Sony WF-1000XM3

Bluetooth

Review date: Nov. 2, 2020

Mozilla says

People voted: Somewhat creepy

Tiny little wireless earbuds that cancel noise, play music, let you make calls, and bug Google Assistant or Alexa with all your questions. Sony's wireless earbuds look cool and comes with a "high-friction rubber surface" that's supposed to keep them snug in your ear, even if that feature sounds kinda funny. Sony, can we please talk for a minute about how you've developed the world's most confusing naming system for your headphone though? Because, really, what is up with that?

What could happen if something goes wrong?

We couldn't find too much that could go wrong with these wireless headphones. We suppose you might go and try to read their privacy policy, get lulled into boredom by the complex, legal language and fall asleep with the volume on your headphones up way too loud, causing hearing loss. Don't listen to your music so loud when reading privacy policies! And Sony, make your privacy information more accessible to consumers. Sony does say it may use or share anonymized personal data for marketing purposes. This is generally OK, although many privacy researchers will point out it is relatively easy to de-anonymize such data.

mobile

Can it snoop on me?

Camera

Device: No

App: Yes

Microphone

Device: Yes

App: No

Tracks location

Device: No

App: Yes

What can be used to sign up?

What data does the company collect?

How does the company use this data?

Aggregated or anonymized data can be used for product development. Aggregated or de-identified data may be shared with third parties to the fullest extent allowed by law. Personal information is not sold by Sony.

How can you control your data?

You can request that data be deleted.

What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?

Average

No known incidents in the last 2 years.

Can this product be used offline?

Yes

User-friendly privacy information?

Links to privacy information

Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?

Yes

Encryption

Yes

Uses encryption for the Bluetooth.

Strong password

Yes

You can use the headphones without having to create a password. The device pairs securely via Bluetooth, which does not require a password. If you choose to use the app, it does require a password if you'd like to use the "Backup and restoration of settings" functionality.

Security updates

Yes

This is optional. Select "Automatic download of software" of ‘Headphones Connect’" app to enable you to automatically keep your software updated.

Manages vulnerabilities

Yes

Sony has a bug bounty program, which means that anyone who finds a security issue and discloses it responsibly may get paid. https://hackerone.com/sony