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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between the HifiMan Edition XS and the Sony WF1000XM3, consider that the HifiMan generally offers exceptional sound quality and a wide soundstage, which is great for an immersive audio experience at home. On the other hand, the WF1000XM3 are compact, wireless in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, making them a versatile choice for on-the-go listening and commuting. The HifiMan headphones may not be as portable, and while they offer superior audio fidelity, the price is significantly higher. If budget is a concern and you value convenience and noise cancellation, the Sony WF1000XM3 might be a better fit. However, for a premium listening experience primarily in a stationary setup, the HifiMan Edition XS would be more suitable. 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 Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class 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
8.8
7.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
7.4
5.6
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
TV and Video
9.5
5.7
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class 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 Edition XS is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 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 | No | 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 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
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."
Get a great deal on the HifiMan Edition XS or the Sony WF1000XM3
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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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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