AKG
AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black
Open-back
86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM3
Over-ear · 2018
86
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black lands at 86 and Sony WH-1000XM3 at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black 86
vs 86 Sony WH-1000XM3
Score breakdown
AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black
86 anc 0
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM3
86 anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2018 |
AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
Sony WH-1000XM3
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black vs Sony WH-1000XM3
Which is better, AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $349, AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.
Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does AKG K712 Pro · Midnight Black or Sony WH-1000XM3 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.