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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The choice between the Sony WF1000XM3 and the WF1000XM4 largely depends on your priorities in terms of price, sound quality, and features. The WF1000XM3 offers a more budget-friendly option with excellent sound quality and noise cancellation for its price range, which makes it a great choice if you're looking for premium features without stretching your budget. On the other hand, if you prefer the latest technology and improvements, the WF1000XM4 comes with enhanced noise cancellation, better sound quality, and additional features like wireless charging and water resistance, making it suitable for more demanding users and varied environments. Keep in mind that the WF1000XM4 may have a more comfortable fit and improved call quality due to its design updates. However, the added benefits come with a higher cost, so you should consider whether these enhancements are worth the price difference to you. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Phone Calls
8.2
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$220
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WF1000XM4 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM4 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WF1000XM4 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the Sony WF1000XM3 or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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