WH-1000XM3

"The sound: they sound dark with a very unnatural and boomy low end, at least with the default EQ."

While some find the sound quality 'mesmerizing' or 'great' with EQ, many describe it as muddy, boomy, lacking detail, or muffled without adjustments, especially compared to higher-end or wired options.

"I have been wearing it for hours on end and have never felt any discomfort."

Users generally find the headphones comfortable for extended periods, noting good clamping force and earcups, though some mention warmth or a pressure sensation.

"the battery life: battery life is so good I'm actually starting to wonder if you need to charge it at all"

The battery life is consistently described as excellent, with users noting it lasts a very long time and rarely needs charging.

"Hands down the XM3 is superior in terms of build quality."

The build quality is generally considered superior, with smooth adjustments and a sturdy feel, though some minor concerns about the headband durability exist.

"The microphone is terrible, which is really disappointing as I was hoping to use it for work and was expecting better."

The microphone performance is almost universally criticized as poor, with users reporting that people cannot hear them, making calls difficult in most environments.

"The inability to connect to two bluetooth devices is just terrible."

While features like touch controls and ANC customization are appreciated, the inability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously is a significant drawback for many users.

"As far as sound quality is concerned, it’s one of the best that audio experiences I’ve experienced thus far."

The sound is generally described as great, with a natural, clear, and crisp profile, deep bass, and satisfying midrange, though some note it's tuned for consumers and can be mediocre with classical or jazz.

"These headphones are designed to be comfy and just might be the most comfortable noise cancelling headphones out there."

Users find the headphones very comfortable for extended wear due to improved padding, lighter weight, and well-designed earcups, though some mention they can get warm.

"As for battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones is great. I often find myself close to the 30 hour mark with active noise-cancelling activated."

The battery life is consistently praised as excellent, offering around 30 hours with ANC, and the quick charge feature providing several hours of playback from a short charge is a significant plus.

"The body is made entirely from lightweight plastic, but it does not feel cheap."

The build is generally considered good, made from lightweight plastic with a nice matte finish and improved hinges, though some mention a slight creaking noise and a less premium feel compared to metal alternatives.

"Friends told me that they can hear my voice clearly but it does get muffled from time to time."

Call quality is described as improved but inconsistent, with voices sometimes muffled and the microphone picking up significant background noise, making it less than ideal in noisy environments.

"The Sony WH-1000XM3 are among the most feature-packed headphones I’ve tested."

The headphones offer a robust set of features including excellent Bluetooth connectivity, NFC pairing, touch controls, and a useful app, though the touch controls can be finicky and Adaptive Sound Control is sometimes unreliable.

"Love the sound signature of Sony M3's but the most amazing feature for me is the ability to release cabin pressure during flights when reaching high altitudes and when landing, by activating the atmospheric optimizer of the headphone."

The sound quality is frequently described as amazing, impressive, and superior to competitors, with users appreciating the clarity and overall audio experience.

"I have worn them for multiple 16+ hour flights and they make the travel soooo much better."

Many users find the headphones comfortable for long listening sessions, including extended flights and study periods, with only a few mentioning minor issues like ear warmth.

"The battery lasts so long, I’ve had them for over 2 months now, I’ve used them almost daily and I’ve only hd to charge them 3 times for like 1 hour."

The battery life is consistently praised as long-lasting, with users reporting it easily lasts through long flights and multiple days of use.

"I would plan on replacing them with velour style ear cup covers. They are pretty cheap and I would suggest investing in a pair when you buy them rather than being surprised at some point down the road."

While many find the headphones durable and long-lasting, a few comments suggest potential issues with pleather earcups disintegrating over time and some users express a desire for more robust construction.

"The only thing lacking in XM3 was call quality, because the same microphones were being used for ANC as well as call mic, which Sony claims has been fixed in Mark 4 by adding an internal feedback mic."

The microphone quality for calls is frequently cited as a significant drawback, with users reporting that people on the other end often complain about the sound quality.

"Moreover an amazing feature that you probably missed too is that if you cover the right earcup with your palm it will automatically lower the volume and open the mics so if someone comes up to you and ask you something you don’t have to pull them completely out of your head."

Features like Quick Attention Mode and the companion app are highly appreciated, though some users note the lack of multi-device pairing as a downside compared to competitors.