Sony WH-1000XM3: analysis, features and opinions

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the best options if you are looking to buy a good pair of headphones with a good quality-price ratio. They are functional for any everyday activity: for example for long music sessions, watching movies or making daily trips on public transport.

The ergonomics of these helmets are far superior to other premium headphones and users have reported up to 5 hours of continuous use without any discomfort bodily injury or inconvenience resulting from its use.

Surround sound is ideal for enjoying songs with a high bass response. While the Active noise cancellation system works impressively well against ambient sounds, especially when there is an unexpected high-pitched noise.

Who might be interested in these headphones?

The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are designed to:

  • Music lovers and other discerning listeners looking for the best audio experience.
  • To travel, are the infallible piece you need when boarding a plane for a transatlantic flight where you can relax with your favorite songs, without hearing annoying noises like a baby crying.
  • In one long office day where you have to work alongside a bunch of colleagues, you can put its excellent electronic noise cancellation function to the test. You can immerse yourself in the world of surround sound without hearing the outside world.

However, we must say that these headphones They are NOT designed for running or other type of exercise that requires sudden movements. You may be prone to slipping or falling during these activities.

You'll also need to check out other options if you're thinking of using them on your computer. It turns out that the best extra that comes with this device is The App developed by Sony for mobile phones, so if you use the 100% on your PC you will not be able to enjoy the experience offered by the Sony WH-1000XM3.

General characteristics

Without a doubt, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones offer the best electronic noise cancellation system of the market, not to mention its incredible Bluetooth 4.2. Yes, we know, many would like to see version 5.0 included, but the other features make up for this lack.

In fact, many users have noticed a better performance when working with Bluetooth than with the use of the cable, since there is more clarity of the low, medium and high sounds.

In addition, the usual one is not perceived “delay” that most computers present when working with wireless resources.

Sony WH1000XM3
They cover the entire ear and can be used with glasses.

They have NFC wireless technology for data transfer, it has a Type C charger standard style that will save you the trouble by offering you a really fast charge.

One of the features most valued by users has been the impressive Sony app designed for mobileWith this App you can make the most of the device's performance, even adjusting the noise cancellation levels in different scenarios where you find yourself.

Sound

The sound is clear, it's everything you'd expect from high-end headphones. When compared to other unbeatable sound leaders, such as headphones Bose QuietComfort 35 II, the feeling is that the Sony WH-1000XM3 has much more sound clarity and better bass and subwoofer performance with cable and Bluetooth.

He Bluetooth works much clearer at some frequencies than its competitors. This is probably due to an improvement in the construction of its diaphragm which is made with liquid crystal polymers.

It has almost no sound leakage, people nearby won't be able to tell what you're listening to unless you turn the volume up to the max and burst your eardrums.

Supports up to 990 kbps LDAC, the best Bluetooth audio quality currently available, and which you can enjoy as long as you have a device with Android 8.0 or higher. Only professional Open Back studio headphones can beat them.

They are perfect for listening to: electronic rhythms, rock, hip hop and any other type of melody.

Design and materials

When you open the package, at first glance you will find a Simple, minimalist and very compact design. In addition to the headphones, you will see a short Type C to Type A cable, a 3.5 millimeter to 3.5 millimeter male-male auxiliary cable, and an airplane adapter.

Sony WH-1000XM3
Box + Carrying Case

The case is not as thin as the Bose NC 700's, but it is smaller and better distributed.

It is available in two colors: blacks and whites (more pearl color than white).

The finish is of high quality polycarbonate, and although they feel solid and resistant, some critics would prefer to find materials made of metal alloys, or lambskin. However, these details of its construction give it the possibility of having the best weight on the market: 255 grams.

The headband adjustment mechanism is smooth and manageable. They are more oval and less circular, which prevents feeling pressure on the skull.

If we check the pads, we can say that they are comfortable, cover most of the ears  and prevent the annoying feeling of boredom caused by pressure. If used for long hours, they do not cause any fatigue problems in the neck and head.

As for ports, these Sony have a 3.5 millimeter jackThey also have a Type-C port for charging, a point highly valued by all lovers of good headphones.

Additionally, they have two on/off buttons with features like remaining battery time. You'll also find a touch system on the right earpiece that can help you delay, fast-forward, raise and lower the volume.

They have a LEDs that indicate when the headphones are charging, when they are turned on or off and when pairing them with any device.

Another point in its favor is its button NC/AMBIENT with which you can use the Google AssistantConnectivity with Google Assistant is magical, you just have to have your mobile phone at hand and turn on the Sony headphones. In just a few seconds, a notification will appear on your smartphone to pair the headphones, without complications.

Microphone totally upgradeable

The function to answer calls honestly It is not its greatest advantageWhen answering a call, the outside sound does not turn off and some users have reported a kind of annoying echo during the conversation. Perhaps this is a point to improve for future generations of this device.

Does noise cancellation work well?

Absolutely yes. It works great. They have active noise cancellation They work in the following way: the headphones have microphones that pick up ambient sound, then process it with waves contrary to what you hear so that the perception is zero noise.

As if that were not enough, they have the ability to neutralize high-pitched and unpredictable sounds very well, perhaps because they include a dedicated chip.

Are perfect for traveling by public transport, isolating ourselves in the office or flying on a plane. The best thing about the electronic noise cancellation system is that you will not feel that annoying feeling of pressure in your ears, this is because they have a functionality of measuring atmospheric pressure so that noise cancellation is more comfortable and you don't feel that uncomfortable emptiness in your ear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common doubts that usually appear among users:

Would you recommend these headsets for working in offices or at home?

Undoubtedly, yes. In times of teleworking, it is important to have the best noise insulators on the market to be able to concentrate on the daily task. They impressively block the noise that other people in the house or office could make and would help you perform at 100% during your workday.

Would you use these headphones for customer service in a call center?

Unfortunately, no. They are designed for listening to music or watching movies while working on the computer, relaxing at home or on long trips. However, the microphone still needs to be improved before it can be recommended for handling a large number of calls.

How long does the battery last?

Has a battery that could last up to 30 hours with noise cancellation activated, a plus for Sony. Thanks to their type C port they have the fastest charging on the market for headphones, they have Up to 5 hours of use with 10 minutes of charging.

Although actual times will always vary depending on the music we listen to and the volume we have, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are still the champions in charging time and duration.

Does it support multipoint technology?

These helmets cannot connect to two devices at the same timeThis means that if you want to watch TV and answer your phone, you will have to disconnect one to use the other. This feature should be improved in the 1000XM4 version.

Does it work with video conferencing apps like Zoom?

Yes, they are fully compatible with multiple applications such as Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom and many more. Of course, for it to work it must be paired with the device where the connection will be made and set up to carry out the video chat session.

Are they useful for making audio recordings on the computer?

With the Sony WH 1000XM3 you can receive audio from your computer thanks to the 3.5 mm input and send audio with the system adapted to the microphones.