Sony WF-1000XM3 Review

The Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds have been a significant addition to the world of wireless audio, praised for their noise-cancellation technology and sound quality. As a predecessor to the later WF-1000XM4 model, these earbuds have set high standards in the market. This review delves into their features, performance, and overall value.

Specifications

  • Type: In-Ear, True Wireless Earbuds
  • Driver Unit: 6mm, dome type
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (earbuds with ANC), 24 hours (with charging case)
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Weight: Approximately 8.5 grams per earbud

Rating Metrics

  1. Sound Quality: 9/10
  2. Noise Cancellation: 8.5/10
  3. Comfort: 8/10
  4. Battery Life: 7/10
  5. Build Quality: 8/10
  6. Connectivity: 8/10

Features

  • Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation.
  • Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts to your behavior and environment.
  • Quick Attention mode for instantly lowering music volume and letting in ambient sound.
  • Touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistant.

Design, Build and Handling

The WF-1000XM3 sports a stylish, minimalist design. They are somewhat bulkier than some other models but still offer a comfortable fit. The build quality is solid, and the touch-sensitive pads on each earbud allow for intuitive control over music and calls.

Performance

Sony’s signature sound quality is evident in the WF-1000XM3, delivering rich, detailed audio across a wide range of frequencies. The ANC is very effective, though not quite at the level of its successor, the WF-1000XM4. The call quality is also decent, making these earbuds versatile for various uses.

Battery Life

The earbuds provide up to 6 hours of battery life with ANC on, which is reasonable but not outstanding. The charging case offers an additional 18 hours, totaling 24 hours of playback time.

Connectivity

The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is stable and reliable, but these earbuds lack multipoint pairing, which can be a downside for users who frequently switch between devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality with effective ANC.
  • Comfortable design and fit.
  • High-quality build and stylish appearance.
  • Intuitive touch controls.

Cons:

  • Battery life could be improved.
  • Bulky design compared to some newer models.
  • No wireless charging or water resistance.

Overall Rating

The Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds earn a strong 8/10 overall. They strike a good balance between sound quality, noise cancellation, and design, making them a competitive option in their price range.

Similar Products

  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Known for top-tier noise cancellation.
  • Jabra Elite 85t: Offers a good balance of features with customizable sound.
  • Apple AirPods Pro: Popular for their seamless integration with Apple devices and effective ANC.

Conclusion

The Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds represent a significant step in the evolution of true wireless earbuds, offering excellent sound quality and ANC in a sleek package. While they have some limitations in battery life and lack some features of newer models, they remain a strong choice for those seeking quality audio performance and noise cancellation without the latest bells and whistles. They offer great value, especially for users who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation over other features.