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Sony has officially announced the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3, its new WM1 flagship Walkman players, for November 2026 availability. The ZM3 costs $5,899 in the United States and uses a 99.99% (4N) gold-plated oxygen-free-copper chassis; the AM3 costs $2,999.99 and combines aluminum with a copper rear chassis.
What Sony announced
Sony announced the NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900 on October 15, 2026. The two models linked to the earlier leak are the WM1 pair, which Sony says will be available in November 2026.
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The NW-WM1ZM3 is the luxury model. Its main and rear chassis are precision-machined from 99.99% (4N) oxygen-free copper and gold-plated. The NW-WM1AM3 uses an aluminum-alloy main chassis with a gold-plated oxygen-free-copper rear chassis.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Sony says the ZM3’s copper construction and gold-plated screws create a stable ground connection. The company’s stated goals are more powerful bass, a wider soundstage and extended high frequencies. Those are manufacturer claims; launch-day sources do not include independent listening tests or laboratory measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Wi-Fi compatible for direct download and streaming
- Made with a rigid aluminum frame and gold solder inside a precisely engineered chassis
- Up to 36 hours of 44.1KHz FLAC playback
- Supported by Android
- Connect to a PC to access your music collection
Prices, regions and the leak’s earlier estimates
| Model | US MSRP | UK price | European price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW-WM1ZM3 | $5,899 | £4,299 | €4,999 |
| NW-WM1AM3 | $2,999.99 | £2,099 | €2,499 |
Notebookcheck’s pre-announcement report, citing The Walkman Blog, gave yen-derived estimates of roughly $4,120 for the ZM3 and $1,290 for the AM3. Those were leak estimates, not final US prices. Sony’s published US suggested retail prices are therefore the figures to use when judging the cost: the ZM3 is about $2,899 more than the AM3, or nearly twice its price.
How the WM1 models differ
| Feature | NW-WM1ZM3 | NW-WM1AM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Main chassis | Gold-plated 99.99% (4N) oxygen-free copper | Aluminum alloy |
| Rear chassis | Gold-plated oxygen-free copper | Gold-plated oxygen-free copper |
| Reported weight | 670g (leak reporting; Sony confirmation not yet published) | 425g (leak reporting; Sony confirmation not yet published) |
| Display | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Amplifier and outputs | S-Master HX, Native DSD, balanced/high-power output | S-Master HX, Native DSD, balanced/high-power output |
| Battery claims | Up to 35 hours at 128kbps MP3; up to 31 hours streaming | Up to 35 hours at 128kbps MP3; up to 31 hours streaming |
| Storage and expansion | 128GB/256GB options and microSD were reported in leaks; official regional specifications not yet complete | 128GB/256GB options and microSD were reported in leaks; official regional specifications not yet complete |
The reported weights, Bluetooth codec support and storage configurations remain leak-only details. Notebookcheck reported 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone jacks, Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive and LC3, expected 128GB/256GB storage options, and probable microSD expansion. Sony has not yet published a complete regional specification sheet confirming those items.
Rank #2
- Item Package Dimension: 8.18L x 6.84W x 4.99H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.57 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - MP3 PLAYER
Shared audio technology
Both players use Sony’s S-Master HX digital amplifier and support Native DSD playback, balanced output and high-power output. Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine converts PCM audio to an 11.2MHz DSD stream. The two models also share a 5.5-inch screen.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSony rates both for up to 35 hours of 128kbps MP3 playback and up to 31 hours of streaming playback under its stated conditions. These are company figures, not independent battery tests, and actual endurance will vary with volume, file format, wireless use and screen activity.
Rank #3
- Large Capacity: This mp3 player is designed specifically for music enthusiasts. It has 64GB storage space, which can easily hold thousands of songs, and supports TF card expansion up to 128GB, so you don't need to change songs frequently or worry about insufficient storage space. (TF card is sold separately)
- The latest version of bluetooth : mp3 player Equipped with the latest version of Bluetooth 5.3 MP3 player, which has better compatibility, signal stability, lower power consumption, longer connection distance, and stronger anti-interference ability. (Note: Bluetooth function only supports Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth speaker connection)
- Easy to operate buttons: This reproductor mp3 has several intuitive buttons. Short press “One-Key Sound” can open the music mode, support breakpoint replay function, continue to play from the last exit position; independent volume key can be up and down toggle the precise adjustment of the volume; Short press “Lock Key” can lock the screen, simple and convenient.
- High quality speakers:MP3 player Equipped with high-quality speakers that deliver clear, undistorted sound. No need to wear headphones, you can enjoy music, listen to books or play recording files directly through the speakers. Whether you're relaxing at home, traveling outdoors or sharing music with friends, the speakers will meet your listening needs.
- Upgraded design: MP3 player Length 4.25 inches (10.85 cm), width 1.95 inches (4.96 cm), thickness 0.37 inches (0.95 cm), weight 80.7 grams, equipped with a 2.4-inch color screen to enhance the visual experience and ease of operation; metal alloy shell both durability and comfortable feel, fashionable appearance to adapt to the sports, commuting, travel and other scenarios, carry no burden.
Why the ZM3 costs nearly $6,000
The price premium is concentrated in the ZM3’s materials and Sony’s flagship construction strategy rather than a different advertised software platform. The ZM3 replaces the AM3’s aluminum main chassis with a large, precision-machined 4N copper body and applies gold plating to the chassis and screws. Sony positions that metalwork as part of the audio circuit’s grounding design as well as a luxury finish.
Both models receive the same headline amplifier architecture, DSD processing, display size and battery claims. On the information available at launch, the ZM3’s justification is therefore its copper construction, grounding approach and premium physical execution. Whether those changes produce an audible improvement over the AM3 cannot be established until independent measurements and reviews are available.
Rank #4
- Digital music & photo player with FM radio, Drag & drop from iTunes (PC) or Windows Media Player, Rechargeable 50 hours of battery life
- Alarm and timer function, Playlists compatible, Earbud style Headphones and USB cable included
Pre-orders and availability
Sony says the WM1 players arrive in November 2026. In the United States, Sony’s release names Sony, B&H and Crutchfield as ZM3 pre-order outlets. AM3 pre-orders are listed through Sony, B&H, Crutchfield and Amazon. Regional launch timing, stock and final specifications may differ, so buyers outside the US should check their country’s Sony listing.
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What remains unknown
- No independent frequency-response, distortion, output-power or grounding measurements were available with the announcement.
- Long-term battery performance has not been independently verified.
- Sony has not yet confirmed the leak-reported weights, Bluetooth codecs, storage capacities or microSD support in a complete regional specification sheet.
- The announced prices do not establish how taxes, exchange rates or retailer discounts will affect the final amount in every market.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
