All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
1 / 11@sharp_falcon_93 · Owner-reported
Owned over 2 years · Still using it: yes, daily · Posted
Solid pair of earbuds, batteries gave up after 7 years.
Own it? Your review joins these
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying · No account needed · Photo optional
A solid set of earbuds, though outdated compared to the newer Sony WF-1000XM4.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 88 of the 251 we've cataloged.
Would buy it again and still uses it daily.
Owned over 2 years.
What gave out: Battery (1)
above average for wireless earbuds — based on 236 of 251 we've cataloged.
below average for wireless earbuds — based on 233 of 251 we've cataloged.
Active is the most common — on 59% of the 172 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 251).
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 |
The verdict
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.
✓Liked: Sound quality, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration, Modern design, Auto play/pause
✕Could be better: Cost, Just okay ANC, Large charging case, No water-resistance
What a reader who owns the Sony WF-1000XM3 reports after living with it. Owner-reported, checked before publishing; ordered photo-verified first, then newest.
Owner reviews are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not rewritten by us: at most we proofread typos, which is shown on the review’s own page and which the author can undo. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from owner reviews.
1 owner review
Every author writes under a generated pseudonym. A signed-in author’s email is never shown. Read more · The reader says they own it. We have not seen proof, and we say so — no label here is proof of a purchase. Read more · Owned over 2 years · Still using it: yes, daily · Posted
Would buy againSolid pair of earbuds, batteries gave up after 7 years.
What readers ask about the Sony WF-1000XM3, answered by the people who own it.
Nobody has asked the owners yet.
Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.
Brady SnyderContributorI ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Sony's WF-1000XM6 and only lasted a weekI thought the more expensive earbuds would win. I was wrong.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyManaging EditorHow long should your earbuds last? Our battery tests have the answerEarbuds don't last long, but how much is enough?
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The battery beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Expected more from the noise cancelling
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The battery beat their expectations
