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Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro wins by 2
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. That puts Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Tuning, detail, and staging

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro leads on sound (88 vs 86).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 0).

Comfort

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Long-session wearability

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 85).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM3

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM3 more score per dollar ($349 vs $599).

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
Release year
2018
—

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

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 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.

Which is better for sound quality, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — leads on sound (88 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.