We’ve been saying it for a while now: the finest headphones with noise cancelling in the world are Sony’s WH-1000XM3. We've been saying it for at least two years in fact, as they have now won this award at the T3 Awards 2020 and the same event last year. Real quality doesn't date, even in the world of tech.
As well as winning the T3 Award for Best noise cancelling headphones, Sony also scoops the prize for Best headphones. Which is logical, given that noise cancelling headphones are the current pinnacle of audio technology that doesn't cost thousands.
• In the USA right now they're also on sale at Amazon with a cool, $71 price cut, too.
If you're in the UK or elsewhere, the current best price is in this handy graphical interface box… thing, right below.
Yep, Sony WH-1000XM3 still delivers best-in-class noise cancelling and arguably the best sound quality of any wireless headphones you can buy.
They’re also extremely comfortable even on long flights and the battery life is tremendous. The design is perhaps not that exciting looking, but it looks built to last – and it is, which is why it keeps coming back and winning T3 Awards every year.
This is the third generation of Sony’s noise cancelling tech, and they really nailed it here. It's said that a fourth generation will be with us soon, but much of the chatter around them has focussed on improved smart functionality rather than on noise cancelling – and it's hard to see how they could significantly improve it over this.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
The wonderfully effective noise-quelling means there’s plenty of audio headroom to fully appreciate the detailed and exciting sound the Sonys produce. Even the newer Bose NC700 and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 haven't quite been able to match this old stager when it comes to truly enthralling – and noise-free – listening.
Like we said in our WH-1000XM3 review, 'if premium noise cancelling headphones are the Champion's League of portable audio, these are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City and Juventus rolled into one.'
• T3 Awards 2020 – all the announcements so far.
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
Groundbreaking 165Hz technology brings a refreshing change for artists and animators
XPPen’s Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) series offers a world-first 165Hz drawing display for smoother creative experience
By T3.com Published
-
Apple promises “exciting announcements” next week
The coming week is going to be a big week for Apple
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Insta360 Link 2 review: a dream webcam for power users
A long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
By David Nield Published
-
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 review: a fantastic value speaker for gamers
An audio boost for your gaming – and for your music and movies
By David Nield Published
-
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: all four models compared – should you pre-order today?
How do the 2024 iPhone upgrades compare to what was launched last year's iPhone 15 models?
By David Nield Published
-
BenQ Mobiuz EX270QM review: a strong contender for your next gaming monitor
Refresh rates up to 240Hz and excellent visuals
By David Nield Published
-
BenQ PD3225U review: one of the best 4K picks for creatives
The BenQ PD3225U shines in terms of colour and contrast – but make sure you need it
By David Nield Published
-
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) review: a top class 4K OLED monitor
This stellar display does gaming, streaming, and more
By David Nield Published
-
Apple's iPad is now at a record-low price this Amazon Prime Day
If you've been waiting to pick up an Apple iPad, now might be the time to buy
By David Nield Published
-
LG's massive 65-inch OLED TV is now at its lowest-ever price for Amazon Prime Day
The LG B4 OLED is the latest entry-level OLED from the panel-maker – and now at its lowest price
By David Nield Published