The QN1e chip has been replaced by the Integrated Processor V1 to enhance ANC effectiveness, while the 6mm speaker drivers have been tweaked to improve low-end performance. The buds now operate over Bluetooth 5.2, and there’s support for Sony’s Hi-Res LDAC codec in addition to SBC and AAC (the two codecs supported by the XM3). While the headphones have a strong feature set, from fast-charging to support for the Google Assistant, their party piece is improved noise cancellation. This, as you’ll see if you read further, is a serious rival to the best that Bose can offer. Sony WH-1000XM3 review: Price and competition In fact, many people maintain that wired headphones actually tend to deliver better sound quality than their wireless brethren. This remains a pretty good general rule, but it's less true that it used to be. Sony wireless models like the WH-1000XM3 manage to beat mass-market wired versions hands-down, and they throw in noise cancellation features as well.

I wear glasses half the time, which means the headphones’ cushions don’t form a perfect seal around my ears. To my ears, the Optimizer makes a difference in improving the quality of noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM3’s noise cancellation is so good it feels a little supernatural. Whatever magic Sony has put into the QN1 chip, it absolutely works. There is no exaggeration in Sony’s claims of improved mid to high frequency handling. The WF-1000XM4 deliver the goods in the sound quality department as well. Like their predecessors, they communicate dynamics in an enthralling fashion. But they nail every other important element of musical presentation, too. Sony has improved the quality and increased the quantity of microphones used for voice calls, so whoever you’re talking to should hear you more clearly. But if you’re more concerned with keeping the outside world at bay, Sony has also improved its already superb noise-cancelling. You can now set the function to be permanently on, even when not playing anything, meaning that you can use the noise-cancelling to quieten everything down for a peaceful nap. I find that the latest model has really too much bass. Really, really too much.If you listen to something acoustic, like a piano or a guitar, the sound is not very natural.

This is an open, spacious sound that gives every instrument, effect and vocal room to breathe. There has been no loss in terms of directness, either – vocals are still focused and direct, but the instruments around them are delivered in a way that makes it feel as if you’re in the room with the band. So how long will these headphones last on a charge? There are a lot of factors but, after a few days of testing, we found a good benchmark to be around 30 hours or so. Over a period of four days while the headphones were being tested (five hours a day x four days) they didn’t need to be recharged at all, ending the final night at around 30% battery life remaining. Adaptive Sound Control, a feature on XM3, detects your activity and adjusts the ambient sound settings to suit. However, the XM4 have a more intelligent version of the tech that can learn to recognise locations you frequently visit and tweak the sound accordingly. Essentially, there’s nothing to complain about here. The clarity and detail offered means that a recording’s sonic flaws can become exposed, but that’s hardly the Sonys’ fault. The generally crisp, sparkly treble is ample compensation as far as we’re concerned.

It’s a system that takes some getting used to, but once you use it for a week it becomes second nature. PerformanceSony’s Headphones Connect app, which supports both Android and iOS, allows for some fine tuning of the headphones, too. There’s an equaliser and surround sound/position control, and you can also adjust the noise cancelling so that it’s fully-on or filters in some noise from the outside world. I have owned the Sony headphones for over 3 years now and am extremely satisfied. I originally bought them for the home office to have more quiet while working and to be heard better in meetings. Meanwhile, I also use it to watch TV or gamble when my partner wants some peace and quiet from me :) Of course, Sony has now replaced the WH-1000XM3s with the WH-1000XM4s and – spoiler alert – they're even better. The XM3s are therefore now the second-best pair of noise-cancelling headphones you can buy but, thanks to some heavy discounting, they're still an excellent buy while you can still get them. If you're choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM3s and the newer XM4 headphones, you're likely deciding whether to take the price cut on the older model and sacrifice some of the latest features in doing so. The over-ear design and the integrated noise-canceling shields external noise sufficiently for my taste. The sound is very balanced, copes with different music styles and can also be customized via app. The wearing comfort is also convincing: I tested several models from other manufacturers in advance and found the perfect fitting headphones for me in the WH-1000XM3 - the pads in the earpiece are incredibly soft and I never had a disturbing feeling even when wearing them for a long time. Only the Sony are not waterproof, but this is not a real disadvantage for me personally, because I use my in-ears out. Conclusion: I would buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 again and again!