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Sony WH-1000XM2 vs Sony WH-1000XM3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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SonyWH-1000XM2SonyWH-1000XM3
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2017September 2018
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Driver size40 mm40 mm
BackClosedClosed
Bluetooth codecsSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDACSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC
Chip–HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
Drivers40 mm dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, CCAW voice coils and neodymium magnets; 4 Hz to 40 kHz wired frequency response40 mm dome drivers with aluminium-coated liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, CCAW voice coils and neodymium magnets; wired frequency response 4 Hz–40 kHz. Impedance is 47 ohms powered on and 16 ohms off; sensitivity 104.5 dB/mW on and 101 dB/mW off.
Noise cancelling detailDual Noise Sensor technology, Personal NC Optimiser and Atmospheric Pressure Optimising; Adaptive Sound Control and adjustable Ambient Sound Mode through the app; Quick Attention passes outside sound through while a hand covers the right earcupQN1 processor and dual noise sensors; Personal NC Optimizer and Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing; Ambient Sound Mode, Quick Attention and Adaptive Sound Control
Audio featuresLDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC over Bluetooth; DSEE HX upscaling, S-Master HX amplification, equaliser and surround modes in Sony Headphones Connect; NFC pairingDSEE HX upscaling; Bluetooth frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling, or 20 Hz–40 kHz with LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps; QN1 includes a DAC and amplifier
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 30 hoursUp to 30 hours
Battery life detailUp to 30 hours with noise cancelling on or 38 hours off; up to 40 hours of standby with noise cancelling on or 200 hours off; full charge in about four hoursMaximum 30 hours with noise cancelling or 38 hours off uses AAC with DSEE HX off. The manual lists 24 hours with noise cancelling for aptX, aptX HD and LDAC; SBC is 28 hours with noise cancelling and DSEE HX off.
Charging case–USB-C charging; about 3 hours for a full charge; USB does not carry audio
Fast chargingTen minutes of charging gives up to 70 minutes of playback10 minutes gives up to 5 hours with a USB adapter rated at least 1.5 A
Design
Weight275 g255 g
Bluetooth4.14.2
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsRight earcup touch panel for playback, calls and volume; separate power and noise cancelling/ambient buttonsRight earcup touch panel for playback, volume and calls; holding a palm over it activates Quick Attention; separate power and NC/AMBIENT buttons
Microphones–Internal and external microphones for noise cancelling; built-in microphones for Bluetooth calls
Fit and ear tipsCircumaural ear cushions; swivelling earcups fold into the supplied carrying caseCircumaural ear cushions; adjustable headband and folding earcups; carrying case supplied
Works withBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; Sony Headphones Connect app for noise cancelling and sound controls; detachable 3.5 mm cable supports listening with the headphones switched off; Micro-USB charges the batteryBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; NFC pairing. Multipoint connects one music source using A2DP and another device for calls using HFP/HSP, without two music sources; unavailable with Google Assistant or Alexa assigned. The supplied cable allows passive listening, but disables Bluetooth and does not carry the headphone microphone.
ColoursBlack, Champagne GoldBlack, Platinum Silver
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, 1.5 m headphone cable, USB cable and in-flight plug adaptorHeadphones, carrying case, 1.2 m headphone cable, approximately 20 cm USB-A to USB-C cable, in-flight plug adapter

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