So 4 tracks, five different genres. Let's go. Watch the Sony H.ear On Sound Test video to see exactly what tracks I used in this review.
Hip Hop - So when it comes to the overall volume. They are very both very close to max volume. The difference I can hear now listening to the H.ear on 3 is there seems to be an emphasis on clarity. In the mids and Hi's. The bass is certainly more powerful on the XM3.
Electronic - Again both amazing clarity. For this type of music, the H.ear on 3 performs well. Deep enough bass but not too much it's overpowering the rest of the music. However, I gotta say I feel the soundstage is significantly wider on the XM3's. The bass is more powerful and maybe a bit too powerful...but of course you can tweak that in the Sony Headphones app.
Rock - This has to be the closest category so far. Again the soundstage goes to the XM3. However, the H.ear on 3 delivers awesome clarity here. This is a well-suited genre for these.
Classical - So this category is all about the clarity of the vocals and soundstage performance of the orchestra. The XM3 wins on a soundstage but the Hear On 3 is impressive here with its fantastic clarity...but overall the XM3 edges out the victory.
Awesome Features
Hear on 3 • awesome colour range & build quality • Above average bass levels despite the smaller drivers. • 10mins 2.5hrs
The next 3 apply to both XM3 & Hear on 3 • crazy amount of customisation via the app • 360 reality audio support • Support Hi-Res Audio & LDAC • DSEE HX Audio Up-scaler • class-leading adaptive ANC
WH1000X-M3 • Adaptive noise canceling (XM3 barometer) • Immense Bass levels & wider soundstage • current price cheaper than the Hear on 3
SUMMARY
So ultimately it comes down to you... do you want a more striking colourful look. Plus 5Hrs more power when using ANC. If so the Sony H.ear on 3 are perfect pairs for you. Or is 30Hrs battery enough for you & you don't care about the new striking colour and patterns on the ear-cups and care more about the overall sound quality... Then you should go for the 1000 XM3.
If you guys liked this review I'd appreciate a thumbs up. And if you're shopping around you might want to take a look at the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 they're a strong competitor to both of these headphones...thumbnails on the screen right now. Go check that out. If you just subscribed, you're now one of the finest subscribers known to man. See ya in the next one...don't be late.