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Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Product A: Sony

WH-1000XM3

72 of 161 known
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Compare the Sony WH-1000XM5 with

Product B: Sony

WH-1000XM5

88 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-1000XM5

Compare the Sony WH-1000XM3 with

53 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 23 different values
  • 30 known for one only
  • 37 the same
  • 62 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Quick chargeA: 5hB: 3hWH-1000XM3 is 2 h higher.
  2. Driver sizeA: 40mmB: 30mmWH-1000XM3 is 10 mm higher.

Weight

0 to 400 g

Headset weight
A255g
B250g

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony WH-1000XM3
BSony WH-1000XM5

General

5 of 8 differ
Series
1000X2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sony Japan lists it in the 1000X headphone range as WH-1000XM3.
1000X4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Explore the 1000X series and maker launch release.
Model numbers
WH-1000XM32Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Page title and product name WH-1000XM3. Colors are sold as (B) and (S) variants of the same model.
YY29541Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide cover explicitly identifies the regulatory model.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
30 August 20185Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Article dated 30 August 2018: Amazon starts sales that day.
12 May 20225Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2022-05-12-Sony-Electronics-Unveils-New-Immersive-Listening-Experience-with-Newest-Industry-leading-1-Noise-Canceling-WH-1000XM5-HeadphonesRead 5 October 2026Dated manufacturer announcement. Its May 20 pre-sale wording is not used as first retail proof.
Status
Discontinued2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The page marks the product as production ended (Japanese: 生産完了) and says Sony Store sales have ended.
Not available
Predecessor
Not available
Sony WH-1000XM415Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.16Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.
Successor
Sony WH-1000XM48Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
Sony WH-1000XM617Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi calls the WH-1000XM5 the previous flagship before the WH-1000XM6.
Launch price (US)
$349.994Press articletechradar.com/news/sonys-wh-1000xm3-turns-your-crowded-commute-into-a-silent-retreatRead 11 October 2026Will be available starting in September for $349.99.
$399.995Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2022-05-12-Sony-Electronics-Unveils-New-Immersive-Listening-Experience-with-Newest-Industry-leading-1-Noise-Canceling-WH-1000XM5-HeadphonesRead 5 October 2026Pricing and availability: US MSRP 399.99.
Launch price (EU)
€3796Press articleclubic.com/salon-informatique-tic/ifa/actualite-845173-sony-casque-phare-wh-1000xm3.htmlRead 11 October 2026Clubic France says the WH-1000XM3 will be on sale in mid-September for 379 euros. The source gives whole euros. Tax treatment is not stated.
Not available
Markets
Not available
Not available
Colours
Black, Platinum Silver2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Colors: (B) Black and (S) Platinum Silver.5Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Black and Silver listings.
Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Smoky Pink8Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sonys-1000x-series-now-available-in-smoky-pinkRead 5 October 2026September 18, 2024 release explicitly distinguishes WH headphones from WF earbuds. WH has Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue and newly available Smoky Pink.
Segment
Music2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sold as wireless noise canceling stereo headset for music listening.
Music4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Maker music-listening headband headphone category.

Design

1 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Over-ear closed headset with ear cups around the ears (location and function of parts).
Over-ear3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. General features: wearing style Over Ear.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic (Japanese: 密閉, ダイナミック).
Closed3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Headphone type Closed, dynamic.
Wearing style
Headband3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headband with sliders to adjust the headband length.
Headband1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, labels headband and left/right units.
Folding
Flat and inward2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying (Japanese: スイーベル＆折りたたみ構造). The help guide says to fold the headset into the carrying case.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Fold the headset and put it in the supplied carrying case.
Flat11Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/quick-you-can-save-over-usd120-on-these-five-star-sony-headphones-in-this-limited-time-dealRead 8 October 2026Exact WH-1000XM5 reviewer describes cups folding flat into the carrying case, but not folding into a ball. Flat cup rotation only. This does not transfer the inward hinges of XM4 or XM6.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Noiseless design explicitly names seamless swivel.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

5 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic.
Dynamic3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Headphone type Closed, dynamic.
Driver size
40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Driver unit: 40 mm dome type with a CCAW voice coil.
30mm3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Driver unit 30 mm.
Drivers per side
Not available
Not available
Diaphragm material
Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Specially designed 40 mm HD driver unit with an aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm.
Not available
Magnet
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Magnet: neodymium (Japanese: ネオジウム).
Neodymium3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Magnet Neodymium.
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Playback frequency band 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (JEITA).
Min4 HzMax40 kHz2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: 4 Hz to 40 kHz JEITA, cable connection with power on. Passive acoustic range is not separately proved.
Wireless audio transmission band
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Transmission band (A2DP): 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz sampling, 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz sampling and 990 kbps. The wide value is stored.
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: A2DP transmission range at LDAC 96 kHz and 990 kbps. 44.1 kHz transmission is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This is not acoustic driver response.
Impedance (passive when specified)
16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 202647 ohm with wired connection, power on, at 1 kHz. 16 ohm with wired connection, power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
16Ω2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: cable connection with headset off, 16 ohms at 1 kHz. Powered impedance is 48 ohms.
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026104.5 dB/mW wired with power on and 101 dB/mW wired with power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
100dB2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: headset off, 100 dB/mW. Powered sensitivity is 102 dB/mW.
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maker states the level per mW.
Per 1 mW2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143 explicitly publishes dB/mW.
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Yes7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026App section explicitly says custom EQ saves directly to headset. Bluetooth active connection, not claimed for passive cable.
Custom EQ bands
Not available
513Reviewandroidcentral.com/accessories/audio/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm5-reviewRead 8 October 2026Exact WH-1000XM5 review audio/app section explicitly describes a five-band custom equalizer. No preset count is inferred because named factory tunes are not individually enumerated.14Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/articles/00286844Read 8 October 2026Readable current maker general EQ guide names five frequency controls plus a separate Clear Bass control, and warns menus vary by model. Exact WH-1000XM5 five-band scope is established by the independent own-model Android Central review. Generic preset list is not transferred.
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Surround (VPT)3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026App sound effect mode: Surround (VPT).
360 Reality Audio2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 107: app-supported 360 Reality Audio ear analysis and playback on supported services. Not a bundled paid licence.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Yes7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026App section: spatial audio head tracking after software update, Android 13 or later. Not original launch firmware.

Noise cancelling

3 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Noise canceling function with NC/AMBIENT button, NC Optimizer and Ambient Sound Mode.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced noise cancelling section.
ANC type
Hybrid3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Parts list names a microphone (external) and a microphone (internal) for the noise canceling function. Both outside and inside microphones are used, so ANC is stored as hybrid.
Hybrid4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Manual pages 11-12 identify both internal and external ANC microphones.
ANC microphones
Not available
84Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Multi Noise Sensor technology: four per cup, eight controlled ANC microphones total.
Adaptive ANC
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control detects behavior and place and uses AI to switch to the best mode automatically. The NC Optimizer also tunes cancellation to the wearer.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control in the app switches modes automatically by behavior recognition. NC Optimizer optimizes the noise canceling to suit the wearer.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Auto NC Optimizer adapts cancellation to fit and environment.
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Ambient Sound Mode and Quick Attention Mode.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat and NC/AMB ambient playback sections.
Adjustable transparency
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Ambient sound control lets you adjust how much noise canceling and ambient sound is applied.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app adjusts the noise canceling function and Ambient Sound Mode (ambient sound control).
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Manual page 107 explicitly supports adjusting Ambient Sound Mode.
Conversation detection
Not available
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat: starts ambient mode and pauses music when the wearer speaks.
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: physical wind noise reduction structure around voice microphones.

Measured

5 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
Bass and treble are emphasized relative to the source target. The midrange from 300 Hz to 1050 Hz is lower.7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Objective measurement section uses B&K 5128 artificial head and source target. No numerical bass/treble error is inferred from the plot.
Bass amount
Not available
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Speech samples reject background noise in office, street and wind conditions.7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Automated recorded-speech samples in ideal, office, street and wind conditions. No numeric SNR inferred.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
ASony WH-1000XM3
Not available
BSony WH-1000XM5
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes31.88
BluetoothNo53.1
Source7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Standard continuous playback test: ANC on 31 h 53 min, off 53 h 6 min. Bluetooth codec, firmware and unit colour unspecified. Current method peaks music at 75 dB SPL, linked /how-we-test/. Unknown lighting omitted. Different volume/settings explain why off runtime exceeds maker AAC 40 h. No numerical result transferred to other Sony models.
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
53.1h
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
254g(9 oz)7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Weighed by HeadphoneCheck: 254 g without cable and 269 g with cable. The without-cable value is stored because the maker weight excludes the cord.
Not available

Microphone

5 of 16 differ
Microphone
Built-in3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Built-in microphones in the left and right units for calls (hands-free). No boom microphone.
Built-in1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, identifies integrated voice/call microphone.
Microphone element
MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Microphone type: MEMS
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Directivity: omnidirectional
Omnidirectional2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 88 and 91 call chapters explicitly state omnidirectional microphones.
Voice microphones
Not available
44Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: four beamforming microphones for voice, distinct from eight ANC mics.
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Effective frequency band 50 Hz - 8,000 Hz
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
AI4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: AI-trained speech noise reduction algorithm.
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 89 and 92: wearer voice heard via headset microphones during a call.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

5 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Bluetooth, Analog3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth pairing chapters and the headphone cable connection to the INPUT jack. The USB Type-C port only charges.
Analog, Bluetooth1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Bluetooth setup chapters for Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. Analog playback added separately only where the guide proves it.2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 64 and 143-144: headphone cable and Bluetooth audio. No USB audio.
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Input plug: gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
3.5 mm TRS3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. Passive stereo TRS cable, not TRRS microphone cable.
Cable connector on headset
3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord type: single-sided, detachable. The headset has a stereo mini input jack.
3.5 mm2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 64 headphone cable input jack and connection diagram. Standard stereo mini plug is confirmed by maker specifications.
Longest included cable
1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord length approx. 1.2 m, OFC wire, gold-plated stereo mini plug (headphone cable).3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headphone cable approx. 1.2 m (47 1/4 in.).
1.2m2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 package list: approximately 1.2 m headphone cable and 0.2 m USB cable.
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port is used to connect the headset to a computer or USB AC adapter for charging.
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, USB Type-C charging port.
Audio over USB-C cable
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide describes the USB Type-C port only for charging. No USB audio path is described.
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: music playback and Bluetooth operations cannot be performed while connected to USB power. The USB port is for charging.
Passive wired listening
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026You can listen to music even if the headset is turned off. The noise canceling function cannot be used then.
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 64 explicitly allows music when the headset is off. Built-in mic is unavailable through the supplied cable, which uses the phone mic.
Wireless receiver
None3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth headset. No dongle in the package contents.
Not available
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maximum communication range: line of sight about 10 m.
10m1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate 10 m line-of-sight. Obstacles and host conditions affect range.
Bluetooth
4.21Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.2, Power Class 2.
5.21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter, communication system: Bluetooth 5.2.
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset supports 5 codecs for A2DP music playback: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC.
SBC, AAC, LDAC1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter: exact supported A2DP codecs, not Bluetooth version capabilities.
LE Audio
Not available
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Lists multipoint and multipairing.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connection chapter: two Bluetooth devices at the same time. It cannot be used while Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is set on the NC/AMBIENT button.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter. Streams switch, rather than mix.
Multipoint devices
23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connects two Bluetooth devices to the headset.
21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter, two Bluetooth source devices.
Paired devices remembered
83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices.
81Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Android pairing, page 29: up to eight paired devices. The oldest registration is replaced when another is paired.
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Fast Pair and Swift Pair dedicated sections.
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

1 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide has pairing chapters for Android smartphones, iPhone, Windows computers and Mac computers.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Individual Bluetooth setup chapters explicitly name Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. No console path inferred.
Connection per platform
ASony WH-1000XM3
Not available
BSony WH-1000XM5
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
AndroidBluetoothYes
iOSBluetoothYes
WindowsBluetoothYes
macOSBluetoothYes
Source10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact YY2954 guide. Android and iPhone pairing/call chapters and printed pages 38, 42, 45 and 95 computer calling. Windows/Mac voice requires HFP/HSP and compatible application input/output selection, not the A2DP music endpoint. No analog voice or console support inferred.
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
No10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Charging chapter printed page 19 directs battery replacement to the nearest Sony dealer. It is not a battery exchanged during normal operation.
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony WH-1000XM3
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesaptX, aptX HD, LDAC24
BluetoothNoaptX, aptX HD, LDAC30
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC38
BluetoothYesSBC28
BluetoothNoSBC36
AnalogYesNot available36
AnalogNoNot available44
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Available operating time, music playback over Bluetooth. aptX, aptX HD and LDAC: 24 hours with noise canceling, 30 hours with both off. AAC with DSEE HX off: 30 and 38 hours. SBC with DSEE HX off: 28 and 36 hours. DSEE HX auto lowers the AAC and SBC values. Ambient Sound Mode rows are not stored. Headphone cable connected with power on: 36 hours with noise canceling, 44 hours with both off.
BSony WH-1000XM5
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes30
BluetoothNo40
AnalogYes28
AnalogNo38
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20 table visually checked. Bluetooth rows are AAC music playback, ANC on 30 h and ANC/ambient off 40 h. LDAC 26/36 h and SBC 28/38 h are omitted because the table cannot distinguish codecs. Analog powered playback is ANC on 28 h and ANC/ambient off 38 h. Page 21 notes EQ, DSEE Extreme and other features shorten runtime.
Battery life (claimed, max)
44h
40h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
36h
30h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
44h
40h
Charging port
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging method: USB charging.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port with the supplied USB Type-C cable.
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: supplied USB-A to USB-C cable.
Full charge time
180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging time approx. 3 hours for a full charge with a 1.5 A AC adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Charging is completed in about 3 hours for an empty battery.
210min1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: approximate time explicitly defined as empty battery to full capacity. Hours converted to minutes.
Quick charge time
10min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Music can be played for about 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging with a USB AC adapter that supplies 1.5 A or more.
3min2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20: 3 minutes using USB PD charger with 9 V/2.3 A or more output.
Quick charge playback
5h3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026About 5 hours after 10 minutes with a 1.5 A or higher USB AC adapter.
3h2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20: approximately 3 h from 3 min at 25-35 C using USB PD 9 V/2.3 A or more. Ordinary USB charging gives about 1 h from 3 min.
Use while charging
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026If charging starts while the headset is turned on, the headset turns off. While it is connected to an AC outlet or computer, turning on and music playback cannot be performed.
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: connecting USB power turns the headset off and prevents music playback. Passive cable use is not claimed here.
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

2 of 6 differ
Controls
Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel on the right unit, NC/AMBIENT button and power button.
Buttons, Touch2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 11-12 power and NC/AMB buttons and touch panel.
Volume control
Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel remotely controls playback and volume.
Touch2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 1-2 and control chapter: swipe up/down on touch panel. Active Bluetooth control only.
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The app can change the function of the NC/AMBIENT button.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app changes the function of the NC/AMBIENT button, for example to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Yes10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed page 72: NC/AMB button double/triple presses can be assigned to Quick Access through Sound Connect. Pages 98-102 allow voice-assistant touch-panel assignment. Service, language and region requirements apply.
Wear detection
Not available
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 15-17 and 107: wearing sensor pauses/resumes playback and can power off after removal.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Chapters for using the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and the voice assist function (Siri).
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide pages 97-106: Google Assistant and Alexa use configured headset integration, Google app on Android/Siri on iPhone use held touch sensor, not Hey Siri wake phrase. Assistant/app compatibility depends on region and smartphone. Current Sony Google Assistant support restricts headset integration to Android, not iOS.

Comfort and build

5 of 11 differ
Headband type
Not available
Padded7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Usage section explicitly discusses padding on the headband.
Headband material
Not available
Not available
Frame material
Not available
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
Not available
Ear pad material
Artificial leather over low-rebound urethane foam2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 20263D-stitched ear pads using low-rebound urethane material (Japanese: 低反撥ウレタン素材を採用した立体縫製イヤーパッド).7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Artificial leather padding and an adjustable headband.
Soft fit leather4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026All day comfort section uses maker wording Soft fit leather. Whole frame composition not inferred.
Replaceable ear pads
Not available
Yes9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Exact Sony article 00282460, modified November 21, 2024. Public indexed maker article was read in full. Direct requests were unavailable. Sony recommends authorized service but expressly provides a customer replacement procedure with approved replacement pads and disassembling tool.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Clip9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Six claws hold each pad plate. Install by aligning two pegs and clicking all six claws into the hooks.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Not available
Ear pads9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Only ear pads are covered by this maker-authorized customer procedure. Battery dealer service is not user replacement.

Software

1 of 3 differ
Companion app
Sony | Headphones Connect3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Sony | Headphones Connect app.
Sony | Sound Connect1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App chapter page 107. Headphones Connect was renamed Sound Connect in October 2024, as shown on the current guide landing page or maker product page.
App platforms
Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Android smartphones and the iPhone/iPod touch both support the app.
Android, iOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Installing the app chapter: Google Play and Apple App Store smartphone apps.
User firmware updates
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app can update the headset software.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App capabilities page 107: update headset software.

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
255g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Mass approx. 255 g. The cord is not included.
250g(8.8 oz)1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate published mass. Detachable cable inclusion is not stated in this guide.
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

1 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Enjoy High-Resolution Audio with and without wires section explicitly names both certifications. LDAC conditions apply.
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

3 of 3 differ
In the box
Wireless noise canceling stereo headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case, Plug adapter for in-flight use1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Accessories: USB cable, warranty, carrying case, airplane plug adapter, connection cable, manual.2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Accessories: USB Type-C cable (about 20 cm), headphone cable (about 1.2 m), carrying case, airplane plug adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Checking the package contents: headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, approx. 20 cm), headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m), carrying case, plug adapter for in-flight use.
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9: WH-1000XM5 case bundle only. WH-1000XM5SA carrying-pouch bundle is excluded.
Cables included
ASony WH-1000XM3
TypeLength (m)Count
USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C)0.21
Headphone cable, 3.5 mm gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug1.21
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C cable approx. 20 cm and headphone cable approx. 1.2 m.
BSony WH-1000XM5
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable0.21
Headphone cable1.21
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9: one cable of each named type, approximate maker lengths. Exact XM5 case bundle.
Carrying case
Not available
Hard12Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/sony-xm6-too-pricey-their-five-star-predecessors-are-half-price-right-nowRead 8 October 2026Explicit usual original WH-1000XM5 rigid hard case. The later XM5SA package includes a soft case and is excluded from this reference package. No accessory bought separately is counted.

Warranty

None of 1 known
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.