Sale / Good deal – The Sony WH-1000XM3 “5-star” portable headphones at €199.99

Here is already the third version of Sony’s active noise reduction wireless headphones. Two years after an already excellent original MDR-1000X, and one year after a WH-1000XM2 with very timid evolutions, this new iteration allows itself slightly deeper modifications aimed at eradicating some of the rare weak points of its predecessors. Good news: most of them hit the mark.

No need to revolutionize anything when developing the successor to an already excellent product. On the very solid foundations of the WH-1000XM2, Sony has made some subtle but noticeable improvements in sound and comfort, which make this WH-1000XM3 only a little closer to perfection. All that’s missing is better Bluetooth ergonomics (multipoint connection…) and a slightly less bassy sound reproduction, and we’re there, with the next WH-1000XM4…

Strong points

• Excellent sound definition.
• Very good dynamics.
• Incredibly precise highs, very spacious soundstage.
• Active noise reduction among the very best available.
• Neat design and finishes.
• Extremely comfortable.
• Excellent autonomy, charging via USB-C.
• Full and responsive touch controls.
• Quality hands-free kit.

Weak points

• A few decibels too much in the bass.
• No multipoint connection in Bluetooth.

Alternatively

Thanks to many very well-regarded ergonomic improvements, this new version of the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT is proving to be a real pleasure to use on a daily basis. In the end, it doesn’t lack much to be close to the best nomadic helmets on the market: a slightly more detailed reproduction and, to a lesser extent, a more careful design and a little more insulation would undoubtedly have opened the door to it. gate of the ultimate star. Don’t get me wrong though: this ATH-M50xBT2 is still an excellent choice for anyone who wants to buy portable Bluetooth headphones without active noise reduction.