Sony XM3 Vs XM4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Both Sony XM3 & XM4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony XM4 rather than Sony XM3.
Why Do I Recommend Sony XM4?
- The Sony’s WH-1000XM4 features noise cancelling technology with its HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, which is renowned for its ability to reduce a wide range of frequencies. But the Sony XM3 still providing robust noise cancelling, uses Active noise cancellation technology that provide slightly less isolated listening experience.
- The WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional sound quality with strong bass and a broad soundstage, enhanced by its support for LDAC, allowing high-resolution audio playback and the XM3 delivers balanced audio profile with clarity, particularly in the mid-range.
- The XM4 manages slightly better battery performance, lasting up to 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and up to 38 hours without ANC in a single charge compared to Sony XM3.
- The Sony XM4 supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering enhancements in wireless performance, including increased range, stability, and better battery efficiency than the SONY XM3 Bluetooth 4.2.
- This two headphones excel in comfort with over-ear designs, but they differ slightly in their approach. Sony’s XM4 headphones have a lighter clamping force, suitable for extended listening sessions without discomfort for long periods of wear.
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 incorporates five built-in microphones, which provide clear call quality and effective voice assistant communication on the other hand XM3 uses a three-microphone system that excels in noisy environments due to its noise-rejecting algorithms.
- The XM4 headphones have Speak-to-Chat technology, which automatically pauses the music when the user starts speaking, allowing for effortless conversations without needing to manually adjust the headphones which not available in the Sony XM3.
- Sony includes a wear detection feature in XM4 that automatically pauses the music when you remove the headphones and resumes playback when you put them back on. This feature helps save battery but Sony does not offer this feature in the XM3.
Maybe the Sony XM3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony XM4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
Sound Quality | High-resolution audio with DSEE Extreme upscaling for better restoration of compressed files | High-resolution audio with DSEE HX, slightly less effective in upscaling |
Noise Cancellation | Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation with additional microphones and better algorithms | ANC with slightly less adaptive noise cancelling capabilities |
Design and Comfort | Lighter feel, softer ear pads and improved headband tension for better comfort | Similar design but slightly firmer headband tension and earpads |
Weight | 254 grams | 255 grams |
Ambient Sound Control | Advanced control with more precise adjustments and situational awareness | Basic ambient sound modes with less customization |
Features | Speak-to-Chat technology automatically pauses playback when speaking, precise voice pickup technology | Standard voice pickup without Speak-to-Chat technology |
Touch Controls | Capacitive touch panel with enhanced sensitivity and gesture control for playback, calls, and volume | Capacitive touch panel for playback, calls, and volume control |
Microphone Quality | Five-microphone system for improved call clarity and voice assistant interaction | Three-microphone system, adequate for calls but less clarity |
Wearing Detection | Improved sensors for automatic pausing when headphones are removed and resuming when put back on | Basic sensors with auto-pause and play functionality |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connection for connecting two devices simultaneously | Bluetooth 4.2, supports single device connection |
Foldable Design | Foldable for portability with carrying case included | Foldable with carrying case included |
App Support | Sony Headphones Connect App with EQ, ANC customization, 360 Reality Audio setup, and adaptive sound control | Sony Headphones Connect App with basic EQ and ANC settings |
Voice Assistant | Integrated support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri through voice or touch activation | Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa with touch activation |
Colors Available | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue, Rose Gold | Black, Silver |
Audio Codec Support | Supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC for high-quality streaming | Supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC for high-quality streaming |
Construction Materials | Refined build with higher quality plastic and a more durable finish | Durable plastic build with a high-quality finish |
Market Positioning | Marketed as a premium noise-cancelling headphone for professionals and audiophiles | Positioned as a leading noise-cancelling headphone upon release |
Accessories Included | Comes with a carrying case, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and airplane adapter | Includes carrying case, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and airplane adapter |
Water Resistance | No official rating for water resistance | No official rating for water resistance |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz when using a wired connection and playing Hi-Res audio content | 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz when using a wired connection and playing Hi-Res audio content |
Impedance | 47 ohm (wired connection) | 47 ohm (wired connection) |
Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW (wired connection) | 104.5 dB/mW (wired connection) |
Release Date | August 2020 | August 2018 |
Pressure Relieving Earpads | Foam padded with a polyurethane cover for enhanced comfort and noise isolation | Foam padded with a polyurethane cover for enhanced comfort and noise isolation |
Price at Launch | Check Sony XM4 Price | Check Sony XM3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models feature Sony’s industry-leading ANC technology, effectively reducing ambient noise across a range of environments.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: Both the XM4 and XM3 support high-resolution audio and use Sony’s proprietary DSEE HX technology to upscale compressed digital music files, enhancing the listening experience.
- Touch Controls: Both models include intuitive touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups for play, pause, skipping tracks, controlling volume, and activating the voice assistant.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Both headphones are compatible with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to access these services directly through the headphones.
- Battery Life: Both offer up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC activated, which is sufficient for prolonged listening sessions over multiple days without recharging.
- Quick Charging: Both headphones feature quick charging capabilities, where a 10-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of playback, which is extremely convenient for travelers.
- Comfort and Design: Both models boast a comfortable, foldable design with soft, pressure-relieving earpads designed for extended wear. They also include a similar aesthetic and build quality, maintaining a sleek, professional appearance.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, allowing for cable-free use with a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Wired Listening Option: Both headphones come with an audio cable for a wired connection, which is useful when wireless functionality cannot be used or to preserve battery life.
- Carrying Case: Each model includes a custom carrying case, which helps protect the headphones while traveling and provides a compact solution for storage.
Common Features
Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
High-Resolution Audio Support | Yes, with DSEE Extreme upscaling | Yes, with DSEE HX upscaling |
Touch Controls | Intuitive controls for media and calls | Intuitive controls for media and calls |
Voice Assistant Compatibility | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours with ANC on | Up to 30 hours with ANC on |
Quick Charging | 10 min charge for 5 hours playback | 10 min charge for 5 hours playback |
Comfort and Design | Comfortable, foldable design with soft earpads | Comfortable, foldable design with soft earpads |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth (with multipoint connection in XM4) | Bluetooth |
Wired Listening Option | Audio cable included | Audio cable included |
Carrying Case | Included for protection and storage | Included for protection and storage |
Price | Check Sony XM4 Price | Check Sony XM3 Price |
FAQ
What is the battery life of Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 headphones? Both models offer up to 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation turned on, making them ideal for long flights or extended listening sessions. Do the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 support fast charging? Yes, both headphones support quick charging where a 10-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of playback, which is highly convenient for users on the go. Can I use these headphones with voice assistants? Yes, both the XM4 and XM3 are compatible with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control and access to various functionalities. Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 headphones foldable? Yes, both models have a foldable design that makes them easy to store and transport in their included carrying case. What is the main difference between the noise cancellation capabilities of the XM4 and XM3? The XM4 features enhanced noise cancellation with additional microphones and improved algorithms that offer better noise reduction compared to the XM3, especially in environments with frequent sound fluctuations. Is there a difference in sound quality between the two models? Both models deliver excellent sound quality; however, the XM4 uses a new DSEE Extreme engine which slightly improves the restoration of high-frequency sounds and detail in compressed music files over the DSEE HX in the XM3. Do Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 have touch controls? Yes, both headphones feature intuitive touch controls on the ear cups for managing playback, calls, volume, and accessing noise cancellation settings. What wireless connectivity options do they offer? Both models use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. However, the XM4 additionally supports Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection, allowing it to be connected to two devices simultaneously, unlike the XM3. Can I listen to music on these headphones using a wired connection? Yes, both the XM4 and XM3 come with an audio cable, enabling wired listening which can be useful when you need to conserve battery life or when wireless connection is not possible. Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 suitable for long wearing periods? Both headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft, pressure-relieving earpads suitable for long periods of use without discomfort. |