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Philips Fidelio X3 vs Wavefun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Wavefun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Wavefun Wave Pro X - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Philips Fidelio X3
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
76
89
Sound
8.1
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.5
Value
8.0
9.0
Price (USD)
$140
$130

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?

Same generation

The Wavefun Wave Pro X is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Wavefun Wave Pro X adds Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Fidelio X32019
  • Wave Pro X20267 yr newer
What differsFidelio X3Wave Pro X

Everyday features

Wireless charging
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes

Specifications

Fidelio X3Wave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$140
$130
HearWiki score
76
89
Released
2019
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
5 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
30 Ω
-
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
100 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Wireless charging
No
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
340 g
-
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
No
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
foam
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Model code
X3/00
-

What reviewers said

Philips Fidelio X3

The Philips Fidelio X3 are open-back wired headphones that deliver a neutral, well-balanced sound with standout midrange clarity and an expansive soundstage, making them ideal for critical home listening. Their sturdy, comfortable build and 50mm dynamic drivers support detailed audio across a wide frequency range, though they are best suited for quiet environments due to significant sound leakage and minimal passive isolation. With a 30-ohm impedance and 98 dB sensitivity, they pair easily with most amplifiers, while the lack of wireless features and onboard controls keeps the focus purely on wired performance.

  • Pro:Accurate and natural midrange for vocals and instruments
  • Pro:Spacious, open soundstage enhances immersion
  • Pro:Solid, comfortable build for long sessions
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers poor isolation
  • Con:Treble can be uneven, with occasional sibilance
  • Con:Bass lacks deep sub-bass impact

Wavefun Wave Pro X

The Wavefun Wave Pro X is a versatile over-ear wireless headphone with a claimed 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC on), Bluetooth 6.0, and a foldable design for portability. It features active noise cancellation, transparency mode, wear detection, and a detachable cable for wired use, making it a strong budget-friendly option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC)
  • Pro:Includes ANC, transparency mode, and wear detection
  • Pro:Foldable design with USB-C and wireless charging
  • Con:No mention of high-resolution codec support in specs
  • Con:Frequency response range is standard, not extended
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium at this price

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

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