Review: Sony's WH-1000XM3 Noise Canceling Headphones

When Sony's first 1000XM headphones debuted in 2016, they weren't just a great product, they were an indication that Sony was prepared to beat Bose at its own game. The new WH-1000XM3 headphones raise the bar even higher and are just the balance you'd want between comfort and sound.

These noise-canceling headphones are the best in class and this new model solves some of the problems that plagued early versions. Sony added plush cushioning around the pads and headband but also made the headphones lighter, making also making them more compact and easy to carry.

But the feature you'll appreciate the most on the WH-1000XM3 is the addition of a new noise-canceling chip, the QN1. Sony claims its four times better at reducing outside sound and based on what I've heard, that's a very believable claim. And the upgrades also extend to the WH-1000XM3's premium sound, which uses the new 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms to reproduce a full range of frequencies.

And if you're using them in an environment where you need to hear some ambient sound from the rest of the world, you can adjust the amount of outside sound you let in by using Sony's Connect mobile app or by hitting a button located on the headphone's left ear. 

Sony says the batteries will last about 30 hours and that seems pretty accurate based on my use. You can also take advantage of a quick-charge feature that gives you five hours of use with only a ten-minute charge.

So all of this makes Sony's new WH-1000XM3 headphones the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy in 2018. And given the steep competition, that's saying something.


AllYourScreens.com may have been compensated for the posting of this review.