Sony's WH-1000XM headphones have gone through several generations, and some look almost identical. The XM3 and XM4 in particular are very hard to tell apart at a glance. Knowing exactly which model you have matters when you're looking for a fix, buying parts or booking a repair, because each generation fails in a different place and uses different parts.
Here are the quickest ways to check, then the visible differences between each model.
The quickest ways to check
1. Look at your phone's Bluetooth list
Unless you've renamed them, Sony headphones appear in your Bluetooth settings under their model name, such as "WH-1000XM4" or "WH-1000XM5". If they're paired to your phone, this is the fastest check.
2. Open Sony's headphones app
If you use Sony's headphones app, it shows the model name of the connected headphones.
3. Check the box, receipt or order
The model name is on the box, and usually on your receipt or online order confirmation.
4. Look on the headphones themselves
The model name is printed on the headphones. Check the inside of the headband, including the slider sections, and the inside of the ear cups, under a good light.
Telling them apart by sight
WH-1000XM3 (2018)
- Folds up for its case, with ear cups that swivel flat and fold inwards
- The button next to power is labelled NC/Ambient
- No sensor inside the ear cups
WH-1000XM4 (2020)
- Looks almost the same as the XM3, and folds the same way
- The button next to power is labelled CUSTOM
- A small round proximity sensor inside the left ear cup, which pauses your music when you take the headphones off
The button label and the sensor are the two easiest ways to tell an XM4 from an XM3.
WH-1000XM5 (2022)
- A noticeably different design: a slimmer, smoother headband with no notched slider
- The ear cups swivel flat but don't fold inwards
- The button next to power is labelled NC/AMB
WH-1000XM6 (2025)
- Sony's newest model in this range, launched in May 2025
- A redesigned headband and hinge compared with the XM5
- If yours are fairly new and none of the descriptions above fits, check the Bluetooth name or the app
Other Sony headphones that look similar
Sony makes several other over-ear ranges, such as the WH-CH series and the ULT Wear. These have different model names, and parts aren't shared with the WH-1000XM range. The WF-1000XM models are earbuds, not over-ear headphones.
Why the model matters for repairs
Each generation tends to fail in its own way:
- XM3: the headband cracks near the slider. See Sony XM3 headband cracked.
- XM4: the swivel snaps. See Sony XM4 hinge snapped.
- XM5: the hinge bracket breaks. See Sony XM5 hinge broken.
The parts are different for each, so getting the model right means the right part is used first time. When you book a repair, you choose your model from a list. If you're still not sure, describe your headphones when you book, or get in touch first.
My Sony headphone repair page lists every repair for the XM3, XM4 and XM5, plus an any-fault repair for the XM6 and other Sony over-ear models.
Questions people ask
How do I know if I have Sony XM3 or XM4?
Look at the button next to the power button on the left ear cup. It says NC/Ambient on the XM3 and CUSTOM on the XM4. The XM4 also has a small sensor inside the left ear cup.
How do I tell the XM4 from the XM5?
The XM5 has a much slimmer, smoother headband and doesn't fold inwards. The XM4 folds up and has a notched slider on the headband.
Where is the model number on Sony headphones?
Check your phone's Bluetooth list or Sony's app first. The model name is also printed on the headphones, usually on the inside of the headband or ear cups, and on the box.
Are WF-1000XM headphones the same as WH-1000XM?
No. WF models are earbuds, and WH models are over-ear headphones.
My recommendation
The Bluetooth list on your phone is the quickest way to find your model. If that isn't possible, check the button label and the sensor inside the left ear cup. Once you know, you can find the right guide or book the right repair.