Sony WF-H800: An affordable follow-up to 2019’s Airpods-killer could be in the works

Sony could be working on an affordable version of the stellar Sony WF-1000XM3, according to a Sony WF-H800 FCC filing.

The filing appeared on Sunday and refers to a new “wireless stereo headset” from Sony. The attached documents include a charge case. This plus the WF labelling indicate the set will be true-wireless.

The only confusion stems from the H branding ahead of the 800. Sony already has a Sony WF-SP700N gym-focused true wireless set on sale to take on the Beats Powerbeats Pro, which are the closest thing Apple has to its own set of exercise headphones.

Related: Best true wireless earbuds 2019

Our guess is that the WF-H800 could be an affordable version of the company’s flagship WF-1000XM3, which remain Trusted Reviews true-wireless earbuds of choice.

This is because the WF-1000XM3 offer a compact, rugged design, stellar sound quality and come with the added benefit of ANC (active noise cancellation). The combined package make them a much more enticing option than the Apple Airpods 2019 which suffer from fit and noise isolation issues.

As we noted in out WF-1000XM3 review:

“The WF-1000XM3 build upon the originals for another example of excellent true wireless in-ears from Sony. The audio quality is superb, the design refined and they boast a number of features, such as noise cancellation, that most true wireless struggle to match.”

Related: Best wireless headphones 2019

The only downside to the WF-1000XM3 is their fairly steep £220 upfront cost. Outside of the Beoplay E8 2.0 you’ll struggle to find a more expensive pair of true wireless earbuds.

A move to create a slightly more affordable £100-£150 set would make sense as a result. If Sony does ANC will likely be the first feature to get the axe, though if it manages to retain the WF-1000XM3’s stellar audio quality and comfy fit, then the WF-H800 would still be an absolute steal.