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Alienware Pro Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Sony WH-1000XM3
HearWiki score
86
62
Sound
8.7
7.5
Noise cancelling
8.1
7.2
Battery
9.1
7.3
Calls
8.7
5.5
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$120
$110

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Mixed generations

Alienware Pro Wireless (2024) against Sony WH-1000XM3 (2018). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Alienware Pro Wireless brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 4.2, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 answers with Top codec LDAC against SBC.

  • Pro Wireless20246 yr newer
  • WH-1000XM32018
What differsPro WirelessWH-1000XM3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
4.2
Top codec
SBC
LDAC

Level on: USB-C, Transparency mode.

Specifications

Pro WirelessWH-1000XM3
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$110
HearWiki score
86
62
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
50 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
104.5 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
4.2
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
70 h
38 h
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
30 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
10 min → 5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
310 g
255 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Microphones
2
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Sony WH-1000XM3

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a highly capable over-ear headphone with strong active noise cancellation and a comfortable, foldable design. It delivers a balanced audio profile, impressive battery life, and a wide range of codec support, making it a solid choice for travel and daily use, though its build quality feels somewhat dated compared to newer models. Its touch controls and transparency mode add convenience, but the lack of multipoint pairing may be a drawback for some users.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Long battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC)
  • Pro:Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX HD
  • Con:Build quality feels less premium
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
  • Con:No custom EQ settings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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