Compare Sony WF-1000XM4 Vs JBL Club Pro Plus

This review compares the difference between JBL Club Pro Plus to the Sony WF-1000XM4 based on the technical specifications and design. The Sony WF-1000XM4 was just released in June this year, while JBL Club Pro Plus was released about a year earlier.

JBL Club Pro Plus Earbud
JBL Club Pro Plus Earbud

Form Factor. [tie_index]Form Factor.[/tie_index]

Tech SpecsSony
WF-1000XM4
JBL
Club Pro+
Release date08-Jun-2125-Oct-20
Form Factor
Size (each earbud)25.4×20.3×20.3mm38.1x33x27.9mm
Weight (each earbud)7.3g6.85g
Earbuds IP RatingIPX4IPX4
Control TypeTouchTouch

Both earbuds have similar IP ratings of IPX4 for protection against water spray and touch control. Both earbuds are not waterproof and cannot withstand submerging in water. The JBL Club Pro Plus is slightly lighter by about 4 grams but the size is a lot bigger, at least based on the numbers shown in the above table.

However, a comparison of the models wearing the earbuds shows that the Sony WF-1000XM4 appears much better when attached to the ear.

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs JBL Club Pro Plus
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs JBL Club Pro Plus

Some users prefer earbuds to flush with the ear lobes and dislike any part that is protruding out. As such, a smaller size should be a key consideration of an earbud design. In both cases, they look huge and covers much of the inner ear lobe, unlike the Jabra Elite 7 Pro (see below) with a more discrete hidden profile, that appears slightly recessed into the ear.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro Model
Jabra Elite 7 Pro Model

One thing we noticed about the JBL Club Pro Plus is the size of the charging contacts below the earbuds.

JBL Club Pro Plus Earbud Connectors

The electrical contacts of the JBL Club Pro Plus look quite small from the photos, which reminds us of the Klipsch earbuds which have very poor contact.

In the case of Klipsch T5 II Sports earbuds, they do not charge properly because the contacts are not aligned inside the charging case. Jabra’s earbuds do not have such issues as their contact points are huge. This is despite the fact that the earbuds have magnets to aid in the alignment, which we believe is also the same for all earbud casing designs.

As shown in the photo below, Jabra Elite 75t Active (right) has a much larger contact point and a better design than the Klipsch T5 II Sports Wireless (left) which has a very small contact.

Klipsch Vs Jabra Connector
Klipsch Vs Jabra Connector

We do not have the actual samples of all the earbuds except for the Klipsch and Jabra models above. But based on the photo of the Sony WF-1000XM4, the contact points appear larger than the Klipsch by a visual comparison of the size versus the ear gel. The best way to be sure is to test out the charging with actual samples.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Contact Points
Sony WF-1000XM4 Contact Points

Driver, Mics and Sensors[tie_index]Driver, Mics and Sensors[/tie_index]

Tech SpecsSony
WF-1000XM4
JBL
Club Pro+
Driver6mm6.8mm
Frequency Response20-20kHz
(44.1kHz)/
20-40kHz
(LDAC 96kHz)
20Hz-
20kHz
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)ANCFeedback ANC
Transparency (Hear Through)YesYes
Microphone per earbud23 (total)
Use either earbud independentlyYesYes
Proximity/Optical/Ear SensorYesYes
Bone Conduction Sensor (VPU)YesNo

For the JBL Club Pro Plus, the specification state that they use a 3-mic beamforming technology which “helps to eliminate” background noises.

It also has the same mono mode where either earbud can be used independently like the Jabra Elite 7 Pro. This could mean that the “3-mic” exist on both earbuds, and so we concluded that the JBL Club Pro Plus should have an even number or a total of 6 mics to work.

On paper, it may appear that JBL Club Pro Plus is better than the Sony WF-1000XM4 because it has additional mics for ANC. However, this is not the case.

The Sony WF-1000XM4’s design comes with a secret weapon in the form of a bone conduction sensor to pick up the voice clearly and accurately for hands-free calls. This sensor and the ANC helps to ensure the clarity of the voice even in noisy situations.

Sony’s sound driver is always one of the best in the market, and it will be challenging for any brand to beat.

Battery Life[tie_index]Battery Life[/tie_index]

Tech SpecsSony
WF-1000XM4
JBL
Club Pro+
Battery Life
Music Time (ANC Off)12h8h
Music Time (ANC On)8h6h
Total Time + Charge Case (ANC On)24h24h
Charging Time 0-100% (Buds)1.5h2 hours

The battery life for both Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds is much better than the JBL Club Pro Plus, but the overall battery life with the charging case remains the same. It is better for earbuds to last longer before charging, which makes the Sony WF-1000XM4 a better choice by design.

Sony WF-1000XM4 also has a slightly faster charging time of 1.5h. Overall, we feel Sony has a better score in this section even though the overall battery life with the charging case is the same as the JBL.

Charging Case[tie_index]Charging Case[/tie_index]

Tech SpecsSony
WF-1000XM4
JBL
Club Pro+
Charging Case
Size60×38.1x28mm
(2.4×1.5×1.1in)
55x50x30mm
(2.2×2.0x1.2in)
Weight41g55.4g
USB-C ConnectorYesYes
Input Power5W5W
Output Power 5V/0.14A5V 1A
Qi-Certified/Wireless ChargingYesYes
Fast Charge For 1-hour usage5mins15mins
Charging Time 0-100% (Case)3h2h
Charging Case IP RatingNoNo

Sony WF-1000XM4 charging case is slightly smaller and lighter than the JBL’s charging case, but it also comes with a lesser charge as mentioned earlier. The above comparison should be self-explanatory, and should not be a key deciding factor for purchasing.

Both charging cases do not have any IP rating, unlike the Logitech Zone True Wireless earbuds.

WF-1000XM4 Casing
WF-1000XM4 Charging Case
JBL Club Pro Plus Charging Case
JBL Club Pro Plus Charging Case

Review Comments[tie_index]Review Comments[/tie_index]

The Sony WF-1000XM4 has better specifications but also costs about 27% more than the JBL Club Pro Plus.

Will we buy either earbud? The answer is no.

We prefer to defer the decision until Logitech Zone True Wireless and Jabra Elite 7 Pro earbuds are released.

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