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Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3 [Detailed Comparison]

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
  Written By: Manpreet Singh
Updated On: 08/18/2023
Est. Reading: 5 minutes

If you’re in the market for a great pair of headphones, you’re probably wondering whether to go for the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Sony WH-1000XM3.

Both headphones are excellent choices, but which one is right for you? They have key differences, and while one may fit your needs, the other may be better suited for someone else.

In this article, we’ll compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3 on the basis of comfort, sound quality, design style, features, and battery life to help you make a decision. By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of which model is right for you.

General Key Differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3

General Key Differences

Some of the main differences between the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 models are:

  • The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the newest model and, thus, has some improvements over the older Sony WH-1000XM3.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM4 costs slightly more than the Sony WH-1000XM3.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM4 has slightly better noise-canceling than the Sony WH-1000XM3.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a better battery life than the Sony WH-1000XM4.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM3 weighs 255 grams, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 weighs 254 grams.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM4 has Bluetooth version 5.0, while the WH-1000XM3 has Bluetooth version 4.2.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM3 has one personalization profile, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 can store up to five.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM3 uses the QN-BH02 processor, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 uses the newer and improved QN-BH03 processor.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM4 now comes with a “speak to chat” feature that lets you communicate with your friends and family without ever having to take your headphones off. This is a great feature for people who want to stay connected even while they’re on a flight or working out.

Detailed Comparison between Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4

Detailed Comparison between Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4

Comfort

Regarding comfort, both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 are great choices. They’re both lightweight and have soft ear pads that make them comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headbands are also adjustable so that you can find the perfect fit for your head.

The main difference is that the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a bit more of a clamping force than the Sony WH-1000XM4. This means that it may be a little less comfortable for some people, but it also means that it’s more secure and won’t slip off your head as easily.

Sound Quality

Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have great sound quality. They also have noise-canceling technology that does an excellent job of blocking out unwanted noise.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has even better sound quality than its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM3. It has newly upgraded 40mm drivers that provide even better sound quality and supports Hi-Res Audio for an even more immersive listening experience.

It also has a new noise-canceling algorithm that blocks out more unwanted noise than ever before.

However, If you want bass-heavy music, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the better choice. It has a bass boost feature that enhances the low-end frequencies. The Sony WH-1000XM4 doesn’t have this feature, but it still delivers great sound quality overall.

Design

In terms of design, both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 are sleek and stylish. The Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have similar designs. They’re both over-ear headphones with a sleek look. They both have a minimalist design with smooth lines and a black finish.

The main difference is that the Sony WH-1000XM3 has metal accents on the ear cups, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more traditional headphone design, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 has a more modern look.

Features

Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have great features. They both have touch controls on the ear cups that allow you to control your music and phone calls without having to take your headphones off. They also both have noise-canceling technology and support Hi-Res Audio.

The main difference in features is that the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a built-in microphone for making phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 does have a feature that the Sony WH-1000XM3 doesn’t have, which is the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can listen to music from your phone and take calls from your laptop at the same time.

Another feature difference is that the Sony WH-1000XM3 has one personalization profile, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 can store up to five. So, if you have different listening preferences for different situations, then the Sony WH-1000XM4 may be your better choice.

Battery Life

Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have great battery life. They both have a built-in lithium-ion battery that can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. They also both come with a USB charging cable, so you can easily recharge them when they’re running low on power.

Microphone and Call Quality

The Sony WH-1000XM series has always had excellent call quality, and the WH-1000XM4 continues that tradition.

Sony’s microphones have always been some of the best in the business, and they can cancel out a ton of background noise. The person on the other end of the line will be able to hear you loud and clear, even if you’re in a noisy environment.

But when you compare the two, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the better of the two headphones when it comes to microphone clarity and call quality. The microphones can cancel out more background noise, so the person on the other end of the line can hear you more clearly.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM4, there is no clear winner. Both headphones are excellent in their own ways and offer a great listening experience.

If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, then the WH-1000XM4 is the better choice with its upgraded sound, but if you care about bass the most, the WH-1000XM3 is the right pick for you.

However, if you care about features and comfort, then the WH-1000XM4 is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in headphones. You will surely be happy with your purchase, whichever model you choose.

We hope this detailed comparison of Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3 has helped you make a decision. Thanks for reading!

Authors

  • Manpreet Singh

    I'm Manpreet Singh, Head of Content & Chief Product Reviewer at OfzenandComputing.com. Born in India and now making waves in Canada, I merge my Computer Science background with a passion for content. Whether it's an in-depth product review or a tech guide, I'm committed to making tech relatable and enjoyable for all. Outside work, Canada's nature and food are my playground. Dive into my world and let's demystify tech together!

  • Prachi Jhalani

    Jaipur-bred writer and commerce aficionado, I find magic in everyday moments and weave them into captivating captions. With a controller in one hand and a pen in the other, I traverse the worlds of games and words, ever eager to share my stories. Join me on this enthralling journey!