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Sony WH-1000XM3 Deals & Offers






Sony’s WH-1000XM3 feature one of the most advanced noise cancellation systems available on mass-market headphones, offering top-of-the-line audio quality, adaptive sound control and smart features. With the QN1 noise-cancelling processor, experience immersive audio without distractions, no matter where you are. Available in Black and Silver, these stylish Bluetooth-enabled headphones connect seamlessly, thanks to LDAC technology and intuitive touch controls. And with an impressive 30-hour battery life, you'll have enough power for even long trips away.
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Expert Sony WH-1000XM3 Reviews

When it comes to Sony WH1000XM3 review feedback, Sony's headphones fare pretty well, with the vast majority of UK reviewers reporting positive impressions. Most were overwhelmingly favourably to Sony's headphones, praising the audio quality and noise cancelling. But it's worth noting that some outlets expressed doubts about whether 1000XM2 owners should upgrade. For many commentators, the 1000XM3 represented the best model yet, but not a massive upgrade on previous Sony headphones.
Sony WH1000XM3 Specs
Here are the full specs for the Sony WH-1000XM3:
Product Type | Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones |
Model | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
Sound Features | ANC / Fast Charge / Touch Controls / LDAC / Quick Attention |
Noise Reduction | Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) |
Acoustic System | Over-ear / QN1 Processor / 1.57" Dome Type Driver Units |
Sensitivity | 104.5 dB/mW (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on) / 101 dB/mW (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
True Wireless | Yes / Wired Option Also |
Controls | Touchpad on Right Earcup / Buttons on Rim of Left Earcup |
Microphone | 4 All Directional Electret Condenser Microphone / Frequency Range 50Hz-8,000Hz |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 / USB-C |
Battery | Lithium-ion Battery 1108.11mAh |
Battery Life | Max. 30 hours (ANC ON) / Max. 38 hours (ANC OFF). |
Stand By Time | Adjustable |
Charging Time | 3 Hours for Full Charge / Quick Charge 10 Mins Charging for 5 Hours |
Dimensions | 18.57 x 7.47 x 26.52 cm |
Weight | 225g |
Colour | Black / Silver |
Launch | August 2018 |
Sony WH-1000XM3 Features
On a basic level, Sony 1000XM3 headphones are another set of wireless headphones. But that only applies until you slip them on and listen to music in crowded environments. Here are the key features that set the XM3s apart from the competition.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation
The Sony XM3 represents a major step forward in Sony's “noise cancellation” technology. These headphones use adaptive noise cancellation to neutralise sounds coming from outside. This means that they actively assess ambient noise, and create waveforms which oppose it, so that the listener is totally cocooned and insulated. That way, they can focus on the music or podcasts they are listening to. The keyword here is “adaptive.” In older noise cancellation systems, there just wasn't the processing capacity to constantly change waveforms. But thanks to the QN1 processor of the Sony WH1000XM3 model, these headphones can take into account shifts from the outside world.
- Sound Quality
They are also genuinely wireless headphones, using an innovative LDAC transmission system which is actually quicker than standard Bluetooth, which is very handy when streaming content from laptops or smartphones. On the sound front, Sony has added 40mm drivers to both earpads, generating formidable bass levels, although there are definitely more powerful speakers around if you absolutely need to max out at lower registers.
- "Smart" Headphones
These headphones are adapted to “smart” technology. Users can connect to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant as needed, while a system called “Quick Attention” lets users shift volume levels and switch to conversation mode by placing their hand over the outside of the earpads. And to round things off, the headphones can be controlled via the "Headphones Connect App", which offers a host of ways to adapt volume, balance, and noise cancellation settings.
- Design
The XM3s are relatively minimalist, with sleek ear cups and a form fitting headband. They are 225g, so fairly light and have lots of padding around the headband and ear cups to provide comfort for long listening sessions. Despite this, some users have found them a less comfortable than the Bose QuietComfort 35ii, but it totally depends on your head shape. Other design features, include a USB Type-C port to charge, and touch control on the ear pads. These touch controls are intuitive, and include a Quick Attention Mode where a wearer can hold the right cup to enable ambient mode to focus on the sounds around them!
- Battery
Sony claims that the XM3s can last 30 hours with noise cancelling on, which is about 10 hours longer than the Bose QuietComfort 35s. The Sony WH1000 XM3 also have a "Quick Charge" feature if you are running low on battery, which allows you to get around 5 hours of battery life for 10 mins charging.
Comparing Sony WH1000XM3 vs Bose QC35 II Headphones
If buyers want noise-cancelling wireless headphones and aren't willing to spend more than £500 for the privilege, there's only really one major alternative to Sony's 1000XM3: the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. Both headphones fall into the mid-range price bracket, but finding the Bose QC35ii and Sony WH-1000XM3 best price is still important as savings can be made!
Noise Cancelling – Both have great ANC, but the Sony's outperforms the Bose in blocking out the world, particularly at low frequencies.
Sound Quality – The Sony's tend to offer slightly better audio compared with the QC 35 II, although this isn't a clear win for the XM3.
Microphone Quality – The XM3 has a better microphone set up than the Bose, meaning better call quality.
Customisation – The Sony Headphone App makes the XM3 fully customisable when it comes to sound. But the Bose comes in more colours.
Design – The XM3s are more future-proof, with touch controls and USB-C charging.
Let's compare the main specs of the two headphones:


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Sony WH-1000XM3 | Bose QuietComfort 35 ii | |
Weight | 225g | 240g |
ANC | Yes | Yes |
Controls | TouchPad Playback / Power and ANC Button / App | Buttons / App |
Battery Life | 30 Hours (ANC On) / 38 Hours (ANC Off) | 20 Hours (ANC On) / 40 Hours (ANC Off) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 / USB-C | Bluetooth 4.1 / Micro-USB |
Colours | Black / Silver | Black / White / Rose Gold / Customisable |
Sony WH1000XM3: Pros and Cons
Here are the major pros and cons for the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones:
Pros
Cons
Sony WH1000XM3 FAQs
No, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has no IP waterproof rating. Sony themselves say that the headphones are not waterproof and if liquids find their way into the headphones, it may cause damage. The WH1000XM3 have upwards facing mics, so it can be easy for water to enter the product in the rain.
No, the WH1000XM3 have no sweat resistance. If you use the headphones at the gym or in humid environments then the sweat could degrade the earpads or even affect the USB charging port.
Simply insert the USB Type-C cable into the device and connect to a USB AC adapter. A red LED lights up when the device is charging, with a complete charging cycle taking around 3 hours. After charging, the red LED will automatically turn off.
Yes, the Sony WH1000XM3 has microphones. There are multiple microphones that are used in the noise cancelling process, as well as microphones used for calls.
Yes, you can connect the Sony WH1000XM3 to a PS4 by connecting the 3.5mm jack to the PS4 Controller. There is no way to connect the headphones via Bluetooth.
Yes, the Sony WH1000XM3 can be used with Android phones and tablets. The "Sony Headphones Connect" app is available on the Google Play Store. Android devices also support the aptX HD standard, which makes the audio sound even better!
Yes, the Sony WH1000XM3 can be used with iPhones. The "Sony Headphones Connect" app can be downloaded through the iOS Apple app store.
There aren't that many things to consider when buying WH-1000XM3 headphones, but customers do have a choice of two colours. They aren't all that exciting, with understated black and silver options available to choose from.
Sony offer official refurbished WH-1000XM3 through CentresDirect. All Sony's refurbished products are tested and repaired where necessary by their repair centre and have a 12 month warranty. However, these deals aren't always available, but when they are, the reductions can be massive. If you aren't too bothered about having brand new headphones, make sure you double check for refurbished listings before making any purchase.
There have been a few problems/glitches that have been reported by some users that buyers should be aware of. They aren't deal breakers, by any means, but it's still good to be aware of how customers have found the headphones, and any issues that have arisen. Most importantly, there have been numerous reports of XM3 headphones struggling in cold weather. According to tech site the Verge, performance becomes very unpredictable when temperatures plummet (anything under 5 degrees centigrade seems to trigger issues), causing volume to suddenly increase. According to Sony, the best thing to do in this situation is to turn the headphones off and “recalibrate” the touch sensor. This seems to work for many customers, but isn't an ideal workaround. So until this technical issue is firmly resolved, buyers may want to postpone their purchase, at least if they are confident of wearing their headphones outside during the winter months. It should be stressed that these aren't issues that affect the majority of users, but they do happen. Most damage and issues like this should be covered by Sony warranties, by the way, so repairs and replacements should be available.