Sony WH-1000XM3 Review
Over-ear · 2018
Specdex verdict Sony's Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86/100 — a solid premium pick that trades on the small details, even if it doesn't unseat the category leaders.
Sony's Sony WH-1000XM3 — 2018 over-ear flagship.
Sony WH-1000XM3 versus its closest rivals
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Who's the Sony WH-1000XM3 for?
Quick verdicts for the most common buyer profiles, derived from the sub-scores above.
Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.
Battery sub-score of 82 is solid but not class-leading — fine for typical days, charging top-up likely on heavy days.
At $349 this is a genuine value play — Specdex score of 86 far exceeds the typical sub-$500 baseline.
In the box
What you get when you unbox the Sony WH-1000XM3.
- Headphones
- Hard travel case
- USB-C charging cable
- 3.5 mm audio cable
- Airline adapter (region-dependent)
Standard contents — region/SKU may vary; confirm at retailer.
Full score breakdown
Editorial · Specdex scoreSub-scores are Specdex's own assessment, weighted by category. They are not endorsed by, sourced from, or affiliated with the manufacturer. How we score →
Specifications
Manufacturer-sourced where verifiable| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2018 |
Cheaper alternatives to the Sony WH-1000XM3
Same category, at least 20% cheaper, best-scoring picks from our catalog.
Step up from the Sony WH-1000XM3
Higher-scoring headphones if you've got more to spend.
More from Sony
All Sony products on Specdex →
Also consider
Where the Sony WH-1000XM3 appears on Specdex
Curated lists, spec rankings, and buying guides where this product is mentioned or ranked.