Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Which Sony noise-cancelling earbuds should you buy?
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Which Sony noise-cancelling earbuds should you buy?
This Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3 face-off compares two of the category'due south best noise-cancelling earbuds, helping you decide which pair best suits your needs and upkeep.
Recently launched, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a fantastic upgrade that ups the ante on audio, battery life, and most importantly, active noise counterfoil. A complete redesign introduces new ergonomics for a more secure fit, while extended functionality via the Sony Headphones Connect app sweetens the bargain.
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A trendsetter in the category when originally released, the Sony WF-1000XM3 helped set the bar for both ANC and battery life in the true wireless infinite. Sound remains some of the finest that you lot'll hear, plus you're given access to most of the same audio features present in the latest model. Compatibility to Sony's companion app volition provide you multiple means to personalize the buds, from ambient listening to upscaled audio resolution.
We've taken both the WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM3 on exam runs, comparing every major feature to make up one's mind which pair of Sony wireless ANC earbuds yous should actually buy.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Specs compared
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Sony WF-1000XM3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $279 | $175 (originally $229) |
| Wireless charging | Aye | No |
| Chip | Sony V1 | Sony QN1e |
| Rated battery life | 8 hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging case), 36 hours (with charging instance and ANC off) | six hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off), 18 hours (with charging case) |
| Water-Resistant | IPX4 | No |
| Instance Size | 2.4 x 1.five x one.1 inches | three.2 x 2.2 ten 1.three inches |
| Example Weight | 2 ounces | 2.eight ounces |
| Special Features | Active noise counterfoil, transparency way, Speak-to-Chat, customizable EQ, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, LDAC, Bluetooth 5.2, tri-digital assistant support (Alexa, Google Banana, and Siri), quick charging | Agile noise counterfoil, transparency mode, customizable EQ, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE HX upscaling, NFC, tri-digital assistant support (Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri) |
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Cost
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is listed at $279. That'southward $fifty higher than what its predecessor originally launched at, and the WF-1000XM3 has merely been dropping since. It doesn't come up cheap, only, then again, Sony sound and dissonance cancellation never did. Well, at least when it comes to the Mark series.
Two years on the market and the Sony WF-1000XM3 has received numerous markdowns, making it the more attainable and enticing value pick. Major online retailers similar Amazon and All-time Buy have had it for as low as $148.
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Winner : Sony WF-1000XM3
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Blueprint
Sony knew it had to completely overhaul the design of its next-gen wireless earbuds. Not merely is the WF-1000XM4 quite an attractive model that borrows elements from the original, like the copper accents, but information technology also makes numerous welcome improvements. These include larger touch panels, copper ANC mic housings and an oval shape to more easily nestle in the ear. These buds come up IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance also.
We institute the WH-1000XM3's flat and elongated class to exist distinctively handsome when it was first shown, simply the pattern has not aged well. It's just too big and sticks out similar a sore pollex. No IP-rated protection doesn't help the older buds' cause, either.
For the WF-1000XM4 case, Sony took the WF-SP800N case and implemented pocket-size changes (like a larger LED, gold logo) while also scaling down the size a few inches to make it convenient for travel.
The WF-1000XM3 case is more visually striking, though. Belongings information technology on the side gives it a sleek cigarette holder advent, which is something that will resonate with the wannabe Don Drapers of the world. The two-tone black-and-copper cease gives it some pop, also.
One of the main reasons Sony switched upwards the WF-1000XM4's pattern was to ensure a more secure fit, just the buds struggle to achieve this. The installed tips don't create a tight seal around the canal for proper stabilization, causing the buds to slip out on occasion. We preferred using the bundled silicone tips and took reward of Sony's Optimal Earbud Tips to gain the best feedback for optimal fit. Once getting the buds on your ears, then yous take to worry about the long sound port pinching the concha; look discomfort afterwards near an hr of article of clothing.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 provides adequate comfort with the angled sound port easily sliding into the canal and not too deeply, unlike the WF-1000XM4. Sadly, fit is no better, with weight distribution existence off and the buds slipping out whenever walking fast. Also, the long-shaped design occupies to much ear existent estate and feels awkward at times.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Controls and digital banana
The touch controls on the over-ear Sony WH-1000XM3 impressed the hell out of us, but that same performance didn't translate well to the in-ear variant: the WF-1000XM3. Tap gestures aren't responsive and often require two to three attempts earlier intended commands are executed. Nosotros discovered that employing slide gestures works better for playback and phone call management. On-ear detection also works one-half the fourth dimension to automatically pause music when removing the buds.
The WF-1000XM4 is a vast improvement, with larger, more reliable touch panels and new voice features for easily-gratis operation. A total fix of media controls are available, including on-board volume controls, and the sensors exercise a better job of detecting when your buds are coming off or being placed dorsum into your ears for automated playback. You can even lower the book to virtually ten% by enabling the Quick Attention mode (long press on the left bud) or use the speak-to-chat feature to pause music whenever speaking.
The mics arrays on both models are powerful and pick up every syllable that comes out of your mouth. This makes for groovy digital banana support. The only difference is that the WF-1000XM4 comes with Google Assistant and Alexa integration, meaning you tin activate either AI bot by saying their respective action phrases: "Hey Google" or "Alexa." You lot don't get this on the WF-1000XM3. For all of you iOS users, yes, Siri works on either set of buds.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Active noise cancellation
Sony's new V1 chip is what gives the WF-1000XM4 is racket-neutralizing horsepower. The processor achieves 40% lower noise levels and enhances ANC of loftier frequencies compared to the QN1e chip, which is what the WF-1000XM3 uses. Nosotros noticed the difference when walking through high-traffic areas. The engineering science put a kibosh on rowdy pedestrians, truck engine rumbling, and street construction that took identify virtually a block away.
The WF-1000XM3 subdues background noise very well. These buds are useful for quieting keyboard clatter and communicative co-workers, as well as street-level sounds like truck horns and whisking cars. Louder noises similar baby cries and police sirens are unavoidable, merely oftentimes blend into the soundscape and come up off like groundwork effects on songs; the same applies to the WH-1000XM4.
Ambient Sound Control grants you 20 levels of transparency that y'all can adjust on either set up of buds. The WH-1000XM4's mics are stronger and pick upwards more external sounds, but your ecology awareness will still be loftier to identify noises on the WF-1000XM3. Two other ambient features shared on these models are the power to focus on voice and automatic switching, which detects your actions and frequented locations to accommodate ambient listening.
Air current resistance is the determinant is this category. Our experience with using the WF-1000XM3 in gusty weather condition wasn't pleasant. That isn't to say the WF-1000XM4 was perfect because information technology wasn't, non past a long shot. Information technology does come with an Automated Wind Noise Reduction characteristic to decrease current of air presence.
Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Sound quality
Sony deserves credit for refining what is already a stellar audio profile and bestowing information technology upon the WF-1000XM4. Everything from music to movies audio excellent with the buds pumping out clean, detailed, and vibrant audio. Vocals are given prominence and instrument separation is exceptional to hear every musical tool played on orchestral tracks. You will option upward on subtle nuances in complex recordings also.
We're not mad that Sony toned downwardly the bass levels, as it gives these buds a concentrated soundstage that blends lows, mids and highs incredibly well. Sony's 360 Reality Audio platform gives music a more immersive feel that you tin can bask on compatible streaming services similar Deezer and Tidal, while DSEE Farthermost engineering science boosts the fidelity on standard-definition tracks.
Sony fanboys will likely favor the WF-1000XM3 for its ultra-bass delivery and there is naught wrong with that. These buds pack a mean punch that hits hard when blasting contemporary tracks and does so without diminishing sound quality, even when listening in ANC mode. Reproduction is on point to hear singled-out imperfections on mono recordings. It's also keen that Sony extends its 360 Reality Sound and DSEE Extreme technologies to this older model, along with AAC and SBC codec support.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: App and special features
The Sony Headphones Connect app is the hub for all extended functionality and both of these models support most of the main features. These include the aforementioned 360 Reality Audio, ANC, ambient listening, control customization, and DSEE Extreme. Other features like Speak-to-Conversation, vox activation, and the Optimal Earbud Tips test are reserved for the WF-1000XM4, along with Bluetooth Connection Quality to prioritize sound quality or connectivity.
Many volition agree that the Equalizer is the app'south almost notable feature. On meridian of being able to adapt frequency levels and create your own sound profiles, there are eight solid presets that pair perfectly with their music genre or targeted content. Battery level indicators for both earbuds and the charging case, toggle controls for multiple functions, a music player, and firmware updates consummate the package.
There are differences in connectivity betwixt these 2 products. Where the WH-1000XM4 operates on the newer Bluetooth five.2 and comes with 1-touch pairing for Android devices via Google Fast Pair, the WH-1000XM3 runs on Bluetooth v.0 and supports NFC to instantly pair the buds when tapping the charging case on a compatible smartphone. The expert news is you'll enjoy stable connections and a lengthy range (35 anxiety, roughly), no matter the model.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Telephone call quality
Neither of these serve well as calling headsets, only if you want to know which is serviceable when in a compression, that would exist the WF-1000XM4. The stronger mic array produces better clarity for video chats, though you lot'll need to be in a quiet room to ensure the best quality. We had a few callers complain nearly background racket on our end, every bit well equally lots of muffling, especially outside.
Fifty-fifty with the latest software updates, the WF-1000XM3 is frustrating for calls. Muffling remains a huge effect and sometimes speech will cutting out entirely. Wind resistance is poor with the buds producing an uncomfortable whooshing effect that's harmful to your hearing.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Battery life
The WF-1000XM3 fix the standard for battery life for wireless ANC earbuds when it launched: 6 hours. That was a meaning amount at the time, especially since the AirPods Pro (iv.v hours) offers so lilliputian. Unfortunately, other models have defenseless up and come with longer ANC playtimes, including the WF-1000XM4, which gives you between 7 to viii hours. Disabling the characteristic extends playtimes on each model, but the WF-1000XM4 provides 4 hours more.
Where the WF-1000XM4 charging case holds between 24 to 36 hours, the WF-1000XM3 charging case is capped at 18 hours. Quick charging is also stronger on the WF-1000XM4, generating ane hour of utilise on a five-minute charge. The Sony WF-1000XM3 isn't that far off with a 10-minute charge netting you 90 minutes of listening time.
Wireless charging is just available on the WF-1000XM4.
Winner : Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Verdict
The Sony WF-1000XM4 improves on its elder counterpart in so many ways. A stronger spec sheet highlighted by Sony's new V1 chip results in better ANC and audio quality, along with faster and stronger connectivity. Battery life gets a generous heave as well.
We're also surprised at how authentic and responsive the smart controls are on these buds. Sony's decision to scale back bass for more than full-bodied sound won't sit down right with everyone, only at least you're given the opportunity to ready it in the companion app. We just wish Sony placed more focus on fit, call quality, and some notable omissions, namely, multipoint and NFC.
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Sony WF-1000XM3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Value (5) | 4 | v |
| Design (15) | 11 | 9 |
| Controls (x) | 8 | six |
| Noise Cancellation (20) | 18 | 17 |
| Audio (20) | 19 | 18 |
| Special Features and Apps (15) | thirteen | 11 |
| Call Quality (v) | 3 | 2 |
| Battery Life (10) | 9 | 8 |
| Total Score (100) | 84 | 76 |
Information technology'due south tough to compete with a superior of version of yourself, particularly when the new and improved model boasts more than enhancements and newer hardware. The WF-1000XM3 doesn't come out on top, merely it is nevertheless one some of the finest-sounding wireless earbuds you're going to find at whatever price point.
The bass-heavy soundstage volition satisfy music lovers that want head-rattling performance in a tinier package. ANC still ranks highly, so does battery life. This model does share many of the same complaints as its sibling, but it'southward the impractical blueprint and poor controls that seal its fate in this battle.
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Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/sony-wf-1000xm4-vs-sony-wf-1000xm3
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