Sony launches WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling in-ear headphones

Sony has launched the WF-1000XM3 in-ear headphones. Although not the first truly wireless in-ear headphones from Sony, they are the first to build in the noise cancelling technology found in its award-winning and very popular WH-1000XM3 over-headphones. In fact, as with the WH-1000XM3 headphones, respected publication audiophile What Hi-Fi? has already awarded Sony's new in-ear headphones a five-star rating.

Clearly designed to take on Apple's AirPods, the new Sony WF-1000XM3 includes custom Sony chips to deliver not only a more stable Bluetooth connection, but high-quality noise cancellation from the new proprietary QN1e circuitry -- this is a notable drawback of Apple's more open-ear design. Another area that it leapfrogs Apple's AirPods is with support for 24-bit audio signal processing. With Sony's DSEE HX sound enhancement built-in as well, it can upscale AAC to something close lossless quality.

In addition to supporting both Google Assistant and Siri, the WF-1000XM3s also include the handy Quick-Attention Mode from the over-ear headset that allows for listening to ambient audio when needed. The slick looking case offers enough charge for 24-hours total, while each individual charge is good for a very competitive 6-hours on the go. The WF-1000XM3 in-ear headphones are available from next week for US$230 in either black or platinum silver colors.