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Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Sony MDR-Z1R

Side-by-side comparison — scores, specs and which one fits your setup.

Sony WH-1000XM3
8.2
/ 10
Over-earHigh end
HIGHER SCORE
Sony MDR-Z1R
8.8
/ 10
Over-earReference

Specs comparison

8.2/10
SCORE
8.8/10
16Ω
IMPEDANCE
64Ω
109dB
SENSITIVITY
100dB
No
NEEDS AMP
No

Analysis

The Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 8.2/10 with 16Ω impedance and 109dB sensitivity. At 16Ω, it drives well from most phones without an external amp.

The Sony MDR-Z1R scores 8.8/10 with 64Ω impedance and 100dB sensitivity. At 64Ω, it can be driven directly without extra hardware.

Based on our scoring, the Sony MDR-Z1R scores higher overall. However, the right choice depends on your full audio chain — use our analyzer to see which fits your actual setup.

Own one of these headphones?

A high headphone score doesn't mean your audio sounds great. Your DAC, amp or source might be the real bottleneck.

Analyze my setup →Sony WH-1000XM3 details →Sony MDR-Z1R details →

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