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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic, while more expensive, offer an excellent sound quality and a wide soundstage perfect for an immersive music experience at home. They are open-back headphones, which means they are not good for noisy environments or recording due to sound leakage. They also have no wireless capabilities and are quite heavy. On the other hand, Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are more versatile with wireless freedom, active noise cancelling for quieter listening experiences, and are much more portable. However, they may not provide the same level of sound detail as the Audeze and have shorter battery life. The Sony is better suited for varied daily use, including travel and exercise, while the Audeze is tailored for high-fidelity listening in quiet settings. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
9.2
7.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
7.3
5.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
8.6
5.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$799
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Sony WF1000XM3
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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