sony wh xb900n vs sony wh 1000xm3
When it comes to noise-canceling wireless headphones, Sony has established its brand name as one of the best contenders in the market. Among these, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless has consistently topped the charts as the best noise-canceling headphones. In this article, we will compare the WH-1000XM3 to other Sony models, including the WH-XB900N and WH-H910N, and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7.
Sony WH-XB900N vs Sony WH-1000XM3, which one to choose
Both the WH-XB900N and the WH-1000XM3 are high-quality headphones from Sony that have many similarities. However, there are some significant differences that may make one a better choice than the other.
Battery Life: The WH-XB900N has a longer-lasting battery life than the XM3, but the XM3 has a quick charge feature that allows it to charge faster.
Audio Quality: The XM3 has a more neutral sound profile, whereas the XB900N has a bass-heavy sound signature. However, both headphones provide a consistent and clear audio delivery.
Comfort and Build: The XM3 headphones are more comfortable and better-built than the XB900N headphones, making them perfect for extended use.
Noise Cancelling: The XM3 has a substantially more effective ANC system, providing a better experience during commutes or in loud and noisy environments.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is a better headphone than the WH-XB900N as it offers better sound quality, comfort, and noise-cancellation features.
Brief overview and comparison
When compared with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the Sony WH-1000XM3 still comes out on top with its better noise-cancelling technology and comfort levels.
The Sony WH-H910N, on the other hand, has a more extended battery life compared to the XM3, but it falls short in terms of comfort and noise-cancelling technology.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 shares many similar features with the Sony WH-1000XM3, such as the companion app support and battery life. However, the XM5 has improved noise-cancelling processing and voice detection, which make it more effective for phone calls.
Therefore, the Sony WH-1000XM3 remains the best noise-canceling headphone from Sony, offering better comfort and noise-cancelling features. However, if battery life is a more important feature, the WH-H910N may be a better option.
Design and Build
Sony WH-XB900N design and build quality
The Sony WH-XB900N has an over-ear design with comfortable ear cups that seal well around the ears. The headband is well-padded and can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. The ear cups also swivel, making it easy to pack the headphones in a bag when not in use. The overall build quality of these headphones is good, with a sturdy plastic construction that feels durable.
One notable design element of the WH-XB900N is the inclusion of touch controls on the ear cups. These controls allow users to adjust volume, skip tracks, and access voice assistants without having to fumble with buttons or their phone. The controls are responsive and easy to use, making it a convenient feature.
Sony WH-1000XM3 design and build quality comparison
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a similar over-ear design to the XB900N, with comfortable ear cups and a well-padded headband. However, the build quality of the XM3 is slightly better, with a more premium feel to the materials used. The ear cups also have a soft touch finish that adds to the luxurious feel of the headphones.
Like the XB900N, the WH-1000XM3 also has touch controls on the ear cups. However, the controls on the XM3 are more advanced, with the ability to adjust noise cancellation levels and activate a quick attention mode that allows users to hear their surroundings without taking off the headphones.
In terms of design, both headphones have a sleek and modern look, with a variety of color options available. However, the XM3 has a more premium and refined look to it, while the XB900N has a sportier vibe.
Overall, both headphones have solid build quality and design features that make them comfortable and convenient to use. However, the XM3 does have a slight edge in terms of premium materials and advanced touch controls.
Comfort and fit
Comfort and fit comparison between Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3
When it comes to comfort and fit, both the Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3 are designed to provide a comfortable listening experience for long periods. The ear cups on both headphones are spacious enough to fit most ear sizes, but the difference lies in their padding.
The WH-XB900N has thicker padding on the ear cups, which gives a more snug and comfortable fit. On the other hand, the WH-1000XM3 has a firmer padding that is still comfortable but not as plush as the XB900N.
Both headphones have a well-padded headband that distributes the weight evenly across the top of the head. The headband on the XB900N is slightly wider and more flexible, which adds to its comfort level. However, the headband on the XM3 is more structured and helps to create a better seal around the ears.
In terms of overall fit, both headphones are big head approved and can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. However, the XB900N is slightly more comfortable due to its thicker ear cup padding.
Ear cup and headband materials
In terms of materials used for the ear cups and headband, both headphones have a similar construction. The headband on both headphones is made of stainless steel and can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. However, the XM3 has a more premium feel to it due to its leatherette finish, while the XB900N has a softer textured finish.
The ear cups on both headphones are made of plastic, but the XM3 has a soft touch finish that adds to its premium feel. The XB900N has a textured finish on the ear cups that provides a good grip and a sportier look.
Overall, both headphones have solid build quality and a comfortable fit. However, the XM3 has a more premium feel to its materials that gives it an edge over the XB900N.
Design and Build
Sound quality of Sony WH-XB900N
While the Sony WH-XB900N has a sturdy build and comfortable ear cups, its sound quality is not as impressive when compared to its more premium counterpart, the WH-1000XM3. The XB900N has a bass-heavy sound profile, which may be suitable for listeners who enjoy genres like hip-hop or EDM. However, the bass can sometimes overpower the mids and highs, resulting in a less balanced sound overall.
Sound quality of Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more refined and balanced sound profile compared to the XB900N. The headphones’ noise cancellation technology helps to eliminate external sounds, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. The mids and highs are well-defined, and the bass is prominent but not overwhelming. The overall sound is clear and detailed, making these headphones a fantastic choice for music lovers who want a premium listening experience.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort of Sony WH-XB900N
The XB900N headphones have comfortable ear cups that seal well, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The headband is well-padded, and the headphones are lightweight, which reduces pressure on the head. The touch controls on the ear cups are intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to change tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistants without picking up their phone.
Comfort of Sony WH-1000XM3
The WH-1000XM3 headphones are just as comfortable as the XB900N, with comfortable ear cups and a well-padded headband. The headphones are also lightweight, which makes them suitable for extended listening sessions. The touch controls on the ear cups are advanced and allow users to customize their noise cancellation settings, skip tracks or access voice assistants easily.
Battery Life
Sony WH-XB900N battery life
The Sony WH-XB900N has a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is impressive. However, the battery life can be significantly reduced if the headphones are used heavily for power-consuming activities.
Sony WH-1000XM3 battery life
The WH-1000XM3 has a battery life of up to 30 hours, which is equal to the XB900N’s battery life. However, the battery life can vary depending on the noise cancellation settings and usage of the headphones.
Value for Money
Both the Sony WH-XB900N and the WH-1000XM3 are priced competitively, with the XB900N being the more affordable option. However, the WH-1000XM3 offers more advanced features such as noise cancellation customization and touch controls, making it the better value for money option for those looking for a premium listening experience.
Therefore, while both headphones offer comfortable wear and long battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM3 stands out for its superior sound quality and advanced touch controls. However, the XB900N is still a solid choice for those looking for a more bass-heavy listening experience at a more affordable price point.
Design and Build
When it comes to design and build, the Sony WH-XB900N and WH-1000XM3 are similar in appearance. The XB900N has a rugged, durable build with comfortable ear cups. However, the WH-1000XM3 offers a more premium look and feel with a sleeker design. Both headphones come with a carrying case for protection during travel.
Sound Quality
Sound quality of Sony WH-XB900N
The Sony WH-XB900N has a bass-heavy sound profile that is suitable for listeners who enjoy genres like hip-hop or EDM. However, the bass can sometimes overpower the mids and highs, resulting in a less balanced sound overall.
Sound quality of Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more refined and balanced sound profile compared to the XB900N. The headphones’ noise cancellation technology helps to eliminate external sounds, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. The mids and highs are well-defined, and the bass is prominent but not overwhelming.
Comfort and Convenience
Both headphones have comfortable ear cups and a well-padded headband. The XB900N’s touch controls on the ear cups are intuitive and easy to use, while the WH-1000XM3’s controls are more advanced and customizable. Both headphones are lightweight, reducing pressure on the head during long listening sessions.
Battery Life
The Sony WH-XB900N and WH-1000XM3 both have a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge. However, heavy usage and noise cancellation settings can significantly reduce their battery life.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation features of Sony WH-XB900N
The Sony WH-XB900N has active noise cancellation technology that blocks out external sounds, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. However, it does not offer advanced customization options.
Active noise cancellation features of Sony WH-1000XM3
The WH-1000XM3 has advanced active noise cancellation technology with customizable settings, allowing users to control the amount of external noise they want to block out. This feature puts the XM3 headphones ahead of the XB900N in terms of noise cancellation.
Value for Money
While both headphones are competitively priced, the WH-1000XM3 offers more advanced features, making it the better value for money option for those looking for a premium listening experience. However, the XB900N is a solid choice for those who prefer a more bass-heavy sound profile at a more affordable price point.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers superior sound quality, advanced touch controls, customizable noise cancellation technology, and a more premium design than the XB900N. However, the XB900N is still a solid option for those on a tighter budget or who prefer bass-heavy sound profiles.
Battery Life and charging
Battery life and charging comparison between Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3 are two renowned headphones models that have become popular for their sound quality, noise cancellation, and active features. Both headphones offer an impressive battery life that allows for extended usage time, making them suitable for traveling or work.
Charging time and usage time
The Sony WH-XB900N takes about 2.2 hours to fully charge, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 takes approximately 5.9 hours. The XB900N’s charging time is relatively short compared to the XM3, but they don’t have any power-saving features, which means the battery life can be significantly reduced if used heavily for power-consuming activities. The WH-1000XM3 has a more prolonged charging time, but it has power-saving features that help to conserve battery life. The XM3 has a USB-C type charging port, while the XB900N still uses a micro-USB port.
When it comes to usage time, both headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive. However, the actual battery life can vary depending on the noise cancellation settings and usage of the headphones. The XB900N’s battery life is slightly longer than the XM3, but it doesn’t have power-saving features that help to conserve the battery life. The XM3, on the other hand, has various modes that help to save the battery life, such as the Quick Attention mode that lowers the volume and turns off noise cancellation when someone speaks to you.
Therefore, both the Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3 offer good battery life that allows for extended usage time, making them suitable for travel and work. The XB900N has a shorter charging time, but the XM3 has power-saving features that help to conserve battery life. Both headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, but the actual battery life can vary depending on the noise cancellation settings and usage of the headphones. The XM3 has more advanced features and improved battery-saving modes, making it the better value for money option, while the XB900N is an excellent choice for those on a budget, seeking a more bass-heavy listening experience.
Connectivity
Connectivity features of Sony WH-XB900N
The Sony WH-XB900N features Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, which is relatively old compared to the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity of the Sony WH-1000XM3. However, it still allows for a stable connection between your headphones and device. The XB900N also has NFC, which facilitates pairing with devices that support NFC by holding your device close to the headphones. It can connect to two devices simultaneously, which makes it convenient for users who often switch between devices.
It also supports the Sony Headphones Connect app, which allows for customization of EQ settings, sound settings, and noise cancellation modes. The XB900N also has a voice assistant button that can be set up to activate either Google Assistant or Alexa.
Connectivity features of Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more advanced Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity that allows for a stable and faster connection between your headphones and device. It also has NFC capabilities that facilitate pairing with compatible devices. The XM3 also allows for connection with multiple devices, but this feature is only available through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
The XM3 has more advanced features compared to the XB900N, such as the adaptive sound control feature that detects your current activity and adjusts the noise cancellation and ambient sound levels accordingly. It also has a unique feature called Speak-to-Chat, which turns off the noise cancellation and pauses the audio when you start speaking to someone, then resumes playback when you stop speaking.
The XM3 also supports the Sony Headphones Connect app, which enables customization of EQ settings, setting up DSEE HX, and setting up other sound modes and noise-canceling features. It also comes with Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistant support.
So, connectivity features are critical in determining a user’s experience with wireless headphones, and both the Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3 offer impressive connectivity features that make them suitable for various activities. The XB900N has Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity and NFC, while the XM3 has more advanced Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and NFC. Both headphones offer support for the Sony Headphones Connect app, voice assistants, and the ability to connect to multiple devices. However, the XM3 has more advanced features such as Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat that make it stand out from the XB900N.
Price and Value
Price comparison between Sony WH-XB900N and Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-XB900N is a cheaper version of the Sony WH-1000XM3, which is a premium headphone model that offers excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and active features. The WH-1000XM3 and the Bose QC35 headphones typically cost around $350, while the XB900N is priced at $250. However, the WH-1000XM3 often goes on sale for around $300, making it a much better value for money than the XB900N.
Value for money comparison
In terms of value for money, the WH-1000XM3 offers a range of advanced features and improved battery-saving modes that help to conserve the battery life. Its Quick Attention mode is one such feature that lowers the volume and turns off noise cancellation when someone speaks to you. The XM3 also has a USB-C type charging port, which is more advanced than the XB900N’s micro-USB port.
The XB900N, on the other hand, offers a more bass-heavy listening experience, making it a good choice for those who prefer bass-heavy music genres such as hip-hop and EDM. It also has a shorter charging time of about 2.2 hours, compared to the XM3’s approximately 5.9 hours.
Overall, while the XB900N is a great choice for those on a budget seeking a more bass-heavy listening experience, the WH-1000XM3 offers better value for money due to its more advanced features and improved battery-saving modes.
Conclusion
After a thorough comparison between the Sony WH-XB900N and the Sony WH-1000XM3, it’s clear that these headphones have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. While the XB900N is a budget-friendly option for bass-heavy music genres, the XM3 offers better value for money for those seeking advanced features and improved battery-saving modes.
Final Verdict and recommendation
For audiophiles and frequent commuters who want the best possible listening experience, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the better choice. Its advanced features, noise cancellation, improved battery-saving modes, and premium build quality make it the best value for money headphone from Sony.
However, if you’re on a budget seeking a more bass-heavy listening experience, then the Sony WH-XB900N is a great choice. It offers decent noise cancellation and has a shorter charging time than the XM3.
Pros and Cons of both Sony headphones
Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Pros:
– Improved battery-saving modes
– Noise cancellation is unmatched
– Quick attention mode
– USB-C type charging port
– User-friendly touch controls
Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Cons:
– Expensive compared to the XB900N
– Slightly heavier
Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Pros:
– More budget-friendly option
– Shorter charging time
– Bass-heavy sound profile
Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Cons:
– Limited sound customization
– Not as comfortable as the XM3
– Micro-USB charging port
Overall, both headphones offer great value and would cater to different users based on their budget and listening preferences. Users who value bass-heavy music genres would prefer the XB900N, while users who prioritize noise cancellation and advanced features would go for the XM3.
