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HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sony WH-1000XM3 wins by 1
Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Sony WH-1000XM3 at 86. That puts Sony WH-1000XM3 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Sundara if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 0).

Comfort

HiFiMan Sundara

Long-session wearability

HiFiMan Sundara leads on comfort (88 vs 85).

Value for money

HiFiMan Sundara

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Sundara more score per dollar ($299 vs $349).

HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs
86 Sony WH-1000XM3

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Sundara
85
anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Sundara versus Sony WH-1000XM3 — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Sundara Sony WH-1000XM3
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2018

HiFiMan Sundara

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sony WH-1000XM3

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: HiFiMan Sundara vs Sony WH-1000XM3

Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +

At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does HiFiMan Sundara or Sony WH-1000XM3 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, HiFiMan Sundara or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, HiFiMan Sundara or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

HiFiMan Sundara — leads on comfort (88 vs 85). Long-session wearability.