Westone Westone 3 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£330
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Westone Westone 3 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.4

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £330

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Westone 3 is a high-performance, universal-fit in-ear monitor featuring a three-way crossover system and three balanced armature drivers dedicated to low, mid, and high frequencies. Technical specifications include a frequency response of 20 Hz to 18 kHz, an impedance of 30 ohms, and a sensitivity of 107 dB SPL, making it highly efficient and easy to drive with portable devices. Main characteristics include a warm sound signature with a notable mid-bass boost, excellent soundstage, and a durable braided cable design. Its primary pros are its exceptional comfort for long listening sessions, superior passive noise isolation, and a rich accessory bundle with ten different eartip options. However, some users report cons such as a slightly bloated bass that can occasionally bleed into mids, potential sibilance in the upper midrange with certain tips, and earpieces that may feel bulky for those with smaller ears.

Technical Specifications of Westone Westone 3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.4
Westone Westone 3 has a technical score of 4.39 points, which is lower than that of 77.7% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Westone Westone 3 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.7
Westone Westone 3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 89.5% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Westone Westone 3 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

3
Westone Westone 3 uses 3 drivers, more drivers than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Westone Westone 3 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Westone Westone 3 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Westone Westone 3 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

yes
Westone Westone 3 includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Westone Westone 3 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Westone Westone 3 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Westone Westone 3 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Westone
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

15 g
Westone Westone 3 weighs 15 g, lighter than 88.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Westone Westone 3 vs the average headphone

  • 93.1% lower weight
    Westone Westone 3 is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Westone Westone 3 is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Westone Westone 3 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Westone Westone 3 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone Westone 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Westone Westone 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Boom microphone included
    Westone Westone 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
    What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
    When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

    Importance: LOW

    Westone Westone 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 93.1% lower weight
    Westone Westone 3 is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone Westone 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Westone Westone 3 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Boom microphone included
    Westone Westone 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Fixed cable
    Westone Westone 3 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Westone Westone 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Westone Westone 3 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 1.53 dB looser channel balance
    Westone Westone 3 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (2 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
  • 2 fewer drivers
    Westone Westone 3 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone Westone 3 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone Westone 3 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone Westone 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9 years older release date
    Westone Westone 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    December 2008
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone Westone 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Westone Westone 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Westone Westone 3 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Westone Westone 3 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone Westone 3 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Westone Westone 3 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Westone Westone 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Westone Westone 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3.67x more expensive
    Westone Westone 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£330 vs £90).
    Westone Westone 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£330 vs £90).£330 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone Westone 3 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Westone Westone 3 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Westone Westone 3 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Westone Westone 3 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 18% worse value for money
    Westone Westone 3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.71 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Westone Westone 3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.71 vs 6.736).5.71 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Westone Westone 3 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Westone Westone 3?

  • Exceptional sound quality with a rich, full-bodied mix
  • Strong and impactful bass response with powerful low-end
  • Excellent instrument separation and a spacious soundstage for an IEM
  • Durable braided cable design that effectively minimizes microphonic noise
  • Lightweight and ergonomic earpieces designed for long-term comfort
  • Comes with a wide variety of accessories, including many ear tip options

What customers dislike about Westone Westone 3?

  • High price point that may not be accessible for all users
  • Midbass hump or 'bloat' that can occasionally obscure finer musical details
  • Recessed midrange that can make vocals sound distant or less engaging
  • Potential for sibilance in the upper frequencies depending on ear tip choice
  • Earpieces are somewhat large/chunky, which may impact fit for smaller ears
  • May exhibit a background hiss when paired with powerful portable players

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
16/02/2009

The TechPowerUp review hails the Westone 3 as a pioneering three-way crossover in-ear monitor, praising its exceptional, expansive soundstage and articulate, punchy audio performance. Key advantages include high-level comfort during extended use, a durable, tangle-free braided cable, and a comprehensive accessory kit, making them a benchmark in high-end portable audio. Conversely,...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013

about buying these or a newer model, tell me: What audio source or player will you use to drive them?What genres of music do you listen to the most?Do you prefer a flat, neutral sound or a bassy, energetic signature? I can help you find the best matching earphone for your taste. Copy

S
stereophile.com
21/09/2009

The Stereophile review of the $399 Westone 3, a three-way, universal-fit in-ear monitor (IEM), highlights an exceptional, spacious, and pristine soundstage that provides excellent, non-fatiguing, and detailed imaging, along with impressive passive noise isolation. Weighing only 15 grams, the 30-ohm IEMs offer a full-bodied, audiophile-grade, and efficient audio experience designed...Read more

H
head-fi.org
01/12/2008

The Head-Fi thread reviews the Westone 3 as a top-tier, all-rounder universal IEM featuring a full-bodied sound, clear highs, wide soundstage, and comfortable, lightweight build with a durable, low-noise cable. Key advantages include excellent noise isolation and a fun, engaging sound signature. However, the review notes a significant mid-bass hump that can, at times, result in a...Read more

C
cnet.com
03/12/2008

Westone 3 True-Fit Review Summary The Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones ($399) are an ultrahigh-end, portable audio solution designed specifically for audio connoisseurs and audiophiles. Built with an unconventional, ultra-durable braided 50-inch cable and backed by an exceptionally large selection of eartips (including rubber, silicone, foam, and triple-flanged sets), these lightweight...Read more

H
head-fi.org
23/01/2009

In a Head-Fi review comparing the Westone 3 (W3) in-ear monitors to reference studio gear, the reviewer, Lunatique, found the earphones significantly deviate from a neutral, balanced frequency response. The analysis highlights that the W3 features a heavily colored sound signature requiring significant equalization to achieve a more accurate, transparent audio profile....Read more

T
techpowerup.com
16/02/2009

The TechPowerUp review of the Westone 3 earphones highlights their exceptional sound quality, characterized by punchy, articulate, and wide-ranging audio performance. These in-ear monitors offer an ergonomic, comfortable design and feature a high-quality wound cable that effectively minimizes microphonic noise. However, the review notes potential sibilance in the upper midrange with...Read more

E
ethereality.info
24/01/2009

The Ethereality News & Weblog review highlights the Westone 3 noise-canceling in-ear headphones, emphasizing a heavily colored audio profile. A major drawback is that they sound overly warm, featuring a rolled-off treble and hyped-up bass that obscures crucial musical details. This coloring of the sound eliminates the articulate snap of double basses, the sharp sizzle of cymbals,...Read more

I
ilounge.com
15/05/2021

The Westone 3 in-ear earphones ($400 MSRP) feature a unique three-way driver design that dedicates separate drivers to low, midrange, and high frequencies. A major benefit of this setup is its highly generous accessory package, which includes 11 different ear tips (highlighted by excellent Comply foam tips), a cleaning tool, a volume attenuating cable, and various adapters. In terms...Read more

S
soundbsessive.com
12/12/2012

Review Summary The Westone 3 In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) feature a three-driver, three-way crossover system that delivers exceptional clarity, precise instrument placement, and an impressive ability to capture acoustic reverb. Their highly flexible cable eliminates microphonics, making them incredibly convenient for commuting. While the soundstage is not vast compared to open earbuds, it...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
10/04/2009

The Les Numériques review evaluates the Westone 3 as a pair of high-end, universal in-ear monitors (IEMs) that excel in overall structural comfort and sonic spatial accuracy. On the positive side (pros), the review highly praises their outstanding spatial precision and impressive soundstage width, which allow listeners to easily pinpoint individual instruments in an orchestra....Read more

A
auriculares.org
08/02/2016

The Westone W30 is a highly versatile and balanced triple-driver in-ear monitor (IEM) that stands out for its outstanding comfort, lightweight design, and exceptional smartphone compatibility. In terms of performance, its primary strengths include a linear bass response that separates sub-bass and mid-bass beautifully without cluttering the midrange, crisp high-frequency energy that...Read more

Video reviews

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