If you’re looking for a pair of wireless headphones equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), you might be wondering which one to choose, the Sony WH-H900N vs WH-1000XM3. Both of these headphones are made by Sony, one of the leading brands in the audio industry, and offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and features. But they also have some differences that could make one more suitable for your needs and preferences.
This blog post will compare the Sony WH-H900N vs WH-1000XM3 in design, sound, battery life, noise cancellation, and more. We’ll also give you our verdict on the winner and why. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3: What is the difference?
The Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 are wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) that offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and features. However, they also have significant differences that could make one more suitable for your needs and preferences. Here are some of the main differences between them:
Design and comfort
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a sleeker and superior design than the Sony WH-H900N, which has a more colourful and playful look.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 are lighter (255g) than the Sony WH-H900N (290g), which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a detachable cable, while the Sony WH-H900N do not. It means you can use alternative cables with the WH-1000XM3; if the cable is pulled, it will pop out instead of breaking.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a hard case that protects them better than the soft pouch with the Sony WH-H900N.
Sound quality and features
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a more balanced and neutral sound profile than the Sony WH-H900N, which have a more bass-heavy and warm sound. However, both headphones have a companion app that lets you customize their sound.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a better ANC performance than the Sony WH-H900N, which means it can block out more ambient noise, especially in low-frequency ranges like aeroplane engines or bus rumble.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a noise-cancelling microphone, while the Sony WH-H900N do not. The WH-1000XM3 can reduce background noise when you make phone calls or use voice assistants.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 supports aptX and LDAC codecs, while the Sony WH-H900N do not. These codecs allow for higher-quality wireless audio transmission than the standard Bluetooth SBC.
Battery life and charging
- The Sony WH-H900N have a longer battery life (34 hours) than the Sony WH-1000XM3 (30 hours), which means it can last longer on a single charge.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a much faster charging time (3 hours) than the Sony WH-H900N (6 hours), meaning they can be fully charged in half the time.
- The Sony WH-1000XM3 also has a quick charging feature that gives them 5 hours of playback after 10 minutes, while the Sony WH-H900N does not.
Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM3 are better headphones than the Sony WH-H900N overall. They have a more premium design, a more balanced sound, a better ANC performance, a noise-cancelling microphone, aptX and LDAC support, and a faster charging time. They are also more comfortable and come with a hard case. The only advantage that the Sony WH-H900N have over the WH-1000XM3 is its long battery life. However, more than this may be needed to justify their price difference. Therefore, we recommend the Sony WH-1000XM3 as the winner of this comparison.
Design & Build: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
The design and build of headphones are also essential factors to consider when choosing a pair of wireless headphones. Do you want a pair of headphones that look good, feel comfortable, and are durable and suitable? So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare in design and build? Let’s find out.
Materials and weight
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 are both made of hard and lightweight plastics that are sturdy and durable.
- The Sony WH H900N has a soft-touch material over the ear cups, giving them a smooth and sleek look. The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a matte finish over the ear cups, giving them a more premium and elegant look.
- The Sony WH H900N are slightly heavier (290 g) than the Sony WH 1000XM3 (255 g), which makes them less comfortable to wear for long periods.
Colours and style
- The Sony WH H900N has more colour options than the Sony WH 1000XM3. You can choose from black, blue, dark grey, or red colours for the H900N. You can only choose from black or silver colours for the XM3.
- The Sony WH H900N have a more colourful and playful style than the Sony WH 1000XM3. They have an h.ear logo on the headband and a coloured ring around the ear cups that match the colour of the headphones.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a more sleek and minimalist style than the Sony WH H900N. They have a Sony logo on the headband and a subtle XM3 logo on the ear cups that blend in with the colour of the headphones.
Features and accessories
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have features and accessories that make their design and build more convenient and user-friendly.
- They both have a foldable design and swivelling ear cups, making them easy to carry and store. They also have a carrying pouch that protects them from dust and scratches.
- They both have a touch sensor control on the right ear cup that lets you adjust the volume, play/pause, skip tracks, answer/end calls, or activate voice assistants by swiping or tapping.
- A button on the left ear cup lets you switch between ANC modes or turn off ANC completely. You can customize this button using the app to access other functions like Google Assistant or Alexa.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a detachable cable, while the Sony WH H900N do not. It means you can use alternative cables with the XM3; if the cable is pulled, it will pop out instead of breaking.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 also come with an aeroplane adapter that lets you use them with in-flight entertainment systems.
Verdict
The Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 have good designs and superior build quality with different styles and colours. The Sony WH H900N have a more colourful and playful style with more colour options, while the Sony WH 1000XM3 have a more sleek and minimalist style with fewer colour options. The Sony WH 1000XM3 have advantages over the H900N in weight, detachable cable, and an aeroplane adapter.
Comfort & Fit: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
The comfort and fit of headphones are also crucial factors to consider when choosing a pair of wireless headphones. You want headphones that fit well, feel comfortable, and do not cause fatigue or discomfort. So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare in comfort and fit? Let’s find out.
Headband and earcups
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have padded headbands and ear cups covered with soft leatherette material that feels nice on the skin.
- The Sony WH H900N have a slightly thicker headband and ear cups than the Sony WH 1000XM3, which may make them more cushiony and cosy. However, they may also make them more bulky and warm.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a slightly thinner headband and ear cups than the Sony WH H900N, which may make them more sleek and lightweight. However, they may also make them less plushy and snug.
Weight and clamping force
- The Sony WH H900N are slightly heavier (290 g) than the Sony WH 1000XM3 (255 g), which may make them less comfortable to wear for long periods.
- The Sony WH H900N have a slightly higher clamping force (1 lb) than the Sony WH 1000XM3 (0.8 lbs), which may make them more stable and secure on your head. However, they may also make them tighter and pressure your ears.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a slightly lower clamping force (0.8 lbs) than the Sony WH H900N (1 lb), which may make them looser and more comfortable on your head. However, they may also make them more prone to sliding off or moving around on your ears.
Adjustability and flexibility
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have adjustable headbands that fit different head sizes and shapes. They also have swivelling ear cups that can adjust to different ear angles.
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have foldable designs, making them more compact and portable. They also come with a carrying pouch that can protect them from dust and scratches.
Verdict
The Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 have good comfort and fit quality with different pros and cons. The Sony WH H900N have a thicker headband and ear cups, a higher clamping force, and a heavier weight than the Sony WH 1000XM3. It may make them more cushiony, stable, cosy, bulky, warm, tight, and under pressure. The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a thinner headband and ear cups, a lower clamping force, and a lighter weight than the Sony WH H900N. It may make them more sleek, lightweight, loose, comfortable, and less plushy, snug, secure, and stable.
Bluetooth Connection: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
The Bluetooth connection of headphones is another factor to consider when choosing ANC headphones over a pair of wireless headphones. You want headphones that connect easily, reliably, and with high-quality sound to your Bluetooth devices, right? So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare regarding Bluetooth connection? Let’s find out.
Bluetooth version and range
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a slightly newer Bluetooth version than the Sony WH H900N. They have Bluetooth 4.2, while the H900N have Bluetooth 4.1.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 may have a better Bluetooth performance than the Sony WH H900N in terms of stability, latency, and power consumption. However, the difference may be insignificant in most cases.
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have a similar Bluetooth range of about 10 m or 33 ft. It means that they can stay connected to your Bluetooth device within this distance without any dropouts or interruptions.
Codec support and sound quality
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 support wireless audio-transmission codecs. They both support AAC, LDAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs.
- These codecs allow for higher-quality wireless audio transmission than the standard Bluetooth SBC. AAC is compatible with iOS devices, LDAC is compatible with Android devices and offers high-resolution audio of up to 990 kbps, and aptX and aptX HD are consistent with some Android devices and provide CD-like quality to 576 kbps.
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have excellent sound quality with different sound profiles and customization options. The Sony WH H900N have a more bass-heavy and warm sound profile that may suit some genres better than others, while the Sony WH 1000XM3 have a more neutral and balanced sound profile that may fit a broader range of genres. Both headphones have a companion app that lets you adjust their sound with an equalizer and different sound modes.
NFC support and pairing
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 both support NFC (Near Field Communication), making the pairing process easy.
- NFC technology lets you pair your headphones with your NFC-enabled device by simply tapping them together. It saves you time and hassle compared to the traditional Bluetooth pairing method.
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have voice prompts that guide you through the pairing process and inform you of the battery level and connection status. They also have LED indicators that show the headphones’ power and charging status.
Verdict
The Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 have good Bluetooth connection quality with different pros and cons. The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a slightly newer Bluetooth version than the Sony WH H900N, which may give them a slight edge regarding stability, latency, and power consumption. However, the difference may be insignificant in most cases. The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have a similar Bluetooth range, codec support, sound quality, NFC support, and pairing features.
Battery Life: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pair of wireless headphones is the battery life. You want to have juice during your favourite song or podcast. So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare battery life? Let’s find out.
Battery capacity and charging time
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a built-in rechargeable battery with 1040 mAh, while the Sony WH H900N have 800 mAh.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a faster charging time than the Sony WH H900N. They can be fully charged in 3 hours using the supplied USB-C cable, while the Sony WH H900N need 6 hours to charge fully using the supplied micro-USB cable.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 also has a quick charging feature that gives them 5 hours of playback after 10 minutes, while the Sony WH H900N does not.
Battery life and power-saving modes
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 and the Sony WH H900N have similar battery life ratings. They can last up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on and up to 38 hours with Bluetooth only.
- However, some users have reported that the Sony WH H900N have a shorter battery life than advertised, especially when using ANC. They claim they can get around 28 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on and about 34 hours with Bluetooth only.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 and the Sony WH H900N have power-saving modes that can extend their battery life. They both have an auto power-off function that turns off the headphones when not used for a specific time. You can adjust this setting using the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 also have an ambient sound mode that reduces the ANC level and lets you hear your surroundings. This mode can save some battery power by using less processing power for ANC.
Verdict
The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a slight edge over the Sony WH H900N in terms of battery life. They have a larger battery capacity, a faster charging time, and a quick charging feature that makes them more convenient and reliable. They also have an ambient sound mode that can save some battery power. The Sony WH H900N have a battery life rating similar to WH 1000XM3, but they may not last as long as expected when using ANC. They also have a slower charging time and no quick charging feature.
Sound Quality: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
The sound quality of a pair of headphones is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pair of wireless headphones. Do you want to listen to and enjoy music, podcasts, or movies with clear, balanced, and immersive sound? So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare regarding sound quality? Let’s find out.
Sound profile and customization
- The Sony WH H900N have a more bass-heavy and warm sound profile than the Sony WH 1000XM3, which has a more neutral and balanced sound profile.
- The Sony WH H900N may appeal to bass lovers who like a thumpy and punchy sound, while the Sony WH 1000XM3 may appeal more to audiophiles who prefer a more accurate and natural sound.
- However, both headphones have a companion app that lets you customize their sound. You can use the equalizer to adjust the bass, mid, and treble levels or choose from different presets like Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Vocal, Treble Boost, Bass Boost, Speech, or Custom.
- You can also use the app to adjust the soundstage and spatial effects of the headphones. You can choose from modes like Arena, Club, Outdoor Stage, Concert Hall, or Off.
Sound quality and codecs
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 have 40 mm dynamic drivers with titanium-coated and aluminium-coated diaphragms, respectively. These drivers deliver powerful and detailed sound with low distortion.
- The Sony WH H900N and the Sony WH 1000XM3 support wireless audio-transmission codecs. They both support AAC, LDAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs.
- These codecs allow for higher-quality wireless audio transmission than the standard Bluetooth SBC. AAC is compatible with iOS devices, LDAC is compatible with Android devices and offers high-resolution audio of up to 990 kbps, and aptX and aptX HD are compatible with some Android devices and provide CD-like quality to 576 kbps.
Verdict
The Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 has excellent sound quality with different sound profiles and customization options. The Sony WH H900N have a more bass-heavy and warm sound profile that may suit listening to some genres better than others, while the Sony WH 1000XM3 have a more neutral and balanced sound profile that may fit a broader range of genres. Both headphones have a companion app that lets you adjust their sound with an equalizer and different sound modes. Both headphones also support various codecs for wireless audio transmission that offer high-quality sound.
Active Noise Cancellation: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a feature that reduces the ambient noise around you by creating an opposite sound wave that cancels out the unwanted noise. It can help you enjoy your music, podcasts, or movies without being disturbed by external sounds. ANC can also help you relax or sleep better in noisy environments. So, how do the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3 compare regarding ANC? Let’s find out.
ANC performance and modes
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a much better ANC performance than the Sony WH H900N. They can block out more ambient noise, especially in low-frequency ranges like aeroplane engines or bus rumble.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a dedicated noise-cancelling processor called the QN1 that analyzes the sound and adjusts the ANC accordingly. They also have dual microphones on each earcup that capture the noise and feed it to the processor.
- The Sony WH H900N have a less effective ANC performance than the Sony WH 1000XM3. They can only achieve about 9 dB of isolation in the bass range, which is average. They can decently block the sound of speech and mid-range noises up to 11 dB, but they may still let some sounds through.
- The Sony WH H900N do not have a dedicated noise-cancelling processor or dual microphones. They rely on a single microphone on each earcup and a digital signal processor (DSP) to perform ANC.
- Both headphones have different ANC modes that you can choose from using the Sony Headphones Connect app. You can select from Noise Canceling, Ambient Sound, or Off modes.
- The Noise Canceling mode blocks out all the ambient noise as much as possible. The Ambient Sound mode lets you hear some of your surroundings while still reducing some noise. The Off mode turns off the ANC completely and saves battery power.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 also has an Adaptive Sound Control feature that automatically adjusts the ANC mode based on activity and location. For example, it can switch to Ambient Sound mode when walking or talking and Noise Canceling mode when sitting or travelling.
ANC features and controls
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 and the Sony WH H900N have features and controls that make their ANC more convenient and user-friendly.
- They both have a Quick Attention mode that lets you temporarily lower the volume and turn on the Ambient Sound mode by placing your hand over the right earcup. This way, you can hear someone talking to you or an announcement without taking off your headphones.
- They both have a touch sensor control on the right earcup that lets you adjust the volume, play/pause, skip tracks, answer/end calls, or activate voice assistants by swiping or tapping.
- A button on the left earcup lets you switch between ANC modes or turn off ANC completely. You can customize this button using the app to access other functions like Google Assistant or Alexa.
Verdict
The Sony WH 1000XM3 are better headphones than the Sony WH H900N in terms of ANC. They have a more effective and advanced ANC performance that blocks more ambient noise than the H900N. They also have a dedicated noise-cancelling processor, dual microphones, and an Adaptive Sound Control feature, making their ANC more intelligent and adaptive. The Sony WH H900N have a less effective and basic ANC performance that may need more for some noisy environments. They do not have a dedicated noise-cancelling processor, dual microphones, or an Adaptive Sound Control feature.
Recording Quality: Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3
The recording quality of headphones is another factor to consider when choosing a pair of wireless headphones. You want to make clear and crisp phone calls or use voice assistants without background noise or distortion. So, how do two headphones, the Sony WH H900N vs WH 1000XM3, compare regarding recording quality? Let’s find out.
Microphone quality and noise cancellation
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 has better microphone quality and noise cancellation than the Sony WH H900N. They have a noise-cancelling microphone that can reduce background noise when you make phone calls or use voice assistants.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 have three microphones on each earcup that capture your voice and filter out the ambient noise. They also have a dedicated voice pickup unit that enhances your voice clarity.
- The Sony WH H900N does not have a noise-cancelling microphone. They have only one microphone on each earcup that may not be able to isolate your voice from the surrounding noise.
- When you call or use voice assistants, the Sony WH H900N may sound muffled, tinny, or distant. They may also pick up some wind noise or other sounds that interfere with your communication.
Microphone features and controls
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 and the Sony WH H900N have features and controls that make their microphone more convenient and user-friendly.
- They both have a touch sensor control on the right earcup that lets you answer/end calls or activate voice assistants by tapping on it.
- They both have a button on the left earcup that lets you access Google Assistant or Alexa by pressing and holding it. You can customize this button using the app to access functions like ANC or Ambient Sound modes.
- The Sony WH 1000XM3 also have a Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically pauses your music and turns on the Ambient Sound mode when you start talking. This way, you can have a quick conversation without removing your headphones.
Verdict
The Sony WH 1000XM3 are better headphones than the Sony WH H900N in terms of recording quality. They have a better microphone quality and noise cancellation, making your phone calls or voice assistants clearer and crisper. They also have a noise-cancelling microphone, three microphones on each earcup, a dedicated voice pickup unit built-in microphone, and a Speak-to-Chat feature that makes their microphone more intelligent and adaptive. The Sony WH H900N have a worse microphone quality and noise cancellation that may make your phone calls or voice assistants more muffled, tinny, or distant. They do not have a noise-cancelling microphone, only one microphone on each earcup, or a Speak-to-Chat feature.
FAQ
Is the a big difference between Sony WH-1000XM3 vs WH-1000XM4?
The main difference between Sony WH-1000XM3 vs WH-1000XM4 is that the XM4 has a better noise cancellation performance, a newer Bluetooth version, a faster charging time, a longer battery life, a more perfectly balanced sound profile, and some additional features like wearing detection, speak-to-chat, and multipoint pairing.
What is the difference between whxb910n and WH-1000XM3?
The main difference between the whxb910n and WH-1000XM3 is that the XB910N has a more bass-heavy sound profile, a longer battery life, a lower price tag, and a more colourful design than the XM3. However, the XM3 has a better noise cancellation performance, a more neutral sound profile, a faster charging time, and a more premium design than the XB910N.
When was the Sony WH h900n released?
The Sony WH h900n was released in September 2017 as part of the h.ear on 2 series of headphones.
Is Sony WH-1000XM3 the best?
The Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones on the market, but it is not the best. It has been surpassed by its successor, the Sony WH-1000XM4, which offers some improvements and upgrades over the XM3. However, the XM3 is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality sound, comfort, and features at a lower price than the XM4.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-H900N vs Sony WH-1000XM3 are excellent wireless noise-cancelling headphones with great sound quality, comfort, and features. However, their differences may make one more suitable headphone for your needs and preferences.
The Sony WH-H900N have a more colourful and playful style with more colour options, a thicker headband and ear cups, a higher clamping force, more noise, and a heavier weight than the Sony WH-1000XM3. They also have a more bass-heavy and warm sound profile that may suit some genres better. However, they have a less effective and basic ANC performance that may need to be more for some noisy environments. They also have a longer charging time and a shorter battery life than the XM3.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 have a more sleek and minimalist style with fewer colour options, a thinner headband and ear cups, a lower clamping force, and a lighter weight than the Sony WH-H900N. They also have a more neutral and balanced sound profile that may suit a broader range of genres. Moreover, they have a more effective and advanced ANC performance that can block out more ambient noise than the H900N. They also have a shorter charging time and a longer battery life than the H900N.
So, which one should you buy? Well, it depends on what you want in a pair of headphones. If you want a pair of headphones with a more colourful and playful style, a more bass-heavy and warm sound profile, and a lower price tag, you may prefer the Sony WH-H900N. However, if you want a pair of headphones with a more sleek and minimalist style, a more neutral and balanced sound profile, and a better ANC performance, you may prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3.
This blog post has helped you decide which headphones to buy or learn more about. If you want to buy one of these headphones or learn more about them, you can check out their official websites or online stores using one device with these keywords: “Sony WH-H900N vs WH-1000XM3”. You can also read more reviews and comparisons on our blog or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on audio products. Thank you for reading!
Reference
Sony WH-1000XM3. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_WH-1000XM3.
Sony WH-1000XM4. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_WH-1000XM4.
Noise-cancelling headphones. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise-cancelling_headphones.