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
- 06/18/2025Sony WH-1000XM6 reviewed
- 02/10/2025Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless updated
- 06/11/2024Sony ULT WEAR reviewed
- 05/07/2024Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless updated
- 04/26/2024Sony WH-CH720N Wireless updated
Quick Look
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
Peaks/Dips7.3Sound SignatureWarmBuild Quality8.0Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7Recording Quality7.7Battery9.2Travel8.5Office Work8.5Sports And Fitness7.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.8Wireless Gaming (In Development)6.3See all our test resultsComfort7.5The 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 tweak the design and performance, this generation's noise cancelling outdoes other major competition, 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 spongey 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.
These headphones include comprehensive touch and button controls and in-depth command reassignment in the Sony Sound Connect app. Custom graphic EQ and EQ presets are available to adjust the sound to your tastes, too. While the last two generations of the XM line support LDAC for high-quality Bluetooth audio (and so do the WH-1000XM6), the XM6 also support the LC3 codec (LE Audio), which offers improved mic fidelity during phone calls. Their battery life lasts over 31 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. However, if you have larger ears, they might feel cramped due to the shallower ear cups; if that's the case, an earlier generation like the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless may fit you better. However, these lack advanced features available on the WH-1000XM6, like adjustable ambient mode and head-tracking with the virtual surround sound feature.
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Best Sony Earbuds
Peaks/Dips7.9Sound SignatureWarmBuild Quality7.5Noise Isolation - Full Range8.8Recording Quality4.9Battery7.7Travel8.1Office Work7.5Sports And Fitness8.1Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.8Wireless Gaming (In Development)5.7See all our test resultsComfort7.5Earbuds 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. Their memory foam ear tips passively block out a lot more background noise, leading to improved noise isolation performance to 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 boomy, but somewhat balanced 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 deeply 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
Peaks/Dips7.7Build Quality6.5Noise Isolation3.3Recording Quality7.7Battery8.2See all our test resultsComfort7.0The 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-1000XM6, 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 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
Peaks/Dips7.7Sound SignatureBoosted BassBuild Quality7.5Noise Isolation - Full Range8.7Recording Quality7.3Battery8.8Travel7.9Office Work7.9Sports And Fitness7.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.3Wireless Gaming (In Development)5.9See all our test resultsComfort7.5Like the idea of the Sony WH-1000XM6's warm sound, but know you'll be hankering after even more bass? The Sony ULT WEAR Wireless 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, just press their dedicated ULT button, which 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 good 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 bass-head 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
The 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 balanced 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 very lightweight and 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
Peaks/Dips6.3Build Quality7.0Noise Isolation7.6Recording Quality6.7Battery8.4See all our test resultsComfort7.0If 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-1000XM6, 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 tuning 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.
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Different sound profile options.
Sony's headphones generally fall into well-balanced or bass-heavy sound profile options. It helps them cater to a wider range of listeners since some people find a flat sound too flat or boring, but others find too much bass overwhelming.
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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.
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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.
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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, especially regarding noise cancelling. Although Bose focuses primarily on noise cancelling performance, their products also tend to sound more balanced, 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. 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 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 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.
- 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-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 strictly 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
Nov 18, 2025:
This article's formatting has been updated with minor text adjustments for accuracy. No changes to the picks were made.
Jul 17, 2025:
This article was updated to replace the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless with the Sony WH-1000XM6 as the best Sony headphones.
Apr 17, 2025:
This article has been updated to reflect minor changes and clarifications, such as the renaming of the Sony | Headphones Connect app to Sony | Sound Connect. While the picks have been checked, they've not been altered.
Jan 16, 2025:
The Sony ULT WEAR Wireless are our new 'Best Bass-Heavy Sony Headphones' pick because they offer easy access to three levels of bass and excellent ANC performance for a more affordable price than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless.
Oct 03, 2024: We edited the text for clarity but didn't change any of our picks.
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, 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.