The Best Headphones for Work Just Got Better

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The best headphones for work just got better.

It’s thought that 80% of people boost their productivity by listening to music.

For me, that’s definitely true. Is it for you? Let me know in the comments.

Good news: if you do like listening to music while working, I’ve found the best pair of headphones for the task.

And they’ve just got a whole lot more attractive.

My Sony WH-1000XM3 review: bad timing?

The headphones I’m referring to are the frustratingly-named Sony WH-1000XM3 (come on, Sony – sort out your product naming department!). From here on, I’ll refer to them as the ‘XM3s’.

Last week, I published a long-term video review of these awesome headphones (spoiler: they are awesome).

You can watch it here:

The day before I started editing that video, I discovered that Sony had released the XM4s – an updated version of the product I’d spent a year reviewing.

Ouch. Bad timing, right?

Actually – no; it was brilliant timing, because the launch of the XM4s means you can now grab a tidy bargain if you buy yourself a pair of XM3s. The differences between the two – on first glance – just don’t justify the additional £100/$100 you’ll need to spend don the new version.

A full comparison video of the two is on the way, but in the meantime, let’s look at why the XM3s are so marvellous.

The sound

If you’re a proper audiophile, you’re probably not considering these headphones. But that’s not because they don’t sound great (they really do) – it’s because you’ll more likely be opting for a separates system and pair of £1,000 headphones.

For everyone else (i.e. the vast majority), these Sonys are stellar when it comes to their main job.

The XM3s offer a rich, encompassing, dynamic sound. They go low without being overbearing and have enough of a spatial soundstage and range to help you hear stuff you simply haven’t heard before.

As a pair of headphones, they absolutely smash it, sound-wise. You will not be disappointed.

Battery life

These headphones are rated at 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling on.

I can confirm they deliver on that promise. The times I need to charge the XM3s are few and far between.

Comfort

Over-the-ear headphones are either supremely comfortable or vastly uncomfortable – I’ve never really discovered a middle ground.

The Sonys are among the most comfortable over-the-ear headphones I’ve ever worn. I’ve got away with wearing them for hours on end without earache (a common issue I experience with other models), and they really do ‘vanish’ after a while.

This makes the XM3s perfect for long periods of work where you really need to knuckle down without constantly adjusting your headphones or having to remove them for some respite.

Noise cancelling

I’ve found some noise cancelling headphones to be a little bit overbearing, but the Sonys have really struck the right balance.

The noise cancelling on the XM3s is widely regarded as one of the best available, and I’d be hard pressed not to agree with that.

There’s an ambient mode you can switch on in order to let outside noise filter in slightly, but I never use it. For me, the point of these headphones is to envelope myself in a world in which I can get lost and become more productive than ever. They deliver on this – big time.

The little things

The XM3s do what all great products do: they offer little surprises and touches which makes the ownership experience all the more pleasurable.

Here’s my favourites:

• USB C charging. This is huge. If I need to charge them, I don’t have to worry about taking yet another charger with me, because they can share the same charger as both my laptop and iPad. It’s so convenient.
• The carry case. It’s compact, rugged and has a couple of genuinely useful pockets.
• No Bluetooth issues. Although I rarely switch between devices, the XM3s do so pretty effortlessly on the rare occasions I need to. And they never drop the connection (a common issue I had with Beats Studio).
• The build quality. They’re not the prettiest set of cans in the world, but their design is functional, about as attractive as a pair of headphones can be and, crucially, durable. Mine are scratch free after over a year of heavy use. They don’t feel flimsy, either.

Beyond the sound and noise cancelling, these little touches really do make a huge difference.

What about the bad stuff?

It’s genuinely difficult to find a bad word to say about the XM3s.

Sure, if you’re into headphones which are designed to look better around your neck than on your head, they’re probably not for you. Sony offers two colours (matt black and silver), and… that’s it.

There’s also no auto off, which has caught me out a couple of times. But, then, a quick ten minute charge gives you plenty of playback time, and the convenience of USB C practically negates this issue entirely.

The price may also be a bit off-putting for some, but the time I’ve gained in productivity and the subsequent earnings the headphones have afforded me have completely eclipsed the outlay.

Conclusion

I love the XM3s. They’re without a doubt the best pair of headphones I’ve ever purchased – and I’ve purchased a lot of headphones.

For productivity, they’re an absolute beast, but they’re just as at home for listening adventures when all you want to do is lose yourself in your favourite albums and playlists.

Now, with the XM4s available, the XM3s look like the bargain of 2020.