We've tested over 60 pairs of Sony headphones, from budget on-ears and gaming headsets to flagship noise cancelling over-ears and earbuds. If you're set on Sony, which is reasonable since they're one of the best headphone brands around, the main things to consider are form factor, noise isolation performance, comfort, sound, and price.
Updates
- 07/03/2026Sony INZONE H6 Air reviewed
- 06/23/2026Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION reviewed
- 03/12/2026Sony WF-1000XM6 reviewed
- 02/18/2026Sony WF-C710N reviewed
- 01/08/2026Sony INZONE H9 II reviewed
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Sony Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyTravelOffice WorkSound SignatureWarmPeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryThe best Sony headphones we've tested are the Sony WH-1000XM6. These flagship over-ears come packed with top-of-the-line active noise cancelling (ANC), ensuring the environmental noise around you is effectively filtered out. While each generation of the Sony XM Series Over-Ear Headphones incrementally tweaks the design and performance, this generation's noise cancelling outdoes other major competitors, including the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless. The WH-1000XM6 have a foldable, comfortable design and a warm, bass-forward sound profile to deliver plenty of thump and boom. Their spongy earpads feel soft, but if you wear glasses or have long hair, you'll want to ensure the over-ear seal is consistent for a predictable sound.
The companion app lets you reassign controls and adjust the sound with a graphic EQ and presets. They also support LDAC and LC3, the latter of which improves mic fidelity during phone calls. Their battery life lasts over 31 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. If you have larger ears, they might feel cramped due to the shallower ear cups; if that's the case, consider the premium Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION. However, they retail for quite a bit more than the WH-1000XM6, and don't bring any meaningful performance improvements, despite upgrades to the materials used.
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Best Sony Earbuds
Audio Reproduction AccuracyTravelOffice WorkSound SignatureWarmPeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryIf you want something lighter and more portable than the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Sony WF-1000XM6 are Sony's flagship earbuds. These lightweight buds are the next iteration of the Sony WF-1000XM5, upgrading the noise cancelling and microphone performance. The new ANC system, combined with the passive isolation from their memory foam tips, means these buds have a truly standout noise isolation performance. They can attenuate everything from rumbling plane engines to background chit-chat, letting you dial in your chosen level of ambient awareness. The improved mic renders your voice with plenty of detail and can separate it effectively from all but the noisiest backgrounds.
Their warm tuning features a boosted bass range and balanced mid and treble ranges, resulting in a sound suitable for everything from hip-hop to techno. There's a graphic EQ and presets in the app if you feel like dialing in a different sound. This model features an ergonomic redesign, with a slightly chunkier teardrop-shaped design compared to the last generation. That said, this new shape won't be for everyone: those with smaller ears might find it tough to achieve a solid, stable fit, resulting in the buds popping out and requiring re-adjustment. While their eight hours of battery life doesn't stack up with over-ears like the Sony WH-1000XM6, it's still enough to get you through an average workday without dipping into the two extra charges in the case.
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Best Budget Sony Headphones
Commute/TravelOfficePeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise IsolationRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryIf you're looking for more affordable Sony headphones, check out the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless. These are on-ears rather than over-ears like the Sony WH-1000XM6, meaning their ear cups rest directly on your ears instead of surrounding them. They also lack noise cancelling and don't feel as premium as their flagship counterparts, though 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 slightly warm, but very well-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 Bass-Heavy Sony Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyTravelOffice WorkSound SignatureBoosted BassPeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryLike the idea of the Sony WH-1000XM6's warm sound, but know you'll be hankering after even more bass? The Sony ULT WEAR could be just the ticket. Right out of the box, the ULT WEAR have an extremely rumbly, boomy sound. Fans of hip-hop will find 808s full of thump and punch, while disco basslines in songs like Dua Lipa's Don't Start Now are exciting and immersive. And if you need even more bass, there's a dedicated bass button that gives you instant access to two more levels of bass without having to mess with fiddly equalizers. Of course, all this extra bass does muddy up vocals and mid-range instruments like guitars, but that's to be expected when so much low-end is present.
While not quite as well-built as the more expensive WH-1000XM6, the ULT WEAR are a bit more stable on the head, so they're a better choice for working out if you can't stand earbuds. That said, while the ULT WEAR have excellent ANC, it can't match the premium noise cancelling capability found in their more expensive sibling, so if you're a basshead who simply must block out the rest of the world, you'll probably be better served using the EQ settings on the WH-1000XM6 to suit your taste. For everyone else, the ULT WEAR are a worthy choice, and a strong entry in Sony's lineup.
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Best Sony Studio Headphones
Commute/TravelOfficePeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise IsolationRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryThe best headphones from Sony for studio use we've tested are the Sony MDR-MV1. They have an open-back design, which means their ear cups are vented rather than sealed. This lets sound pass out through the back of the headphones, lending your audio a spacious sound. The downside is it also means they leak a lot of audio and don't block out background noise. As a result, they're best suited to quiet studio work rather than live monitoring. A boost in the treble means cymbals can sound piercing, but you may find that useful while trying to pinpoint imperfections in mixes.
The MDR-MV1 have a very lightweight and comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions. But if you need headphones for live monitoring instead, the Sony MDR-7506 are a solid closed-back alternative. They can block out some mid-range noise, like the sounds of people talking around you, and their affordable price is useful if you need several pairs for a studio. However, they don't have the MDR-MV1's more spacious and open sound.
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Best Sony Gaming Headphones
Commute/TravelOfficePeaks/DipsBuild QualityComfortNoise IsolationRecording QualitySee all our test resultsBatteryIf you're looking for dedicated gaming headphones, try the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless. They're the highest-end model 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-1000XM6, it can still block out noise like ambient chatter and the hum of a standing fan well. With ANC on and two devices connected simultaneously, they last over 22 hours continuously.
These decently comfortable over-ears have a boomy sound profile when using the dongle. But 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 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 Truly 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 test their entire lineup, but it covers a wide range of listening needs.
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Different sound profile options.
Sony's headphones generally fall into well-balanced or bass-heavy sound profile options, which helps them cater to a wide range of listeners.
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Great mobile app.
Many of Sony's Bluetooth headphones work with a companion app that offers a graphic EQ and other sound customization 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.
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Premium price for good headphones.
The best Sony headphones 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.
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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, audio while charging, or an auto-off timer.
Sony vs Bose
Sony and Bose are often compared for noise cancelling. Bose has a smaller headphone lineup and generally offers more balanced sound, while Sony covers more designs and price points and provides more extensive sound customization options in their companion app. To compare Bose's current options, see our list of the best Bose headphones.
Sony vs Apple
Sony and Apple both make wireless headphones for casual use. Apple headphones make the most sense if you use Apple devices, since they're designed to work seamlessly in that ecosystem. Their noise cancelling headphones also tend to rival Sony's. But Apple doesn't offer nearly the same level of product diversity as Sony. Check out our picks for the best 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 with specific 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 balanced 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 has a broad headphone lineup, from premium WF-1000X and WH-1000X wireless models to INZONE gaming headsets. Their higher-end models generally offer the strongest noise cancelling and feature sets, while cheaper options make more compromises in build, sound, or features.
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.
- ZR: Top-of-the-line wired audiophile headphones, called Signature Series.
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-1000XM6 and the WF-1000XM6.
- AS/SP: Sports-oriented. AS is normally connected to MDR, while SP is connected to WI.
- XB: Extra Bass models with a more bass-heavy sound profile.
- RF: Radio-frequency headphones designed for home theater use.
- LP: Discontinued. Used for wired earbuds (which sit outside the ear canal) and on-ears.
- ULT: Casual use line with emphasis on bass.
- THE COLLEXION: Luxury headphones that still fall within the '1000X' family of wireless over-ears.
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 lineups.
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 strictly follow this naming scheme. Although the two models differ significantly in noise isolation, both are 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
Sep 24, 2026:
We've simplified some of the text to improve readability.
Jul 28, 2026:
We've added the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION to the lineup section and also mentioned them within our top pick as a point of comparison. We've also reviewed our picks to confirm they still represent the best selection for this article.
May 21, 2026:
We've checked that all our picks are still accurate and in stock, but we haven't changed them.
Mar 19, 2026:
We've updated this article to include the Sony WF-1000XM6 as our new top earbud pick, replacing the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Nov 18, 2025:
This article's formatting has been updated with minor text adjustments for accuracy. No changes to the picks were made.
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 balanced-sounding options. Their best-performing headphones come at a premium price, while their cheaper models can be hit or miss. Their higher-end models are among the best headphones we've tested and are easy to recommend.
