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1 / 11A solid set of earbuds, though outdated compared to the newer Sony WF-1000XM4.
A 3.4 puts its noise isolation / ANC in the bottom quarter of wireless earbuds we've measured.
Measured on 133 of the 271 we've cataloged.
above average for wireless earbuds — based on 243 of 271 we've cataloged.
below average for wireless earbuds — based on 245 of 271 we've cataloged.
Active is the most common — on 61% of the 172 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 271).
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.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB) against the SoundGuys house target — the dashed curve. The closer the measured line tracks the target, the more neutral the tuning; peaks ride above the target, dips fall below it.
| 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 |
Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.











