Headphones
Apr 19, 2023

Sony WH-1000XM3 Review

$349 | Noise-cancelling headphones with exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and comfortable fit.

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Sony WH-1000XM3 Review

Summary:

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a top-of-the-line noise-canceling headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and comfortable design. With numerous features such as touch controls, quick attention mode, and voice assistant integration, this headphone is sure to exceed the expectations of any audiophile.

Ratings:

Amazon (4.6 out of 5)(26,094 ratings)
Best Buy (4.8 out of 5) (3,462 ratings)
B&H Photo (4.8 out of 5)(6,112 ratings)

Total Rating:

(4.8 out of 5) (35,668 ratings)

Main Specs:

Dimensions: 7.31 x 2.94 x 10.44 inches (18.54 x 7.47 x 26.52 cm)
Weight: 0.56 lbs (255 grams)
Battery Life: 30 hours (with noise-cancellation turned on), 38 hours (without noise-cancellation)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
Noise-Cancellation: Yes
Driver Size: 40mm

Top 5 Pros:

1. Excellent noise-canceling technology: The Sony WH-1000XM3 has one of the best noise-cancellation systems in the market, which effectively blocks out ambient noise.
2. Exceptional sound quality: With 40mm drivers, the headphone offers balanced and detailed sound with high-quality bass and treble.
3. Comfortable design: The headphone is designed with premium leatherette earpads that provide a comfortable and snug fit for long hours of use.
4. Long battery life: With up to 30 hours of battery life, this headphone is perfect for long flights, travel and work.
5. Touch controls and voice assistant integration: The touch controls enable users to control the music playback, activate noise-cancellation or turn on/off the headphones with ease.

Top 5 Cons:

1. Expensive price point: The Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the priciest noise-cancellation headphones in the market.
2. Bulky design: While the headphones are comfortable, they are still quite bulky, which may be an issue for users who travel frequently.
3. No aptX Bluetooth support: The headphone doesn't support aptX Bluetooth protocol, which means it may not deliver the highest sound quality for Android users.
4. No IP certification: The Sony WH-1000XM3 is not water or sweat resistant and is not suitable for outdoor activities.
5. No multipoint connectivity: The headphone can connect only to one device at a time, which may be inconvenient for users who use multiple devices.

Expert Reviews:

1. "The comfortable Sony WH-1000XM3 goes toe-to-toe with Bose's QuietComfort 35 II in terms of noise-canceling prowess while delivering top-notch sound quality." - CNET
2. "The Sony WH-1000XM3’s noise-cancellation is the best on the market, and its sound quality is excellent too. Simply put, these are the best wireless noise-canceling headphones money can buy right now." - TechRadar
3. "With a long 30-hour battery life, impressive noise cancellation, and a solid design, Sony has once again proved it can rule the noise-canceling roost." - Tom's Guide

Final Verdict:

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a great noise-cancellation headphone that offers exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and comfortable design. While it is expensive, it is worth the investment for any audiophile or music lover who seeks a top-of-the-line headphone. However, it may not suitable for outdoor activities and may not support aptX Bluetooth protocol for Android users.

Alternatives:

1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II ($299) - The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is an excellent alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM3, providing top-notch noise-canceling technology and exceptional comfort, at a slightly lower price point.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless ($349) - The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is another excellent alternative that provides great sound quality and design, but with a shorter battery life than the Sony WH-1000XM3.
3. Apple AirPods Max ($549) - For those who prefer a true wireless experience, the Apple AirPods Max is an excellent choice, delivering excellent sound quality, active noise-cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. However, it is the most expensive option on this list.