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Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
AKG K712 Pro — Open-back
AKG

AKG K712 Pro

Open-back

86
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and AKG K712 Pro at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

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

Pick AKG K712 Pro if…

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

AKG K712 Pro

Long-session wearability

AKG K712 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 85).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
86 AKG K712 Pro

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
AKG K712 Pro
86
anc 0
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus AKG K712 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 AKG K712 Pro
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
Release year
2018
—

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

AKG K712 Pro

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

FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs AKG K712 Pro

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or AKG K712 Pro? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

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

Is AKG K712 Pro worth the price? +

At $349, AKG K712 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or AKG K712 Pro 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, Sony WH-1000XM3 or AKG K712 Pro? +

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

Which is better for comfort, Sony WH-1000XM3 or AKG K712 Pro? +

AKG K712 Pro — leads on comfort (88 vs 85). Long-session wearability.