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Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4

Product A: Sony

WH-1000XM3

72 of 161 known
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Compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 with

Product B: Sony

WH-1000XM4

86 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-1000XM4

Compare the Sony WH-1000XM3 with

40 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 17 different values
  • 23 known for one only
  • 45 the same
  • 67 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Battery life (claimed, max)A: 44hB: 38hWH-1000XM3 is 6 h higher.

Weight

0 to 400 g

Headset weight
A255g
B254g

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony WH-1000XM3
BSony WH-1000XM4

General

5 of 8 differ
Series
1000X2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sony Japan lists it in the 1000X headphone range as WH-1000XM3.
1000X1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Model numbers
WH-1000XM32Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Page title and product name WH-1000XM3. Colors are sold as (B) and (S) variants of the same model.
WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
30 August 20185Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Article dated 30 August 2018: Amazon starts sales that day.
6 August 20204Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
Status
Discontinued2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The page marks the product as production ended (Japanese: 生産完了) and says Sony Store sales have ended.
Not available
Predecessor
Not available
Sony WH-1000XM316Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
Successor
Sony WH-1000XM48Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
Sony WH-1000XM517Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.18Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.
Launch price (US)
$349.994Press articletechradar.com/news/sonys-wh-1000xm3-turns-your-crowded-commute-into-a-silent-retreatRead 11 October 2026Will be available starting in September for $349.99.
$349.994Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026US maker MSRP 349.99 USD. August 6 was announcement/preorder. Actual August retail comes from the retrospective review. Unproved EUR tax scope omitted.
Launch price (EU)
€3796Press articleclubic.com/salon-informatique-tic/ifa/actualite-845173-sony-casque-phare-wh-1000xm3.htmlRead 11 October 2026Clubic France says the WH-1000XM3 will be on sale in mid-September for 379 euros. The source gives whole euros. Tax treatment is not stated.
Not available
Markets
Not available
US4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
Colours
Black, Platinum Silver2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Colors: (B) Black and (S) Platinum Silver.5Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Black and Silver listings.
Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Silent White4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 20265Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-launches-new-limited-edition-wh-1000xm4-silent-whiteRead 5 October 2026April 20, 2021 maker release adds Silent White to Black and Silver. Matching accessories and an extra topcoat are finish changes.6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4/buyRead 5 October 2026Current official indexed store identifies Midnight Blue WH1000XM4L.CE7. Other finishes have launch evidence. Direct store body unavailable. Only public official indexed label/image read.
Segment
Music2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sold as wireless noise canceling stereo headset for music listening.
Music4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026

Design

0 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Over-ear closed headset with ear cups around the ears (location and function of parts).
Over-ear1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic (Japanese: 密閉, ダイナミック).
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Wearing style
Headband3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headband with sliders to adjust the headband length.
Headband1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Folding
Flat and inward2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying (Japanese: スイーベル＆折りたたみ構造). The help guide says to fold the headset into the carrying case.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Fold the headset and put it in the supplied carrying case.
Flat and inward11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel and folding structure. Official folded picture shows flat cups and one cup folded inward. No nonexistent guide storage pages cited.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying.
Yes11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel structure. Silent White maker store also describes inward cup rotation for packing.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

0 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic.
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Driver size
40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Driver unit: 40 mm dome type with a CCAW voice coil.
40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 202640 mm dome driver with CCAW voice coil. Stereo channel count does not establish driver count.
Drivers per side
Not available
Not available
Diaphragm material
Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Specially designed 40 mm HD driver unit with an aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm.
Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Exact official indexed specification says aluminium-coated LCP. Direct page body unavailable. No full direct access claimed.
Magnet
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Magnet: neodymium (Japanese: ネオジウム).
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Playback frequency band 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (JEITA).
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026JEITA headphone acoustic response 4 Hz to 40 kHz. Not Bluetooth radio or microphone response.
Wireless audio transmission band
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Transmission band (A2DP): 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz sampling, 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz sampling and 990 kbps. The wide value is stored.
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026A2DP transmission 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling. LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps supports 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The stored maximum requires those LDAC settings.
Impedance (passive when specified)
16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 202647 ohm with wired connection, power on, at 1 kHz. 16 ohm with wired connection, power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered impedance 40 ohms. Passive impedance 16 ohms, used here.
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026104.5 dB/mW wired with power on and 101 dB/mW wired with power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered sensitivity 105 dB/mW. Passive sensitivity 101 dB/mW, used here.
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maker states the level per mW.
Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Not available
Custom EQ bands
Not available
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Surround (VPT)3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026App sound effect mode: Surround (VPT).
Sony 360 Reality Audio4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio requires compatible services and content. No Dolby/DTS licence or head tracking inferred.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Not available

Noise cancelling

3 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Noise canceling function with NC/AMBIENT button, NC Optimizer and Ambient Sound Mode.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
ANC type
Hybrid3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Parts list names a microphone (external) and a microphone (internal) for the noise canceling function. Both outside and inside microphones are used, so ANC is stored as hybrid.
Not available
ANC microphones
Not available
44Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Two Dual Noise Sensor microphones per cup. Four ANC microphones across the headset. Shared voice roles do not create extra capsules.
Adaptive ANC
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control detects behavior and place and uses AI to switch to the best mode automatically. The NC Optimizer also tunes cancellation to the wearer.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control in the app switches modes automatically by behavior recognition. NC Optimizer optimizes the noise canceling to suit the wearer.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 automatic noise-control adjustment by behaviour recognition, Adaptive Sound Control. No automatic ear-fit calibration inferred.
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Ambient Sound Mode and Quick Attention Mode.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Adjustable transparency
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Ambient sound control lets you adjust how much noise canceling and ambient sound is applied.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app adjusts the noise canceling function and Ambient Sound Mode (ambient sound control).
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Ambient sound adjusted in the app. Quick Attention is a temporary gesture, not another ANC strength level.
Conversation detection
Not available
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Speak-to-Chat detects speech and pauses music. Separate from manual Quick Attention.
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Not available

Measured

3 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
The measured response has a bass emphasis compared with the SoundGuys preference curve. The review compares noise attenuation across frequencies and identifies strong low-frequency ANC. No graph peak is used as a band-average dB value.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026SoundGuys exact-model lab measurements. Firmware and codec not stated. Qualitative bass comparison only. No MDAQS score converted to dB.
Bass amount
Not available
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Recorded microphone samples show usable speech pickup with mixed results in background noise. Earlier preproduction and later samples are not assigned a shared firmware or codec.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Recorded speech demos inspected. The original 19 h 59 min battery result used preproduction hardware and is omitted. Public numeric latency, THD, clamping, leakage and weighed mass not found.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
Not available
Not available
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
Not available
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
254g(9 oz)7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Weighed by HeadphoneCheck: 254 g without cable and 269 g with cable. The without-cable value is stored because the maker weight excludes the cord.
Not available

Microphone

3 of 16 differ
Microphone
Built-in3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Built-in microphones in the left and right units for calls (hands-free). No boom microphone.
Built-in1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Microphone element
MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Microphone type: MEMS
MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Microphone pickup pattern
Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Directivity: omnidirectional
Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Voice microphones
Not available
54Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Precise Voice Pickup uses five physical headset microphones for calls and Speak-to-Chat. Separate from the four ANC microphones.
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Effective frequency band 50 Hz - 8,000 Hz
Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Effective microphone range 50 Hz to 8 kHz. MEMS omnidirectional microphones.
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
DSP4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names advanced audio signal processing for Precise Voice Pickup. DSP, without an AI claim. DSEE Edge AI is music restoration.
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Call and assistant chapters explicitly feed microphone pickup to the listener. Adjustable sidetone intensity not proved.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

5 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Bluetooth, Analog3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth pairing chapters and the headphone cable connection to the INPUT jack. The USB Type-C port only charges.
Analog, Bluetooth1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Input plug: gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. 3.5 mm TRS, not a TRRS voice cable. Included OFC cable approximately 1.2 m.
Cable connector on headset
3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord type: single-sided, detachable. The headset has a stereo mini input jack.
3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Longest included cable
1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord length approx. 1.2 m, OFC wire, gold-plated stereo mini plug (headphone cable).3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headphone cable approx. 1.2 m (47 1/4 in.).
1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port is used to connect the headset to a computer or USB AC adapter for charging.
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Audio over USB-C cable
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide describes the USB Type-C port only for charging. No USB audio path is described.
No8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review identifies USB-C charging and analog wired playback. Guide page 20 disables playback while connected to USB, confirming charging-only operation.
Passive wired listening
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026You can listen to music even if the headset is turned off. The noise canceling function cannot be used then.
Yes2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Official specification explicitly supports passive operation. Full Help Guide confirms listening while powered off.
Wireless receiver
None3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth headset. No dongle in the package contents.
Not available
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maximum communication range: line of sight about 10 m.
10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate line-of-sight range 10 m. No indoor range guarantee.
Bluetooth
4.21Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.2, Power Class 2.
5.01Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset supports 5 codecs for A2DP music playback: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC.
SBC, AAC, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
LE Audio
Not available
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Lists multipoint and multipairing.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connection chapter: two Bluetooth devices at the same time. It cannot be used while Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is set on the NC/AMBIENT button.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Two concurrent Bluetooth devices with Connect to 2 devices enabled. Page 137 excludes LDAC in this mode. No concurrent analog and Bluetooth playback.
Multipoint devices
23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connects two Bluetooth devices to the headset.
23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Paired devices remembered
83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices.
83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Up to eight remembered devices. A ninth pairing replaces the oldest. Two active connections are a separate count.
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Google Fast Pair4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Google Fast Pair.
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide has pairing chapters for Android smartphones, iPhone, Windows computers and Mac computers.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Connection per platform
ASony WH-1000XM3
Not available
BSony WH-1000XM4
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
WindowsBluetoothYes
macOSBluetoothYes
AndroidBluetoothYes
iOSBluetoothYes
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact Android, iPhone, Windows 10/8.1 and Mac pairing chapters. Computer calls use HFP/HSP input/output. No console route inferred from jack availability.
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

5 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 132 requires Sony dealer replacement of the built-in battery. No user hot-swapping.
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony WH-1000XM3
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesaptX, aptX HD, LDAC24
BluetoothNoaptX, aptX HD, LDAC30
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC38
BluetoothYesSBC28
BluetoothNoSBC36
AnalogYesNot available36
AnalogNoNot available44
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Available operating time, music playback over Bluetooth. aptX, aptX HD and LDAC: 24 hours with noise canceling, 30 hours with both off. AAC with DSEE HX off: 30 and 38 hours. SBC with DSEE HX off: 28 and 36 hours. DSEE HX auto lowers the AAC and SBC values. Ambient Sound Mode rows are not stored. Headphone cable connected with power on: 36 hours with noise canceling, 44 hours with both off.
BSony WH-1000XM4
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC38
BluetoothYesSBC30
BluetoothNoSBC38
BluetoothYesLDAC24
BluetoothNoLDAC30
AnalogYesNot available22
AnalogNoNot available36
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed pages 21 to 22 document music playback after a full charge. With DSEE Extreme and Speak-to-Chat off, AAC and SBC each allow up to 30 hours with ANC on or 38 hours with ANC and Ambient Sound Mode off. LDAC allows 24 hours with ANC on or 30 hours with both noise-control modes off. The separate rows preserve each named codec. Powered analog playback allows 22 hours with ANC on or 36 hours with both noise-control modes off. Volume is unspecified. Standby and calling durations are excluded. DSEE-enabled estimates are lower and are not mixed with these rows.
Battery life (claimed, max)
44h
38h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
36h
30h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
44h
38h
Charging port
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging method: USB charging.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port with the supplied USB Type-C cable.
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Full charge time
180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging time approx. 3 hours for a full charge with a 1.5 A AC adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Charging is completed in about 3 hours for an empty battery.
180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately three hours using a 1.5 A adapter. Separate from the ten-minute quick-charge claim.
Quick charge time
10min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Music can be played for about 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging with a USB AC adapter that supplies 1.5 A or more.
10min4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
Quick charge playback
5h3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026About 5 hours after 10 minutes with a 1.5 A or higher USB AC adapter.
5h4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker launch pairs ten-minute charging with up to five hours of wireless playback.
Use while charging
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026If charging starts while the headset is turned on, the headset turns off. While it is connected to an AC outlet or computer, turning on and music playback cannot be performed.
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 20 disables all operations, including music, while connected to USB charging power.
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

2 of 6 differ
Controls
Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel on the right unit, NC/AMBIENT button and power button.
Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Volume control
Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel remotely controls playback and volume.
Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The app can change the function of the NC/AMBIENT button.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app changes the function of the NC/AMBIENT button, for example to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 allows assigning the CUSTOM button. Assistant assignment replaces its noise-control function.
Wear detection
Not available
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 and launch release identify a proximity sensor that pauses/resumes playback on removal/replacement.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Chapters for using the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and the voice assist function (Siri).
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 108-117 Google Assistant, Alexa, Android Google app and iPhone Siri. Device, app and region restrictions apply. Google app/Siri use touch hold, without wake words. Assistant assignment can exclude other routes.

Comfort and build

5 of 11 differ
Headband type
Not available
Padded8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly describes headband padding and pressure at the crown.
Headband material
Not available
Not available
Frame material
Not available
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
Not available
Ear pad material
Artificial leather over low-rebound urethane foam2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 20263D-stitched ear pads using low-rebound urethane material (Japanese: 低反撥ウレタン素材を採用した立体縫製イヤーパッド).7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Artificial leather padding and an adjustable headband.
Low-rebound urethane foam12Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Comfort section specifies low-rebound urethane in the pads. This is cushion fill. Generic pleather wording does not establish the covering of a named part.
Replaceable ear pads
Not available
Yes14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The current maker replacement guide explicitly uses WH-1000XM4 as its example and gives model-specific installation directions. The headphones must be turned off before replacement. This is ear-pad replacement, not battery service.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Clip14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The guide identifies six claws that secure each WH-1000XM4 ear-pad frame to the headphone housing. Replacement pads attach by pressing these clips into place.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Not available
Ear pads14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The maker documents normal removal and installation of WH-1000XM4 ear pads. No battery or internal electronic part is included.

Software

1 of 3 differ
Companion app
Sony | Headphones Connect3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Sony | Headphones Connect app.
Sony | Sound Connect7Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/software/00269130Read 5 October 2026Exact supported-software page names current Sound Connect. The older manual Headphones Connect name is historical.
App platforms
Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Android smartphones and the iPhone/iPod touch both support the app.
Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Manual Apple App Store and Google Play installation instructions. Current Sound Connect name sourced separately.
User firmware updates
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app can update the headset software.
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
255g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Mass approx. 255 g. The cord is not included.
254g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker approximate headset weight 254 g. SoundGuys 251 g metadata belongs to a preproduction sample and does not prove a measured retail weight.
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

1 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Exact original product displays Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos. SBC/AAC do not inherit 40 kHz transmission. Wireless range retains LDAC conditions. Documented NFC cannot be represented in this headset schema.
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

3 of 3 differ
In the box
Wireless noise canceling stereo headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case, Plug adapter for in-flight use1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Accessories: USB cable, warranty, carrying case, airplane plug adapter, connection cable, manual.2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Accessories: USB Type-C cable (about 20 cm), headphone cable (about 1.2 m), carrying case, airplane plug adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Checking the package contents: headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, approx. 20 cm), headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m), carrying case, plug adapter for in-flight use.
WH-1000XM4 headphones, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Headphone cable, Carrying case, Airplane plug adapter, Documentation1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Japanese accessory table. Silent White has matching white accessories with the same functions. No AC adapter inherited from another region.
Cables included
ASony WH-1000XM3
TypeLength (m)Count
USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C)0.21
Headphone cable, 3.5 mm gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug1.21
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C cable approx. 20 cm and headphone cable approx. 1.2 m.
BSony WH-1000XM4
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable0.21
3.5 mm stereo headphone cable1.21
Source13Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed page 9 lists one USB-A to USB-C cable approximately 20 cm long and one headphone cable approximately 1.2 m long. These are the supplied cables. The existing 1.2 m longest-cable value remains valid.
Carrying case
Not available
Hard15Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm4-wirelessRead 8 October 2026The exact original WH-1000XM4 Travel verdict explicitly identifies its hard carrying case. The maker guide confirms that this case is supplied. No optional replacement case or WH-1000XM4C accessory is used.

Warranty

None of 1 known
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.