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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you want better overall sound quality, choose the Sony WF1000XM3. For calls and meetings, the Sony also has a better microphone. If you're often using them for music in quiet environments, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ can be suitable, but the Sony offers a better experience for TV and video because of their virtual surround capability. The Bang and Olufsen earbuds have a slight edge in gaming experiences due to lower latency. If you exercise often, either model is sweatproof and designed for use during workouts. Both offer active noise cancellation for travel; however, the Bang and Olufsen have a higher portability score due to their more compact earbud carry size. Choose the Sony if you value longer battery life in the earbuds themselves and their case, plus the convenience of wireless charging. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Music
6.8
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Gaming
8.4
5.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.2
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
8.7
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$176
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $176 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to have excellent build quality, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$176 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
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."
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About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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Why trust us
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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