Sony Xm3 vs Xm4: Which Noise-Canceling Headphones Reign?
Are you torn between the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the newer WH-1000XM4? You’re not alone! These two headphones have dominated the noise-canceling market for years, offering incredible audio quality and comfort. Deciding which one is right for you can be a challenge.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences and similarities between the Sony XM3 and XM4. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and features. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or simply seeking the best travel companion, this guide will help. We’ll examine the upgrades Sony made in the XM4, and determine if they justify the price difference. Let’s find out which Sony headphones truly deserve a spot in your life!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | XM3 | XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Improved |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC |
| Wearing Detection | No | Yes |
| Speak-to-Chat | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 255g | 254g |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Multipoint Pairing | No | Yes |
| Case | Hard Case | Hard Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Xm3: Excellent noise cancellation, utilizing Sony’s QN1 processor. Effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds, making it ideal for travel and busy environments. Some users may experience slight pressure in the ears.
- Xm4: Improved noise cancellation performance compared to the XM3, with enhanced processing and a new algorithm. Better at blocking higher-frequency sounds and adapting to different environments. Offers even less pressure.
- Winner: XM4
Sound Quality
- Sony Xm3: Delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature. Features a wide soundstage and powerful bass, suitable for various music genres. Some users may find the treble a bit bright.
- Xm4: Similar sound signature to the XM3, but with refined audio processing. Offers improved clarity and a more natural sound, especially in the mid-range.
- Winner: XM4
Design and Comfort
- Sony Xm3: Comfortable over-ear design with a foldable ear cup design for portability. Earcups may feel a bit tight for some users during extended use.
- Xm4: Lighter and more comfortable design with redesigned earcups. Improved padding and a slightly larger ear cup cavity for a better fit.
- Winner: XM4
Battery Life
- Sony Xm3: Offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Supports quick charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
- Xm4: Offers similar battery life to the XM3, with around 30 hours with noise cancellation on. Provides faster charging, making it more convenient.
- Winner: Tie
Call Quality
- Sony Xm3: Good call quality in quiet environments, but can struggle in noisy settings. Microphones can pick up background noise.
- Xm4: Significantly improved call quality, thanks to Precise Voice Pickup technology. Offers clearer voice transmission and better noise reduction for calls.
- Winner: XM4
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Sony Xm3: Uses Bluetooth 4.2. Can experience occasional connection drops in crowded areas.
- Xm4: Uses Bluetooth 5.0. Offers a more stable and reliable connection, with improved range and reduced latency.
- Winner: XM4
Multipoint Pairing
- Sony Xm3: Does not support multipoint pairing. Can only connect to one device at a time.
- Xm4: Supports multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. Convenient for switching between devices.
- Winner: XM4
Voice Assistant Integration
- Sony Xm3: Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Features a dedicated button for voice assistant activation.
- Xm4: Also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Offers improved voice assistant integration and responsiveness.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | XM4 |
| Features | XM4 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Value | XM3 |
| Bluetooth | XM4 |
What They Have in Common:
- Sound Quality: Both headphones deliver Sony’s signature sound profile with a focus on powerful bass and clear highs, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
- Comfort: Both the XM3 and XM4 feature comfortable over-ear designs, suitable for extended listening sessions, with plush earcups and adjustable headbands.
- Noise Cancellation: Both models offer exceptional noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient sounds to create a focused listening environment.
- Battery Life: Both headphones provide a long battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, allowing for extended use on a single charge.
- Voice Assistant: Both headphones are compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, offering convenient hands-free control.
- Bluetooth Codecs: Both support high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX, ensuring a great audio streaming experience.
Sony XM3 vs XM4 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Sony XM3 and XM4 prioritize comfort, but subtle design differences exist. The XM3 features a slightly older design with a more pronounced headband, while the XM4 boasts a sleeker, more streamlined look with a refined headband and lighter earcups. Both headphones use soft, plush earcups, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The XM4’s design improvements contribute to a more secure and less noticeable fit, making them feel more natural over long periods. Consider your preference for a more traditional or modern aesthetic when choosing between the two.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both models excel at noise cancellation, a hallmark of Sony’s XM series. The XM4 generally edges out the XM3 due to its improved processor and refined algorithm. The XM4 is particularly effective at blocking out higher-frequency sounds like chatter and office equipment, while the XM3 excels at handling lower-frequency noises like airplane engines. However, the XM3 still offers excellent noise cancellation capabilities. The degree of improvement might not be noticeable to all users, but the XM4 offers a slight advantage in noisy environments.
Sound Quality Comparison
Both headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, characterized by a balanced and detailed sound profile. The XM4 tends to have slightly improved clarity and a more refined presentation across the frequency spectrum. The XM3, however, still offers a rich and immersive listening experience with a powerful bass response and clear highs. The difference in sound quality is subtle but noticeable, especially with complex tracks. Audiophiles may appreciate the refinements of the XM4, but the XM3 still provides fantastic audio performance.
Battery Life and Charging
The XM4 offers a slightly extended battery life compared to the XM3, allowing for longer listening sessions. Both headphones support fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging. The XM4’s improved battery life is a welcome enhancement for users who require extended use without frequent charging. The included charging cases for both models offer protection and convenience for on-the-go use. Consider your listening habits when comparing these factors.
Call Quality and Features
The XM4 boasts improved call quality compared to the XM3, with enhanced voice pickup and noise reduction during calls. This translates to clearer and more intelligible conversations in various environments. Both models offer features like touch controls for playback and volume adjustments, and support for voice assistants. However, the XM4’s improvements in call quality make it a better choice for users who frequently make or receive calls. Consider your daily usage scenarios when making your decision.
Price and Value
The price difference between the XM3 and XM4 is a significant factor. The XM3 is typically available at a lower price point, making it an excellent value proposition for those seeking high-quality noise-canceling headphones without breaking the bank. The XM4, while more expensive, offers incremental improvements in performance and features. Evaluate your budget and the importance of these upgrades when deciding which model offers the best value for your needs. The XM3 remains a top contender in the value category.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy XM3 If…
- You want to save some money and get a great deal on a premium noise-canceling headphone.
- You don’t need the latest features like Speak-to-Chat or wearing detection.
- You’re happy with a proven design and excellent performance without the latest updates.
Buy XM4 If…
- You want the latest features like Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection for added convenience.
- You prefer the slightly improved noise cancellation and overall refinement.
- You want to future-proof your purchase with the latest Bluetooth version and features.
- You value the multipoint pairing feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Sony XM3 and XM4?
The XM4 features improvements in noise cancellation, call quality, and battery life compared to the XM3. It also has a slightly refined design and improved sound clarity. The XM3, however, offers a great value proposition and still delivers excellent performance. The XM4 generally has a sleeker design with a more refined headband and better voice pickup for calls.
Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
The Sony XM4 generally has superior noise cancellation capabilities. It features an improved processor and algorithm that effectively blocks higher-frequency sounds. The XM3 still provides excellent noise cancellation, but the XM4 offers a slight edge, especially in environments with varied noise sources. Both are top-tier noise cancellers.
How does the sound quality compare between the two models?
Both headphones deliver outstanding sound quality. The XM4 has a slightly clearer and more refined sound profile. The XM3 has a rich and immersive sound with a powerful bass response. The difference is subtle but noticeable with detailed tracks. Both models provide excellent audio experiences, suitable for various music genres.
What is the battery life of the XM3 and XM4?
The XM4 provides slightly longer battery life than the XM3. Both headphones support fast charging. The XM4 provides longer listening sessions. The included cases offer protection and convenience. Real-world battery performance depends on volume levels and noise cancellation usage.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Sony XM4 is significantly better for phone calls. It features improved microphone quality and noise reduction, resulting in clearer voice pickup and reduced background noise during conversations. The XM3 is adequate for calls, but the XM4’s enhancements provide a superior calling experience in various environments.
Are the Sony XM3 and XM4 comfortable to wear?
Both models are designed with comfort in mind. The XM3 and XM4 use soft, plush earcups, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening. The XM4’s design improvements, including a sleeker headband, contribute to a more secure and less noticeable fit. Both are comfortable for long periods.
Which headphone should I buy?
The best choice depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize the latest features and noise cancellation, the XM4 is the better choice. If you’re looking for excellent value and still want fantastic sound and noise cancellation, the XM3 remains an excellent option. Consider your budget and your needs.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Sony XM3 and XM4 involves weighing subtle but significant differences. The XM4 offers incremental improvements in noise cancellation, call quality, and battery life, along with a slightly refined sound profile. The XM3, however, remains a strong contender, delivering exceptional audio performance and noise cancellation at a more affordable price point. The XM4’s enhancements justify its higher price for some users.
Winner: Sony XM4