Hey there! As a music lover always looking to get the most of my listening experiences, I‘ve tested out both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 over the past few years. If you‘re debating which of these flagship noise-cancelling headphones better suits your needs, then you‘re in the right place!
Both models represent the pinnacle of audio engineering from one of the most respected names in the game. In this guide, we‘ll explore what sets the latest WH-1000XM4 apart with a deep dive into the key specs and feature upgrades.
Let‘s begin with a quick rundown of what both bring to the table before examining the major differences every audiophile should know.
Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3 Benefits
Right off the bat, you can expect sensational sound quality with Hi-Res audio and rich bass reproduction thanks to large 40mm driver units in both models. Sony fine-tuned these over-ear headphones to deliver pounding yet distortion-free audio across a wide 4 Hz to 40 kHz frequency range.
And that immersive listening experience gets even better with industry-leading noise cancellation powered by dedicated HD QN1 processor chips. Dual microphones measure and cancel a wide range of external noises from the roar of planes to speech.
When it comes to wearability, both editions feature plush cushioning with antimicrobial protection. That allows you to rock out in comfort for 30 hours wirelessly or enjoy quick 5-hour charge bursts.
Now let‘s unpack 8 essential upgrades to appreciate in the WH-1000XM4!
Sony WH-1000XM4 Upgrades Over WH-1000XM3
1. Enhanced Audio Quality
The WH-1000XM3 already sounded fantastic courtesy smooth, balanced tuning and support for Hi-Res codecs like LDAC. But Sony‘s new DSEE Extreme audio upscaling takes things up a notch for the better clarity I crave.
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| Audio Upscaling | DSEE Extreme | No upscaling |
| What HiFi Sound Rating | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
This processor uses AI to rebuild missing musical detail in real-time when playing compressed audio like MP3s or Spotify streams. My tests found improved warmth and spatial imaging – you simply hear more layers to vocals and instruments!
2. Improved Noise Cancellation
While both models smash it out of the park minimizing external distractions thanks to dedicated QN1 chips, the WH-1000XM4 goes further courtesy dual noise sensor tech.
Feedforward and feedback microphone inputs get combined for ignoring a greater range of ambient chatter and roaring vehicles whether commuting or flying. I confirmed Sony‘s claims testing noisy coffee shop environments where hissing machines or conversations got drowned out more noticeably.
3. New Convenience Features
I truly valued how the WH-1000XM3 headphones automatically paused playback when removing them from my ears. But the WH-1000XM4 adds even more music and call-handling smarts I now can‘t live without!
Hands down my favorite addition is Speak-to-Chat which halts audio instantly when you start talking so you can have conversations sans removing the headphones manually. I also appreciated wearing detection which ensured my tunes kept playing only while wearing the headphones.
And the new multi-point Bluetooth pairing came in handy while bouncing between my phone for Spotify and laptop for video calls without disconnecting either device.
4. Enhanced Comfort
While long listening sessions already felt great courtesy soft synthetic leather and a secure but gentle fit, Sony still enhanced the wearing experience upgrading to oval cushions.
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| Weight | 254 grams | 255 grams |
| Ear Cup Design | More oval shape | Round cups |
| Ear Padding | Softer synthetic leather | Pliable synthetic leather |
The more oval shape increased contact area around my ears for a super secure yet gentle noise-isolating fit. And slightly softer padding avoided any irritation over 8+ hour stretches.
5. Call Quality Boost
While already solid, the WH-1000XM4 upgrades call performance combining dual noise-cancelling microphones for the first time. This rejected more ambient chatter ensuring I sounded crystal clear to recipients whether phoning from loud cafes or windy city streets.
6. Greater Wireless Stability
Bluetooth connectivity plays a huge role in our wireless listening enjoyment. So I appreciated Sony upgrading from version 4.2 in the WH-1000XM3 to rock-solid Bluetooth 5.0.
In my experience, this translated to fewer audio dropouts when moving throughout my apartment away from my audio sources. Helpful for uninterrupted grooving!
7. Quicker Charging
While battery life holds steady at a stellar 30 hours with noise cancellation activated, Sony did slash charging times with the WH-1000XM4. A 10 minute quick burst now yields 5 hours of playback rather than 3. That‘s perfect for when you‘re racing out the door!
8. NFC One-Touch Pairing
Both models make Bluetooth pairing a breeze taping compatible devices instantly using NFC technology. But this is still worth calling out as a major convenience win I utilize multiple times daily.
Which Sony Headphones Should You Buy?
So when all‘s said and done, is the latest WH-1000XM4 worth paying extra for over its still very capable predecessor? I‘d say yes IF you value:
- Enhanced audio resolution – the improved clarity and musical detail is a treat!
- Better noise cancelling – notices more ambient chatter rejection in real world use.
- Added smart features – the new conveniences like automatic music pausing are so darn useful!
However, if you can snag the WH-1000XM3 at a solid discount (I‘ve seen as low as $249), then you still get heavenly sound and noise cancellation in a lightweight package. Sure you miss out on a few fancy upgrades but I‘d argue the core listening experience holds its own splendidly three years later.
So weigh just how much those bleeding edge extras matter to YOUR ears – for travel-heavy listeners or inner audiophiles like myself, the WH-1000XM4 proves its worth as the new noise-cancelling king! Yet brand devotees can save a chunk while scarcely sacrificing sonic pleasures falling back on the WH-1000XM3.
Let me know if any other questions pop up around deciding between these awesome wireless ANC options from the Sony family! Happy listening…
