Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Westone UM3x Rc Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Westone UM3x Rc Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Westone UM3x Rc
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of headphones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.6

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 74%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £310
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Westone UM3x Rc

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.6

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Westone UM3x Rc has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

6.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
balanced armature
Driver size
?
Number of drivers
3
This pair of headphones uses 3 drivers, more drivers than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Westone
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
130 g
This pair of headphones weighs 130 g, lighter than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Westone UM3x Rc vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 22 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (124 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    124 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    3 vs 1
  • 40.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 21 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (124 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    124 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    124 dB vs 110 dB
  • 40.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 g vs 218 g
  • 22 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (124 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    124 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    3 vs 1
  • 21 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (124 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    124 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    124 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Westone UM3x Rc is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 5.87x less popular
    Westone UM3x Rc is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Westone UM3x Rc is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 5.87x less popular
    Westone UM3x Rc is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 11.7% worse value for money
    Westone UM3x Rc has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.51 vs 7.3).
    6.51 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2010
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
Brand video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
hifitest.de
06/11/2018
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Westone UM3x Rc

  • Superb ergonomics and a comfortable, secure over-ear fit that is suitable for sleeping
  • Excellent passive noise isolation, often described as among the best in its class
  • Spectacular instrument separation and precise imaging, making it easy to locate sounds within a stage
  • Non-fatiguing, smooth sound signature with lush, intimate vocals
  • High-strength detachable cable made from durable materials like those used in ballistic body armor
  • Rich, well-controlled bass that is punchy and detailed

What customers don't like about Westone UM3x Rc

  • Small and intimate soundstage that can feel "claustrophobic" or narrow compared to other top-tier IEMs
  • Recessed or rolled-off upper mids and treble, leading to a lack of sparkle or energy for some genres
  • High sensitivity can cause audible hissing when used with full-size amps or mismatched sources
  • Discontinued product status makes them difficult to find and replacement parts harder to source
  • Peculiar sound presentation that may feel "bland" or less realistic for rock and electronica
  • Aesthetic design is considered unappealing by some due to its half-clear, half-black plastic shell

Verdict

The Westone UM3X RC is a high-performance, universal-fit in-ear monitor designed primarily for on-stage professional use, featuring three balanced armature drivers with a passive three-way crossover system. Its technical specifications include a frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz, a high sensitivity of 124 dB SPL/mW, and a nominal impedance of 56 ohms. The 'RC' designation signifies the inclusion of a detachable, field-replaceable EPIC braided cable, enhancing durability and ease of maintenance. Key characteristics include an intimate soundstage with exceptional instrument separation and a sound signature noted for its warm mid-range, controlled bass, and non-fatiguing high frequencies. Main advantages of this model are its superb isolation of up to 25dB, lightweight ergonomic design for long-term comfort, and a smooth, forgiving audio quality suitable for long sessions. However, common criticisms involve its relatively narrow and 'claustrophobic' soundstage, a noticeable roll-off in upper treble sparkle, and its status as a discontinued product which may complicate sourcing replacements.

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