Sony WF-1000XM3: Review, Features, Opinions and Prices (2023)

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are one of the best earphones on the market. The original model was one of the first True Wireless to appear on the market, and to this day remains at the top. Today, there have been many excellent True Wireless models from the major companies, but the new WF-1000XM3 is set to be at the top again.

Sony has set out to improve all the features of the WF-1000 with this new version, and has more than succeeded. The Sony WF-1000XM3 offers superb audio quality, refined design, and many state-of-the-art features, including remarkable noise cancellation. They do not support the aptX codec, but they are among the best Wireless earphones on the market .

Design of the Sony WF-1000XM3

The WF-1000XM3 are small and have a sleek design. They look sophisticated, and have a pill shape with three contact points designed to distribute pressure along the ear. In addition, each earphone weighs only 8.5 grams. They are the most comfortable True Wireless earbuds we have tested so far.

They look really great, and you can use them for hours. In addition, the Sony WF-1000XM3 come with a wide selection of ear cushions that fit perfectly. They integrate two microphones to reduce external noise, and feature active noise cancellation technology that outperforms the also excellent Sony WF-SP700N. The company has not confirmed whether the WF-1000XM3s are IP certified, but they are not designed for exercise.

Like the WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones, the WF-1000XM3 feature integrated touch controls on each earbud. Double-tapping the left cup switches between noise cancellation and Ambient Sound mode, and double-tapping the right cup switches songs. You can access the Google Assistant by saying “OK Google”, and change controls through the Sony app.

The WF-1000Xm3 also feature the new QN1e processor designed for Sony's active noise cancellation technology. It works with 24-bit audio signals and also minimizes power handling, resulting in better battery performance over the previous version. They come with a case that holds the earbuds magnetically, and also serves as a charging port.

Sound Quality

The sound profile of the Sony WF-1000XM3 is very close to that of the WH-1000XM3, which is incredible for In-Ear headphones. The audio is very well balanced and rich in all frequencies. We tested them playing all kinds of music genres, and the performance was always flawless. You can use them for hours without getting tired.

All the keys are well articulated, and it's easy to identify each instrument in the mix. They offer dynamism and subtle details. They don't sound as good as the Over-Ear model, but the audio is really good. Vowels are presented with clarity and emotion, bass is deep but controlled. The sound spatiality is perceived as wide and there is no distortion at all, even at very high volumes.

Sony WF-1000XM3: Connectivity

In terms of functions and connectivity, the Sony WF-1000XM3 are very complete. They work with Bluetooth 5.0 , NFC, integrate support for Google Assistant and feature DSEE HX technology that improves the sound quality of compressed audio formats. You can also use them to answer calls thanks to the built-in microphones. Our only complaint is that it doesn't support aptX and LDAC codecs.

These In-Ear True Wireless earphones feature the same QN1e processors as the Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones. They integrate a chip in each earbud, DAC, analog amplifier, noise cancellation and process 24-bit signals. They do not offer the same performance as the Over-Ear model, but in the True Wireless earbud market, they stand out. Thanks to their design and the various ear cushions that come in the package, they attenuate ambient noise admirably.

Through the app, you can access the equalizer, prioritize sound quality or Bluetooth connection, and control noise cancellation. You can also adjust the level of ambient noise you want to hear with the Ambient Sound mode, which is necessary if you plan to use them in noisy cities.

They feature Adaptive Sound Control technology that optimizes noise cancellation according to what you are doing and where you are. The microphones measure noise levels, so that the app recognizes whether you are sitting, walking, or on public transportation, and adjusts the ANC technology accordingly. In this department, they only compete with the new Bose QuietComfort and Sennheiser.

Battery

In terms of battery life, the WF-1000XM3s outperform the AirPods (five hours), and the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (four hours). With active noise cancellation, the Sony's battery will provide up to six hours of continuous playback, and the capacity increases by a couple of hours if ANC is off. The case offers three additional charges, and has a quick charge mode: only 10 minutes of charging is enough to use them for 90 minutes. The total charging process for the earbuds takes approximately one and a half hours, and three and a half hours for the case via USB-C connection.

User Reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM3

These True Wireless earphones have very good reviews on the Amazon site, and average four out of five stars. Among the main comments are the following:

• Cabbai: “The best noise cancellation available in an In-Ear headset. They offer better autonomy and ANC than the previous model.”
• NwD: “Best in class, but Bluetooth and wireless”.
• Daniel: “Great sound but pitiful as a handsfree.”

Conclusion

There are excellent True Wireless earphones on the market , but none as complete as the WF-1000XM3. These Sony earbuds offer excellent sound and all the features you could wish for. They also feature the best noise cancellation for a True Wireless In-Ear pair of earbuds.

Sony improved all the important aspects in this version, and the result is impeccable. The battery is one of the best on the market, they are very comfortable and adjust well to any user thanks to the different tips. Apart from the fact that they do not support the aptX codec, we can't say anything negative about them. If you want True Wireless earphones that sound great, there is hardly a better option than the Sony WF-1000XM3. Interested? Find the best price on Amazon.

If you don't need active noise cancellation, we recommend checking out the new Sony WF-1000XM4, Sony WF-C500, and the attractive Beoplay E8. Also, the revolutionary open-design Sony LinkBuds are impressive.

Technical characteristics Sony WF-1000XM3