Sony XM3 Vs XM4

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

FeatureSony WH-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM3
Sound QualityHigh-resolution audio with DSEE Extreme upscaling for better restoration of compressed filesHigh-resolution audio with DSEE HX, slightly less effective in upscaling
Noise CancellationEnhanced Active Noise Cancellation with additional microphones and better algorithmsANC with slightly less adaptive noise cancelling capabilities
Design and ComfortLighter feel, softer ear pads and improved headband tension for better comfortSimilar design but slightly firmer headband tension and earpads
Weight254 grams255 grams
Ambient Sound ControlAdvanced control with more precise adjustments and situational awarenessBasic ambient sound modes with less customization
FeaturesSpeak-to-Chat technology automatically pauses playback when speaking, precise voice pickup technologyStandard voice pickup without Speak-to-Chat technology
Touch ControlsCapacitive touch panel with enhanced sensitivity and gesture control for playback, calls, and volumeCapacitive touch panel for playback, calls, and volume control
Microphone QualityFive-microphone system for improved call clarity and voice assistant interactionThree-microphone system, adequate for calls but less clarity
Wearing DetectionImproved sensors for automatic pausing when headphones are removed and resuming when put back onBasic sensors with auto-pause and play functionality
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connection for connecting two devices simultaneouslyBluetooth 4.2, supports single device connection
Foldable DesignFoldable for portability with carrying case includedFoldable with carrying case included
App SupportSony Headphones Connect App with EQ, ANC customization, 360 Reality Audio setup, and adaptive sound controlSony Headphones Connect App with basic EQ and ANC settings
Voice AssistantIntegrated support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri through voice or touch activationSupports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa with touch activation
Colors AvailableBlack, Silver, Midnight Blue, Rose GoldBlack, Silver
Audio Codec SupportSupports SBC, AAC, and LDAC for high-quality streamingSupports SBC, AAC, and LDAC for high-quality streaming
Construction MaterialsRefined build with higher quality plastic and a more durable finishDurable plastic build with a high-quality finish
Market PositioningMarketed as a premium noise-cancelling headphone for professionals and audiophilesPositioned as a leading noise-cancelling headphone upon release
Accessories IncludedComes with a carrying case, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and airplane adapterIncludes carrying case, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and airplane adapter
Water ResistanceNo official rating for water resistanceNo official rating for water resistance
Frequency Response4 Hz to 40,000 Hz when using a wired connection and playing Hi-Res audio content4 Hz to 40,000 Hz when using a wired connection and playing Hi-Res audio content
Impedance47 ohm (wired connection)47 ohm (wired connection)
Sensitivity105 dB/mW (wired connection)104.5 dB/mW (wired connection)
Release DateAugust 2020August 2018
Pressure Relieving EarpadsFoam padded with a polyurethane cover for enhanced comfort and noise isolationFoam padded with a polyurethane cover for enhanced comfort and noise isolation
Price at LaunchCheck Sony XM4 PriceCheck Sony XM3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models feature Sony’s industry-leading ANC technology, effectively reducing ambient noise across a range of environments.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Wireless Connectivity: Both use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, allowing for cable-free use with a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

FeatureSony WH-1000XM4Sony WH-1000XM3
Active Noise CancellationYesYes
High-Resolution Audio SupportYes, with DSEE Extreme upscalingYes, with DSEE HX upscaling
Touch ControlsIntuitive controls for media and callsIntuitive controls for media and calls
Voice Assistant CompatibilityGoogle Assistant, Amazon AlexaGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Battery LifeUp to 30 hours with ANC onUp to 30 hours with ANC on
Quick Charging10 min charge for 5 hours playback10 min charge for 5 hours playback
Comfort and DesignComfortable, foldable design with soft earpadsComfortable, foldable design with soft earpads
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth (with multipoint connection in XM4)Bluetooth
Wired Listening OptionAudio cable includedAudio cable included
Carrying CaseIncluded for protection and storageIncluded for protection and storage
PriceCheck Sony XM4 PriceCheck 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.

 

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