Home Wireless Earbuds Sony Wf 1000Xm3 Vs. Sennheiser Cx 500Bt

A Review By Comparison of the Sony Wf 1000Xm3 Vs. Sennheiser Cx 500Bt

Last updated on Mar 14, 2023   8 minute read
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Sony WF 1000XM3

Sony WF 1000XM3

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Reasons why you might like the Sony WF 1000XM3

Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sennheiser CX 500BT

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Reasons why you might like the Sennheiser CX 500BT

Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Sony WF 1000XM3 Sennheiser CX 500BT
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating ipX4
weight 17g 12g
has no wires or cables
wingtips included
sweat resistance
has an earbud foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 6mm
lowest frequency 20hz 5hz
highest frequency 20,000hz 21,000hz
sound pressure level 94db/mw
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 8hours 8hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 16hours
charge time 3.5hours
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
supports bluetooth pairing using nfc
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only 4only
has a noise-canceling microphone
highest mic frequency 10,000hz
lowest mic frequency 100hz
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 2years 2years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT ipX4

Ingress protection ratings refer to the level of protection offered by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Scoring IPX4, the Sennheiser CX 500BT's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Weight

Sony WF 1000XM3 17g
Sennheiser CX 500BT 12g

Sony WF 1000XM3 have a weight of 17g . We prefer a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT, at 12g are lighter than the Sony WF 1000XM3 by -5g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Sony WF 1000XM3 are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together.

Sennheiser CX 500BT also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires connecting the 2 earbuds together.

Wingtips Included

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 come with wingtips, these are reserved for workout earbuds and are usually an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit.

Sweat Resistance

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sennheiser CX 500BT have sweat resistance

Has An Earbud Foam

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The earbud foam is made to be ultracompact and lightweight, with little interference with earrings, spectacles, hats, or hairstyles. The Sony WF 1000XM3 have an earbud foam for some people it is more comfortable than the in-ear foam.

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sony WF 1000XM3 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT also have stereo speakers

Sony WF 1000XM3
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

ANC makes use of more advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 therefore "diluting" the noise.

Sony WF 1000XM3 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes both earbuds ideal for flights and rush hour travels. The Sony WF 1000XM3 and Sennheiser CX 500BT work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your commute or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that reduces your environment sounds and also prevents the device voice audio from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that they tone down ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony WF 1000XM3 6mm
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have a unit size of 6mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the earbuds, its size corellates with the sound made by the device.

Lowest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM3 20hz
Sennheiser CX 500BT 5hz

Sony WF 1000XM3's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, this means that Sennheiser CX 500BT make sound with a juicier bass than the Sony WF 1000XM3

Highest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM3 20,000hz
Sennheiser CX 500BT 21,000hz

The Sony WF 1000XM3's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest frequency is at 21,000Hz, this means that Sennheiser CX 500BT can produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Sony WF 1000XM3

Sound Pressure Level

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT 94db/mw

SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Sennheiser CX 500BT's measurement is 94dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have neodymium magnets, when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, using high magnetic flux.

Power

Battery Life

Sony WF 1000XM3 8hours
Sennheiser CX 500BT 8hours

The Sony WF 1000XM3's battery life is 8 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's battery life is equal to that of the Sony WF 1000XM3 . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sony WF 1000XM3 24hours
Sennheiser CX 500BT 16hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the Sony WF 1000XM3's case has a charge of 24 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of Sony WF 1000XM3 by 8 hours

Charge Time

Sony WF 1000XM3 3.5hours
Sennheiser CX 500BT

It takes 3.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF 1000XM3's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and charging case.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Sony WF 1000XM3
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Sony WF 1000XM3 v5
Sennheiser CX 500BT v5.2

Sony WF 1000XM3 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sennheiser CX 500BT has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Sony WF 1000XM3 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony WF 1000XM3 10meters
Sennheiser CX 500BT 10meters

Sony WF 1000XM3 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sennheiser CX 500BT have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Sony WF 1000XM3

Has Aac

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sony WF 1000XM3 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF 1000XM3 will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sennheiser CX 500BT support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Supports Bluetooth Pairing Using Nfc

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 support fast Bluetooth pairing using NFC so it can communicate with other devices over Bluetooth. You can fastly pair devices without entering a code by simply holding one device next to the device with which it is to be paired.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Sony WF 1000XM3 4only
Sennheiser CX 500BT 4only

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have 4 microphones.

Sennheiser CX 500BT microphones are 4, equal to that of the Sony WF 1000XM3 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sony WF 1000XM3 use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

Highest Mic Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT 10,000hz

The Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest mic frequency is 10,000Hz, high frequencies are best for recording treble. The highest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its upper limiting frequency.

Lowest Mic Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT 100hz

Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are better for recording bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.

Sony WF 1000XM3
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even while wearing the earbuds

The Sennheiser CX 500BT support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

Sony WF 1000XM3 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .

The Sennheiser CX 500BT support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Sony WF 1000XM3 have a find earbuds feature.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have the find earbuds feature. Use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your earbuds to find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the Sennheiser CX 500BT support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Has A Mute Function

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have this function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

Sony WF 1000XM3 2years
Sennheiser CX 500BT 2years

Sony WF 1000XM3 have a warranty period of 2 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.

If covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement a malfunction occurs. Sennheiser CX 500BT have a warranty period of 2Years, equal to that of the Sony WF 1000XM3 .

Has Voice Prompts

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony WF 1000XM3
Sennheiser CX 500BT

The Sony WF 1000XM3 come with their own special case. Carrying earphones without a case, or placing them in your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.

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