The Story about NC headsets
I`ve always been a true in-ear audiophile listenener, that was avoiding Over-Ear headphones for their greater weight, their size (transport-wise) and their comfort. I would spend an average of 100€ for In-Ear buds every two years. Until my team-leader at University introduced me to the Sony WH-1000XM3, Sony`s top of the line wireless headphones, that will cost you around 300€.
This article is an in-depth review of the Sony headphones.
Lets talk audio quality.
The most important topic and my only reason for buying over-ear rather than in-ear. My choices were quite slim. Shure In-Ear professional earbuds or the Sony over-ear. Both companys well respected for their audio quality.
Why not buying the Bose or JBL alternatives? After several tests and reviews the Sony WH-1000XM3 distinguished itself with a very powerful, yet precise, bass and very clear high-tones. Whilst JBL offers great bass, they tend to loose quality in greater frequences. Bose is the exact opposite. Sony, especially with the correct audio drivers, offers an astonishing sound-exeperience with great surround-sound and perfect quality.
Noise Cancellation
Most of my readers have probably seen Bose`s commercials for peaceful working thanks to Noise Cancellation – a feature with an increasing importance in offices and well populated areas. Also a feature, that i thought, I`d never need, but would never want to miss after my Sonys.
Noise Cancellation is ruled by two companies right now. Sony and Bose. Both advertise their products to be „the best“ and both companys are rocking it and I can hardly tell who is better. In a quick test over 2 days the Bose QC35 headphones seemed to be better with consistant noises like aircraft engines, trainrides or cars, whilst Sony was better with speaking people and vivid places. Also Sony offers a feature to extract people speaking from the background noises. A VERY cool feature.
Comfort
Big over-ear headphones tend to be bulky and heavy (compared to small in-ear buds). It is a great challenge to build headphones, that stay comfortable for hours of listening. A topic that can only be compared by one himself.
My personal opinion: The only comfortable headphones for several hours to buy are the Bose and Sony headphones, that satisfy through light weight and comfortable ear-pads. In-Ear Buds however still are my favorite in terms of comfort.
Battery Life?
Probably the topic I was most concerned with. When flying from Munich to LosAngeles, or when going to work for a full day, I don`t want to stop listening to recharge. With a battery life of 30h (Sony headphones) and a 5h recharge in 10min the issue becomes irrelevant. I tend to recharge it every 2-5days when taking a morning shower and I have no worries for the rest of the days.
Headsets with more than 20h of battery life do the job. Better than you probably need. And with a USB-C charging cable its more convinient than ever.
Connectivity
Bluetooth headset distinguish themselves from wired headseats through the importance feature of wireless communication on the go. No-shit. I know. BUT wait.
Sony`s headphones have one issue, that is a bit of a pain. They dont save more than one device. Meaning if you want to switch from your Smartphone to your Laptop, you`d have to disable bluetooth on your smartphone, enable it on your laptop and reenable it on your smartphone.
Not a huge deal. But why? Headsets for 50€ can store up to three devices. Bose`s QC35 by the way can store multiple ones.
Cool extra stuff!
Everyone likes cool fancy features. Sony has packed its headphones with several ones. One important one is the pressure adjustment, allowing the headphones to act differently in high altitudes or pressure enviroments, like airplanes or subways. The adjustment certainly helps for long-time listening with high-bass tracks.
Most of todays top-of-the-line headphones are also offering Alexa and / or Google Home as an inbuilt assistant to serve through your phones cellular…
Audio Drivers?
A topic uncommon for casual listeners, yet important to audio-phobiles. Also one of Sony`s biggest issues and positive effects. Sony`s -1000XM3 headphones use the LDAC audio protocol known for its great quality and speed. Please note, that not every device or bluetooth dongle naturally supports it. Whilst my laptops, tablets, smartphones or even my TV don`t seem to care, my desktop`s bluetooth dongle had to be replaced.
Another take is the use of high-quality audio software to enhance your experience. Windows users can use Dolby Access or DTS Unbound Drivers for both 10€ one-time for several devices. Android and IOS users can use Sony`s free App. I personally recommend Dolby Access for Windows Users, as it greatly improves your audio experience.
Summarization
What Hedphone should you get?
Have 300€ to spend? Get the Sonys. Looking for a less bassy and cleaner sound, whilst spending a little less? Get the Bose QC Series
Pros:
- amazing audio quality
- perfect battery life
- good comfort
- great Noise-Cancellation
Cons:
- only one device pairable per session
- non-standard Audio Protocol
- pricey
Links:
Dolby Access for Windows: Link