A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for exceptional build quality and soundstage, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX may be the better choice, particularly if you value music and TV/video performance. However, if call quality and compatibility with an Android device are priorities, the Sony WF1000XM3 is a more cost-effective option that excels in these areas. The Sonys also have a slight edge in battery life and offer virtual surround sound, which the Beoplay EX does not. For those who prioritize a customizable listening experience through an app, both offer equal capabilities, but if you require wireless charging, only the Beoplay EX supports it. Choose the Beoplay EX for premium features and if your budget allows, or go for the Sonys if you want a solid overall performance at a more affordable price. 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 EX
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
5.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.3
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair.
TV and Video
8.9
5.7
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Cost
$399
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has a price of $399 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
7.9
7.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and Sony WF1000XM3 are both good for music.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 9/10 | 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 | 22 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Leaf and Core
Danielle | January 2023
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Sony WF1000XM3
See more
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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX or the Sony WF1000XM3
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX vs. Bowers and Wilkins PI7
VS
Compare Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX vs. Sony WH-1000XM5
VS
Compare Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX vs. Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM3 vs. Sennheiser 560S
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM3 vs. Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM3 vs. Beats Fit Pro
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,600
Recommendations made
19,290
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
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.
Featured in
