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1 / 11A solid set of earbuds, though outdated compared to the newer Sony WF-1000XM4.
At 5.2, its noise cancelling beats 9% of wireless earbuds we've measured.
Measured on 90 of the 262 we've cataloged.
above average for wireless earbuds — based on 244 of 262 we've cataloged.
below average for wireless earbuds — based on 242 of 262 we've cataloged.
Active is the most common — on 60% of the 179 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 262).
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 3.4 |
| 25 | 3.8 |
| 32 | 4.2 |
| 40 | 4.8 |
| 50 | 5.3 |
| 63 | 5.6 |
| 80 | 5.9 |
| 100 | 5.8 |
| 125 | 5.2 |
| 160 | 3.7 |
| 200 | 3.0 |
| 250 | 2.0 |
| 315 | 0.8 |
| 400 | -0.9 |
| 500 | -1.6 |
| 630 | -1.9 |
| 800 | -1.1 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | 1.2 |
| 1600 | 3.1 |
| 2000 | 5.4 |
| 2500 | 9.7 |
| 3150 | 9.9 |
| 4000 | 8.8 |
| 5000 | 4.7 |
| 6300 | 4.7 |
| 8000 | 4.0 |
| 10000 | 2.4 |
| 12500 | 1.3 |
| 16000 | -4.0 |
| 20000 | -15.5 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 7.2 |
| 26 | 0.5 |
| 33 | 0.1 |
| 41 | 0.1 |
| 52 | 0.1 |
| 65 | -0.1 |
| 82 | -0.2 |
| 103 | -0.9 |
| 130 | -1.1 |
| 163 | -0.6 |
| 205 | -0.7 |
| 259 | -1.3 |
| 325 | -0.8 |
| 410 | -0.4 |
| 516 | 3.6 |
| 613 | 4.1 |
| 772 | 7.4 |
| 972 | 10.1 |
| 1220 | 13.9 |
| 1540 | 15.8 |
| 1940 | 16.2 |
| 2440 | 17.4 |
| 3070 | 35.1 |
| 3870 | 23.0 |
| 4870 | 24.1 |
| 6130 | 31.6 |
| 7720 | 26.9 |
| 9720 | 27.5 |
| 12200 | 28.2 |
| 15400 | 17.3 |
| 19400 | 28.1 |
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 6.6 |
| 26 | 3.0 |
| 33 | -0.4 |
| 41 | 0.6 |
| 52 | 0.5 |
| 65 | -4.0 |
| 82 | 1.5 |
| 103 | -0.1 |
| 130 | 2.3 |
| 163 | 3.5 |
| 205 | 4.7 |
| 259 | 3.8 |
| 325 | 5.1 |
| 410 | 3.5 |
| 516 | 6.8 |
| 613 | 6.9 |
| 772 | 10.3 |
| 972 | 13.9 |
| 1220 | 19.0 |
| 1540 | 20.9 |
| 1940 | 19.3 |
| 2440 | 18.5 |
| 3070 | 28.8 |
| 3870 | 31.5 |
| 4870 | 30.7 |
| 6130 | 39.1 |
| 7720 | 29.3 |
| 9720 | 35.4 |
| 12200 | 19.9 |
| 15400 | 14.2 |
| 19400 | 28.0 |
Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list.
Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.












