最近発売された Sony WF-1000XM4 は、オーディオ、バッテリー寿命、そして最も重要なアクティブノイズキャンセルのアンティを向上させる素晴らしいアップグレードです。完全な再設計により、より安全なフィット感を実現する新しいエルゴノミクスが導入され、Sony HeadphonesConnectアプリを介した拡張機能が取引を甘くします。
最初にリリースされたときのカテゴリのトレンドセッター、 Sony WF-1000XM3 は、真のワイヤレス空間でのANCとバッテリー寿命の両方の基準を設定するのに役立ちました。サウンドは、聞こえる最高のサウンドの一部であり続けます。さらに、最新モデルに存在するものと同じオーディオ機能のほとんどにアクセスできます。ソニーのコンパニオンアプリとの互換性により、アンビエントリスニングからハイレゾオーディオ解像度まで、つぼみをパーソナライズするための複数の方法が提供されます。
Sony WF-1000XM3は、WF-1000XM4とは異なり、角度の付いたサウンドポートが運河に簡単に滑り込み、深くなりすぎないため、許容できる快適さを提供します。悲しいことに、体重配分がオフになり、速く歩くとつぼみが滑り落ちて、フィット感は良くありません。また、長い形のデザインは多くの耳のスペースを占め、時々ぎこちなく感じます。
勝者:ソニーWF-1000XM4
SonyWF-1000XM4とSonyWF-1000XM3:コントロールとデジタルアシスタント
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(画像クレジット:Regan Coule/Future)
オーバーイヤーのタッチコントロール Sony WH-1000XM3 は私たちの心を打たれましたが、その同じパフォーマンスはインイヤーバリアントであるWF-1000XM3にうまく変換されませんでした。タップジェスチャは応答せず、目的のコマンドが実行されるまでに2〜3回の試行が必要になることがよくあります。スライドジェスチャを使用すると、再生と通話管理に適していることがわかりました。オンイヤー検出も半分の時間で機能し、つぼみを取り除くときに音楽を自動的に一時停止します。
Sony’s n ew V1 chip is what gives the WF-1000XM4 is noise-neutralizing horsepower. The processor achieves 40% lower noise levels and enhances ANC of high frequencies compared to the QN1e chip, which is what the WF-1000XM3 uses. We noticed the difference when walking through high-traffic areas. The technology put a kibosh on rowdy pedestrians, truck engine rumbling, and street construction that took place about a block away.
The WF-1000XM3 subdues background noise very well. These buds are useful for quieting keyboard clatter and chatty co-workers, as well as street-level sounds like truck horns and whisking cars. Louder noises like baby cries and police sirens are unavoidable, but often blend into the soundscape and come off like background effects on songs; the same applies to the WH-1000XM4.
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
Ambient Sound Control grants you 20 levels of transparency that you can adjust on either set of buds. The WH-1000XM4’s mics are stronger and pick up more external sounds, but your environmental awareness will still be high to identify noises on the WF-1000XM3. Two other ambient features shared on these models are the ability to focus on voice and automatic switching, which detects your actions and frequented locations to adjust ambient listening.
Wind resistance is the determinant is this category. Our experience with using the WF-1000XM3 in gusty conditions wasn’t pleasant. That isn’t to say the WF-1000XM4 was perfect because it wasn’t, not by a long shot. It does come with an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction feature to decrease wind presence.
Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Sound quality
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
Sony deserves credit for refining what is already a stellar sound profile and bestowing it upon the WF-100 0XM4. Everything from music to movies sound 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 pick up on subtle nuances in complex recordings as well.
We’re not mad that Sony toned down the bass levels, as it gives these buds a full-bodied soundstage that blends lows, mids and highs incredibly well. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform gives music a more immersive feel that you can enjoy on compatible streaming services like Deezer and Tidal, while DSEE Extreme technology boosts the fidelity on standard-definition tracks.
(Image cr edit: Regan Coule/Future)
Sony fanboys will likely favor the WF-1000XM3 for its ultra-bass delivery and there is nothing 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 distinct imperfections on mono recordings. It’s also great that Sony extends its 360 Reality Audio 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
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
The Sony Headphones Connect app is the hub for all extended functionality and both o f 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-Chat, voice activation, and the Optimal Earbud Tips test are reserved for the WF-1000XM4, along with Bluetooth Connection Quality to prioritize sound quality or connectivity.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Many will agree that the Equalizer is the app’s most notab le feature. On top of being able to adjust 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 complete the package.
There are differences in connectivity between these two products. Where the WH-1000XM4 operates on the newer Bluetooth 5.2 and comes with one-touch pairing for Android devices via Google Fast Pair, the WH-1000XM3 runs on Bluetooth 5.0 and supports NFC to instantly pair the buds when tapping the charging case on a compatible smartphone. The good news is you’ll enjoy stable connections and a lengthy range (35 feet, roughly), no matter the model.
Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony WF-1000XM3: Call quality
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
Neither of these serve well as calling headsets, but if you want to know which is serviceable when in a pinch, that would be the WF-1000XM4. The stronger mic array produces better clarity for video chats, though you’ll need to be in a quiet room to ensure the best quality. We had a few callers complain about background noise on our end, as well as lots of muffling, especially outside.
Even with the latest software updates, the WF-1000XM3 is frustrating for calls. Muffling remains a huge issue and sometimes speech will cut 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
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
The WF-1000XM3 set the standard for battery life for wireless ANC earbuds when it launched: 6 hours. That was a significant amount at the time, especially since the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours) offers so little. Unfortunately, other models have caught up and come with longer ANC playtimes, including the WF-1000XM4, which gives you between 7 to 8 hours. Disabling the feature extends playtimes on each model, but the WF-1000XM4 provides 4 hours more.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
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 1 hour of use on a 5-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 only 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 sound quality, along with faster and stronger connectivity. Battery life gets a generous boost as well.
We’re also surprised at how accurate and responsive the smart controls are on these buds. Sony’s decision to scale back bass for more full-bodied sound won’t sit right with everyone, but at least you’re given the opportunity to fix 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
5
Design (15)
11
9
Controls (10)
8
6
Noise Cancellation (20)
18
17
Audio (20)
19
18
Special Features and Apps (15)
13
11
Call Quality (5)
3
2
Battery Life (10)
9
8
Total Score (100)
84
76
It’s tough to compete with a superior of version of yourself, especially when the new and improved model boasts more enhancements and newer hardware. The WF-1000XM3 doesn’t come out on top, but it is still one some of the finest-sounding wireless earbuds you’re going to find at any price point.
The bass-heavy soundstage will 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’s the impractical design and poor controls that seal its fate in this battle.