We've tested over 60 pairs of Sony headphones. Sony is a versatile brand that makes a wide range of headphones at various price points. They're one of the best headphone brands around, and offer many affordable headphones for casual listening and some pricier models that are more feature-packed.
Updates
- 06/11/2024 Sony ULT WEAR Wireless reviewed
- 05/07/2024 Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless updated
- 04/26/2024 Sony WH-CH720N Wireless updated
- 04/12/2024 Sony PULSE Elite Wireless reviewed
- 04/09/2024 Sony WH-CH520 Wireless updated
Best Sony Headphones
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Best Sony Headphones
Neutral Sound7.4Commute/Travel8.1Sports/Fitness7.2Office7.7Wireless Gaming5.8Wired Gaming7.4Phone Calls6.6Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling YesMic YesThe best Sony headphones we've tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These over-ears offer a better value than their successor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless. They feel sturdier and offer a better noise isolation performance, especially for bass-range noise like rumbling engines, making them the best Sony noise cancelling headphones we've tested. Their ANC edges out its competitor, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. They have better, springier padding than the WH-1000XM5 and offer a more comfortable fit for most people, especially if you have a smaller head.
Their slightly bass-heavy sound profile adds extra thump and punch to your mixes, and you can also customize it using the graphic EQ and presets in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. They're sturdy and have a long continuous battery life of about 37 hours. They aren't ideal for phone calls, though, since the integrated microphone has a disappointing recording quality, and your voice may be drowned out by background noise if you're calling from a loud area. On the other hand, the WH-1000XM5's mic has an excellent noise-handling performance and an improved recording quality, making the newer model a better option for calls.
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Best Sony Earbuds
Neutral Sound7.1Commute/Travel8.2Sports/Fitness8.3Office7.5Wireless Gaming5.6Wired Gaming5.5Phone Calls6.6Type In-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless Truly WirelessTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling YesMic YesEarbuds are a great alternative to over-ears if you want something lighter and more portable. The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are the best we've tested from this manufacturer, offering a versatile performance that'll please many different types of listeners. Compared to the original Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, this edition offers a slightly improved design thanks to the inclusion of memory foam ear tips. These tips passively block out a lot more background noise, leading to improved noise isolation performance, and they easily block out all kinds of background noise. The foam tips aren't comfortable for everyone, though, since they may put pressure on your ear canals.
As for their sound, these headphones offer a balanced and neutral sound right out of the box. Voices and lead instruments are clear and accurate in the mix, and the bass has a little extra warmth. The graphic EQ and presets make it easy to switch up their sound to your liking, and you can even use the Find Your Equalizer feature to generate a custom EQ based on your preferences. They last for around 8.75 hours off a single charge without interruption, and you can always use their portable charging case to power up while on the go. If you're seeking earbuds with similar features, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are a mid-tier option. They don't fit as deep in-ear, which some find more comfortable, but they also don't block out as much noise. Still, they share many of the same app features, like EQ, with the WF-1000XM5. They're worth a look if you're willing to accept good but not flagship-good.
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Best Budget Sony Headphones
Neutral Sound7.4Commute/Travel6.3Sports/Fitness7.0Office6.6Wireless Gaming5.7Wired Gaming5.5Phone Calls6.7Type On-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic YesThe Sony WH-CH520 Wireless are the best Sony wireless headphones in the budget range. These fit on-ears, rather than the over-ear fit of the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, and while they lack noise cancelling and aren't as premium-built as their flagship counterparts, they share similar features through the companion app. For example, you can access an equalizer, a sidetone for phone calls, and the brand's virtual surround sound (with compatible streaming services).
Without the EQ, their sound is warm and fairly balanced through the mid-range. If you want more low-end thump and to hear a bit more detail in your favorite singer's voice, you'll probably want to use the EQ to tweak the bass and treble. On the whole, they give you a good starting point to tweak the sound to your tastes. Unlike the more expensive headphones by Sony, these use buttons rather than touch controls, which you can't reassign. They also only support Bluetooth connectivity with no wired option. Their lack of noise isolation means they can't block out the sounds of busy open-concept offices or airplane cabins. On the other hand, their battery life is very impressive at just over 52 hours, and you'll be able to stay fairly aware of your surroundings if you wear them on a walk.
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Best Sony Studio Headphones
Neutral Sound8.1Commute/Travel4.0Sports/Fitness5.5Office4.8Wireless Gaming4.5Wired Gaming6.6Phone Calls1.6Type Over-earEnclosure Open-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic NoThe best headphones from Sony for studio use we've tested are the Sony MDR-MV1. These premium cans differ greatly from the previous picks as their open-back design purposely leaks audio. Escaping sound can interact with your surroundings, creating a more spacious and immersive experience. Their neutral sound is suitable for mixing and mastering audio, ensuring that vocals and instruments sound detailed and present in tracks. While sibilants like cymbals are piercing, this may still be preferable as it can help you pinpoint imperfections in mixes.
They have a comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions, but they don't block out background noise, so they're not an ideal choice if you want to use them for monitoring a live show. That said, the Sony MDR-7506 are a solid alternative if you're looking for audiophile headphones for that purpose. They're closed-back headphones that can block out some mid-range sound, like ambient voices, and they have an affordable price point, which is nice if you want to purchase more than one pair for your studio. However, they don't have a very wide or open soundstage.
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Best Sony Gaming Headphones
Neutral Sound6.4Commute/Travel7.3Sports/Fitness6.6Office7.2Wireless Gaming7.2Wired Gaming5.5Phone Calls7.3Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling YesMic YesIf you're looking for dedicated gaming headphones, try the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless. They're the highest-end entrants in Sony Electronics' INZONE lineup and are designed with the PS5 in mind, although you can also use them on PC. Unfortunately, Xbox users must look elsewhere for compatible wireless gaming headphones. They even have an ANC system, and while it doesn't outperform the best Sony noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, it can still block out noise like ambient chatter and the hum of a standing fan well. With their ANC on and when connected to two devices at a time, they last over 22 hours continuously.
These decently comfortable over-ears have a boomy sound profile when using the dongle. This sound helps emphasize sound effects like footsteps in your gameplay. If you're using a PC, you can access their app's graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound to suit your tastes. If you like gaming with others, their boom mic has a decent recording quality. They also have low latency thanks to their wireless USB dongle. If you're not dead set on over-ear headphones and are looking for something more versatile, it's worth considering the Sony INZONE Buds True Wireless. They have shorter continuous battery life and a narrower-sounding soundstage but compensate with a more balanced default sound profile. However, they only feature Bluetooth LE audio, limiting their compatibility with mobile devices.
Compared To Other Brands
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Variety.
Sony makes everything from open-back earbuds to RF wireless TV headphones at various price points. We've yet to review their entire line-up, but they generally have something for everyone. -
Different sound profile options.
Sony's headphones generally fall into neutral or bass-heavy sound profile options. It helps them cater to a wider range of listeners since some people find a neutral sound too flat or boring, but others find too much bass overwhelming. -
Great mobile app.
Many of their Bluetooth headphones are compatible with the Sony | Headphones Connect app. You get a good graphic EQ with most models, but with more premium models, it provides many virtual soundstage options.
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Inconsistent noise cancelling performance.
Although Sony has a few models that block a phenomenal amount of noise, like the Sony WH-1000XM4, most of their models' noise cancelling is only decent. -
Premium price for good headphones.
The best Sony earphones might be industry leaders, but they'll set you back a pretty penny. Their cheaper options usually have poor build or sound quality, especially compared to models from dedicated budget brands. -
Some features missing.
While Sony has many feature-packed models, even some of their most premium Bluetooth headphones are missing features taken for granted by other brands; these include microphone controls, multi-device pairing, audio while charging, or an auto-off timer.
Sony vs Bose
Sony and Bose are often compared, especially regarding noise cancelling. Although Bose focuses primarily on noise cancelling performance, their products also tend to sound more neutral, which some users may prefer. They also have a small but diverse lineup, including aviation headsets and speaker sunglasses. In comparison, Sony headphones usually offer more robust sound customization features, including 360 Reality Audio, and they tend to have more bass-heavy sound profiles. Their lineup is large, and there's something for everyone at each price point. To see the best options at each price point, see our list of the best Bose headphones.
Sony vs Apple
Sony and Apple are both well-recognized brands with fantastic casual-use wireless products. To get the most out of Apple headphones, you must be an iOS/iPad user, as many features like Spatial Audio are only accessible within their native ecosystem. Their noise cancelling headphones also tend to rival Sony's, though Sony still has the edge. Apple also doesn't offer nearly the same level of product diversity as Sony. Check out our picks for the most worthwhile Apple headphones to see the best of what Apple offers.
Sony vs Sennheiser
Sennheiser specializes in audiophile headphones, so the brand generally caters to people and different needs. However, like Sony, they also make high-end noise cancelling earbuds and over-ears intended for more casual use. They tend to offer fairly neutral sound profiles and sound customization features, but Sony's better ANC headphones offer superior noise cancelling performance. If you might be interested in audiophile headphones or want to see Sennheiser's more casual products, check out our recommendations for the best options.
Sony vs Anker
Like Sony, Anker makes a variety of wireless over-ear headphones and earbuds for casual use. Their best ANC headphones rival Sony's pricier noise cancelling products, and some Anker headphones even support LDAC, Sony's proprietary codec for hi-res audio. Sony makes a wider variety of headphones with different designs, like open-back earbuds and gaming headsets. Sony has more options if you want headphones with premium build quality. Still, try our list of the best Anker headphones, especially if you're on a budget.
Sony is known for its product variety, from the top-of-the-line, casual-use WF-1000X and WH-1000X series to the PlayStation-focused INZONE gaming headsets. However, the best headphones from Sony are often expensive but provide good value for those who want the best. Quality varies across models, and their less pricey options generally have a few extra features. Noise cancelling can especially be a bit hit or miss, but their more premium models get it right.
Lineup
Sony has a few different lineups, but their naming strategy isn't always very clear. Some of their more feature-packed headphones with Bluetooth or active noise cancelling might appear in the same family as their basic wired headphones, which can be confusing. Their most consistent naming conventions are:
- MDR = Audiophile headphones, which include over-ears, in-ears, and earbuds. In the case of in-ears and earbuds, these headphones differ from the IER lineup as they're not professional-grade.
- IER = Reference-quality in-ear monitors.
- INZONE = Wireless gaming headphones and in-ears.
- PULSE = Wireless gaming headphones and in-ears that are marketed under the PlayStation brand.
- WF = Casual use truly wireless headphones.
- WI = Casual use in-ears. This includes neckband headphones.
- WH = Casual use over-ears and on-ears.
In addition to these broad lineups, further sub-categories follow the lineup name. Unfortunately, it's unclear what some names, like CH or ZX, represent, but here are the most common ones:
- 1000 = Top-of-the-line wireless headphones with noise cancelling. This includes the WH-1000XM5 and the WF-1000XM4.
- AS/SP = Sports oriented. AS is normally connected to MDR, while SP is connected to WI.
- XB = Extra Bass, headphones with a more bass-heavy sound profile.
- RF = Stands for radio frequency and are designed for home theatre use.
- LP = Discontinued. Used for wired earbuds (which sit outside the ear canal) and on-ears.
- ULT = Casual use line with emphasis on bass.
Some models like the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless also end in 'N,' which denotes noise cancelling. However, this is only for headphones outside the WH-1000, WF-1000, and LinkBuds lineup.
Finally, there are a couple of exceptions to this lineup system. The Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless (also known as the WF-L900) and the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are among the few current offerings that don't follow this naming scheme. Although they are opposites from one another when it comes to noise isolation, their lineup is designed with ambient sound in mind. There's also the Sony Float Run Wireless, which are open-ear sports earbuds.
They also offer a few dedicated PlayStation headphones. These headphones, which include the PlayStation Platinum Wireless Headset and the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless, are produced directly by PlayStation (owned by Sony) and not Sony Electronics, which manufactures the above products. That means you won't find these headsets on Sony's headphones website.
Recent Updates
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Oct 03, 2024: We edited the text for clarity but didn't change any of our picks.
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Jul 09, 2024: This article has been updated to mention the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless, to add the 'ULT' line to the list, and to make minor text edits for accuracy.
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May 06, 2024: We replaced the discontinued Sony WI-C310 Wireless with the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless as the 'Best Budget' pick and updated the article with minor text edits.
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Mar 08, 2024: We've checked this article for accuracy and to ensure all our picks are still in stock and prices remain consistent. We've also added a mention of the Sony INZONE Buds True Wireless and added the PULSE line to our lineup section.
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Jan 11, 2024: We've verified that the products represent the best recommendations and are in stock.
Conclusion
Sony makes a wide variety of models geared for all kinds of listeners. Most of their models deliver reliable sound quality with either more bass-heavy or neutral-sounding options. Their best-performing headphones come at a premium price, as their cheaper models can be hit or miss. Their higher-end models are among the best headphones we've tested and are easily recommended.