Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds Review: Are They So Good?

As a tech enthusiast who's tested countless earbuds, I can confidently say that the Sony WF-1000XM3 truly wireless earbuds are a game-changer in the world of portable audio.

These sleek, noise-cancelling powerhouses have been turning heads since their release, and for good reason. Packed with advanced technology, including Sony's proprietary HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e, these earbuds offer an unparalleled listening experience.

The WF-1000XM3's 6mm driver units deliver rich, clear sound that rivals much larger headphones. What truly sets these earbuds apart is their industry-leading noise cancellation technology, which uses dual microphones to capture and eliminate ambient noise. This, combined with DSEE HX technology that upscales compressed audio files, results in an immersive audio experience that's hard to beat.

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But it's not just about sound quality. These earbuds boast impressive battery life, a stable Bluetooth connection, and even adaptive sound control that adjusts to your surroundings. Whether you're a commuter, audiophile, or just someone who appreciates high-quality sound, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds are worth considering. In this review, we'll dive deep into their features, performance, and how they stack up against the competition.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds: The Ultimate Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Experience

Design and Comfort

The Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds boast a sleek and premium design that catches the eye. With their stylish appearance and ergonomic shape, these earbuds are not just about looks but also comfort. I found that the multiple ear tip options provided in the box allowed for a customized fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable placement even during extended listening sessions.

The charging case, while slightly bulkier than some competitors, exudes a sense of quality with its soft-touch finish and magnetic lid. It's worth noting that the case isn't the most pocket-friendly, but it does provide excellent protection and additional battery life for the earbuds.

Sound Quality

Audio Performance

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM3 truly shines. Equipped with 6mm drivers, these earbuds deliver a wide, expansive soundstage that's impressive for their size. The audio is clear, dynamic, and detailed, with a well-balanced profile that caters to various music genres.

The bass response is punchy without being overwhelming, while the midrange is silky smooth, perfect for podcast enthusiasts. High frequencies are crisp and well-defined, ensuring that vocals and instruments come through with remarkable clarity. The WF-1000XM3's ability to separate instruments and create a sense of space in the music is particularly noteworthy.

DSEE HX Technology

Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine HX (DSEE HX) technology is a standout feature, upscaling compressed digital music files to bring them closer to High-Resolution Audio quality. However, it's important to note that enabling this feature does impact battery life, reducing it from 6 hours to about 4 hours.

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Noise Cancellation

The WF-1000XM3's active noise cancellation (ANC) is powered by Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e, which represents a significant leap forward in true wireless ANC technology. While it may not match the level of over-ear headphones, the noise cancellation is impressive for in-ear buds.

In my testing, I found that the ANC was particularly effective at reducing low-frequency ambient noise, such as the hum of airplane engines or office air conditioning. It struggled somewhat with higher-frequency sounds, but this is typical of most ANC systems.

The dual microphone system - one feed-forward and one feed-back - captures more ambient sound, allowing for more effective noise cancellation across a broader range of frequencies.

Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth Performance

Sony has implemented a new Bluetooth chip in the WF-1000XM3, which aims to improve connection stability and reduce audio delay. In my experience, the connection remained robust even in crowded areas with potential signal interference. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection up to the standard 10-meter range.

Touch Controls

The touch-sensitive panels on each earbud allow for easy control of playback, calls, and noise cancellation settings. While there's a slight learning curve to master the various tap combinations, I found the controls to be responsive and intuitive after some practice.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong suit for the WF-1000XM3. With ANC activated, the earbuds offer about 6 hours of playback time, which extends to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case provides an additional three full charges, bringing the total listening time to around 24 hours with ANC on, or 32 hours with it off.

Charging is handled via USB-C, with the case taking about 3.5 hours to fully charge. A quick charge feature provides 90 minutes of playback from just 10 minutes of charging, which is handy for those times when you're in a rush.

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Companion App and Additional Features

The Sony Headphones Connect app enhances the WF-1000XM3 experience significantly. It offers a customizable EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. The app also provides control over the noise cancellation levels and enables the "Adaptive Sound Control" feature, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your activity and surroundings.

One notable omission is the lack of water resistance, which means these earbuds aren't suitable for intense workouts or use in rainy conditions.

Call Quality

Call quality on the WF-1000XM3 is generally good, considering the microphones are located on the earpieces. While it may not match the clarity of a dedicated headset with a boom mic, it's more than adequate for most phone conversations.

Long-term Durability

After extensive use, I can attest to the build quality of the WF-1000XM3. However, it's worth noting that like all true wireless earbuds with built-in batteries, the battery life will degrade over time. Some users have reported significant battery degradation after about three years of use, but this can be mitigated by replacing the batteries, which is a relatively simple process for those comfortable with DIY repairs.

Are the Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds Made for You? My Opinion

I own many pairs of headphones. Sennheiser Hd650, Beyerdynamics, and AKG 550, for example.

I also have quite a few earbuds, Sony XBA-H3 probably being my favorite earbuds that I own. I love good audio and am willing to spend a few bucks for it. So what brought to buying these Sony WF-1000XM3 ? The noise cancelling, true wireless, and reported sound quality. In all three categories, these are amazing. Packing all this in such a small and attractive package is a remarkable achievement. Sony basically created the active noise cancelling true wireless IEM market with these headphones.

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Noise cancelling

Best in the business for IEMs. You gotta get over-the-ear to surpass the noise cancelling of the WF-1000XM3. These silence dishwashers, washer&dryer, air conditioner, and other ambient noises that we get used to having constantly around us. I some times pop these in and not even play music...just to silence the world. Amazing that these work so well given the small form factor.

True wireless

Some factors for a true wireless that matter to most consumers are battery life, water resistance(IP rating), and latency(when viewing videos).

Battery life is really good. They last as advertised and sometimes longer at lower volumes. Comes with quick charge. Won't find better battery performance from any other high-end active noise-cancelling IEMs. Water resistance isn't listed. These do not have an IP rating. I have used them in the gym, but I don't really sweat much until the end of my workout.

I wouldn't bring them in the shower, but they should be okay in light rain or a light workout. I have a second pair of true wireless IEMs, Jlabs Signature, that I use for heavier workouts and shower(these do have IPX rating). Probably one of the most important thing for users is latency. I can report that these have no latency when used with my Galaxy Note 10 plus. Can watch a video on youtube, netflix, disney+ or amazon prime without any lip synching issues.

Sound Quality

These are great. I don't think they're as good as my wired XBA-H3 or my over-the-year pricier headphones, but these are great. I played around a LOT with the EQ, and I am very happy with the sound.

I would describe the sound as very precise and balanced. I can identify every sound and instrument. There isn't a blending of sounds that you can get from cheaper headphones with smaller drivers. Everything from the low end to the high end is precisely represented. IEMs in general don't provide a big sound stage, but these do provide A sound stage. I feel surrounded by the music, as opposed to feeling like the music is coming from inside my head.

It's a really fun pair of headphones with which to enjoy music and video. The EQ on the headphone app works great. Every little minor adjustment does make a tremendous difference, so take your time getting your preferred sound out of these. With proper EQ tweaking, everyone from a basshead to a classical music listener should be able to achieve what they want out these versatile gems.

Final words

The Sony WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds offer a compelling package of excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and impressive battery life.

While they may not be the newest model on the market, they continue to hold their own against newer competitors, especially when it comes to audio performance and noise cancellation.

These earbuds are ideal for commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone who values high-quality audio and effective noise isolation. However, the lack of water resistance and the bulky charging case may be drawbacks for some users.

Ultimately, the WF-1000XM3 represents a high-water mark in true wireless earbud technology, offering a premium listening experience that justifies their price point. Whether you're an audiophile looking for portable high-fidelity sound or a professional seeking peace in a noisy environment, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds are a worthy investment.

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Things to know About the Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds: FAQ

Are the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds water-resistant?

No, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds do not have an official water resistance rating. They are not designed for use during intense workouts or in wet conditions.

Can I use only one earbud at a time?

Yes, you can use either the left or right earbud independently, which is useful for situations where you need to remain aware of your surroundings.

Do the Sony WF-1000XM3 support wireless charging?

No, the charging case for the Sony WF-1000XM3 Headphones does not support wireless charging. It charges via a USB-C connection.

How do I update the firmware on my Sony WF-1000XM3?

Firmware updates can be performed through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app will notify you when a new update is available and guide you through the update process.