Choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, can be tricky. The XM4 introduces smarter features like multipoint Bluetooth pairing and Speak-to-Chat, making it a more convenient modern option. If seamlessly switching between your laptop and phone is a priority, the XM4 is the clear winner. But do these new features justify the price difference? Let’s find out.
Why Do I Recommend The Sony WH-1000XM4?
While both headphones deliver an outstanding audio experience, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the superior choice for most users. It builds upon the success of the XM3 by adding intelligent features and subtle refinements that create a more seamless and versatile listening experience, solidifying its place as a top-tier noise-canceling headphone.
- Seamless Multipoint Connection: The Sony WH-1000XM4 introduces multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can be watching a video on your laptop and effortlessly switch to answer a call on your phone. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM3 can only connect to one device at a time, requiring you to manually disconnect and reconnect when switching sources.
- Superior Call Quality: With five built-in microphones and Precise Voice Pickup technology, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers significantly clearer hands-free calls. The advanced audio signal processing isolates your voice and reduces background noise effectively. While the Sony WH-1000XM3 also has a built-in microphone for calls, it lacks the advanced multi-mic system, making the XM4 a much better choice for work calls and conversations in noisy environments.
- Speak-to-Chat Convenience: The Sony WH-1000XM4 features the intelligent Speak-to-Chat function. When you start talking, the headphones automatically pause your music and let in ambient sound, so you can have a quick conversation without taking them off. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a similar feature called Quick Attention Mode, but it requires you to hold your hand over the right earcup, which is less convenient.
- Enhanced Audio Upscaling: Both models feature Sony’s DSEE technology, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 upgrades this to DSEE Extreme with Edge-AI. This technology, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, does a better job of upscaling compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring high-range sound lost in compression for a richer listening experience.
- Smarter Wearing Detection: The Sony WH-1000XM4 includes a proximity sensor that automatically pauses your music when you take the headphones off and resumes it when you put them back on. This smart feature helps conserve battery and adds a layer of convenience that is entirely absent in the Sony WH-1000XM3.
- More Comfortable for Long Wear: The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a slightly redesigned frame with softer, larger earpads that distribute pressure more evenly. This updated design relieves pressure for improved long-lasting comfort. Although the Sony WH-1000XM3 is already very comfortable, the subtle refinements in the XM4 make it even better for marathon listening sessions.
- Latest Bluetooth Technology: The Sony WH-1000XM4 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a more stable and efficient connection compared to the Bluetooth 4.2 used in the Sony WH-1000XM3. This ensures a more reliable wireless experience with fewer dropouts.
Side By Side Comparison Chart (Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM3)
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes (connects to 2 devices) | No (connects to 1 device) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Speak-to-Chat | Yes (Automatic) | No (Manual Quick Attention) |
| Wearing Detection | Yes (Pauses music when removed) | No |
| Audio Upscaling | DSEE Extreme with Edge-AI | DSEE HX |
| Microphones for Calls | 5 microphones | 1 microphone |
| Weight | 254g (8.96 oz) | 255g (8.99 oz) |
| Quick Charge | 10 mins for 5 hours playback | 10 mins for 5 hours playback |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
What Common Features of Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM3 Can Do?
Despite the XM4’s upgrades, both of these headphones share the legendary Sony DNA that made the 1000X series a market leader. They are both built on a foundation of exceptional noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and user-friendly features that deliver a premium experience, regardless of which model you choose.
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
At the core of both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 is Sony’s proprietary HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1. This dedicated chip provides a virtually soundproof experience. It captures ambient noise with external microphones and generates an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. This technology is incredibly effective at eliminating low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, train rumbles, and office air conditioning. When you activate the ANC on either model, the outside world melts away, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in your music or simply enjoy the silence. Both headphones also offer a Personal NC Optimizer, which analyzes sonic characteristics like head size, glasses, and even atmospheric pressure to tailor the noise cancellation perfectly to you.
High-Resolution Audio Quality
Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 are engineered for superb sound. They are equipped with powerful 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, capable of reproducing a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz. This means both headphones support Hi-Res Audio, delivering music with studio-quality detail and nuance that is far superior to standard CD quality. While the XM4 has the upgraded DSEE Extreme engine, both models provide a rich, dynamic listening experience with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re listening to intricate classical pieces or bass-heavy electronic tracks, both headphones render the audio with impressive clarity and power.
Intuitive Touch Controls
Sony moved away from physical buttons to a more modern and seamless control system on both of these models. The right earcup of both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 features an intuitive touchpad. You can double-tap to play/pause music and answer calls. You can also swipe forward or backward to skip tracks, and swipe up or down to adjust the volume. This touch-based system is easy to get used to and allows you to manage your audio without having to reach for your phone. It’s a sleek, effective interface that adds to the premium feel of both headphones.
Long Battery Life with Quick Charging
For travelers and commuters, battery life is a critical feature, and both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 excel in this area. Both models offer up to 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge with active noise cancellation turned on. This is enough power to last through multiple long-haul flights or a full week of daily commutes. Additionally, both headphones feature a quick-charge function. This provides an impressive 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge via a USB-C cable. This means even if you forget to charge them overnight, you can quickly top them up before heading out the door.
Sony | Headphones Connect App
The Sony | Headphones Connect app serves as the central hub for customizing your listening experience on both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3. Through the app, you can adjust the level of noise cancellation. You can also activate the ambient sound mode to let in external noise, and fine-tune the audio with a built-in equalizer. The app also allows you to configure other smart features, such as the Adaptive Sound Control. This feature automatically adjusts sound settings based on your activity (e.g., traveling, walking, or waiting). This powerful app gives you granular control, ensuring you get the most out of your headphones in any situation.
Common Features of Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM3
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 | Yes | Yes |
| Hi-Res Audio Support | Yes | Yes |
| 40mm Drivers with LCP Diaphragm | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Up to 30 hours) | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes |
| **Sony | Headphones Connect App** | Yes |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant (Alexa, Google) | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Listening Option | Yes | Yes |
| Hardshell Carry Case | Yes | Yes |
A Detailed Comparison Of the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
Call Quality
Here, the Sony WH-1000XM4 makes a significant leap forward. It is equipped with five microphones and Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup Technology. This uses advanced audio signal processing to isolate your voice and make it sound crystal clear during phone calls. This system is particularly effective at reducing wind and other ambient noises. It ensures the person on the other end can hear you without distraction, making the XM4 an excellent choice for taking important calls while on the go or in a busy office.
By comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM3 features a more basic single-microphone setup for calls. While it is perfectly adequate for making calls in a quiet environment, it struggles to filter out background noise. Users often report that their voice can sound muffled or distant when making calls in noisy places. If you frequently use your headphones for phone calls, the superior microphone system in the WH-1000XM4 is a compelling reason to choose the newer model.
Connectivity
The headline upgrade for the Sony WH-1000XM4 is its inclusion of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. This highly-requested feature allows the headphones to be paired with two devices at once, such as a laptop and a smartphone. You can listen to music from your computer and, when a call comes in on your phone, the headphones will automatically switch to the correct device. This creates a seamless and highly efficient workflow for anyone who juggles multiple devices throughout the day. The XM4 also uses the more modern Bluetooth 5.0 standard.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM3 lacks multipoint connectivity and uses the slightly older Bluetooth 4.2. This means it can only be connected to one device at a time. To switch from your laptop to your phone, you need to manually go into your device’s Bluetooth settings to disconnect and then reconnect. While not a deal-breaker, this process can feel clumsy and dated. This is especially true for power users who rely on seamless device switching.
Smart Features
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is packed with intelligent features that enhance the user experience. The standout is Speak-to-Chat, which uses the built-in microphones to recognize when you start talking and automatically pauses the music and engages ambient sound mode. Another useful feature is Wearing Detection. It uses a proximity sensor in the left earcup to automatically pause playback when you take the headphones off and resume when you put them back on. These “set-it-and-forget-it” features make using the headphones feel effortless and intuitive.
While the Sony WH-1000XM3 is a smart headphone, it lacks these advanced automated features. It offers Quick Attention Mode, which allows you to temporarily hear your surroundings by placing your hand over the right earcup. However, this requires a physical action and is less convenient than the automatic Speak-to-Chat on the XM4. The XM3 also does not have wearing detection, so music will continue to play when you take them off. This can drain the battery unnecessarily and is a minor inconvenience compared to the XM4.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is undoubtedly the more advanced and convenient headphone. With features like multipoint Bluetooth, vastly improved call quality, and clever automations like Speak-to-Chat, it’s the ideal choice for professionals, frequent travelers, and tech enthusiasts who want the most seamless experience. If you switch between devices often or take many calls, the upgrade is absolutely worth it.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM3 remains an incredible value. It shares the same legendary noise cancellation and fantastic audio quality as its successor. If you primarily use your headphones for listening to music from a single device and don’t need the latest smart features, the XM3 offers 90% of the core experience at a significantly lower price.
FAQs
- Is the noise cancellation better on the WH-1000XM4 than the WH-1000XM3?
The noise cancellation on both is excellent, powered by the same QN1 processor. However, the WH-1000XM4 has a newer algorithm that gives it a slight edge in processing real-time noise, especially in the mid-to-high frequency range. For most users, the difference is subtle but noticeable. - Can the WH-1000XM4 connect to multiple devices at once?
Yes, a key advantage of the WH-1000XM4 is its ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously (multipoint connection). The WH-1000XM3 can only connect to one device at a time, requiring you to manually switch between them. - Is the WH-1000XM4 more comfortable than the WH-1000XM3?
The WH-1000XM4 features slightly redesigned, larger, and softer earpads. This provides a more even pressure distribution, making them more comfortable for long listening sessions compared to the already comfortable WH-1000XM3. The difference is minor but appreciated during extended wear. - How does the call quality compare between the XM4 and XM3?
The WH-1000XM4 has significantly better call quality. It uses five microphones and Precise Voice Pickup technology to isolate your voice from background noise. In contrast, the XM3 has a single microphone and can struggle in noisy environments, making the XM4 a much better choice for calls. - What is DSEE Extreme on the WH-1000XM4?
DSEE Extreme is an upgraded version of the DSEE HX found in the XM3. It uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital audio files (like MP3s) in real-time. This restores high-range sound lost during compression, resulting in a richer and more detailed listening experience. - Do both headphones have a 3.5mm jack for wired listening?
Yes, both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 come with a headphone cable. This allows you to use them in wired mode, which is useful for in-flight entertainment systems or if the battery runs out. - Is the battery life the same for both models?
Yes, both the WH-1000XM4 and the WH-1000XM3 offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation turned on. Both also feature a quick charge function that provides 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. - If I can get the WH-1000XM3 for a lot cheaper, should I buy it?
If you primarily listen to music from one device and don’t make frequent calls with your headphones, the WH-1000XM3 is an outstanding value. It offers nearly the same core audio and noise-cancellation experience as the XM4 for a lower price.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.