Compare the Sony WH-1000XM3 to the WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM3 has the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. This processor provides excellent noise canceling performance. Monotonous and irregular sounds like voices are muted. When you listen to music, you're disconnected from your surroundings.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 have the same processor as the XM3, but the algorithm of the technology has been improved. According to Sony, this provides 15% more sound reduction than with the XM3. That means you're even less bothered by ambient noise while you listen to music.

The XM3 are compatible with Hi-Res audio files and has a 40mm driver. With these headphones, the emphasis is mainly on the bass. This is powerful and deep, so you can hear a solid sound. The mid-range tones and treble are balanced and sound clear as well as detailed.

If you consider the audio, the XM4 have the same specifications as the XM3: Hi-Res audio compatible and a 40mm driver. The sound quality is virtually the same, which means both sets of headphones are suitable if you prefer a powerful bass.

The biggest flaw of the XM3 is the lack of multipoint pairing. This function ensures you can connect the headphones to 2 playback devices at the same time. If you watch a video on your laptop and receive an incoming call via your phone, the connection automatically switches to your phone.

You can use multipoint pairing with the XM4. If you connect the headphones to your laptop and phone, you can switch between 2 playback devices easily and quickly.

With the XM3, you can easily switch on a voice assistant. Ask Siri what the weather will be like or switch on Google Assistant. If you request a song using voice command, you can leave your phone in your pocket.

In addition to the integrated voice assistant, the XM4 has a few more smart functions. Whenever you start talking, the headphones automatically turn down the music and amplify the ambient noise. You don't have to take off your headphones and you can start a conversation right away. If you take the headphones off, the music pauses. Once you put them back on, the music continues. If you don't want this, you can switch off both functions in the Sony Headphones Connect app.

With the XM3, you can listen to music for hours without the ear cushions hurting your ears. This is thanks to the soft leather. The headband as well as the ear cushions are made of this material. This makes the XM3 suitable for long listening sessions.

Like the XM3, the XM4 stay on comfortably for a long time. A few adjustments have been made to the design for extra wearing comfort. There is more space inside the ear cups, leaving more room for your ears.