Sony WH1000XM3 vs Sennheiser PXC 550

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When there is a choice between wired and wireless headphones, most people choose the second option. But what if you are going to buy one of the wireless ones? I have compared Sony WH1000XM3 vs Sennheiser PXC 550. They both can be used with and without an audio cable. These devices are closed back and over-ear.

Features

The thing that makes them different is impedance. Sony WH1000XM3 has 16 Ohm which is much less than PXC 550 has — 490 Ohm. The sensitivity is similar, the first appliance has 104 dB and the second one — 110 dB. Both devices support aptX, however, aptX HD is available only for Sennheiser PXC 550.

Now, let's find the difference between their frequency response. WH1000XM3 has a frequency range from 4 Hz to 40 kHz, while PXC 550 has 17 Hz - 23 kHz. The battery life of the Sony product is 38 hours which is almost twice longer than 20 hours which Sennheiser PXC 550 has. Charging time in both cases is 3 hours, no speed charge function is provided. The good news is that these headphones have a battery level indicator.

Sound

Instrument separation of Sony WH1000XM3 is top class, the bass is very strong, the high pitch is quite nice. Generally, the sound is rich and full.

Sennheiser PXC 550 vs Sony WH1000XM3 delivers a strong, distortion-free sense of deep lows. In Club mode, the bass depth gets far more intense.

Comfort and design

Sony WH1000XM3 feels pretty heavy because its weight is 380 g. In contrast, Sennheiser PXC 550 has only 227 g. You can take these headphones with you everywhere as they are foldable. A carry case that comes with them might be useful as well.

Both appliances have a touch control but Sennheiser PXC 550 has built-in buttons, too.

Sony WH1000XM3 pros and cons

Sennheiser PXC 550 pros and cons