Sony Xm4 vs Xm3: Which Noise-Cancelling Headphones Reign?
Are you torn between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3? You’re not alone. Both are titans in the world of noise-cancelling headphones, offering premium sound quality and features. Deciding which one is right for you can be a challenge, especially with so many factors to consider.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences between the Sony XM4 and XM3. We’ll explore their design, comfort, noise cancellation capabilities, sound quality, and battery life. We’ll also look at any additional features that might sway your decision.
Get ready to discover which headphones truly deserve a spot on your head. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just looking for a better listening experience, this guide will help you make an informed choice. Let’s find out which Sony headphone comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | XM4 | XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Industry-Leading | Excellent |
| Bluetooth Codec | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 254g | 255g |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | No |
| Wearing Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Upscaling Technology | DSEE Extreme | DSEE HX |
| Ear Cup Material | Polyurethane | Polyurethane |
| Case | Folding Case | Folding Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 utilizes Sony’s latest QN1 processor and dual noise sensor technology for improved noise cancellation, particularly in mid- to high-frequency sounds. It offers excellent noise isolation, creating a more immersive listening experience. Some users report a slight pressure sensation.
- Xm3: The XM3 also employs Sony’s QN1 processor, but with an older algorithm. It provides excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. It may not be quite as effective as the XM4 in certain situations.
- Winner: XM4
Sound Quality
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 delivers a balanced and refined sound signature with enhanced high-frequency clarity and improved overall detail compared to its predecessor. It supports LDAC codec for high-quality wireless audio streaming. Some users might find the bass slightly less pronounced.
- Xm3: The XM3 provides a warm and pleasing sound with a strong bass response. While still excellent, the sound signature may lack some of the detail and refinement of the XM4. Supports LDAC codec.
- Winner: XM4
Comfort & Design
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 features a lighter and more streamlined design with updated earcups and a more comfortable headband. It folds flatter for easier storage. Some users may find the earcups a bit shallow.
- Xm3: The XM3 has a slightly bulkier design than the XM4, with a thicker headband and larger earcups. It is still comfortable, but not as lightweight or compact as the newer model.
- Winner: XM4
Battery Life
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled and supports fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
- Xm3: The XM3 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled and also offers fast charging capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Microphone Quality
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 has improved microphone performance for clearer calls, especially in noisy environments. It utilizes beamforming technology to focus on the user’s voice.
- Xm3: The XM3’s microphone quality is good, but not as refined as the XM4’s. Callers may experience some background noise in certain situations.
- Winner: XM4
Bluetooth & Connectivity
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and features multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. It also has Google Fast Pair for easy setup.
- Xm3: The XM3 supports Bluetooth 4.2. It lacks multipoint pairing, meaning you have to disconnect from one device to connect to another.
- Winner: XM4
Portability & Case
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 folds flatter and comes with a more compact carrying case. The case is also slightly more durable.
- Xm3: The XM3’s case is larger due to the design of the headphones and is less convenient for some users.
- Winner: XM4
Price
- Sony Xm4: The XM4 is the newer model and generally commands a higher price.
- Xm3: The XM3 is often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: XM3
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | XM4 (Slightly improved) |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Features | XM4 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Value | XM3 (Depending on price) |
What They Have in Common:
- Exceptional Noise Cancellation: Both the XM4 and XM3 boast industry-leading noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. This makes them ideal for travel, commuting, or working in noisy environments.
- Comfortable Design: Both headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring over-ear designs with soft earcups and adjustable headbands, suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Long Battery Life: Both models offer approximately 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, allowing for extended use without frequent charging.
- Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, providing convenient hands-free control.
- High-Quality Audio: Both the XM4 and XM3 deliver excellent audio quality, with a balanced sound profile that is enjoyable across various music genres.
Sony XM4 vs XM3 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a refined design compared to the XM3, with a lighter build and improved ear cup design. The XM4’s earcups are slightly larger and offer more space for the ears, leading to enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions. This is especially noticeable for users with larger ears. The headband is also redesigned, with a smoother, more comfortable padding. Both headphones share a similar foldable design for portability, but the XM4’s subtle improvements make it the more comfortable option for prolonged use. This makes a significant difference for users who wear headphones for hours at a time.
Sound Quality and Performance
While both the XM4 and XM3 deliver excellent sound quality, the XM4 introduces some enhancements. The XM4 boasts improved high-frequency performance and a slightly more balanced sound profile. The XM4 benefits from a refined Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme, which upscales compressed audio files in real-time. This leads to a richer and more detailed listening experience. The XM3 provides a great sound, but the XM4 offers a more nuanced and clearer audio output. They both offer great bass, but the XM4 gives cleaner highs and a better overall experience.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
Sony’s noise cancellation technology is a key selling point for both models, but the XM4 takes it a step further. The XM4 uses a new algorithm and a dual-sensor system to analyze ambient noise in real-time. This results in superior noise cancellation, especially in environments with variable sounds, such as wind or conversations. The XM3 offers very effective noise cancellation, but the XM4 is notably better at blocking out a wider range of frequencies. This makes the XM4 a better choice for frequent travelers or those working in noisy environments. The improvements are subtle but noticeable.
Microphone Quality and Call Clarity
The XM4 features significant improvements in microphone performance compared to the XM3. The XM4 incorporates Precise Voice Pickup technology, which enhances voice clarity during phone calls. This technology helps to isolate the speaker’s voice and reduce background noise, making conversations clearer in various environments. The XM3’s microphone is adequate, but the XM4’s is noticeably better, resulting in clearer voice transmission. This is important for users who take calls frequently. The XM4’s microphone is a significant upgrade for voice quality.
Battery Life and Charging
Both models offer impressive battery life, but the XM4 comes out slightly ahead. The XM4 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, a slight increase over the XM3. Both headphones support quick charging, with a few minutes of charging providing hours of playback. The XM4 also has the added convenience of wear detection, which automatically pauses and resumes music when you remove or put on the headphones. This contributes to better battery management and ease of use. The XM4’s battery enhancements offer a small, but useful, advantage.
Additional Features and Smart Functionality
The XM4 introduces several new features and enhancements. The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses music when you start talking, and the headphones support wearing detection. The XM4 also allows for multi-point pairing, which means it can connect to two devices simultaneously. The XM3 lacks these advanced features. The XM4 also has a better app with more controls. These additions provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience. These small additions add up to a better overall user experience when considering the XM4.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sony xm4 If…
- You want the latest features and technology.
- You value the convenience of multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices.
- You prioritize a slightly more refined and updated design.
- You want improved call quality.
Buy xm3 If…
- You’re looking for a great value and a slightly lower price.
- You don’t need the latest features like multipoint pairing.
- You are happy with a slightly older but still excellent performing model.
- You prioritize the tried and tested performance of a classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the XM4 and XM3?
The XM4 offers improvements in several areas, including comfort, noise cancellation, microphone quality, and additional features like Speak-to-Chat and multi-point pairing. The XM4 also features a slightly improved sound profile and battery life. While both are great headphones, the XM4 refines upon the XM3’s already excellent foundation. The XM4 is the more advanced version, with more features and improvements.
Is the noise cancellation significantly better on the XM4?
Yes, the XM4’s noise cancellation is noticeably superior. It uses a new algorithm and dual sensors to analyze and block a wider range of ambient noises, particularly in environments with variable sounds. The XM4’s noise cancellation is more effective, making it a better choice for noisy environments. This is a key advantage of the XM4.
Does the XM4 have better sound quality than the XM3?
The XM4 has a slightly improved sound profile with a more balanced and refined audio experience. It also features DSEE Extreme for better upscaling of compressed audio. While both headphones sound great, the XM4 offers a more nuanced and clearer audio output. The XM4 provides a better overall listening experience with its improved sound.
Are there any design changes between the XM4 and XM3?
Yes, the XM4 features a slightly refined design with a lighter build and improved ear cup design for enhanced comfort. The earcups are slightly larger, and the headband has improved padding. The XM4 offers a more comfortable fit, especially during extended listening sessions. This design change is subtle but enhances the user experience.
How does the microphone quality compare between the two models?
The XM4 has a significantly improved microphone with Precise Voice Pickup technology. This results in clearer voice calls and better background noise reduction. The XM4 provides superior clarity during phone calls. The XM4’s microphone is a notable upgrade for anyone who frequently makes or receives phone calls.
What about battery life and charging on the XM4 vs XM3?
The XM4 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation, a slight improvement over the XM3. Both headphones support quick charging. The XM4 also features wear detection for better battery management. The XM4 offers a marginal improvement in battery life and more user-friendly features.
Which headphone is the better value for the money?
The answer depends on your priorities and budget. While the XM4 offers notable improvements across the board, the XM3 remains a strong contender, especially if you can find it at a lower price. If you prioritize the latest features and best performance, the XM4 is the better choice, but the XM3 still offers excellent value.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4 improves upon the already excellent XM3 with enhanced comfort, superior noise cancellation, and a refined sound profile. The XM4 also boasts improved microphone quality and additional features like Speak-to-Chat and multi-point pairing. While the XM3 remains a strong option, the XM4’s advancements make it the overall winner.
Winner: Sony XM4