If you’ve spent time researching noise-canceling headphones, you’ve come across the Sony WH1000XM4 and its popular predecessor, the WH-1000XM3. For good reason, it’s one of the most common comparisons in the headphone world. Both are standout choices for anyone looking to tune out the world and tune into their music, podcasts, or work calls.
But here’s the thing: newer doesn’t always mean better for everyone. The WH1000XM4 brings a range of cool upgrades, but the WH1000XM3 is still a competent set of cans—especially if you can score it on sale. I’ve tested both in everyday life: at home, in coffee shops, on flights, even while out walking the dog. So, in this article, I’ll break it down for you in real-world terms, not just spec sheets.
If you’re wondering which one will better suit your needs, keep reading. We’ll compare them in comfort, noise-cancellation, sound, features, battery life, and value—plus answer FAQs and share a few Sony alternatives at the end.
Design & Comfort

Side by side, Sony xm3 vs xm4 are nearly identical in style. Both feature that sleek, minimalist look that Sony does so well. They fold up neatly for travel, feel durable in hand, and have subtle premium touches (hello, copper accents!).
That said, after wearing both for extended periods, the XM4 edges out the XM3 in comfort. The headband padding is softer, and the ear cups are a bit roomier with better cushioning. You won’t notice this at first glance, but after a few hours into a long work session or flight, you’ll appreciate the difference.
Noise Cancellation
Now, let’s get to what makes these headphones famous—noise cancellation.
Sony set a high bar with the WH-1000XM3, and honestly, I was impressed with how well it handles low hums (think airplane engines or air conditioners). It was my go-to travel headphones for a while.
Then came the WH1000XM4. The jump isn’t massive, but it’s noticeable—especially in handling midrange sounds like voices or clanking dishes in a busy café. The updated processor and algorithm give it an edge here. If you’re serious about zoning out in any environment, the XM4 is the winner.
Sound Quality

Both headphones sound fantastic. Rich bass, clear mids, crisp highs—whether you’re listening to pop, hip-hop, podcasts, or classical, they handle it beautifully.
The WH1000XM4 does have a slight upper hand thanks to Sony’s new DSEE Extreme processing, which upscales compressed audio on the fly. It’s subtle but gives more sparkle and depth to your tracks, especially if you stream a lot from Spotify or YouTube. You might not notice much difference if you mainly listen to high-res files.
Mic & Controls
If you plan to take calls on your headphones, this is where XM4 improves noticeably over XM3.
The XM4 uses precise voice pickup, multiple mics, and advanced signal processing to make your voice clearer on calls. The XM3’s mic is decent, but background noise can creep in. For work calls or video meetings, the XM4 is better.
The controls on both models are excellent—intuitive touch gestures on the ear cup for play/pause, volume, skip tracks, and activating your voice assistant. But the XM4 also adds Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking—a super useful feature when grabbing coffee or chatting with someone quickly.
Features & Connectivity
Here’s where the WH1000XM4 starts to pull ahead. It brings a handful of innovative, practical features that are super handy in daily use:
- Multipoint Bluetooth: You can pair with two devices at once—say, your laptop and phone—and switch seamlessly. This is a game changer for work setups.
- Speak-to-Chat: Start talking, and it auto-pauses your music.
- Wear detection: Take the headphones off, and playback pauses automatically.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Faster and more stable than the XM3’s 4.2.
The WH-1000XM3 has excellent touch controls and fast pairing but lacks these newer conveniences. If you constantly bounce between devices or like your tech to “just work,” the XM4 feels more modern.
Battery Life

Good news: both models offer excellent battery life—around 30 hours with noise cancellation on. This holds true for both, give or take a little, depending on volume and settings.
They also both support quick charging: 10 minutes on the charger gets you around 5 hours of playback. So you’re covered even if you forget to plug them in overnight.
Value & Pricing
Here’s where the decision gets interesting.
Since the WH1000XM4 is the newer model, it still sells at a premium (though you can find deals if you shop around). The WH-1000XM3, being older, is often heavily discounted—sometimes by $100 or more.
If you want the best features and the latest tech, go for the XM4. However, if the budget matters more and you don’t care about multipoint or wear detection, the XM3 is still a phenomenal choice. You’re not sacrificing sound or core noise-canceling performance.
Other Sony Headphones to Consider
If you’re looking for other options beyond Sony Wh 1000xm3 vs Sony Wh 1000xm4, here are a few newer picks from Sony’s lineup:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: The latest flagship. Even lighter, even better noise canceling, and sleeker—but pricier.
- Sony WF-1000XM5: If you prefer true wireless earbuds, these are arguably the best ANC buds Sony offers right now.
- Sony WH-CH720N: A more affordable, lightweight over-ear option with solid ANC. It is not as premium as the XM series but is excellent value.
FAQs
Is it worth upgrading from the WH-1000XM3 to the XM4?
If you value multipoint Bluetooth, better voice pickup for calls, and slightly improved noise cancellation, then yes. If your XM3s are still working great and you don’t need new features, you’re fine sticking with them.
How does sound quality compare between XM3 vs XM4?
Both sound excellent. The XM4’s DSEE Extreme offers slightly better upscaling for compressed audio, but casual listeners may not notice a big difference.
Does the XM4 have better battery life than the XM3?
No—they’re about equal. Both offer up to 30 hours on a charge, and quick charging is also the same.
Can both headphones connect to multiple devices?
Only the XM4 supports multipoint connection out of the box. The XM3 does not.
Are both still worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely! The XM4 is still one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, and the XM3 remains a terrific value, exceptionally when discounted.
Final Thoughts
So, which is Sony wh-1000xm4 vs Sony wh-1000xm3? Which is right for you?
If I were buying today for daily work use or lots of travel, I’d lean toward the WH1000XM4 for the added comfort, smarter noise cancellation, and modern features. It’s simply a more polished experience.
But if I were on a budget or just wanted excellent sound and ANC without spending top dollar? I’d grab the WH-1000XM3 in a heartbeat. Even in 2025, it holds its own and then some.
Either way, you’re getting some of the best headphones out there. You can’t go wrong.
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