The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are a popular wireless noise-cancelling headphone model released by Sony in 2018.
Table of Contents
They feature advanced noise-cancelling technology, touch controls, and a long battery life.
The headphones are known for their excellent sound quality and comfortable design, and have received positive reviews from both critics and users.
They are a premium headphone option with a higher price point, but are considered by many to be worth the investment.
Sony WH1000XM3 Specs
Here are the specs for the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones:
- Driver unit: 40mm, dome type (CCAW Voice Coil)
- Frequency response: 4Hz-40,000Hz
- Sensitivities (dB/mW): 104.5dB/mW (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), 101dB/mW (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off)
- Impedance: 47 ohm (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable), 16 ohm (1kHz) (when connecting via Bluetooth)
- Bluetooth version: 4.2
- NFC: Yes
- Cord length: Approx. 1.2m (supplied headphone cable)
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours (with noise cancelling on)
- Charging time: Approx. 3 hours (full charge)
- Weight: Approx. 255g
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones also include a variety of features and technologies, such as advanced noise-cancelling, touch controls, voice assistant support, and more.
Design & Build Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones have a sleek and stylish design that is both comfortable and durable.
The headphones are lightweight and feature a padded headband and earcups that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
The earcups are also swiveling and foldable, making them easy to pack and transport. The headphones are made of high-quality materials, including a metal frame and synthetic leather padding.
They have a premium look and feel that is in line with their premium price point. The overall build quality of the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones is solid and durable, and they should withstand regular use over time.
Sony WH1000XM3 Sound Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones have excellent sound quality that is balanced, detailed, and immersive. The headphones feature 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms that produce clear and accurate audio across a wide frequency range. The bass is deep and well-defined, the midrange is clear and natural, and the treble is crisp and detailed.
The headphones also feature Sony’s advanced noise-cancelling technology, which helps to block out ambient noise and provide a more focused listening experience. This makes them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes, trains, or busy offices.
Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are considered to have some of the best sound quality among wireless noise-cancelling headphones on the market, and they have received positive reviews from both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Sony WH1000XM3 Connectivity
The Sony WH1000XM3 headphones have Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio playback and also come with an audio cable for wired connections.
They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and support the aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and LDAC codecs for high-quality audio streaming. The headphones also feature NFC pairing for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.
App Support & Controls
The Sony WH1000XM3 headphones can be controlled through the Sony Headphones Connect app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The app allows users to adjust various settings such as EQ, noise cancellation, and ambient sound control. It also has features like Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts noise cancelling based on the user’s activity and location.
The headphones themselves have touch controls on the ear cups for various functions such as play/pause, skip tracks, and volume control.
They also have a dedicated button for activating the noise cancelling function and an option to activate the Quick Attention mode, which lets outside sound in so that the user can hear their surroundings without taking off the headphones.
Sony WH1000XM3 Battery life
The Sony WH1000XM3 headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge when using them wirelessly with noise cancelling and Bluetooth enabled.
With noise cancelling turned off, the battery life can be extended up to 38 hours. The headphones also support quick charging, providing up to 5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
Additionally, they can be used in wired mode with the included cable if the battery runs out.
Accessories & Packaging
The Sony WH1000XM3 headphones come with a carrying case, an airplane adapter, a charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening.
As for accessories, there are various third-party earpads and cases available for purchase that can enhance the comfort and protection of the headphones.
Sony WH1000XM3 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent noise-cancellation performance.
- High-quality sound with strong bass and clear midrange.
- Comfortable over-ear design with soft earpads.
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours on a single charge).
- Intuitive touch controls on the earcups.
- Quick charging (10 minutes of charging gives 5 hours of playback).
- Comes with a carrying case and a variety of accessories.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other headphones on the market.
- Can feel a bit heavy on the head.
- Some users have reported issues with the touch controls being overly sensitive or unresponsive at times.
- The microphone quality for phone calls may not be as clear as some other headphones.
Conclusion
Sony WH1000XM3 headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, noise-cancelling over-ear headphones with great sound and a comfortable fit.
While they are a bit on the expensive side, their long battery life and intuitive touch controls make them a great investment for frequent travelers or anyone looking for top-of-the-line headphones.
Some users may have issues with the touch controls or microphone quality, but these are minor drawbacks when compared to the overall quality and performance of these headphones.
