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SONY 1000X M3 REVIEW: SUPREME NOISE CANCELING  
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Sony WH-1000XM3 - 2018.09.19
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Sony WH-1000XM3
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Sony seizes the title for best noise-canceling cans with a winning redesign

 

There’s an enthusiastic “It’s a Sony” sticker on a kitchen wall in my childhood home. I put it there more than 20 years ago when my parents brought home a big-screen Sony TV and an accompanying Sony VCR. Since that day, I’ve owned a Walkman cassette player and a Walkman phone, a PlayStation, a NEX mirrorless camera, and an illogical desire for VAIO laptops. Like any child of the ‘90s, I grew up with Sony’s name being synonymous with the most desirable technology. This is why it’s such a nostalgic pleasure for me to today be reviewing a new Sony product that is the undeniable best in its category.

The Sony 1000X M3 over-ear, noise-canceling headphones are the third iteration of Sony’s already great 1000X series. The original 1000Xs cost a cent under $400 and were instantly among the best in their class. Sony seemed to find little room for improvement with its second-gen 1000X M2s, so it chopped $100 off the price and polished up a couple of technical aspects — though that came at the cost of some excitement in their sound. Just as it seemed as though Sony would slip behind the rapidly improving competition, however, the 1000X M3s arrive and rectify almost every issue the series has had so far, while splitting the cost difference between its predecessors with a sensible $349 price.

9VERGE SCORE

SONY WH-1000XM3

GOOD STUFF

  • Extraordinary noise canceling
  • Pillowy comfort
  • USB-C charging and stupendous battery life
  • Best sound from Sony’s 1000X yet

BAD STUFF

  • Touch controls are still a pain
  • Bass response could be cleaner and more defined
  • Pads get sweaty on warm days
  • Irritating blinking LED status light on left ear cup

Buy for $349.99 from Best Buy Buy for $348.00 from AmazonBuy for $349.99 from B&H Photo

Sony got two things very right with its first-gen 1000X headphones: the noise canceling and the fit. That’s why I find it surprising that the company has gone for a major redesign with its M3 generation: the physical design didn’t seem in need of much tweaking. But everything that Sony has changed has been for the better. It takes courage to tinker with a popular design and skill to actually improve on it.

EVERY CHANGE SONY MADE HAS BEEN FOR THE BETTER

Some 1000X M1 and M2 users had complained about the headband being susceptible to cracking (an issue I never encountered in months of contented use of those headphones), and they’ll be comforted to know Sony’s design shakeup has delivered a new headband with more padding. The updated headband has a more oblong shape than previously, which makes the headphones more discreet by fitting them closer to the wearer’s head. Even when they’re not being worn, the 1000X M3s are easier to grip and tote around because of their narrower shape, plus they still collapse down to fit into the provided compact carrying case.

WHO IS NOISE CANCELING FOR?

Noise-canceling headphones used to be the exclusive preserve of frequent flyers who cared more about tranquility than sound quality or aesthetics. But, as the world has grown noisier and technology has gotten better, we all now demand and are getting noise-canceling cans that sound great and don’t look like a Volvo parked on your head. Whether at home, on the train, or in the office, noise canceling is fast becoming a must-have feature for over-ear headphones.

Bose and Sony are the premier brand in this space, but others like Bowers & Wilkins, Beyerdynamic, and Bang & Olufsen are offering compelling alternatives.

Somehow, Sony has reduced the weight of its latest 1000Xs while increasing the battery life. With noise canceling turned on, Sony now claims 30 hours of endurance, a full 50 percent more than the previous 20 hours. Even as someone who deals with the constant improvement of tech on a daily basis, I find this massively impressive. More on battery life later, but the new lighter weight truly elevates Sony’s headphones to the absolute top tier for comfort, whether you’re talking wired or wireless over-ear models. Bose’s QuietComfort 35s endure in popularity in large part because they’re so effortless to wear, and Sony goes that one notch higher.

When I reviewed the 1000X M2s, I noted that I wore them without a hint of discomfort for a full five-hour trip, and the M3s are even less intrusive. Sony has made the space for your ear inside the M3 pad a little deeper, and the pads themselves are designed to distribute pressure evenly. I’ve used these headphones across three different two-hour flights in the past week, and my colleague Chaim Gartenberg (who wears glasses) also found them exceedingly comfortable on the eight-hour journey from New York to Berlin. In fact, there’s not a member of the Verge staff that’s tried these headphones without falling in love with their fit and feel.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II next to Sony 1000X M3.

Design critiques are hard to find, but I still have a few to offer. One is that the headband’s sizing adjustment slips out of position easily. If you’re super pedantic about setting your ideal fitting and never wanting it to change, that might irritate you. You don’t, however, have to be punctilious to be annoyed by the blue status LED on the left ear cup: this is a remnant of Bluetooth headphones of yore, and I’ve no idea why Sony keeps putting it on its latest headphones. Beyerdynamic recently showed off a much smarter design that put the LEDs on the inside of the ear cups. And the final issue I came up against with the 1000X M3s is that they do heat up and get sweaty on a warm summer’s day. This is the one aspect where I think Bose’s more airy QC35s have the edge over Sony and most of the rest of the competition.

PHYSICAL BUTTONS AND SWITCHES > TOUCH CONTROLS

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me on this point, but Sony’s touch controls remain the same as they ever were, and I remain fundamentally opposed to them. They’re reasonably functional: swipe up and down for volume, forward and back for track change, and double-tap the middle to pause, play, or pick up a call on your connected phone. The problem comes in when you’re rocking out to some track and you want to raise the volume but accidentally fast-forward to the next song. I did that more than once. There’s also a slight lag to the headphones recognizing double taps, leading to a recurring split-second of uncertainty anytime I want to control playback. Touch controls on headphones: cool when they work, infuriating when they don’t.

 

 

We have to talk about Sony’s noise canceling. It’s unreal. It’s like noise insulted Sony a long time ago and Sony retreated to its dojo for many years, trained hard, and then came back to kick noise’s butt. Bose, Sennheiser, AKG, Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen — name any company that produces noise-canceling headphones, and I guarantee you that its noise canceling is not as good as Sony’s. There’s a new dedicated chip just for processing the noise canceling inside the M3s, and I’m convinced that chip alone is worth the price of admission with these new 1000Xs.

THE NEW HIGH-WATER MARK FOR NOISE-CANCELING PERFORMANCE

Some headphones, I wear because I have to. (I know, it’s a tough job I have!) Others, even when I’m reviewing them, I just wear because I enjoy them. With the Sony 1000X M3s, the latter is universally true. They even nudged out my AirPods, which are the buds I usually opt to wear when I’m tired and intolerant of any discomfort in fit or sound. Sony’s cans give me the extra benefit of obliterating the noise around me — which is an advantage anyone can appreciate in almost any circumstance.

As I write this review, I can’t hear my fingers typing on the Apple Magic Keyboard. Or the creaky floor disturbed by my upstairs neighbors. Or my other neighbor’s kids playing in their backyard. It’s just silence. It’s bliss.

The sound of the M3s marks an important improvement over the M2s. I found Sony’s prior edition deadened the vocals and rendered music unexciting. This update fixes that and goes a step further in delivering the most coherent, pleasing, and simply best sound that Sony has produced with its 1000X series. The highs are present but restrained, the vocals and mid-range have been brought back to life, and the bass is voluminous. Sony’s tuning is like a big, warm hug.

WHERE THE MUSIC CALLS FOR A PENCIL LINE, SONY USES A THICK MARKER PEN

The bass is technically bad: thick and distorted. Where the music calls for a pencil line, Sony uses a marker pen. Bass-heavy tracks like Tricky’s “Somebody’s Sins” will even make the headphones gently vibrate. But you know what, every other headphone maker in this class also boosts the bass — and what’s more, I like it. I don’t need to watch Roger Federer play to enjoy a game of tennis, and I similarly don’t need the purest and truest reproduction of a song to bop my head to it. Sony is beating Beats at its own game here, because I much prefer Sony’s M3 sound to that of the Beats Studio 3 or Solo 3.

 

The Bowers & Wilkins PX is an intriguing rival to the Sony 1000X M3, because, in my estimation, it still has a more incisive and exciting sound. But a pair of PX cans costs $390, weighs significantly more, doesn’t fit everyone as well as Sony’s alternative, and doesn’t collapse down. The things that were forgivable about the PX last year are less so now that Sony’s updated 1000Xs are out. This is a general theme when comparing the M3s against their most direct rivals: Sony’s fast rate of updates is keeping it on the cutting edge of a fast-moving market, and companies like Bose are starting to fall behind.

There’s great synergy between Sony’s unmatched noise canceling, thoroughly optimized physical design, and friendly audio tuning. Because of the powerful noise isolation, I don’t ever need to turn the volume up to high levels, and the blank canvas of background silence renders all music more realistic, nuanced, and detailed. Sony complements this by doing some digital processing to artificially expand the soundstage of its headphones. It seems like the 1000X M3s detect where in the mix each sound and instrument belongs, and if it’s on the left or right side, the headphones push it out a little bit further to give the impression of depth and expanse. It’s a neat trick. Combining the comfortable listening experience with the comfortable fit just makes these headphones extremely inviting.

RANGE ANXIETY IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THESE HEADPHONES

Sony’s claimed 30-hour battery life is, in all honesty, not something I’ve been able to fully test. Do you know how long 30 hours is when using headphones conventionally? It’s been 10 days since I fully charged the 1000X M3s, in which time I’ve used them on three flights, daily walks, and casual listening at home, and they’ve still got 50 percent of their battery left. Even if you use these on your daily commute to and from work, you’re likely to go well over a week before needing to recharge. It’s safe to say that range anxiety will not be an issue with these headphones.

I have to commend Sony for making the glorious switch to USB-C for its charging port. Most headphone companies are still dragging their feet about this change, with one recently telling me that USB-C costs four times as much as MicroUSB charging. But Sony’s 1000Xs are competing against premium headphones, where there’s obviously enough padding in the profit margin to make the upgrade. On the rare occasions when I need to recharge the M3s, I no longer have to hunt around for my one legacy cable. I can just pop my phone’s charger into them. If you use Sony’s charger, you can also get fast charging that will give you 5 hours of music playback from just 10 minutes plugged in. The only thing missing here is the ability to plug in a digital music source via the USB-C port, for a wired connection for those among us whose phones lack headphone jacks.

EASY TO RECOMMEND, HARD TO PUT DOWN

The 1000X M3s automatically switch themselves off after five minutes of inactivity, which is cool for energy preservation, but a bit irksome if you just want to use their noise canceling without playing any sound. (Update: as readers have pointed out, Sony’s companion mobile app lets you disable this feature). Sony has also brought back its ear-cupping gesture, which lets you cover the right 1000X cup with your hand to activate the built-in mics and hear the ambient sound around you. Speaking of microphones, calls with the 1000X M3s are clear and well handled, plus the headphones have a trigger button to launch Google Assistant or Siri on your paired smartphone, if you’re into that kind of thing. Wireless connections are also top notch, with zero dropouts or issues during my testing. Just that silly blinking LED light.

Owners of the 1000X M1s or M2s pondering whether there’s enough here to justify an upgrade should ponder no more. Sony’s 1000X M3 is meaningfully better than both its predecessors as well as the vast majority of other wireless, noise-canceling headphones.

It’s remarkable to pick up these headphones, weigh them in your hand, and consider all the processing and wireless technology contained within them. For years, the preemptive grievance with wireless cans has been the regular need to recharge them and the added heft of having to carry batteries inside them. This pair of Sony headphones puts an end to those complaints.

 

Even as Sony ascends to the throne of the undisputed noise-canceling champion, compelling rivals are already in the works. The title of best pair of headphones in this class seems to be changing hands every few months, which is a function of the category evolving and improving faster than anything else in tech. Yes, that means any purchase you make today is liable to be surpassed by an even better model pretty soon, but it also means we’re all getting better choices when going out to get our next pair of headphones.

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Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling  
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Sony WH-1000XM3 - 2018.09.19
#sony  #wh-1000xm3  #noiseCanceling  #Bluetooth  #Headphone 
Sony WH-1000XM3
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Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling 
 

 

There seem to be two major camps when it comes to Bluetooth headphones: Bose or Sony. Let’s get this out of the way.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs are surely comfortable but the tonal balance always sounded a bit uplifted to my ears. I feel the Sony WH-1000XM2 has more accurate tonality but imaging is a little messy and it lacks some shine up top. Regardless, the Sonys were still wonderfully engaging and definitely more aligned with my palate.

When compared directly with the Bose noise-cancelers, I’ve always felt the Sonys had a more engaging and richer musicality. As for comfort, I’ve never had issues with long listening sessions on the M2. The noise-canceling performance was also more than sufficient in all scenarios.

So when Sony announced the WH-1000XM3 ($349.99), my first thought was “It uses the same drivers? It can’t be that much better. ” Well, it turns out Sony has been busy cooking up something really special. On paper, the improvements over the M2 seem to be substantial. I must commend Sony for their attention to customer feedback and constantly improving the listener’s experience.

In any case, the proof is in the listening. Let’s get to it.

 

I could still hear voices!

There’s a misconception that noise-canceling works well across all frequencies. I’ve recommended the Sony WH-1000X series to many friends. Some have complained about how it doesn’t filter out voices or higher frequency sounds. Why is this the case?

Put simply, these headphones use microphones to record the ambient sound, offset the phase by 180 degrees, and applies it to the output signal. For example, if the blue signal above were the ambient noise, the red would be the offset generated by the headphones – which  “cancels” out the sound.

Simple enough – what’s the big deal? The problem is that ambient noise isn’t simple. They’re not perfect sine waves.

Another issue is timing. The noise-canceling process introduces latency between the recording (of the noise) and the actual playback of music. This latency isn’t as important in the lower frequencies (traffic, train, air conditioner, etc) and hence easier to “cancel out.” Higher frequencies are inherently more susceptible to timing errors and require more care to manage and control. That’s why you’re still able to hear voices and higher-pitched sounds with even the best ANC headphones.

Bottom line: Noise is complex and the noise-canceling process isn’t perfect. A compromise has to be made to preserve as much musicality as possible.

Build, Features, & Comfort

Encompassing all the features of M2 (including the same drivers), Sony was somehow able to go H.A.M. on their new WH-1000XM3 headphones.

    • New HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 – Apparently the most advanced noise-canceling chip on the planet.
    • Quick charge USB-C – 5 hours of use with a 10-minute charge! If you do the math, you’ll get a full charge in an hour. Crazy.
    • More cushion: Thicker and deeper earpads and headband for extra comfort. It also provides a better seal over M2.
    • Improved lifestyle case – A more elegant, fabric carrying case with compartments to actually put your cables.
    • Disable Auto Power Off – In situations where you want to block out the world without having the headphones connected to a device.
    • Weight – Physically lighter than the M2. It’s noticeable.
    • Slick earcups – Smoother, untextured earcups. Some may prefer the “luxury” feel of the M2 with swiping. After extensive listening, the new smoother earcups seem more consistently responsive.
    • Larger power and ambient buttons – More prominent power and ambient buttons. Makes it easier to differentiate and access when headphones are worn.
    • Improved “Quick Attention” mode – This mode allows you to palm the right earcup to allow sounds from your environment to pass through. Seems to work at a much more natural volume vs. the M2. Which makes it less awkward about not taking your headphones off when responding to someone.

As with the WH-1000XM2, you’ll still get:

  • Power on with NFC – Just tap your phone to the earcup and the M3 powers on automatically.
  • 30-hour battery life – Make sure you don’t over-discharge by charging it up at least every 6 months.
  • Upscaler – DSEE HX and LDAC
  • Atmospheric Optimizer – Atmospheric pressure affects sound quality. Luckily, it has a built-in barometer that adjusts the noise-canceling algorithm to compensate for this.

Controls

Like the M2, the M3 has the same convenient touch interface (double-tap to play/pause, swipe to adjust volume/tracks, cover for “Quick Attention”t). It does feel different on the fingertips with the new untextured earcups but responsiveness seems to be just as responsive. This feature beats holding onto buttons and fumbling through your phone. Also, I’ve found myself swiping the right earcup on other headphones I’ve reviewed. Which only reaffirms it’s a feature I can no longer live without on a Bluetooth headphone.

I rarely used the Ambient modes with the previous models so the inclusion of Google assistant is quite useful. I’ve used it to ask random questions and to turn off the lights in the apartment. Most importantly, I’m able to ask Google Assistant to play specific playlists on Spotify. Too nice of a feature.

Comfort

In comparison to the M2, the M3 is much more comfortable. There’s a more balanced and evenly distributed comfort around the head. The rigid presence of the headband is much more noticeable with the M2. The M2 is also more “earcup focused” in comparison to the M3, which might provide discomfort over long-term listening for some.

I also didn’t have any issues with heat or sweat with the M3. The lighter weight of the M3s was also apparent over the M2 and very much appreciated.

Active Noise Canceling (ANC)

The ANC performance on the M3 is far better than the M2, especially in the lower frequencies. In some cases, the M3 completely eliminates all hums and rumbles while the M2 will allow some of that sound to pass through.

As a real scientific test, standing next to a range hood on full blast, I’m only able to hear a dull, higher frequency sound with the M3’s ANC – all low frequencies are completely inaudible. With the M2, you still know you’re listening to a range hood. There’s still a low-level whirling hum, along with some of the high-frequency shrieks.

As for voices, you’re still able to hear some conversations albeit at a reduced level (less warm). It’s not a subtle improvement over the M2 in lower frequencies. Consequently, it seemingly emphasizes the higher frequencies (since it does a great job of removing the low end). So yes, you could still hear voices but the ANC is removing much more of the ambient noise over the M2.

Phone Call Quality

I rarely speak to humans on phone but for the sake of this review, I called up a local pizza shop. They said they were able to hear me clearly and didn’t hear any feedback. I received my pepperoni, bacon (duh), kale pizza without any miscommunication. Keep in mind this is in an office setting.

There have been complaints from customers who experienced echo and vocal feedback when making calls. When I made an outdoor call, I didn’t experience this. Granted I live in Los Angeles, where there’s no wind. YMMV.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling September 9, 2018 5 Comments

Setup

  • Google Pixel with Android Pie
  • LDAC – Sounds better than AptX HD to my ears and has fewer dropouts over longer distances.
  • DSEE HX – With this option disabled, the overall sound is duller and less refined. Although I prefer this option off on the M2, it seems to sound better enabled with the M3. Music goes deeper and is more fleshed out. Bass is also tighter, more dynamic, and punchier. Overall more musical textures, shape, and smoothness. There is a slight edge in the mids, however.
  • Sony Headphones Connect app – I highly recommend installing this app for additional features, customizations, and upgrades. You’ll also need the app to adjust the “Ambient” switch between Google Assistant and Ambient mode. It also makes it easy to tailor the sound to your taste while being able to control the music directly from the app (really useful for A/B testing).
    • Headphones Connect App
      • Adaptive Sound Control
      • Ambient Sound Control
      • Personal ANC Optimizer
      • Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer
      • Surround Position Control
      • Equalizer
      • Sound Quality Mode – Sound Quality vs. Stable Connection Priority
      • DSEE HX
      • Ambient button function
      • Auto Power Off (NEW)
  • NFC – I LOVE this feature. Just tap the Pixel to my headphones and I’m connected. Also made it easy to switch between the M2 and M3 for comparisons.

Sound

I’ll be directly comparing the M3 with the WH-1000XM2.

Kina Grannis – Can’t Help Falling in Love (Crazy Rich Asians)

I’ve been a huge fan of Kina Grannis since her early YouTube days and was happy to see her make it onto the big screen. This track has compelled so many sniffles and teary-eyes in the theater. Me? I’m too jaded to be emotional.

The WH-1000XM3 is able to finely delineate the finger and fretwork on the guitar. There’s also more contrast and gradations in vocals and violins. The M3 layers out the soundscape and rhythm in a more dynamic and musical way. It’s also much quieter.

The M2 sounds a bit more smeared and thick in comparison. The strings and voices merge tonally and dimensionally. The M3, on the other hand, images instruments with pinpoint precision and a focused central voice. It has a better grip over the acoustic elements and maintains integrity in the details. Overall, the M3 presents a nicer balance of clarity and warmth.

Nicki Minaj – Chun-Li (Queen)

Off the bat, the M3 is more intelligible and has truer timbre. Gongs and horns have more refined decay and flair. The bass loops are more pronounced and layered out separately. Focus and individualization of acoustic elements are far better reproduced on the M3 over the M2.

The M2 does have a more warmblooded sound, which does make her voice more convincing as far as tone. But the overall sound is more diffused, stretched, and grainy. Bass is also much looser on the M2.

The M2 is, in a way, more forward and in some ways – confused. The M3 has more of that “Hi-Fi” sound with better technicals and refinement. Something even a die-hard audiophile could appreciate.

Rage Against the Machine – Take the Power Back (XX 20th SE)

The M3 has much better bass definition and dimensionality over the M2. The intro electric guitar has more “tickle-factor,” twang, and palpable creaks over the M2. The M2 sounds warmer but more bloated and hazy. Transients aren’t as clean or crisp. Timbre is also more realistic on the M3.

The M3 is also more resolving of lower level nuances and details – in both vocal exertions and instrumental articulation. You just hear more of the intent of the music without its message being lost. The M2 has more grunt and weight but isn’t as transparent, controlled, or deep. Although I do enjoy the warmer tone of the M2, the spacious and dynamic sound of the M3 is more captivating.

Final Thoughts

Trust be told, Bluetooth audio technology is more about convenience than sound quality. Most hardcore audiophiles will still plug in their Bluetooth headphones to squeeze out that extra performance. Fortunately, the Sony WH-1000XM3 provides both qualities – in wireless form.

In comparison to the WH-1000XM2, the WH-1000XM3 possesses better clarity, dynamics, acoustic layering, and a larger soundstage. It’s not as lush or forward as the M2 but has a tighter and smoother articulation. The M2 sounds more “robotic”, flatter, and unnaturally stretched in comparison. With the M3, voices and instrumentals are precisely layered out and sound more consolidated and contoured. Bass definition is also tighter, more dynamic, and more refined.

The biggest difference between the two is probably imaging. The M3 gets me closer to what I hear from a good 2-channel setup. The M2 is fuzzier around the edges and has a more splashy and loose sound. The M3 exhibits a clearer and more delineated sound across all types of recordings. For those looking to upgrade from the M2, it’s a no-brainer.

In addition to a more “audiophile sound,” we have a lighter headphone that’s more comfortable, fast-charging USB-C, intuitive and convenient controls, LDAC, Google Assistant + Spotify, and superior noise-canceling. I also dig the copper accents. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is simply the ultimate portable Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphone.

 

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Sony Continues to Drink Bose's Milkshake  
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Sony WH-1000XM3 - 2018.09.19
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If you listen to what Sony says, you could assume that the third generation of the Sony 1000X wireless headphones is all about better noise canceling. This wouldn’t be a wrong assumption. The company managed to make its famous noise-cancelling headphones cancel even more noise. But what caught my attention is how much more comfortable they are. This is a sassy upgrade, since Sony’s major competitor, Bose, put “comfort” in the name of its headphones.

 

Lead

Sony MH-1000XM3

WHAT IS IT?

Wireless noise-canceling headphones

PRICE

$350

LIKE

Best-in-class noise canceling, very comfy

NO LIKE

Struggles with connecting to multiple devices

Put simply, Sony is taking another big gulp of Bose’s milkshake. Nearly a year ago, I declared that Sony’s noise-cancelling headphones had bested the long-standing category leader: the QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones. The latest iteration of those Sony headphones is the WH-1000XM3. (The last ones were called the WH-1000XM2, so you see, there is a little bit of rhyme and reason to Sony’s model naming scheme.) Sony never told me that it wanted to make a better version of Bose’s headphones, but after spending two weeks using the new model, it’s obvious that Sony does keep giving people more good reasons not to buy Bose.

Let’s start with the adaptive noise-cancelling technology. For the third generation 1000X wireless headphones, Sony built something called “HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1.” Unlike previous models which integrated noise cancelling into the audio processor, this separate processor works on its own to identify and filter out more background noise than before. Through an app, you can also choose to let some of that noise back in. Say you’re in an airport and want to hear the flight announcements but keep the rest of the sound garbage away. The new QN1 chip is designed to do that better.

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

When it comes to headphones like these, I’m primarily interested in getting rid of all the noise. And while I struggle to put an exact number on the improvement, I can definitively say that the third generation Sony 1000X headphones block more noise than their predecessors, which were already better blockers than the Bose QuietComfort II headphones. The improvement makes me think of the second generation Sony headphones as a drippy faucet, and the new ones turn it off altogether.

While I wasn’t able to test the new 1000X headphones on a plane, my testing ground was the equally loud and unpleasant New York City subway. The old Sony headphones, which I used on countless commutes between Brooklyn and Manhattan, succeeded just fine at silencing conversations happening nearby me on the subway car. But I was pleased to see how the new Sony headphones actually reduced the roar of an oncoming train to a gentle hum that didn’t distract me from my music or keep me from comprehending whatever a podcast was telling me about the history of the Hun empire or whatever. Adjusting the noise-cancelling settings in the Sony Headphones app worked fine to let in more ambient noise, but like I said before, I just want my noise-cancelling headphones to cancel as much noise as possible. The third generation 1000X will now be my go-to shut-up-the-world headphones.

The second generation Sony 1000X headphones (left) have smaller ear cups and less cushioning on the headband than the new, third generation 1000X headphones (right).

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

The other big improvement with the new Sony headphones involves comfort. In addition to cancelling more noise, the WH-1000XM3 headset is designed to be more comfortable. Sony did this by implementing a new design for the headband as well as new ear cups that are roomier than their predecessors. The new headband adds a nice cushion for the top of your skull and a sleeker design that puts less space between the headphones and your head. And at 8.99 ounces, the third generation headphones are lighter than the previous generation, which weigh in at 9.7 ounces.

All of this adds up to a pretty damn comfortable set of headphones. While I liked the design of the earlier 1000X models, they did feel clunky compared to, say, the lightweight and pillowy Bose QuietComfort 35 II headset. The third generation 1000X headphones appear to borrow from some of the Bose comfort perks, namely that cushy headband and the bigger ear cups. When wearing the Sony WH-1000xM3 for hours at a time, I’d almost forget they were there. There was no ache on the top of my head, and I experienced very little squished ear syndrome. Despite the lighter weight, the third generation Sony headphones still felt sturdy, too. I always thought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headset felt a little bit flimsy.

On top of better noise cancelling and comfort, the new Sony headphones come with a couple of minor but notable upgrades. The material on the outside of the ear cup loses the rough, gravelly texture of the previous generation and gains an almost silky feel. This means that the swipe gestures you can use to increase the volume or skip a track work more effortlessly. (As I noted in my last review, the swiping stuff was difficult on the older headphones.) Sony has also shifted from a single microphone for making phone calls to a microphone array. This means that my mom complains less about how I sound when I call her while using the headphones. And since most microphones on headphones stink, the fact that Sony put the extra effort into making these work better seems nice. Sony also improved the button design, so that they’re easier to push, which I also appreciate.

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

Sound quality on the third generation 1000X headphones remains the same as the previous generation. They sound as good as they ever did! But Sony decided not to add any big audio quality upgrades to the headphones this year. The WH-1000XM3 can still pump out deep bass, like the low thumps on “Doing It Right” by Daft Punk or the thundery pulses on “Oi-1" by Biosphere. The high guitar notes on “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel sound dreamy, natural, and clear. Diane Krall’s voice sounds rich and detailed on “Peel Me a Grape,” but you can still hear the full range of notes from the band. These headphones might not please audiophiles who prefer open-backed, planar headphones. They’ll almost definitely please everybody else, though.

So that’s a lot of good things I have to say about these consistently excellent Sony headphones. The one bad thing I need to bring up is connectivity. Like the Sony models before it, these wireless headphones connect very easily to one device, but if you’re switching between multiple devices, the Bluetooth connection gets very stubborn. The headphones only seem to want to connect to one thing at a time. For example, if I’m using the headphones with my laptop and switch to my phone, the 1000X headphones typically will not connect to my phone unless I disconnect them from my laptop. This is even true when I close my laptop and walk out the door with it in my backpack. I won’t be able to connect to the headphones with my phone because they’re still connected to the laptop. Very annoying! It’s not a dealbreaker, as every set of wireless headphones I’ve used has its quirks. But it’s not ideal.

 

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Then there’s the price point. It’s not so much that it’s too high. It’s that I wish it were lower. The WH-1000XM3 cost $350. That doesn’t make them the most expensive headphones in its class, but I don’t think I’d describe them as affordable, either. They are, however, the same price as the two-year-old Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, and they’re also better. You could even say they’re doubly better, since even the second generation 1000X headphones bested the Bose when they came out a year ago. You can buy the WH-1000XM2 headphones for $300 now, by the way.

They might not be affordable for everyone, but I do think the Sony WH-1000XM3 are some of the best headphones you can buy. It’s a boon that they also happen to be some of the best (if not the best) noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. Then again, they had the huge advantage of building on the excellent second and first generation 1000X headphones. If you own the WH-1000XM2, I’m not sure the improvements quite warrant an upgrade. But if you’re really craving better noise cancelling and better comfort, the third generation 1000X headphones deliver.

Your move, Bose.

READ ME

  • Just like our favorite noise-cancelling except they cancel more noise
  • New comfort features makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all
  • Great audio, although there aren’t any improvements from the last generation
  • Cost $350 but so do the Bose headphones, which also aren’t as good
  • Wireless connection can be a little tricky

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SONY 1000X M3 REVIEW: SUPREME NOISE CANCELING  
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Sony WH-1000XM3 - 2018.09.19
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Sony seizes the title for best noise-canceling cans with a winning redesign

 

There’s an enthusiastic “It’s a Sony” sticker on a kitchen wall in my childhood home. I put it there more than 20 years ago when my parents brought home a big-screen Sony TV and an accompanying Sony VCR. Since that day, I’ve owned a Walkman cassette player and a Walkman phone, a PlayStation, a NEX mirrorless camera, and an illogical desire for VAIO laptops. Like any child of the ‘90s, I grew up with Sony’s name being synonymous with the most desirable technology. This is why it’s such a nostalgic pleasure for me to today be reviewing a new Sony product that is the undeniable best in its category.

The Sony 1000X M3 over-ear, noise-canceling headphones are the third iteration of Sony’s already great 1000X series. The original 1000Xs cost a cent under $400 and were instantly among the best in their class. Sony seemed to find little room for improvement with its second-gen 1000X M2s, so it chopped $100 off the price and polished up a couple of technical aspects — though that came at the cost of some excitement in their sound. Just as it seemed as though Sony would slip behind the rapidly improving competition, however, the 1000X M3s arrive and rectify almost every issue the series has had so far, while splitting the cost difference between its predecessors with a sensible $349 price.

9VERGE SCORE

SONY WH-1000XM3

GOOD STUFF

  • Extraordinary noise canceling
  • Pillowy comfort
  • USB-C charging and stupendous battery life
  • Best sound from Sony’s 1000X yet

BAD STUFF

  • Touch controls are still a pain
  • Bass response could be cleaner and more defined
  • Pads get sweaty on warm days
  • Irritating blinking LED status light on left ear cup

Buy for $349.99 from Best Buy Buy for $348.00 from AmazonBuy for $349.99 from B&H Photo

Sony got two things very right with its first-gen 1000X headphones: the noise canceling and the fit. That’s why I find it surprising that the company has gone for a major redesign with its M3 generation: the physical design didn’t seem in need of much tweaking. But everything that Sony has changed has been for the better. It takes courage to tinker with a popular design and skill to actually improve on it.

EVERY CHANGE SONY MADE HAS BEEN FOR THE BETTER

Some 1000X M1 and M2 users had complained about the headband being susceptible to cracking (an issue I never encountered in months of contented use of those headphones), and they’ll be comforted to know Sony’s design shakeup has delivered a new headband with more padding. The updated headband has a more oblong shape than previously, which makes the headphones more discreet by fitting them closer to the wearer’s head. Even when they’re not being worn, the 1000X M3s are easier to grip and tote around because of their narrower shape, plus they still collapse down to fit into the provided compact carrying case.

WHO IS NOISE CANCELING FOR?

Noise-canceling headphones used to be the exclusive preserve of frequent flyers who cared more about tranquility than sound quality or aesthetics. But, as the world has grown noisier and technology has gotten better, we all now demand and are getting noise-canceling cans that sound great and don’t look like a Volvo parked on your head. Whether at home, on the train, or in the office, noise canceling is fast becoming a must-have feature for over-ear headphones.

Bose and Sony are the premier brand in this space, but others like Bowers & Wilkins, Beyerdynamic, and Bang & Olufsen are offering compelling alternatives.

Somehow, Sony has reduced the weight of its latest 1000Xs while increasing the battery life. With noise canceling turned on, Sony now claims 30 hours of endurance, a full 50 percent more than the previous 20 hours. Even as someone who deals with the constant improvement of tech on a daily basis, I find this massively impressive. More on battery life later, but the new lighter weight truly elevates Sony’s headphones to the absolute top tier for comfort, whether you’re talking wired or wireless over-ear models. Bose’s QuietComfort 35s endure in popularity in large part because they’re so effortless to wear, and Sony goes that one notch higher.

When I reviewed the 1000X M2s, I noted that I wore them without a hint of discomfort for a full five-hour trip, and the M3s are even less intrusive. Sony has made the space for your ear inside the M3 pad a little deeper, and the pads themselves are designed to distribute pressure evenly. I’ve used these headphones across three different two-hour flights in the past week, and my colleague Chaim Gartenberg (who wears glasses) also found them exceedingly comfortable on the eight-hour journey from New York to Berlin. In fact, there’s not a member of the Verge staff that’s tried these headphones without falling in love with their fit and feel.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II next to Sony 1000X M3.

Design critiques are hard to find, but I still have a few to offer. One is that the headband’s sizing adjustment slips out of position easily. If you’re super pedantic about setting your ideal fitting and never wanting it to change, that might irritate you. You don’t, however, have to be punctilious to be annoyed by the blue status LED on the left ear cup: this is a remnant of Bluetooth headphones of yore, and I’ve no idea why Sony keeps putting it on its latest headphones. Beyerdynamic recently showed off a much smarter design that put the LEDs on the inside of the ear cups. And the final issue I came up against with the 1000X M3s is that they do heat up and get sweaty on a warm summer’s day. This is the one aspect where I think Bose’s more airy QC35s have the edge over Sony and most of the rest of the competition.

PHYSICAL BUTTONS AND SWITCHES > TOUCH CONTROLS

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me on this point, but Sony’s touch controls remain the same as they ever were, and I remain fundamentally opposed to them. They’re reasonably functional: swipe up and down for volume, forward and back for track change, and double-tap the middle to pause, play, or pick up a call on your connected phone. The problem comes in when you’re rocking out to some track and you want to raise the volume but accidentally fast-forward to the next song. I did that more than once. There’s also a slight lag to the headphones recognizing double taps, leading to a recurring split-second of uncertainty anytime I want to control playback. Touch controls on headphones: cool when they work, infuriating when they don’t.

 

 

We have to talk about Sony’s noise canceling. It’s unreal. It’s like noise insulted Sony a long time ago and Sony retreated to its dojo for many years, trained hard, and then came back to kick noise’s butt. Bose, Sennheiser, AKG, Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen — name any company that produces noise-canceling headphones, and I guarantee you that its noise canceling is not as good as Sony’s. There’s a new dedicated chip just for processing the noise canceling inside the M3s, and I’m convinced that chip alone is worth the price of admission with these new 1000Xs.

THE NEW HIGH-WATER MARK FOR NOISE-CANCELING PERFORMANCE

Some headphones, I wear because I have to. (I know, it’s a tough job I have!) Others, even when I’m reviewing them, I just wear because I enjoy them. With the Sony 1000X M3s, the latter is universally true. They even nudged out my AirPods, which are the buds I usually opt to wear when I’m tired and intolerant of any discomfort in fit or sound. Sony’s cans give me the extra benefit of obliterating the noise around me — which is an advantage anyone can appreciate in almost any circumstance.

As I write this review, I can’t hear my fingers typing on the Apple Magic Keyboard. Or the creaky floor disturbed by my upstairs neighbors. Or my other neighbor’s kids playing in their backyard. It’s just silence. It’s bliss.

The sound of the M3s marks an important improvement over the M2s. I found Sony’s prior edition deadened the vocals and rendered music unexciting. This update fixes that and goes a step further in delivering the most coherent, pleasing, and simply best sound that Sony has produced with its 1000X series. The highs are present but restrained, the vocals and mid-range have been brought back to life, and the bass is voluminous. Sony’s tuning is like a big, warm hug.

WHERE THE MUSIC CALLS FOR A PENCIL LINE, SONY USES A THICK MARKER PEN

The bass is technically bad: thick and distorted. Where the music calls for a pencil line, Sony uses a marker pen. Bass-heavy tracks like Tricky’s “Somebody’s Sins” will even make the headphones gently vibrate. But you know what, every other headphone maker in this class also boosts the bass — and what’s more, I like it. I don’t need to watch Roger Federer play to enjoy a game of tennis, and I similarly don’t need the purest and truest reproduction of a song to bop my head to it. Sony is beating Beats at its own game here, because I much prefer Sony’s M3 sound to that of the Beats Studio 3 or Solo 3.

 

The Bowers & Wilkins PX is an intriguing rival to the Sony 1000X M3, because, in my estimation, it still has a more incisive and exciting sound. But a pair of PX cans costs $390, weighs significantly more, doesn’t fit everyone as well as Sony’s alternative, and doesn’t collapse down. The things that were forgivable about the PX last year are less so now that Sony’s updated 1000Xs are out. This is a general theme when comparing the M3s against their most direct rivals: Sony’s fast rate of updates is keeping it on the cutting edge of a fast-moving market, and companies like Bose are starting to fall behind.

There’s great synergy between Sony’s unmatched noise canceling, thoroughly optimized physical design, and friendly audio tuning. Because of the powerful noise isolation, I don’t ever need to turn the volume up to high levels, and the blank canvas of background silence renders all music more realistic, nuanced, and detailed. Sony complements this by doing some digital processing to artificially expand the soundstage of its headphones. It seems like the 1000X M3s detect where in the mix each sound and instrument belongs, and if it’s on the left or right side, the headphones push it out a little bit further to give the impression of depth and expanse. It’s a neat trick. Combining the comfortable listening experience with the comfortable fit just makes these headphones extremely inviting.

RANGE ANXIETY IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THESE HEADPHONES

Sony’s claimed 30-hour battery life is, in all honesty, not something I’ve been able to fully test. Do you know how long 30 hours is when using headphones conventionally? It’s been 10 days since I fully charged the 1000X M3s, in which time I’ve used them on three flights, daily walks, and casual listening at home, and they’ve still got 50 percent of their battery left. Even if you use these on your daily commute to and from work, you’re likely to go well over a week before needing to recharge. It’s safe to say that range anxiety will not be an issue with these headphones.

I have to commend Sony for making the glorious switch to USB-C for its charging port. Most headphone companies are still dragging their feet about this change, with one recently telling me that USB-C costs four times as much as MicroUSB charging. But Sony’s 1000Xs are competing against premium headphones, where there’s obviously enough padding in the profit margin to make the upgrade. On the rare occasions when I need to recharge the M3s, I no longer have to hunt around for my one legacy cable. I can just pop my phone’s charger into them. If you use Sony’s charger, you can also get fast charging that will give you 5 hours of music playback from just 10 minutes plugged in. The only thing missing here is the ability to plug in a digital music source via the USB-C port, for a wired connection for those among us whose phones lack headphone jacks.

EASY TO RECOMMEND, HARD TO PUT DOWN

The 1000X M3s automatically switch themselves off after five minutes of inactivity, which is cool for energy preservation, but a bit irksome if you just want to use their noise canceling without playing any sound. (Update: as readers have pointed out, Sony’s companion mobile app lets you disable this feature). Sony has also brought back its ear-cupping gesture, which lets you cover the right 1000X cup with your hand to activate the built-in mics and hear the ambient sound around you. Speaking of microphones, calls with the 1000X M3s are clear and well handled, plus the headphones have a trigger button to launch Google Assistant or Siri on your paired smartphone, if you’re into that kind of thing. Wireless connections are also top notch, with zero dropouts or issues during my testing. Just that silly blinking LED light.

Owners of the 1000X M1s or M2s pondering whether there’s enough here to justify an upgrade should ponder no more. Sony’s 1000X M3 is meaningfully better than both its predecessors as well as the vast majority of other wireless, noise-canceling headphones.

It’s remarkable to pick up these headphones, weigh them in your hand, and consider all the processing and wireless technology contained within them. For years, the preemptive grievance with wireless cans has been the regular need to recharge them and the added heft of having to carry batteries inside them. This pair of Sony headphones puts an end to those complaints.

 

Even as Sony ascends to the throne of the undisputed noise-canceling champion, compelling rivals are already in the works. The title of best pair of headphones in this class seems to be changing hands every few months, which is a function of the category evolving and improving faster than anything else in tech. Yes, that means any purchase you make today is liable to be surpassed by an even better model pretty soon, but it also means we’re all getting better choices when going out to get our next pair of headphones.

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Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling  
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Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling 
 

 

There seem to be two major camps when it comes to Bluetooth headphones: Bose or Sony. Let’s get this out of the way.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs are surely comfortable but the tonal balance always sounded a bit uplifted to my ears. I feel the Sony WH-1000XM2 has more accurate tonality but imaging is a little messy and it lacks some shine up top. Regardless, the Sonys were still wonderfully engaging and definitely more aligned with my palate.

When compared directly with the Bose noise-cancelers, I’ve always felt the Sonys had a more engaging and richer musicality. As for comfort, I’ve never had issues with long listening sessions on the M2. The noise-canceling performance was also more than sufficient in all scenarios.

So when Sony announced the WH-1000XM3 ($349.99), my first thought was “It uses the same drivers? It can’t be that much better. ” Well, it turns out Sony has been busy cooking up something really special. On paper, the improvements over the M2 seem to be substantial. I must commend Sony for their attention to customer feedback and constantly improving the listener’s experience.

In any case, the proof is in the listening. Let’s get to it.

 

I could still hear voices!

There’s a misconception that noise-canceling works well across all frequencies. I’ve recommended the Sony WH-1000X series to many friends. Some have complained about how it doesn’t filter out voices or higher frequency sounds. Why is this the case?

Put simply, these headphones use microphones to record the ambient sound, offset the phase by 180 degrees, and applies it to the output signal. For example, if the blue signal above were the ambient noise, the red would be the offset generated by the headphones – which  “cancels” out the sound.

Simple enough – what’s the big deal? The problem is that ambient noise isn’t simple. They’re not perfect sine waves.

Another issue is timing. The noise-canceling process introduces latency between the recording (of the noise) and the actual playback of music. This latency isn’t as important in the lower frequencies (traffic, train, air conditioner, etc) and hence easier to “cancel out.” Higher frequencies are inherently more susceptible to timing errors and require more care to manage and control. That’s why you’re still able to hear voices and higher-pitched sounds with even the best ANC headphones.

Bottom line: Noise is complex and the noise-canceling process isn’t perfect. A compromise has to be made to preserve as much musicality as possible.

Build, Features, & Comfort

Encompassing all the features of M2 (including the same drivers), Sony was somehow able to go H.A.M. on their new WH-1000XM3 headphones.

    • New HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 – Apparently the most advanced noise-canceling chip on the planet.
    • Quick charge USB-C – 5 hours of use with a 10-minute charge! If you do the math, you’ll get a full charge in an hour. Crazy.
    • More cushion: Thicker and deeper earpads and headband for extra comfort. It also provides a better seal over M2.
    • Improved lifestyle case – A more elegant, fabric carrying case with compartments to actually put your cables.
    • Disable Auto Power Off – In situations where you want to block out the world without having the headphones connected to a device.
    • Weight – Physically lighter than the M2. It’s noticeable.
    • Slick earcups – Smoother, untextured earcups. Some may prefer the “luxury” feel of the M2 with swiping. After extensive listening, the new smoother earcups seem more consistently responsive.
    • Larger power and ambient buttons – More prominent power and ambient buttons. Makes it easier to differentiate and access when headphones are worn.
    • Improved “Quick Attention” mode – This mode allows you to palm the right earcup to allow sounds from your environment to pass through. Seems to work at a much more natural volume vs. the M2. Which makes it less awkward about not taking your headphones off when responding to someone.

As with the WH-1000XM2, you’ll still get:

  • Power on with NFC – Just tap your phone to the earcup and the M3 powers on automatically.
  • 30-hour battery life – Make sure you don’t over-discharge by charging it up at least every 6 months.
  • Upscaler – DSEE HX and LDAC
  • Atmospheric Optimizer – Atmospheric pressure affects sound quality. Luckily, it has a built-in barometer that adjusts the noise-canceling algorithm to compensate for this.

Controls

Like the M2, the M3 has the same convenient touch interface (double-tap to play/pause, swipe to adjust volume/tracks, cover for “Quick Attention”t). It does feel different on the fingertips with the new untextured earcups but responsiveness seems to be just as responsive. This feature beats holding onto buttons and fumbling through your phone. Also, I’ve found myself swiping the right earcup on other headphones I’ve reviewed. Which only reaffirms it’s a feature I can no longer live without on a Bluetooth headphone.

I rarely used the Ambient modes with the previous models so the inclusion of Google assistant is quite useful. I’ve used it to ask random questions and to turn off the lights in the apartment. Most importantly, I’m able to ask Google Assistant to play specific playlists on Spotify. Too nice of a feature.

Comfort

In comparison to the M2, the M3 is much more comfortable. There’s a more balanced and evenly distributed comfort around the head. The rigid presence of the headband is much more noticeable with the M2. The M2 is also more “earcup focused” in comparison to the M3, which might provide discomfort over long-term listening for some.

I also didn’t have any issues with heat or sweat with the M3. The lighter weight of the M3s was also apparent over the M2 and very much appreciated.

Active Noise Canceling (ANC)

The ANC performance on the M3 is far better than the M2, especially in the lower frequencies. In some cases, the M3 completely eliminates all hums and rumbles while the M2 will allow some of that sound to pass through.

As a real scientific test, standing next to a range hood on full blast, I’m only able to hear a dull, higher frequency sound with the M3’s ANC – all low frequencies are completely inaudible. With the M2, you still know you’re listening to a range hood. There’s still a low-level whirling hum, along with some of the high-frequency shrieks.

As for voices, you’re still able to hear some conversations albeit at a reduced level (less warm). It’s not a subtle improvement over the M2 in lower frequencies. Consequently, it seemingly emphasizes the higher frequencies (since it does a great job of removing the low end). So yes, you could still hear voices but the ANC is removing much more of the ambient noise over the M2.

Phone Call Quality

I rarely speak to humans on phone but for the sake of this review, I called up a local pizza shop. They said they were able to hear me clearly and didn’t hear any feedback. I received my pepperoni, bacon (duh), kale pizza without any miscommunication. Keep in mind this is in an office setting.

There have been complaints from customers who experienced echo and vocal feedback when making calls. When I made an outdoor call, I didn’t experience this. Granted I live in Los Angeles, where there’s no wind. YMMV.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling September 9, 2018 5 Comments

Setup

  • Google Pixel with Android Pie
  • LDAC – Sounds better than AptX HD to my ears and has fewer dropouts over longer distances.
  • DSEE HX – With this option disabled, the overall sound is duller and less refined. Although I prefer this option off on the M2, it seems to sound better enabled with the M3. Music goes deeper and is more fleshed out. Bass is also tighter, more dynamic, and punchier. Overall more musical textures, shape, and smoothness. There is a slight edge in the mids, however.
  • Sony Headphones Connect app – I highly recommend installing this app for additional features, customizations, and upgrades. You’ll also need the app to adjust the “Ambient” switch between Google Assistant and Ambient mode. It also makes it easy to tailor the sound to your taste while being able to control the music directly from the app (really useful for A/B testing).
    • Headphones Connect App
      • Adaptive Sound Control
      • Ambient Sound Control
      • Personal ANC Optimizer
      • Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer
      • Surround Position Control
      • Equalizer
      • Sound Quality Mode – Sound Quality vs. Stable Connection Priority
      • DSEE HX
      • Ambient button function
      • Auto Power Off (NEW)
  • NFC – I LOVE this feature. Just tap the Pixel to my headphones and I’m connected. Also made it easy to switch between the M2 and M3 for comparisons.

Sound

I’ll be directly comparing the M3 with the WH-1000XM2.

Kina Grannis – Can’t Help Falling in Love (Crazy Rich Asians)

I’ve been a huge fan of Kina Grannis since her early YouTube days and was happy to see her make it onto the big screen. This track has compelled so many sniffles and teary-eyes in the theater. Me? I’m too jaded to be emotional.

The WH-1000XM3 is able to finely delineate the finger and fretwork on the guitar. There’s also more contrast and gradations in vocals and violins. The M3 layers out the soundscape and rhythm in a more dynamic and musical way. It’s also much quieter.

The M2 sounds a bit more smeared and thick in comparison. The strings and voices merge tonally and dimensionally. The M3, on the other hand, images instruments with pinpoint precision and a focused central voice. It has a better grip over the acoustic elements and maintains integrity in the details. Overall, the M3 presents a nicer balance of clarity and warmth.

Nicki Minaj – Chun-Li (Queen)

Off the bat, the M3 is more intelligible and has truer timbre. Gongs and horns have more refined decay and flair. The bass loops are more pronounced and layered out separately. Focus and individualization of acoustic elements are far better reproduced on the M3 over the M2.

The M2 does have a more warmblooded sound, which does make her voice more convincing as far as tone. But the overall sound is more diffused, stretched, and grainy. Bass is also much looser on the M2.

The M2 is, in a way, more forward and in some ways – confused. The M3 has more of that “Hi-Fi” sound with better technicals and refinement. Something even a die-hard audiophile could appreciate.

Rage Against the Machine – Take the Power Back (XX 20th SE)

The M3 has much better bass definition and dimensionality over the M2. The intro electric guitar has more “tickle-factor,” twang, and palpable creaks over the M2. The M2 sounds warmer but more bloated and hazy. Transients aren’t as clean or crisp. Timbre is also more realistic on the M3.

The M3 is also more resolving of lower level nuances and details – in both vocal exertions and instrumental articulation. You just hear more of the intent of the music without its message being lost. The M2 has more grunt and weight but isn’t as transparent, controlled, or deep. Although I do enjoy the warmer tone of the M2, the spacious and dynamic sound of the M3 is more captivating.

Final Thoughts

Trust be told, Bluetooth audio technology is more about convenience than sound quality. Most hardcore audiophiles will still plug in their Bluetooth headphones to squeeze out that extra performance. Fortunately, the Sony WH-1000XM3 provides both qualities – in wireless form.

In comparison to the WH-1000XM2, the WH-1000XM3 possesses better clarity, dynamics, acoustic layering, and a larger soundstage. It’s not as lush or forward as the M2 but has a tighter and smoother articulation. The M2 sounds more “robotic”, flatter, and unnaturally stretched in comparison. With the M3, voices and instrumentals are precisely layered out and sound more consolidated and contoured. Bass definition is also tighter, more dynamic, and more refined.

The biggest difference between the two is probably imaging. The M3 gets me closer to what I hear from a good 2-channel setup. The M2 is fuzzier around the edges and has a more splashy and loose sound. The M3 exhibits a clearer and more delineated sound across all types of recordings. For those looking to upgrade from the M2, it’s a no-brainer.

In addition to a more “audiophile sound,” we have a lighter headphone that’s more comfortable, fast-charging USB-C, intuitive and convenient controls, LDAC, Google Assistant + Spotify, and superior noise-canceling. I also dig the copper accents. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is simply the ultimate portable Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphone.

 

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Sony Continues to Drink Bose's Milkshake  
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If you listen to what Sony says, you could assume that the third generation of the Sony 1000X wireless headphones is all about better noise canceling. This wouldn’t be a wrong assumption. The company managed to make its famous noise-cancelling headphones cancel even more noise. But what caught my attention is how much more comfortable they are. This is a sassy upgrade, since Sony’s major competitor, Bose, put “comfort” in the name of its headphones.

 

Lead

Sony MH-1000XM3

WHAT IS IT?

Wireless noise-canceling headphones

PRICE

$350

LIKE

Best-in-class noise canceling, very comfy

NO LIKE

Struggles with connecting to multiple devices

Put simply, Sony is taking another big gulp of Bose’s milkshake. Nearly a year ago, I declared that Sony’s noise-cancelling headphones had bested the long-standing category leader: the QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones. The latest iteration of those Sony headphones is the WH-1000XM3. (The last ones were called the WH-1000XM2, so you see, there is a little bit of rhyme and reason to Sony’s model naming scheme.) Sony never told me that it wanted to make a better version of Bose’s headphones, but after spending two weeks using the new model, it’s obvious that Sony does keep giving people more good reasons not to buy Bose.

Let’s start with the adaptive noise-cancelling technology. For the third generation 1000X wireless headphones, Sony built something called “HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1.” Unlike previous models which integrated noise cancelling into the audio processor, this separate processor works on its own to identify and filter out more background noise than before. Through an app, you can also choose to let some of that noise back in. Say you’re in an airport and want to hear the flight announcements but keep the rest of the sound garbage away. The new QN1 chip is designed to do that better.

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

When it comes to headphones like these, I’m primarily interested in getting rid of all the noise. And while I struggle to put an exact number on the improvement, I can definitively say that the third generation Sony 1000X headphones block more noise than their predecessors, which were already better blockers than the Bose QuietComfort II headphones. The improvement makes me think of the second generation Sony headphones as a drippy faucet, and the new ones turn it off altogether.

While I wasn’t able to test the new 1000X headphones on a plane, my testing ground was the equally loud and unpleasant New York City subway. The old Sony headphones, which I used on countless commutes between Brooklyn and Manhattan, succeeded just fine at silencing conversations happening nearby me on the subway car. But I was pleased to see how the new Sony headphones actually reduced the roar of an oncoming train to a gentle hum that didn’t distract me from my music or keep me from comprehending whatever a podcast was telling me about the history of the Hun empire or whatever. Adjusting the noise-cancelling settings in the Sony Headphones app worked fine to let in more ambient noise, but like I said before, I just want my noise-cancelling headphones to cancel as much noise as possible. The third generation 1000X will now be my go-to shut-up-the-world headphones.

The second generation Sony 1000X headphones (left) have smaller ear cups and less cushioning on the headband than the new, third generation 1000X headphones (right).

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

The other big improvement with the new Sony headphones involves comfort. In addition to cancelling more noise, the WH-1000XM3 headset is designed to be more comfortable. Sony did this by implementing a new design for the headband as well as new ear cups that are roomier than their predecessors. The new headband adds a nice cushion for the top of your skull and a sleeker design that puts less space between the headphones and your head. And at 8.99 ounces, the third generation headphones are lighter than the previous generation, which weigh in at 9.7 ounces.

All of this adds up to a pretty damn comfortable set of headphones. While I liked the design of the earlier 1000X models, they did feel clunky compared to, say, the lightweight and pillowy Bose QuietComfort 35 II headset. The third generation 1000X headphones appear to borrow from some of the Bose comfort perks, namely that cushy headband and the bigger ear cups. When wearing the Sony WH-1000xM3 for hours at a time, I’d almost forget they were there. There was no ache on the top of my head, and I experienced very little squished ear syndrome. Despite the lighter weight, the third generation Sony headphones still felt sturdy, too. I always thought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headset felt a little bit flimsy.

On top of better noise cancelling and comfort, the new Sony headphones come with a couple of minor but notable upgrades. The material on the outside of the ear cup loses the rough, gravelly texture of the previous generation and gains an almost silky feel. This means that the swipe gestures you can use to increase the volume or skip a track work more effortlessly. (As I noted in my last review, the swiping stuff was difficult on the older headphones.) Sony has also shifted from a single microphone for making phone calls to a microphone array. This means that my mom complains less about how I sound when I call her while using the headphones. And since most microphones on headphones stink, the fact that Sony put the extra effort into making these work better seems nice. Sony also improved the button design, so that they’re easier to push, which I also appreciate.

Photo: Adam Clark Estes (Gizmodo)

Sound quality on the third generation 1000X headphones remains the same as the previous generation. They sound as good as they ever did! But Sony decided not to add any big audio quality upgrades to the headphones this year. The WH-1000XM3 can still pump out deep bass, like the low thumps on “Doing It Right” by Daft Punk or the thundery pulses on “Oi-1" by Biosphere. The high guitar notes on “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel sound dreamy, natural, and clear. Diane Krall’s voice sounds rich and detailed on “Peel Me a Grape,” but you can still hear the full range of notes from the band. These headphones might not please audiophiles who prefer open-backed, planar headphones. They’ll almost definitely please everybody else, though.

So that’s a lot of good things I have to say about these consistently excellent Sony headphones. The one bad thing I need to bring up is connectivity. Like the Sony models before it, these wireless headphones connect very easily to one device, but if you’re switching between multiple devices, the Bluetooth connection gets very stubborn. The headphones only seem to want to connect to one thing at a time. For example, if I’m using the headphones with my laptop and switch to my phone, the 1000X headphones typically will not connect to my phone unless I disconnect them from my laptop. This is even true when I close my laptop and walk out the door with it in my backpack. I won’t be able to connect to the headphones with my phone because they’re still connected to the laptop. Very annoying! It’s not a dealbreaker, as every set of wireless headphones I’ve used has its quirks. But it’s not ideal.

 

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Then there’s the price point. It’s not so much that it’s too high. It’s that I wish it were lower. The WH-1000XM3 cost $350. That doesn’t make them the most expensive headphones in its class, but I don’t think I’d describe them as affordable, either. They are, however, the same price as the two-year-old Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, and they’re also better. You could even say they’re doubly better, since even the second generation 1000X headphones bested the Bose when they came out a year ago. You can buy the WH-1000XM2 headphones for $300 now, by the way.

They might not be affordable for everyone, but I do think the Sony WH-1000XM3 are some of the best headphones you can buy. It’s a boon that they also happen to be some of the best (if not the best) noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. Then again, they had the huge advantage of building on the excellent second and first generation 1000X headphones. If you own the WH-1000XM2, I’m not sure the improvements quite warrant an upgrade. But if you’re really craving better noise cancelling and better comfort, the third generation 1000X headphones deliver.

Your move, Bose.

READ ME

  • Just like our favorite noise-cancelling except they cancel more noise
  • New comfort features makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all
  • Great audio, although there aren’t any improvements from the last generation
  • Cost $350 but so do the Bose headphones, which also aren’t as good
  • Wireless connection can be a little tricky

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