Sony is a well-established player in the audio industry, producing top-notch wireless headphones, earbuds and over-the-ear wired headphones. Its range of headphones caters to budget-friendly consumers and those who demand high-end quality. Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM5, are highly regarded for their exceptional noise-cancellation capabilities, superior sound quality, and impressive performance during voice calls.
I have personally tested each Sony model featured on this list and will continue to update it with the latest Sony headphones and earbuds as they become available. The newest additions include the CH-720N noise-cancelling headphones and the affordable CH-520 on-ear headphones.
According to David Carnoy from CNET, the best new noise-cancelling headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM5. They are available at Amazon for $348, Crutchfield for $398, and Best Buy for $350. With up to 32 hours of battery life, these over-ear wireless headphones feature noise-cancelling technology and multipoint connectivity. They are not water-resistant and do not have an IP rating.
The release of Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth version of their popular 1000X series of headphones, poses a risk, as the product has already amassed a large following. The headphones were introduced in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have since been improved with each new generation. Although Sony has altered the design over time, the WH-1000XM5 represents the most significant overhaul yet. Despite the increased price point of $400 ($50 above that of the WH-1000XM4), most of the changes are beneficial. The voice call performance, noise cancellation, and sound quality have all been improved.
Check out our review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
Available for $348 on Amazon, $398 on Crutchfield, and $350 on Best Buy.
David Carnoy/CNET
Sony WF-1000XM4
$198 at Amazon, $198 at Walmart, $198 at Crutchfield Battery life up to 30 hours Active noise cancellation Multiple devices pairing Over-ear wireless headphones No water-resistance rating (not IP rated)
Naturally, no earbuds are flawless, and the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds may not suit everyone’s preferences or budget (MSRP $279). However, these earbuds surely tick all the boxes for those searching for exceptional quality sound, top-notch noise cancellation, reliable voice-call capabilities, and impressive battery life. Furthermore, unlike its predecessor WF-1000XM3, these buds are water-resistant with an IPX4 splash-proof rating.
Check out our review of the Sony WF-1000XM4.
$198 on Amazon
$198 at Walmart
$198 on Crutchfield.
Sony CH-720N
The best, less expensive alternative to Sony WH-1000XM5
$148 at Amazon, $148 at Crutchfield $130 at Best Buy
The Sony CH-720Ns is an improved version of entry-level noise-cancelling headphones. Despite their plastic appearance, they are lightweight and comfortable to wear. While I expected their audio quality to be average, their performance pleasantly surprised me. While they may not match the audio quality of the WH-1000XM5s, they look and feel more luxurious, and their general performance surpasses that of their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Possibly not. However, like their predecessors, CH-710N and WH-XB910, they are expected to see significant price reductions shortly. It may be worthwhile to wait until that happens.
Check out our review of the Sony CH-720N.
Available for $148 on Amazon, $148 on Crutchfield, and $130 on Best Buy.
David Carnoy/CNET
Sony CH-520
Best affordable on-ear headphones
$60 on Amazon. You have been receiving price drop notifications for Sony CH-520.
In 2023, Sony launched its entry-level noise-cancelling headphones, the CH-720N, which are impressive. However, if you cannot afford the $150 price tag, Sony’s new low-cost on-ear CH-520 headphones are a captivating substitute for just around $50.
Although they do not have noise-cancelling technology and are relatively basic, they provide impressive sound quality for their cost, are easy to wear and quite comfortable as on-ear headphones, and boast an exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours at medium volume levels). Moreover, they support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which enables you to connect them to two devices simultaneously, such as a computer and a smartphone, and effortlessly switch between audio sources. Although the quality of voice calls is decent, it is not on par with the CH-720N.
It’s important to note that these headphones have no option for a wired connection – they are exclusively wireless and use Bluetooth technology. The CH-520 headphones deliver well-balanced sound with satisfactory clarity. While the bass has a decent amount of strength, it doesn’t provide overwhelming power. Additionally, the soundstage isn’t quite as expansive as some of Sony’s more expensive over-ear headphones. Nonetheless, the sound quality is superior to Sony’s previous entry-level on-ear headphones and surpassed my expectations. I tested the white colour option, but they are also available in blue and black.
“You are getting updates on the price of Sony CH-520, currently priced at $60 on Amazon.”
Compact noise-cancelling earbuds with impressive sound, the Sony LinkBuds S have a battery life of up to 9 hours and come with noise-cancelling technology (ANC). They are wireless water-resistant earbuds (IPX4), ensuring they are splash-proof. Available at Amazon, Walmart and Crutchfield for $148.
The LinkBuds S are different from the “open” LinkBuds as they are conventional noise-isolating earbuds with tips inserted into the ears. These earbuds are lighter and more compact than Sony’s top-of-the-line WF-1000M4 and have Sony’s V1 processor. Although their sound quality and noise-cancelling capabilities are not quite as impressive as the WF-1000XM4s, they come pretty close and are less expensive. These earbuds are ideal for those who are okay with using larger earbuds like the WF-1000XM4 but want to pay less while still having access to 80 to 85% of the features and performance of those earbuds.
Check out our review of the Sony LinkBuds S.
$148 on Amazon, Walmart, and Crutchfield in 2020.
According to David Carnoy from CNET, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is still a beloved noise-cancelling headphone. It is an over-ear wireless headphone offering a multipoint connection with a battery life rating of 30 hours. Although it is not water-resistant and lacks an IP rating, it is available on Amazon for $348 as of 2020.
Sony has recently launched its newest model, WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4, which is still available. Although I would personally opt for the WH-1000XM5 due to its enhanced noise cancelling, fine audio quality, better voice-call performance and comfortable build, the WH-1000XM4 is still an excellent headphone choice for some individuals who appreciate its livelier sound and compact folding case as compared to the WH-1000XM5. Additionally, it comes with a lower price tag, and we can expect some attractive deals on it in the future.
Check out our review of the Sony WH-1000XM4.
It is currently priced at $348 on Amazon.
The LinkBuds can be considered Sony’s response to Apple’s regular AirPods. Although they may not provide the same audio quality as Sony’s top-of-the-line WF-1000XM4 noise-cancelling earbuds, they do offer an inconspicuous and inventive design, a more stable fit than AirPods, as well as decent sound and impressive voice-calling capabilities.
Similar to the third-generation AirPods, the open design of these earphones enables you to be aware of your surroundings, which is facilitated by the presence of the ring. This makes them ideal for individuals who prioritize safety by remaining attentive to their surroundings or dislike having ear tips inserted into their ears. Additionally, they boast several unique features such as Speak to Chat and Wide Area Tap. Instead of tapping the earbud, users can tap near their ears, specifically on their faces, to manage playback.
Their IPX4 rating makes them splash-proof, and with their Arc Supporters, which are fins that keep them securely in your ears, they are great for running and other sports activities.
Check out our review of the Sony LinkBuds.
$138 on Amazon, $138 at Walmart, and $138 at Crutchfield.
Top-rated budget earbuds from Sony: the Sony C500
The Sony C500 earbuds are an excellent budget option, priced at $98 on Amazon, Crutchfield, and Best Buy. They have a battery life of up to 10 hours, are not noise-cancelling, and do not have multipoint connectivity. These wireless earbuds are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them splash-proof.
Although the C500 shares more design similarities with the high-end WF-1000XM4 than its predecessor, the WF-XB700 Extra Bass, it lacks noise-cancelling capabilities and advanced features such as ear-detection sensors or transparency mode. Despite this, these earbuds are comfortable, lightweight, compact, and produce good sound quality for an entry-level model. Check out our Sony C500 first impressions.
$98 on Amazon$98 on Crutchfield$100 on Best Buy
David Carnoy from CNET reviews the Sony WH-XB910N, the top pick for Sony’s Extra Bass noise-cancelling headphones. These over-ear wireless headphones are available for $248 at Amazon, $248 at Crutchfield, and $250 at Best Buy. They have a battery life of up to 50 hours, active noise-cancelling (ANC), and multipoint connectivity. The headphones are not water-resistant and do not have an IP rating.
Regarding the WH-XB910N, it serves as a lower-level alternative to the WH-1000XM4. This model emphasizes its Extra Bass feature, resulting in a dominant bass presence. I enjoyed the XB900N predecessor, which was reasonably priced when discounted at around $150. While the updated version maintains the same design, it presents upgraded noise cancellation and allows for multipoint Bluetooth pairing, enabling concurrent mobile phone and computer connection. Furthermore, it supports Sony’s LDAC audio codec.
Although the noise cancellation has been improved, it still falls short of the standards of the WH-1000XM4 or the WH-1000XM5. In addition, the WH-XB910N lacks some of the additional features found on those models, such as Speak to Chat, wearing detection sensors, and Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology. However, it does offer a Quick Attention Mode which allows you to switch from noise cancellation to an ambient-aware transparency mode by simply placing your hand over the ear cup. Similar to the WH-1000XM4, this headphone now comes with a hard case. Battery life is also impressive, rated at up to 30 hours at moderate volume levels, which is on par with the WH-1000XM5.
During a recent flash sale, Amazon offered the blue version for only $138. If you’re interested, watch for the next sale, as this is a great deal.
$248 on Amazon$248 at Crutchfield$250 on Best Buy
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sony MDR-7506
Classic over-ear wired headphones that stand the test of time
Available for $90 at Walmart, $81 at Amazon, and $75 at B&H Photo-Video
Battery life: N/A
Noise-cancelling: No
Multipoint: No
Water-resistant: No
Headphone type: Over-ear wired headphones
IP rating: Not applicable
The Sony MDR-7506, a wired headphone, was first released in 1991 and has since become a beloved choice for recording engineers and other sound experts. It is worth noting that these headphones’ design goes back even further, as they are an updated version of the Sony MDR-V6 that was introduced in 1985 for the professional sound industry. Despite their intended market, both models have gained immense popularity among regular consumers.
Although the two models share a similar design and provide excellent comfort, their sound profiles are not identical. They both deliver a well-balanced sonic experience with superb clarity, especially considering their affordable price tags. While both are excellent options overall, the MDR-V6 headphones have slightly more bass and a more relaxed and mellow sound signature. On the other hand, the 7506 headphones have a leaner sound with a more pronounced treble range, resulting in a crisper and more vibrant sound. Check out our Sony MDR 7506 review for more information.
Check out our review of the Sony MDR-7506.
Available for $90 at Walmart, $81 at Amazon, and $75 at B&H Photo-Video.
Sony MDR-Z7M2
These over-ear wired headphones from Sony are for high-end use.
Price: $598 on Amazon, $500 at Walmart, and $598 at Crutchfield.
Features: No battery life information, noise cancelling, or multipoint connectivity.
Water resistance: Not rated for IP resistance.
Although the flagship audiophile headphone in Sony’s lineup is the MDR-Z1R, the Sony MDR-Z7M2 is still a top-of-the-line model priced in the several hundred dollars range. I previously evaluated the Z7’s prior version (distinguished by “M2”, denoting Mark 2 or second generation) and found it to be comfortable and offer top-quality sound. It is important to note that this is a specialized audiophile headphone requiring proper audio equipment such as a headphone amp or a high-resolution portable music player (Sony Walkman player pictured, but not included).
$598 on Amazon, $500 on Walmart, and $598 on Crutchfield.
Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones are the best option for those on a budget.
Priced at just $10 on Amazon, these wired on-ear headphones from Sony may not come with noise cancelling or multipoint connectivity features. However, they are a reliable choice for those looking for a basic and affordable option.
They are not water-resistant and do not have an IP rating.
The ZX Series is reliable for those seeking affordable wired-on-ear headphones. It is available for $10, with a choice of $20 for the version equipped with a microphone. You can purchase it on Amazon.
