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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for an immersive music experience at home with a wide soundstage, the HifiMan Arya Stealth headphones would be superior due to their higher overall sound quality and open-back design, which enhances soundstage and imaging. However, they are open-back, lack a built-in microphone, and are not wireless, which limits their functionality for calls, gaming, and portability. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are more versatile for different activities; they offer active noise cancelling, portability, and features optimized for calls and wireless connectivity. The Sony earbuds are more suited for on-the-go, exercise, and air travel due to their portability and noise isolation, plus they have app support with customization options, but they won't match the Arya Stealth in pure sound quality for music listening. 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
10.0
7.5
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
7.1
5.6
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.1
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.4
5.7
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$599
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has a price of $599 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the HifiMan Arya Stealth and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Arya Stealth | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$599 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 10/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 408.2 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Sony WF1000XM3
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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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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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