Among a variety of headphones, I have a reference model. These are the in-ear headphones that I return to again and again , loving every second of using them, savoring the sound and marveling at their battery life.
The other day it was exactly one year since I fell irrevocably in love with and will not change the Sony WF-1000XM3.
These headphones take some getting used to: they can cling to your hat in winter and they come with a fairly large charging case, which is inconvenient to carry in a jeans pocket. But these are all trifles, because the main thing in these “plugs” is SOUND , which, together with an advanced active noise reduction system, still leaves all analogues far behind.
Let me show you what the best wireless headphones look like after a year of active use.
The matte body is still holding up, the glossy lid is already tired
Case for WF-1000XM3 headphones after a year of use.
The headphones are stored in a case with a hinged lid, which also doubles as a charging box. The matte “soft-touch” plastic of the case has worn out over the year, which is quite expected: I carried the headphones with me either in my pocket or in my backpack.
Everything could have looked even worse if I had not ordered a silicone case from the Chinese, especially for this model of headphones, which perfectly protected from shocks and abrasions.
Considering that I dropped the case several times, I am sure that without the case its appearance would have been much worse.
A silicone case from Aliexpress saves the day. It's a shame that Sony doesn't make original accessories for these headphones.
It's a shame that Sony doesn't release official cases for its headphones. You have to use the services of handy Chinese, who today have a variety of “clothes” for the Sony WF-1000XM3, from plastic to leather for mere pennies.
But even with the case, the smooth cover is covered in scratches, but this is pure aesthetics and does not in any way affect the functionality of the headphones. I will say more: the lid mechanism has not become loose over the year and continues to work without any extraneous play or squeaks.
By the way, I experimentally discovered an interesting scenario for using the case: if you open the lid and place it on a flat surface, you can use the Sony WF-1000XM3 charging box as a stand for your smartphone.
Inside, the headphones are held in their “pockets” using magnets, which also do not lose their properties over time. The headphones sit firmly in the case and do not fall out, even if you turn the case over and shake it with the lid open.
The case is charged via a USB-C cable, the connector does not become loose, the wire is still held tightly in the socket.
Autonomy is still great
Each earbud has a touch panel to control your music.
According to the manufacturer, Sony WF-1000XM3 can work up to 6 hours with the noise reduction turned on and 8 hours with it turned off on a single charge, and if you take into account the resource of their case in which the headphones are recharged, the operating time away from the outlet increases to 24 hours.
I have never listened to music for so many hours in a row this year, because airplane flights have completely stopped due to this pandemic.
But in all this time I have never discharged the headphones to zero . Listening to music every day on the way to and from the editorial office, as well as on weekends while walking in the park, I have never found myself in a situation where the headphones died. They say that when the charge is low, a woman’s voice warns you to put your “ears” in the case, but I won’t lie – I haven’t heard it personally.
It happens that you walk for a week, listen to music and don’t think about exercise at all. then just at some point the case catches your eye at home - you put it on charge, automatically. And again you don’t think about it for a week. Just fantastic, in my opinion.
Over the course of a year, the headphones did not lose their battery life at all. I still charge them occasionally and don't worry that the Sony WF-1000XM3 will let me down.
The best wireless headphones from Sony
Sony WH-CH500
Our rating opens with full-size closed headphones Sony WH-C500. They have a stylish Japanese design and are available in three colors. The build quality is high and does not creak when worn. Weight - only 140 g: they are practically not felt on the head. The design feature of the cups allows them to be rotated in two axes for ease of wearing. The sound is provided by 30 mm speakers with a standard (for its level) frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with pronounced bass and detailed clear sound. Like most modern headphones, the WH-CH500 support NFC for quick pairing with your phone. Bluetooth 4.2 confidently maintains a connection up to 10 meters and supports multiple profiles. There is a call function in “hands free” mode and a voice assistant. This allows you to communicate with friends without even taking your phone out of your pocket or bag. Press and hold the play button on the headphones to activate the voice assistant on your Android or iOS device, or make hands-free calls through the high-quality built-in microphone. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 20 hours; according to the experience of the owners, even slightly underestimated. With daily three-hour use, it is unlikely that the battery will drain within a week. There is no support for fast charging, so the headphones will take 4.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%.
Advantages:
- Low price.
- High autonomy.
- NFC technology.
- Beautiful design.
Flaws:
- The glossy surface of the earcups is severely scratched.
- Poor sound insulation.
- There is no charge level indicator.
- Non-removable ear pads.
Model WH-CH500 with modern functions that the user needs - Bluetooth connection, NFS support, hands-free function. They are superior to their competitors in sound quality, but do not have the best noise reduction. I didn’t like that it’s impossible to change the ear pads, which wear out over time, and there is no battery charge indicator, so you need to monitor its level. Price - 2100 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 82% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WI-C400
Sony WI-C400 wireless earbuds are equipped with the necessary set of functions and weigh only 35 g. The model is available in 4 colors, they look quite good. The sound is provided by 9 mm speakers with a frequency range of 8-22000 Hz. The headphones support NFC for quick pairing with your phone. Bluetooth 4.2 works at a distance of up to 10 meters. Hands-free calls and voice assistant are provided. When the headphones are synchronized with your smartphone, you will be notified of incoming messages and calls by vibration. I would like to note the convenient controls: using the buttons you can start or stop playback, skip tracks, and adjust the volume. They allow you to activate voice assistant functions and make hands-free calls. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 20 hours. There is no support for fast charging, as in the Sony WH-CH500 model: from 0 to 100% the headphones will charge in 4.5 hours.
Advantages:
- Compact, light weight.
- Vibrate function for calls and notifications.
- Convenient controls.
- Good autonomy.
- Shows and speaks battery percentage.
Flaws:
- Often, after six months of use, the right earphone breaks down.
- Thin wire that breaks easily.
- Low quality conversational microphone.
These headphones are suitable for sports: they are lightweight, have good sound, noise insulation, and vibration signal. I would like to note the good Bluetooth connection, which is not interrupted when running. But it’s better not to wear them in the rain, as there is no protection against moisture. This model has a useful feature that the WH-CH500 does not have - a battery charge level indicator, which was sorely lacking. Price - 2500 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 76% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WH-CH700N
The WH-CH700N noise-canceling headphones are designed for extended listening on the go. Intelligent Noise Canceling (AINC) adapts to your surroundings so you can enjoy your favorite songs on the road in perfect hearing. This function is not available in either the WI-C400 or the WH-CH500. AINC analyzes background sounds and adjusts their intensity for optimal listening on airplanes and other noisy environments. Press and hold the button to activate this feature. NFC technology simplifies the setup process. To quickly connect and start streaming content via Bluetooth immediately, simply touch your NFC-enabled device to the N mark on the body. The sound is provided by 40 mm speakers with a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz. Bluetooth 4.1 works at a distance of up to 10 meters, although previous models have Bluetooth 4.2. DSEE digital audio enhancement technology accurately restores all audio details, resulting in high-quality sound that is close to the original recording. You can customize the sound of your headphones using the free Sony Headphones Connect app for Android and iOS. Virtual surround technology (VPT) delivers an incredible listening experience, simulating the sound of a club, concert hall or outdoor venue. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 35 hours. This model has fast charging technology. If the battery charge is still not enough, you can connect headphones via a standard 3.5 mm mini jack. Cable - 1.2 m, included in delivery.
Advantages:
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation (AINC) function.
- Free Sony Headphones Connect app for Android and iOS.
- High autonomy - up to 35 hours.
- Fast charging technology.
- Possibility of connection via mini jack 3.5 mm.
- Battery charge indicator.
Flaws:
- High price.
- The ears often sweat and the ear pads fit very tightly.
- There is a muffled sound when using the microphone.
- Noise reduction is incomplete.
A popular model from Sony with intelligent noise reduction function. If you use them in the subway, you will still hear extraneous noise. The volume and quality of the microphone will not be enough, the sound will be unclear and muffled. There are no questions about autonomy: the headphones can work up to 35 hours. When the battery runs out, you can charge it quickly thanks to the fast charging feature that is not available on the WI-C400 and WH-CH500. A big plus is the ability to connect via a 3.5 mm mini jack, a 1.2 m cable is included in the package. Price - 9950 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 88% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WF-1000XM3
Wireless headphones WF-1000XM3 with a new noise reduction system thanks to the QN1e HD processor. It filters out more noise at almost all frequencies, consumes less power, has digital noise reduction, 24-bit audio signal processing, and a digital-to-analog converter with amplifier. Two microphones - external and internal, so it picks up a maximum of extraneous noise - from a conversation in transport to the hum of an office and city streets. Tiny 6 mm speakers with a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz are responsible for the sound. Bluetooth version 5.0 operates at a distance of up to 10 meters; the Sony WH-CH700N model uses older Bluetooth 4.1 technology. The new Bluetooth chip and optimized antenna design provide a stable connection for hours of wireless streaming.
DSEE HX digital audio enhancement technology enhances the quality of compressed digital music files, bringing them closer to the sound quality of high-resolution audio. Fully charged, the headphones last up to 6 hours with noise canceling enabled, and the convenient charging case allows you to charge them three times on the go throughout the day, giving you up to 24 hours of listening time. With the noise cancellation system turned off, the headphones last 8 hours on a full charge, with the ability to additionally charge the headphones three times from the charging case, i.e. up to 32 hours of music playback. Fast charging technology is provided, for example, after a 10-minute fast charge, you can listen to your favorite music for 90 minutes. The headphones fit easily into the charging case thanks to built-in magnets, and the USB-C cable allows you to quickly charge the case. The WF-1000XM3 noise-cancelling headphones feature innovative SENSE ENGINE™ technology, a range of intelligent features that enhance your listening experience.
The Sony Headphones Connect app includes intelligent adaptive audio control. It automatically detects what you're doing (riding in public transport, walking down the street, or waiting in line) and adjusts the ambient sound settings to suit the situation. You can change the settings yourself. The headphones feature a “hands free” function and the Google Assistant4 voice assistant.
Advantages:
- Ergonomic and modern design.
- Good sound quality.
- Bluetooth version 5.0.
- Advanced HD processor QN1e.
- DSEE HX digital audio enhancement technology.
- High autonomy, fast charging.
Flaws:
- High price.
- The headphone case is very large.
- There is no charge/discharge indicator for the case itself.
- The sound when talking in headset mode is of poor quality.
- The connection is often interrupted during a conversation through headphones.
A very interesting model with a wide range of different technologies and functions to improve sound quality, noise reduction and call quality, which are not found in the WH-CH700N and WH-CH500. I have no complaints about sound and noise reduction, everything is excellent here thanks to the QN1e HD processor and DSEE HX technology, but the quality of the speaker during a conversation is rather low, the connection often breaks when talking with the interlocutor - this is the biggest drawback. I didn’t like the case for the headphones: it is very large, about 2 times larger than that of AirPods, made of low quality plastic, and very susceptible to scratches. Price - 17 thousand rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 69% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WH-1000XM3
In this model, the active noise reduction system is implemented with close-fitting ear pads and a QN1 HD noise-canceling processor, almost like in the Sony WF-1000XM3 model. Now music playback will not be affected by processor performance. The headphones feature LDAC technology, which transmits approximately three times more data (with a maximum transfer rate of 990 Kbps) compared to traditional Bluetooth wireless solutions. With it, you can enjoy music with a quality that is as close as possible to audio over a wired connection.
The built-in amplifier integrated into the QN1 HD noise-cancelling processor has the best signal-to-noise ratio in its category, low distortion for portable devices, and high-quality sound. Featuring powerful 40mm LCD drivers, the headphones deliver impressive bass and can reproduce a full frequency range up to 40kHz. Even the WF-1000XM3 and WH-CH700N do not have such a high figure. Automatic sound adjustment using the Smart Listening function from SENSE ENGINE automatically detects what you are doing - driving, walking or waiting. It adjusts the volume of ambient sound as needed. And with the Quick Attention feature, you can communicate without removing the headphones: touch the headset with your hand to reduce the volume and talk.
SENSE ENGINE technology allows you to turn your music on and off with just one touch. You can install the Sony I Headphones Connect application: you can use the equalizer functions, Smart Listening, control ambient sound parameters and volume. The headphones have a hands free function and Google Assistant4 voice assistant. Very soft polyurethane foam ear pads distribute pressure evenly and fit tightly to your ears. Even more comfort is provided by the ergonomic design with increased space between the speaker and the ear.
The battery lasts for up to 30 hours of operation. In just 10 minutes. You can get a charge for 5 hours of operation using an AC adapter, which is purchased separately. In the Sony WF-1000XM3 model, 10 minutes of fast charging provides 90 minutes of music playback. Connection via mini jack 3.5 mm is possible; a 1.2 m cable is included in the delivery package.
Advantages:
- HD processor QN1.
- Excellent fast charging.
- High autonomy.
- Compact and convenient.
- Sound quality.
- Smart Listening Technology.
- Possibility of wired connection.
Flaws:
- High price.
- When using a wired connection, the noise canceling feature must be turned on manually.
- In the cold, the touch control panel begins to slow down and responds late.
- In summer, ears sweat a lot when wearing headphones.
- Leatherette ear pads.
An excellent model of headphones with excellent sound, the introduction of new technologies and the presence of modern functions and components. I’m satisfied with the sound quality, but I don’t fully understand how touch controls can slow down so much in headphones that cost 25 thousand rubles in light frost. The ear pads are made of low quality leatherette. Already for these 2 shortcomings you need to reduce the price. I think that the price is clearly too high; there is no point in overpaying for this model. It’s better to take the Sony WF-1000XM3, which are in no way inferior in terms of sound level and quality, but they are cheaper. On the Yandex portal. Market 74% of buyers recommend this product.
The sound is still great
I went to St. Petersburg and listened to DDT. Well, Peter!
There should be a laudatory ode to the sound of the Sony WF-1000XM3, but our editor-in-chief has already written all about this in 2021, in his review of these “plugs”.
Juicy, biting bass sets the mood in any track, as it should be in headphones for the street and the city. High frequencies, as always, are responsible for the effect of presence, and there are no complaints about them here. The mids are moderately lively, allowing you to enjoy instrumentals and jazz without the desire to wear something much larger.
– from a review of the Sony WF-1000XM3 by Nikita Goryainov
On a personal note, I’ve come across criticism of the Sony WF-1000XM3 several times, which sounds like “what kind of sound can there be, even if there is no support for the LDAC and aptX codecs!” Yes, the headphones work with SBS and AAC, and therefore:
▪︎ pairs and plays perfectly with any smartphone ▪︎ proprietary QN1e processor constantly monitors the signal, quietly improving it ▪︎ headphones cost the right amount of money ▪︎ headphones can be used separately, right or left
The headphones themselves are like new.
The main thing you need to worry about immediately after purchasing these headphones is to choose the right tips. The set includes a choice of four pairs of silicone and three pairs of memory foam.
Feel free to combine tips of different sizes for the right and left ears: the ear canals are not always absolutely identical in diameter and structure.
A whole scattering of ear tips for any ears included.
With correctly selected ear tips, the headphones stay tightly in your ears and don’t fall out even during a crush in the subway, and passive noise reduction is added to the active noise reduction, so that if you wish, you will be completely protected from external noise, be it a busy street, the hum of airplane turbines, or the rumble of the subway.
Conveniently, if you need to hear the other person’s speech or an announcement over the speakerphone, you just need to touch the touch panel on the earphone and hold your finger on it to activate the external audibility function. All gestures can be viewed in the proprietary mobile application, which is available both in the App Store and on Google Play.
The best wired headphones from Sony
Sony MDR-XB50AP
The XB50AP wired in-ear headphones are available in several colors, operate in the range of 4–24000 Hz with a sensitivity of up to 106 dB and a nominal impedance of 40 ohms. The model has neodymium speakers with a diameter of 12 mm for powerful, balanced sound. The device uses EXTRA BASS technology for club sound. The headphones are compatible with smartphones and come with a built-in remote control and microphone. Connect via a standard mini jack 3.5 mm connector. The cord length is 1.2 m. The kit includes 4 pairs of replaceable ear pads and a headphone case.
Advantages:
- Affordable price.
- Beautiful view.
- High quality wire that doesn't get tangled.
- They fit well in the ears and do not fall out.
- Good sound.
Flaws:
- Listening to music for a long time starts to tire your ears.
- Very strong bass. Although for some this will be a plus.
- The back of the headphones gets scratched quickly.
- The headset is located low.
A good model that meets the price-quality ratio. They look good, have decent sound, but for me they have very strong bass. What’s not entirely convenient is that the headset is located lower than it should be, because of this you will not be clearly heard during a conversation. Otherwise, these are good headphones for 1,780 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 83% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-XB550AP
The headphones are made in 5 bright colors and look very beautiful. Stylish design, compactness, light weight make them ideal for everyday wear. The closed design and soft, pleasant-to-touch ear pads provide excellent sound insulation and do not cause discomfort even during long listening sessions. The device operates in the range of 5–22000 Hz with sensitivity up to 102 dB and a nominal impedance of 24 ohms. In this important indicator, they are superior to the Sony MDR-XB50AP. The model has speakers with a diameter of 30 mm for powerful, balanced sound. As in the previous model, EXTRA BASS technology is used here for club sound. The headphones have a standard mini jack 3.5 mm connector, a microphone and a control button. Cord length - 1.2 m.
Advantages:
- Stylish design.
- Excellent sound insulation.
- High quality ear pads.
- Sensitive microphone.
- Flat, tangle-free wire.
- High sound level.
Flaws:
- Any touches or shocks are transmitted through the wire; it is very sensitive.
- If you don't take them off for more than 2 hours, they begin to put pressure on your head.
- It takes a long time to adjust the equalizer to suit you due to the large number of low frequencies.
- A short cable if you connect them to a computer.
A very good model, with virtually no flaws. The headphones produce excellent sound, rich bass. If you are good at music, you will want to customize them for yourself, and for this you will have to delve a lot into the equalizer. Manufacturers rarely supply good quality ear pads for low-cost headphones, but Sony was not too lazy to do this: they are comfortable and convenient to wear, but after 2-3 hours they still begin to put pressure on the head, and the ears hurt a little. Price - 2500 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 81% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-XB950AP
Over-ear headphones MDR-XB950AP, like previous models, have an interesting modern design. The device operates in the range of 3–28000 Hz, which differs from the MDR-XB550AP, with sensitivity up to 106 dB and a nominal impedance of 40 ohms. Powerful 40mm neodymium drivers provide deep, balanced sound even at high volumes thanks to a secure earhook design. Oxygen-free copper voice coils provide 1000 mW of bass sound. The advanced direct vibration system creates an acoustically sealed space around the ears without releasing low frequencies. Low-frequency sound is enhanced by the Bass Booster function: the sound is deep and balanced. Control of the range of reproduced frequencies is possible thanks to the shaped ventilation holes. They are optimized for the passage of airflow created by low frequencies, so bass is reproduced without distortion.
Featuring a metal headband, soft backing and contoured ear pads, these headphones provide comfort in any situation. The control panel is made of aluminum. This lightweight material delivers premium appearance and ease of use while reducing vibration and delivering deep, punchy sound. The 1.2 m cable is equipped with a convenient built-in remote control system and microphone. You can answer calls in headset mode at any time, just like on Android and iPhone smartphones. At the other end of the wire there is a standard mini jack 3.5 mm connector.
Advantages:
- Works in the high frequency range - up to 28000 Hz.
- 40 mm neodymium speakers.
- Bass Booster function.
- Great headset.
Flaws:
- A short cable if connecting to a computer.
- Lack of volume buttons on the remote control.
- They don't fold.
- Sanded metal cups scratch very quickly.
- No carrying case.
This model, like the previous one, has virtually no flaws. It has a beautiful design; it differs from the Sony MDR-XB550AP model in the ability to operate at higher frequencies (up to 28000 Hz) and the presence of the Bass Booster function, which significantly improves the sound. Among the shortcomings, I can highlight the lack of volume control buttons and the lack of a carrying case; these are useful “tricks” that I would like to see in headphones for 5,500 rubles. On the Yandex portal. Market 82% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-7506
Many consider the Sony MDR-7506 to be the standard of studio headphones. The company has been producing them for 25 years. The legendary black model is distinguished by “monitor sound”. Smooth tonal bass without mumbling, high sound detail harmonize with clear and open vocals. The mid-frequency range sounds natural, without hissing. Thanks to the inclined position (at an angle of 15 degrees to the ear), the headphones create the effect of a good three-dimensional scene. The wide dynamic range of Sony headphones (from 10 to 20,000 Hz) allows you to enjoy music of any genre - from classics to “heavy” compositions. Noise insulation is performed at a fairly high level due to the tight fit on the head. They do not “press”, and the intricate design allows you to wear the headphones either with the cups in or out. Japanese developers used metal to produce the headband and bowls of the MDR 7506. Later, the headband was covered with eco-leather, and the ear pads were covered with vinyl. The fastenings of the cups to the headband are made of high-quality plastic. The sensitivity of the headphones reaches 106 dB with a nominal impedance of 63 ohms. Cable 3 m long with a standard gold-plated mini jack 3.5 mm connector, 6.3 mm adapter included.
Advantages:
- Great sound.
- Very good sound insulation and noise reduction.
- Excellent quality for 25 years.
- The special arrangement of the earphone, which gives a special effect.
- Resistance 6 ohms.
- Cable length - 3 m.
- A 6.3 mm adapter is included.
Flaws:
- High price.
- The ear pads wear out quickly, but they can be easily purchased and replaced.
- There are many fake models.
These are almost perfect headphones. The model is devoid of shortcomings, I can only highlight minor shortcomings. For our region, the price is too high: not everyone will buy headphones for 7,360 rubles. If you find such a model cheaper, this is another fake; the original model is difficult to find. After about a year, the original ear pads wear out, but you can buy new ones. In all other respects, these are ideal headphones with great sound, laconic design and first-class build quality. On the Yandex portal. Market 95% of buyers recommend this product. Neither the Sony MDR-XB950AP nor any of its other competitors, with all their sound quality enhancements and technologies, can match the sound quality of the Sony MDR-7506.
Excellent support: constantly new firmware updates
A year ago, the mobile application did not have many features that it has now. For example, setting up 360 surround audio or automatic location detection to switch profiles from previously visited locations.
It’s cool that Sony doesn’t abandon their product, but regularly releases new firmware, improvements and other goodies that are easily uploaded to the headphones and installed in a few seconds.
For example, there is even support for service notifications in Russian.
I'm not talking about the equalizer, which can be used to customize the sound for the most demanding music lovers. Personally, I have never used it, because the standard sound is more than satisfactory for me.
