Sony Wh-1000xm4 vs Wh-1000xm3: Which Noise Canceller?
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 it a worthy upgrade over its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3?
This comparison dives deep, analyzing the features, performance, and value of both models. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and comfort. This will help you decide which Sony headphones best fit your needs and budget.
Get ready to discover the key differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Sony WH-1000XM3 and make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or simply seeking tranquility on your commute, we’ve got you covered.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Noise Cancellation | Industry-Leading | Excellent |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 254g | 255g |
| Wearing Detection | Yes | No |
| Speak-to-Chat | Yes | No |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | No |
| Quick Attention Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Case | Folding Case | Folding Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Improved noise cancellation with Sony’s QN1 processor and a new algorithm that analyzes and adapts to ambient sound in real-time. This results in even better performance, especially in mid-high frequencies. A slight improvement over the XM3, particularly in wind noise reduction.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Excellent noise cancellation thanks to the QN1 processor. Effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds, making it ideal for travel and noisy environments. Some wind noise can still be an issue.
- Winner: XM4
Sound Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Offers very similar sound quality to the XM3, with a focus on balanced audio. Features DSEE Extreme for upscaling compressed audio files. Slightly improved high-frequency performance and a more refined soundstage.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Delivers a clear and balanced sound signature with punchy bass and detailed highs. Supports aptX HD for high-resolution audio streaming.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort & Design
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Similar design to the XM3, but with a slightly lighter and more refined build. Improved ear cup design and headband for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Comfortable and well-designed headphones with plush earcups and a lightweight build. May feel slightly tighter than the XM4 for some users.
- Winner: XM4
Call Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Significantly improved call quality due to Precise Voice Pickup technology. Provides clearer voice transmission with reduced background noise, making calls more effective in various environments.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Call quality is acceptable but not outstanding. Can struggle with background noise, making it difficult for the caller to hear clearly in noisy environments.
- Winner: XM4
Battery Life
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, and fast charging provides 5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, and fast charging.
- Winner: Tie
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Bluetooth 5.0 with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Multipoint pairing allows connection to two devices simultaneously.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Bluetooth 4.2 with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs.
- Winner: XM4
Smart Features
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, and wear detection for auto-pause/play. Improved adaptive sound control.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Adaptive sound control, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your location and activity. No speak-to-chat.
- Winner: XM4
Price
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Typically more expensive at launch compared to the XM3 at its launch. Price has decreased over time.
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Generally available at a lower price point now, offering excellent value for its features.
- Winner: XM3 (for value, but XM4 for overall features)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | WH-1000XM3 (depending on price) |
| Features | WH-1000XM4 |
| Noise Cancellation | WH-1000XM4 (Slightly) |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Sound Quality: Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 deliver exceptional sound quality, providing a rich and balanced audio experience. They both utilize Sony’s signature audio tuning.
- Battery Life: Both headphones offer an impressive 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, ensuring long listening sessions without frequent charging. This allows for all-day use.
- Comfort: Both models are known for their comfortable design, featuring plush earcups and a lightweight build that makes them suitable for extended wear. The design is similar.
- Noise Cancellation: Both headphones excel at noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient sounds to create an immersive listening experience. They both use Sony’s proprietary technology.
- Bluetooth Support: Both support the key Bluetooth codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC, allowing for high-quality audio streaming from compatible devices. This ensures a great listening experience.
Sony Wh-1000Xm4 Vs Sony Wh-1000Xm3 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the WH-1000XM3 share a similar design aesthetic, prioritizing comfort for extended listening sessions. The XM4 features a slightly refined design with subtle improvements to the earcups and headband padding, offering a more comfortable fit over longer periods. The XM3 is still very comfortable, but some users may find the XM4’s enhancements to be noticeable, especially during travel. Both headphones utilize a circumaural design, enveloping the ears for effective noise isolation and comfort. The materials used feel premium on both models.
Noise Cancellation Performance
The Sony WH-1000XM4 takes a slight lead in noise cancellation performance due to its upgraded processor and algorithm. The XM4 effectively blocks out a broader range of ambient sounds, including higher frequencies. The WH-1000XM3 provides excellent noise cancellation, and still rivals many current models. Both headphones excel at reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engines and ambient chatter. The difference, while noticeable, may not be significant for all users, particularly in less noisy environments. The XM4’s improved performance can be a significant benefit for commuters.
Sound Quality Comparison
Both headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, characterized by a balanced and detailed sound signature. The WH-1000XM4 has a slightly improved sound profile with a more refined high-frequency response and better instrument separation. The WH-1000XM3 offers a warm and engaging sound that suits a wide range of music genres. Both support high-resolution audio and feature Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology (XM4) or DSEE HX (XM3) to upscale compressed audio files. The XM4 offers a more nuanced sound, which is a great upgrade for audiophiles.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 offer comparable battery life, delivering up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled. Both headphones feature quick-charging capabilities, providing several hours of listening time with a short charging period. The XM4 has a slightly improved battery management system, but the difference is negligible in real-world usage. You can expect all-day listening from both models. Both headphones use USB-C for charging, which is a plus for convenience.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The Sony WH-1000XM4 boasts a superior microphone system, making it a better choice for phone calls and video conferencing. The XM4 utilizes multiple microphones and advanced processing to isolate the user’s voice and reduce background noise. The WH-1000XM3’s microphone performance is adequate for calls in quieter environments, but it struggles in noisy situations. The XM4’s improvements make it a more reliable option for communication. The XM4 offers a clearer and more natural sounding voice.
Features and Connectivity
Both headphones offer a host of features, including touch controls, support for voice assistants, and a companion app for customization. The WH-1000XM4 introduces some notable upgrades, such as Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, and multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. The WH-1000XM3 lacks these features. Both support Bluetooth 5.0 and offer a stable connection. The XM4 offers more convenience, but the XM3 is still a strong performer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy WH-1000XM4 If…
- You want the latest features, including wearing detection, speak-to-chat, and multipoint pairing.
- You prioritize the convenience of automatic pause/play and connecting to multiple devices.
- You want slightly improved noise cancellation performance.
- You want minor improvements in comfort.
Buy WH-1000XM3 If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the latest features like wearing detection and speak-to-chat.
- You are satisfied with excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
- You can find them at a significantly discounted price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM3?
The WH-1000XM4 improves upon the XM3 with enhanced noise cancellation, a refined sound profile, superior microphone performance, Speak-to-Chat, and multipoint pairing. The XM4 also has a slightly more comfortable design and is built with better materials. While the XM3 is still a great option, the XM4 represents a more refined experience overall.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has superior noise cancellation capabilities. The XM4 features an upgraded processor and algorithm that more effectively blocks a wider range of ambient sounds, providing a quieter listening experience. The XM3 also has great noise cancellation. The XM4 is the clear winner if noise cancellation is your priority.
Is the sound quality significantly different between the two models?
The sound quality differences are subtle, but the WH-1000XM4 offers a slightly more refined and detailed sound profile with improvements in high-frequency response. Both headphones deliver excellent sound quality with a balanced sound signature, supporting high-resolution audio. The XM4 offers a more nuanced experience.
Does the WH-1000XM4 have better battery life?
Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 offer comparable battery life, around 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. The XM4 has some battery management improvements, but the real-world difference is very minimal. Both support quick charging, providing several hours of playback with a short charge. You can expect all-day listening from either model.
Which model is better for making phone calls?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a superior microphone system, making it the better choice for phone calls and video conferencing. The XM4 has multiple microphones and advanced processing to isolate the user’s voice, while reducing background noise. The XM3 is good for quiet environments, but the XM4 offers a clearer and more natural sounding voice.
What new features does the WH-1000XM4 offer?
The WH-1000XM4 introduces several new features, including Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you speak, and multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. The XM4 also has improved noise cancellation, a refined sound profile, and a better microphone system. The XM3 lacks these, but is still a very capable headphone.
Is the WH-1000XM4 worth the upgrade from the XM3?
The upgrade is worth it if you value improved noise cancellation, a more refined sound profile, better microphone performance, and the convenience features of Speak-to-Chat and multipoint pairing. The XM3 is still a fantastic headphone, but the XM4 offers a more complete and enhanced experience, particularly for frequent travelers or those who make calls.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4 improves upon the already excellent WH-1000XM3 with better noise cancellation, a more refined sound, and added features like Speak-to-Chat and multipoint pairing. While the XM3 remains a strong contender, the XM4 provides a more polished and versatile experience, making it the superior choice.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4