Sony WH-1000XM3
Review of Sony WH-1000XM3
Sound: 9/10
Taking into consideration of other brand of headphones I have tried (Bluetooth only), I will strongly go with the Sony XM3. It provides me with crisp and clear music and there is even greater flexibility in settings with the headphones app by Sony. One can easily adjust the music to their liking.
Fit: 9/10
Never been a really big fan of over ear and on ear headphones, however, there is no regrets to take a leap of faith for the XM3.
Mics: 7.5/10
The mics are alright but I don’t think there will be many who get headsets with the mics being a top priority. Not a major concern of mine, did less than 10 calls on the headphones and it was meh~ not super impressed, neither did it destroy my call.
Noise Cancellation: 9.5/10
Love the noise cancellation and focus on voice effect which can be found in the app.
Value: 8/10
To be honest, if you are looking to invest on a headset, I think it is worth the value. Why was it rated as 8 instead of 9? It is due to the depreciation rate of the headset. Over 1 year, it had a drop in price of about 200 SGD as there was a launch of the XM4.
Battery life: 9.5/10
It is perfect for me as it lasts for 3 days even with continuous usage when I am travelling for my diving trips.
Connectivity: 8.5/10
Personally, I find that it takes longer to connect as compared to my Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds. Where my earbuds connects the moment the leave the casing and is placed into my ears (it says: Connected). However, the headphones take a longer time to connect (Est 5 seconds after turning it on). Despite that being said, you would see that I have some connectivity issues with the Jabra Elite Active 75t such as dropping of connection or when I am near a powerpoint, such problems are not faced when I am using the Headphones.
Comfort 9/10
Over ear headphones over On ear headphones anytime. The XM3 have ear cups that is deep enough for my ears to sit nicely in them. However, it is still strongly recommended for anyone to head down to a local brick and mortar audio store which allows trying of headphone to know if it really suits you. The ear cups can be a little soft after long time usage, however, you can easily find a replacement online on Shopee or Lazada, video tutorials are all over youtube on how you can take them out and have them replaced (Do let me know if you want me to make a video on how to change the ear cups.)
Design: 9/10
The black and the copper gold was the colour I chose and I have no regrets because it is easier to keep it clean and have a sleek look which suits most if not all of my outfits.
Worth the upgrade(XM4)?
In short, no. The main reason is because there is no need for me to have those new features in XM4 and XM3 has been serving me extremely well such as travelling by bus, plane, or even usage in my workplace.
Who are the people who should get the Sony WH-1000XM3?
Office Workers:
They look classy and sleek, it will not ruin the formal attire or OOTD of the day, unless of course you are wearing streetwear into a CBD office then maybe it will look kinda odd. However, other than that, I think it is perfect for most offices regardless smart causal or formal. You can completely live in your own world while travelling to work by MRT and start
Anyone who loves sound quality:on
Personally, I do not consider myself as an extreme audiophile and I am not all that sensitive to super detailed differences of sound quality. However, I am sure that I still uphold a fair standard of sound quality for the general consumers.
General consumers:
Anyone who is not so active or have a pair of earbuds like me (Jabra Elite 75t) for exercise. Because did I mention that you will not want to sweat with your headset on, it is pure disgusting.
Bottomline
To be very fair, this headset is not suitable for everyone, especially for people who would love to carry the least amount of things when they head out for leisure of for work. Yes, you can hang them around your neck or keep it in the casing which is kept in your bag, but I guess that is just not a thing that everyone is cut out for. So remember to take into consideration that your have to carry it around with you if you want to use it. If you are someone who loves something that fits in your pocket? Go for earbuds.
Feel free to let me know if there is anything you would like me to review, if it is not out of the reach of my price and something that I need (or want). I will be more than happy to find someway to get a review done.