Sony launches WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds with active noise-cancelling

Sony launches WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds with active noise-cancelling
(Image credit: Sony)

Sony hit a home run with its first true wireless headphones, the WF-1000X, and almost two years after they hit the market, the Japanese giant has finally revealed their successor – the WF-1000XM3.

These new wireless earbuds boast a refreshed look, new features and, according to Sony, a raft of improvements.

Key to these improvements is the use of Sony's QN1e HD noise cancelling processor. It’s virtually identical to the chip found in the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones and there's one in each earpiece. Sony claims this chip delivers a 40 per cent increase in noise-cancelling quality compared to WF-1000X.

It uses 24-bit processing and claims to bring greater efficiency to the headphones, thus allowing for better battery life. As is the case with the over-ears, the chip acts as noise-cancelling processor, but it also takes care of DAC duties and acts as an internal analogue amp.

The headphones also use a new Bluetooth chipset and connection technology to increase stability and reduce the potential for lip-sync errors with video - Sony claims these in-ears are on a par with their over-ear siblings.

(Image credit: Sony)

On paper, the WF-1000XM3s offer six hours of battery life with noise-cancelling and Bluetooth turned on, and come with a carry case that charges via USB-C and can deliver an extra three charges, bringing total battery life to 24 hours. Turn off the noise-cancelling and you should get eight hours from a single charge and an extra 24 hours from the case. Sony's even claiming a 10 minute charge is enough for 90 minutes of playtime.

A built-in proximity sensor means if you take one earpiece out your music will pause while touch controls located on the surface alter the noise-cancelling (left earpiece) or control playback (right earpiece).

Mirroring the two finishes available for its WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones, Sony's new new wireless earbuds are available in choices of silver and black.

The WF-1000XM3s are set to go on sale during the first couple of weeks in August for £220/€250/$230. And we already have a Sony WF-1000XM3 review revealing whether they'll be worth your investment or not...

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Sony WH-1000XM3 review

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Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.