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The Headphones app will also allow you to change Adaptive Sound Control settings, turn off that DSEE HX technology, and change the function of the buttons on each headset. However, your options are very limited there. You can choose from playback controls (play / pause and skip tracks), ambient sound modes (on, off, noise cancellation), and Google Assistant. That’s. I found it best to have playback controls on one side with ambient sound options on the other. And no, there is no option for the integrated volume control. It is my main complaint with the WF-1000XM3. Every time you want to change the volume, you have to pick up your phone or reach for your laptop. However, there is a “quick attention mode” that is very useful. If you cover the left earbud with your hand, the music is reduced to a low hum so you can hear what’s going on around you. This is also available on Sony’s XB900N headphones.
In addition to improved ANC and audio, Sony built a new Bluetooth chip for the WF-1000XM3. In addition to the usual connectivity enhancements, sound is streamed to both headphones simultaneously, rather than to one and then the other. In fact, Bluetooth is reliable and I never experienced any dropouts. The same goes for video – not once did I come across a moment where the audio wasn’t syncing with the footage.
Battery life is another area that Sony largely outperforms, if not all, the competition. The company claims that the WF-1000XM3 will last six hours with a charge with ANC on or eight hours with noise cancellation turned off. I had no trouble hitting that mark, and the included charging case helps keep the buds full. The case is bigger than many of the ones I’ve seen and most likely won’t fit in your pocket. Despite the added volume, it offers three additional charges or 18 additional hours of total listening time. There is also a quick charge feature that will give you 90 minutes of listening after 10 minutes. Useful if you exhaust them at the office and need to block your trip with a podcast.
But it’s worth noting that design isn’t for everyone. The buttons stick out quite a bit above the ear and are larger than previous Sony true wireless models such as the WF-SP700N. Unlike that sporty option, the company got rid of the fin. Instead, there is a hump just below the tip that helps them stay in place. Despite the added weight on the outside, the WF-1000XM3 remains for the most part, once you find the perfect-sized tips for your ears. Still, you look like you’re wearing two Bluetooth headphones, like you’re someone very important … from 2006. If you’re hoping to be discreet with your choice of truly wireless headphones, these are probably not the best. option.
In terms of alternatives, the Sennheiser is probably the closest in terms of sound, but I found the use of the Momentum True Wireless frustrating, especially the integrated controls. Plus, it’s $ 300. I really like the sound of Master & Dynamic’s MW07 too, but they’re still $ 299 and battery life isn’t great. Honestly, with Sony at $ 70 or less than many of the “flagship” true wireless headphones, it’s hard to recommend any of the alternatives. But hey, they’re out there if you need to shop around. Sony has a super attractive package and it beats the pricier options. The only reason to consider something else is if you want to take your friends to the gym. And in that case, the PowerBeats Pro are the better-sounding alternative that won’t bend when they sweat.
With the WF-1000XM3, Sony has brought its truly wireless headphones to the level of its best-in-class headphones. Powerful noise cancellation, enhanced ambient sound mode, and incredible sound quality make them the best option for under $ 300. And really, they’re probably your best bet at any price.
