True Wireless Headphones of the Year
HEADPHONES
The model number confuses, since Sony’s over-ear noise-cancellers are named the WH-1000XM3, now updated to XM4, so that some are predicting an imminent similar upgrade for these true wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM3. But COVID-19 may have delayed that as far as late 2021, even 2022, which leaves these XM3s in an established position as the wireless buds to beat. While we’ve found other designs that can equal them for sound quality, the Sonys have enjoyed price reductions — they’re currently $279 or thereabouts — that give them a clear edge in value.
Against most contenders they have edges in both features and sound quality too. There’s noise-cancelling, as impressive as with Sony’s full-size headphones, which is to say the best on the consumer market right now. Further customisation within the Sony headphone app allows for varying degrees of intensity, even an option to let in voices only.
The audio quality, too, is a lesson learned directly from the WH-1000XM3 playbook. The out-of-the-box sound profile is incredibly pleasing: well-balanced, clear and producing an excellent sense of space (though inevitably not quite as spacious as the over-ear alternative), tending perhaps towards a well-supported bass, but not overwhelmingly or distractingly so.
Thanks to a customisable touch control on each bud you can answer calls, play and pause music, skip tracks or change noise-cancelling modes with ease. Sony’s Quick Attention mode is present here too, allowing you to hold your finger to a control to momentarily let through external sound, useful when you’re asked whether you want beef or chicken, should you ever get to board a plane again.
Without any recharging, the WF-1000XM3 will last a good six hours with ANC engaged or eight without, while the case holds an extra 18-24 hours, again dependent on whether you’re using noise-cancelling or not. Missing, however, is any higher Bluetooth codec for Android users — no aptX nor Sony’s own LDAC, though Apple users benefit from AAC. The other is their lack of any kind of sweat or water resistance. Not for running and working out, then, but for strolling, commuting, just everyday music, the Sonys are a clear winner.
More info: www.sony.com.au