with the ANC turned on, or up to 34 hours with ANC turned off. The charging time takes about 6 hours.
Sony WH 1000XM2 is slightly better. On a continuous playback, the headset can last for 30 hours with the ANC turned on, or up to 38 hours with the ANC turned off. The charging time only takes 4 hours from empty to full. It has a quick charging feature; it only takes 10 minutes to get enough juice for 70 minutes of playback.
Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM2
Conclusion
In general, Sony WH 1000XM2 is more recommended. This model includes an adapter for use on an airplane. The biggest improvement is on the noise cancelation. It is much better in filtering environmental noise. It also has a longer battery life.
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