Released in the spring of 2020, the latest addition to Sony’s EXTRA BASS line is the Sony WF-XB700 truly wireless headphones. How will the new WF-XB700 compare to the highly-rated Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless noise-canceling headphones? From aesthetics to price, these two models are vastly different. Our review below gives a rundown of their specs and features to help you decide which Sony headphones better suit your preference and needs.
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Sony WF-XB700 vs WH-1000XM3 Noise-Canceling Headphones Comparison Chart
| Model | Sony | |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Dimensions | 4.9″ x 5.2″ x 3″ | 5.5 ” x 6.6 ” x 3.5 “ |
| Type | In-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Special Feature | Extra Bass | Active Noise Cancellation |
| ANC Levels | N/A | 3 |
| Customizable EQ | No | Yes |
| Runtime | Up to 9 hours Additional 9 hours from the charging case | Up to 30 hours |
| Quick Charging | 10 minutes for up to 1 hour more | 10 minutes for up to 5 hours more |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | No |
| Bluetooth | Version 4.2 | Version 4.2 |
| Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer | No | Yes |
| Atmospheric Pressure Optimization | No | Yes |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Touch Controls | No | Yes |
| Voice Controls | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | N/A | Sony Headphones Connect |
| NFC Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Color Options | Blue, Black | Black, Silver |
Release | April 2020 | October 2019 |
Design and Build
The Sony WF-XB700s don’t have the touch controls that the Sony WH-1000XM3s are equipped with
Right off the bat, you will see the vastly different profiles of the
Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM3s are over-ear wireless noise-canceling headphones. Its earcups are made of plush material that makes them light and comfortable to wear. Slightly bending the 1000XM3s will reveal just how sturdy this pair of headphones is. Whereas the WF-XB700s and their charging case fit easily in most pockets, the WH-1000Xm3s are bulkier. To make them more portable, the earcups of the 1000XM3s can be folded flat and inward and tucked in perfectly in their accompanying slim hard case.
Noise Cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM3s offer superb active noise cancellation
A major difference between the
While the new WF-XB700s are not active noise-canceling headphones, their earbuds allow for a secure fit that can passively block out external noise. In addition, they come with different sizes of ear tips to ensure better fit and seal for passive cancellation. When it comes to voice calls, the WH-1000XM3s outperform the WF-XB700 as they have active noise cancellation. With that said, the XB700s provide decent call quality when used in a quiet environment, just don’t expect the same quality you get from the 1000XM3s.
Audio Quality
The Sony WF-XB700s boast EXTRA BASS, and they deliver, while the WH-1000XM3s have a more neutral sound profile
The main selling point of the WF-XB700, along with the rest of the Sony XB headphones, is the extra bass. Their bass is punchy and prominent, making them one of the best pair of wireless earbuds for those who like EDM, rap, hip-hop, or pop music. It’s impressive how loud the bass can get in these earbuds without distorting the sound. They also deliver clear highs that work well with their deep bottom-ends. The downside to the XB700s is they cannot be connected to the Sony app, thus their EQ settings are not customizable.
If you feel you’ll get listening fatigue from the loud bass, the Sony WH-1000XM3s are the better fit for you. Unlike the Sony WF-XB700s, the WH-1000XM3s can be connected to the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app comes with pre-installed presets, but you can also adjust the EQ settings as you see fit. At default settings, the 1000XM3s deliver excellent sound separation and clarity. The bass is not as heavy as the XB700’s, but adjusting the app can do the trick.
Set up and Controls
Both Sony headphones are a breeze to pair, but the WF-1000XM3s offer more control features
Pairing any iOS or Android device with the
Where the new XB700s are lacking is in the app connectivity. For some reason, these true wireless earbuds cannot be connected to the Sony app, thus all their controls are in the multi-function button on each earbud. As for the WH-1000XM3s, their earcups house a touchpad and physical buttons. While the touch gestures need some getting used to, the touchpad is responsive and works well.
Battery Life and Additional Features
The Sony WF-XB700s can run for up to 18 hours while the WH-1000XM3s offer up to 30 hours of usage; the XB700s are water and splash-resistant.
The Sony WF-XB700s promise a battery life of up to 9 hours on the earbuds and an extra 9 hours through their portable charging case. This is great battery life as far as wireless earbuds go, but not as impressive as the 30 hours of usage that the WH-1000XM3s can deliver on one charge. In addition, charging the
Where the WF-XB700 earbuds beat the WH-1000XM3s is in their IPX4 rating. This means the XB700s can withstand splashes, moisture, and sweat, making these earbuds a solid option for those with an active lifestyle. The WH-1000XM3s do not have an IP certification, thus moisture and sweat may cause damage to these headphones in the long run.
Verdict
The
While the Sony WF-XB700 and the WH-1000XM3 are both high-quality headphones, they are designed with different types of users in mind. Thus, it will all come down to your preferred sound profile and whether you need active noise cancellation. The mid-tier WF-XB700s offer great value for their price. They can easily compete with current best-selling wireless earbuds such as the Bose SoundSport Free or the Jabra Elite Active 75t.
Meanwhile, the Sony
Last update on 2020-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API