Sony Wh-1000xm3 vs Wh-1000xm4: Which Should You Buy?
Are you searching for the ultimate noise-canceling headphones? The Sony WH-1000XM series has consistently set the standard. But with the release of the WH-1000XM4, is the older WH-1000XM3 still a worthy contender?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and value of both headphones. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses across key areas like sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. This will help you decide which Sony headphones best fit your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a music enthusiast, or someone who simply values peace and quiet, this guide will provide the insights you need. We’ll examine the subtle yet significant improvements the WH-1000XM4 offers over its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3. Get ready to discover the perfect pair for you!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | WH-1000XM3 | WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC |
| Noise Cancellation | Industry-Leading | Improved |
| Wearing Detection | No | Yes |
| Speak-to-Chat | No | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | No | Yes |
| Processor | QN1 | QN1e |
| Upscaling | DSEE HX | DSEE Extreme |
| Weight | 255g | 254g |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Case | Hard Case | Hard Case |
| Quick Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Offers excellent noise cancellation, using Sony’s QN1 processor to effectively block out a wide range of ambient sounds. It’s highly effective for everyday use, such as commuting and office environments. However, it can sometimes struggle slightly with higher-frequency sounds compared to its successor.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Boasts improved noise cancellation, further enhanced by the new QN1e processor and upgraded algorithm. It excels at blocking out a wider range of noises, including higher frequencies and conversations, making it even more effective in various environments.
- Winner: XM4
Sound Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Delivers rich and balanced sound with a slightly emphasized bass, providing an enjoyable listening experience for various genres. It supports high-resolution audio and offers decent clarity across the frequency spectrum. Some users find the treble a bit rolled off.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Maintains a similar sound signature to the XM3 but with subtle improvements in clarity and detail, particularly in the mid-range. It continues to support high-resolution audio and offers a generally more refined listening experience.
- Winner: XM4
Comfort & Design
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Features a comfortable over-ear design with plush earcups and a lightweight build. It’s generally comfortable for long listening sessions, although some users might find the clamping force a bit tight.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Builds upon the XM3’s design with improvements to comfort, including slightly softer earcups and a redesigned headband. This results in an even more comfortable fit, especially for extended use.
- Winner: XM4
Battery Life
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, which is excellent for its time. It also features quick charging capabilities.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation, the same as its predecessor, but with slightly improved efficiency. It also offers quick charging.
- Winner: Tie
Bluetooth & Codecs
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Supports Bluetooth 4.2 and codecs including SBC, AAC, and aptX HD, offering a reliable wireless connection and good audio quality.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Upgrades to Bluetooth 5.0 and includes support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC, providing a more stable connection and superior audio quality with LDAC-compatible devices.
- Winner: XM4
Call Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Offers decent call quality, but the microphone performance is not the strongest in noisy environments.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Significantly improves call quality with enhanced microphone performance and Speak-to-Chat functionality, making it easier to take calls in various environments.
- Winner: XM4
Features & Functionality
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Includes features like touch controls, Google Assistant integration, and ambient sound mode.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Adds features like Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, and wearing detection to automatically pause and resume playback when you take the headphones off.
- Winner: XM4
Price & Value
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Originally a premium product, the XM3 is now often available at a lower price point, offering excellent value for its features and performance.
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Remains a premium product, but its improved features justify the higher price tag for those seeking the best possible experience.
- Winner: Tie (Depends on budget and desired features)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | WH-1000XM4 |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Features | WH-1000XM4 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Bluetooth Version | WH-1000XM4 |
| Value | WH-1000XM3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Exceptional Noise Cancellation: Both models boast top-tier noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience.
- Comfortable Design: Both the WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4 feature a comfortable over-ear design, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
- Excellent Sound Quality: Sony is renowned for its audio quality, and both headphones deliver balanced and detailed sound with rich bass and clear highs.
- Long Battery Life: Both headphones offer impressive battery life, allowing for extended use on a single charge.
- Touch Controls: Both models include touch controls on the earcups, enabling easy control of music playback, calls, and volume.
Sony Wh-1000XM3 vs XM4 Buying Guide
Sound Quality Comparison
Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4 offer exceptional sound quality, but there are subtle differences. The XM4s boast a slightly enhanced high-frequency response, offering a touch more clarity in the treble. This can make instruments and vocals sound a bit more defined. The XM3s, on the other hand, provide a warmer, more balanced sound signature that some listeners might find more pleasing for longer listening sessions. Both headphones utilize Sony’s proprietary audio technologies for a rich and immersive listening experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preference and the type of music you enjoy.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
The noise cancellation is a key feature in both models, and the XM4s have a slight edge. They feature Sony’s updated QN1 processor, which provides improved noise cancellation, particularly in the mid-range frequencies, like voices. This makes them ideal for noisy environments such as airplanes or busy offices. The XM3s still offer excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. However, the XM4s’ enhanced performance provides a more refined and quieter listening experience. Both models adapt to the environment automatically, but the XM4 does it more efficiently.
Design and Comfort Analysis
The design differences are minimal, but comfort is a critical factor. The XM4s feature a slightly redesigned headband and earcups, which contribute to a more comfortable fit, especially during extended use. The earcups are slightly larger, providing more space for the ears. Both models use soft, plush earcups and a lightweight design, making them comfortable to wear for hours on end. The XM3s are still very comfortable, but the subtle improvements in the XM4s give it the advantage in terms of overall comfort, especially for people with larger ears. The materials are very similar.
Battery Life and Charging Features
The WH-1000XM4 boasts a slight improvement in battery life over the XM3, offering approximately 30 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled, compared to the XM3’s 30 hours. Both models feature fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging. The XM4s also include features like wear detection, which automatically pauses and resumes playback when you remove or put on the headphones, conserving battery life. The XM3 offers similar fast-charging capabilities, making it a competitive choice for on-the-go listening. These features are very helpful.
Additional Features and Technology
The WH-1000XM4 introduces several new features, including Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, and multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. The XM3 offers the basics, including touch controls for playback and volume adjustments. Both models are compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. These additional features enhance the overall user experience, making the XM4s more convenient for everyday use. The XM3s are still very functional, but the XM4 offers improved user experience.
Price and Value Proposition
The price difference between the XM3 and XM4 is a significant factor. The XM3 is often available at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While the XM4 offers incremental improvements, the XM3 provides excellent value for its price, especially if you can find it on sale. Consider your budget and the importance of the new features when making your decision. Both headphones offer excellent performance for their respective price points, but the XM3 can be a smart buy for value-oriented shoppers. This depends on your personal budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy WH-1000XM3 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the latest features like Speak-to-Chat or wearing detection.
- You primarily listen to music and prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation.
- You want a reliable and well-regarded noise-canceling headphone at a lower price.
Buy WH-1000XM4 If…
- You want the latest features, including Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection.
- You value the convenience of multipoint pairing.
- You prioritize the best possible noise cancellation performance.
- You want the most advanced Sony headphone available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Sony WH-1000XM3 and XM4?
The XM4s offer improved noise cancellation, a slightly better sound signature, and additional features like Speak-to-Chat and multipoint pairing. They also have a slightly more comfortable design and a marginal increase in battery life. The XM3s are still very capable and are often available at a lower price. The key differences are in user experience and features.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has superior noise cancellation compared to the XM3. The XM4 features an upgraded QN1 processor that effectively blocks out a broader range of frequencies, particularly in the mid-range. This results in a quieter listening environment, making it ideal for travel and noisy surroundings. Both are excellent, but the XM4 is slightly better.
How does the sound quality compare between the two models?
Both headphones deliver exceptional sound, but the XM4s have a slightly enhanced high-frequency response for a bit more clarity. The XM3s offer a warmer, more balanced sound. Both utilize Sony’s audio technologies for a rich listening experience. Overall the XM4 has a more precise sound, but both are quite good, and it depends on your music taste.
What is Speak-to-Chat, and does the XM3 have it?
Speak-to-Chat is a feature on the XM4 that automatically pauses your music when it detects you’re speaking. It allows for easy conversations without removing your headphones. The XM3 does not have this feature. The XM4’s feature provides added convenience. This is one of the key differences in functionality.
Does the Sony WH-1000XM4 support multipoint pairing?
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can switch between your phone and laptop without disconnecting and reconnecting. The XM3 does not have this feature. This is a very convenient feature if you use multiple devices.
How does battery life compare between the XM3 and XM4?
Both headphones offer excellent battery life. The XM4 has a slightly improved battery life, offering approximately 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. The XM3 provides around 30 hours of playback. Both also feature fast charging for quick power boosts. This is not a huge difference, but the XM4 slightly wins.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
Both models offer good call quality, but the XM4 is generally considered to have slightly better call performance. The XM4 features improved microphone technology, resulting in clearer voice transmission. Both models are suitable for making calls, but the XM4s have a slight edge in terms of clarity. The XM4 is slightly better.
Final Verdict
While both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4 are excellent noise-canceling headphones, the XM4 offers some incremental improvements, including better noise cancellation, a more comfortable design, and additional features like Speak-to-Chat and multipoint pairing. The XM3 remains a strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, the XM4’s enhancements make it the superior choice for most users.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4