In this list: Best Sony headphones for 2020, we consider the most interesting models of Sony headphones in all formats: wired , wireless , true wireless, full-size etc.
Which Sony headphones are best to buy in 2020?
Sony is a Japanese technology corporation with a wide range of products. We all know this brand and all (or almost all) trust them. After all, one of the main features of their products is quality.
Sony equipment is as reliable as cheap Chinese counterparts, as much as more expensive. 😉
Sony is one of two clear leaders in the active noise canceling headphone segment. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is considered by many to be the best in the wireless niche. But the company builds on its success and offers models with “noise reduction” cheaper, in other form factors and even in true wireless format .
Since Sony has always kept pace with the times (they have many innovations and patents on their account), they are now releasing more and more wireless and fully wireless models. Naturally, this freedom and convenience is becoming more and more popular. Considering that wireless sound is no longer as “terrible” as it was a few years ago.
Sony have made significant contributions to the development of wireless sound transmission technologies. Their LDAC codec, although rather controversial (there is a lot of marketing “tinsel” around it), is most likely the most advanced in terms of sound quality among all competitors.
Best Sony Headphones For 2020: WirelessEarbuds.Best
Sony MDR-ZX750BN is a great option for those who want to get headphones with good sound quality. In general, the model is consistent with the declared price, and can even compete with headphones, which are much more expensive.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $197.94
Sony MDR-ZX750BN is a great option for those who want to get headphones with good sound quality. In general, the model is consistent with the declared price, and can even compete with headphones, which are much more expensive.
PROS:
- Nice design
- Quality finishing materials;
- Comfortable and reliable fit;
- Deep and voluminous bass;
- Excellent noise reduction.
CONS:
- Lack of ventilation system;
- At high volume, strong distortion appears;
- Bass dominates the rest of the frequency range.
The obvious flaw with one single button negatively affected the convenience and quality of the headphones. At the same time, in everything else, the device shows itself perfectly.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $311.00
The obvious flaw with one single button negatively affected the convenience and quality of the headphones. At the same time, in everything else, the device shows itself perfectly.
PROS:
- convenient and reliable location;
- high-quality materials;
- moisture resistance;
- lack of wires;
- pleasant sound mid and high frequencies.
CONS:
- lack of bass;
- inconvenient control;
- periodically lose contact with the player or smartphone.
Sony WF-1000XM3 is a very high-tech headphone with good sound, design, principle, convenient design, and excellent autonomy. If you need fully wireless headphones with clear sound and noise reduction, then the WF-1000XM3 should be considered for purchase, of course, if you are not confused by the relatively considerable cost. But given the sound quality and functionality, I can’t call the headphones very expensive. Of course, before buying, I would recommend trying them on, but if they are physically suitable for you, then I’m sure that you will not regret it.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $168.00
Sony WF-1000XM3 is a very high-tech headphone with good sound, design, principle, convenient design, and excellent autonomy. If you need fully wireless headphones with clear sound and noise reduction, then the WF-1000XM3 should be considered for purchase, of course, if you are not confused by the relatively considerable cost. But given the sound quality and functionality, I can’t call the headphones very expensive. Of course, before buying, I would recommend trying them on, but if they are physically suitable for you, then I’m sure that you will not regret it.
PROS:
- Design
- Functionality
- Sound quality
- Excellent autonomy
CONS:
- lack of moisture protection
Headphones Sony WH-1000XM3 is not by chance and for a good reason are considered one of the best at the moment with an effective active noise reduction system. They sit comfortably on their heads; you can easily spend several hours in them and never even fix them. Noise reduction is very effective and will brighten up any trip, adding to it comfort and a bit of silence. Sony WH-1000XM3 sounds nice, soft, and unobtrusive. If you like Sony's corporate identity, then you can buy them without first listening. Just make a discount on the fact that, although they use the LDAC codec, it's still Bluetooth, and above their heads, you will jump. But to listen to music in the way of more, probably, it is not necessary. In a word, if you are looking for comfortable full-size headphones for trips and walks that would need to be charged once a week and could be carried in a small bag without hassle, then pay attention to the Sony WH-1000XM3.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $229.00
Headphones Sony WH-1000XM3 is not by chance and for a good reason are considered one of the best at the moment with an effective active noise reduction system. They sit comfortably on their heads; you can easily spend several hours in them and never even fix them. Noise reduction is very effective and will brighten up any trip, adding to it comfort and a bit of silence.
Sony WH-1000XM3 sounds nice, soft, and unobtrusive. If you like Sony's corporate identity, then you can buy them without first listening. Just make a discount on the fact that, although they use the LDAC codec, it's still Bluetooth, and above their heads, you will jump. But to listen to music in the way of more, probably, it is not necessary.
In a word, if you are looking for comfortable full-size headphones for trips and walks that would need to be charged once a week and could be carried in a small bag without hassle, then pay attention to the Sony WH-1000XM3.
Sony WH-1000XM3 sounds nice, soft, and unobtrusive. If you like Sony's corporate identity, then you can buy them without first listening. Just make a discount on the fact that, although they use the LDAC codec, it's still Bluetooth, and above their heads, you will jump. But to listen to music in the way of more, probably, it is not necessary.
In a word, if you are looking for comfortable full-size headphones for trips and walks that would need to be charged once a week and could be carried in a small bag without hassle, then pay attention to the Sony WH-1000XM3.
PROS:
- The efficient noise reduction system
- Good corporate sound from Sony
- Convenience
- Folding bowls
- USB Type-C Charging
- Wired connectivity
- Good touch control (excluding freezing temperatures)
- Convenient and functional branded application for the phone
CONS:
- The touchpad has false positives in the cold
- High price
- Poor sound quality with wired power off
In 2016, Sony released the Sony MDR-1000X headphones, the successor to this model is no less special. Honestly, I like these headphones even though they are a victim of the audio industry trying to catch up with the Beats. Although deep and powerful bass is good, the current tendencies towards the overwhelming enthusiasm for low frequencies are puzzling, and they are ... wrong. Sony has done a fantastic thing that allows consumers to customize their own sound and completely bypass the marketer's opinion of good sound. The WH-1000X M2 sound sounds fantastic, even if you don’t mess with the equalizer settings. Active noise cancellation... it's really amazing. ANC's adaptive features are simply awesome technologies that will appeal to anyone who likes to customize the sound in their headphones to their taste and needs. Obviously, $180 is a lot of money to spend on headphones, and if you want to make a bargain - look for the MDR-1000X at a great discount. I’m sure that they will be sold out by stores very soon. Although you will lose some of the ANC efficiency and impressive application functionality, they are almost as good. I highly recommend the Sony WH-1000X M2 headphones to anyone who wants to get one of the best active noise-canceling options with great sound and pleasant ergonomics.
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★★★★★
More details + $179.99
In 2016, Sony released the Sony MDR-1000X headphones, the successor to this model is no less special. Honestly, I like these headphones even though they are a victim of the audio industry trying to catch up with the Beats. Although deep and powerful bass is good, the current tendencies towards the overwhelming enthusiasm for low frequencies are puzzling, and they are ... wrong. Sony has done a fantastic thing that allows consumers to customize their own sound and completely bypass the marketer's opinion of good sound. The WH-1000X M2 sound sounds fantastic, even if you don’t mess with the equalizer settings.
Active noise cancellation... it's really amazing. ANC's adaptive features are simply awesome technologies that will appeal to anyone who likes to customize the sound in their headphones to their taste and needs.
Obviously, $180 is a lot of money to spend on headphones, and if you want to make a bargain - look for the MDR-1000X at a great discount. I’m sure that they will be sold out by stores very soon. Although you will lose some of the ANC efficiency and impressive application functionality, they are almost as good.
I highly recommend the Sony WH-1000X M2 headphones to anyone who wants to get one of the best active noise-canceling options with great sound and pleasant ergonomics.
Active noise cancellation... it's really amazing. ANC's adaptive features are simply awesome technologies that will appeal to anyone who likes to customize the sound in their headphones to their taste and needs.
Obviously, $180 is a lot of money to spend on headphones, and if you want to make a bargain - look for the MDR-1000X at a great discount. I’m sure that they will be sold out by stores very soon. Although you will lose some of the ANC efficiency and impressive application functionality, they are almost as good.
I highly recommend the Sony WH-1000X M2 headphones to anyone who wants to get one of the best active noise-canceling options with great sound and pleasant ergonomics.
PROS:
- Excellent work of active noise reduction.
- Good ergonomics and ease of listening.
- Pleasant, soft sound with a bias in the bass.
- Despite the full-sized form factor, the headphones are convenient to use when traveling.
CONS:
- Currently, the LDAC codec can only be used with Sony equipment.
If you are primarily interested in compactness, lightness, battery life and noise reduction, then buying a WH-CH700N is 100% justified. But if you want to get a powerful, rich, deep sound, then, perhaps, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II will suit you more. Yes, they will be more expensive, but the result justifies the means. Sony's noise reduction was effective, but not a record. The WH-CH700N is a controversial headphone, on the one hand they have everything that comes to mind to require a wireless model, on the other hand, each of the aspects does not quite reach excellent quality. Therefore, before buying, I recommend that you personally familiarize yourself with them so that you do not have false expectations.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $198.00
If you are primarily interested in compactness, lightness, battery life and noise reduction, then buying a WH-CH700N is 100% justified. But if you want to get a powerful, rich, deep sound, then, perhaps, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II will suit you more. Yes, they will be more expensive, but the result justifies the means.
Sony's noise reduction was effective, but not a record.
The WH-CH700N is a controversial headphone, on the one hand they have everything that comes to mind to require a wireless model, on the other hand, each of the aspects does not quite reach excellent quality. Therefore, before buying, I recommend that you personally familiarize yourself with them so that you do not have false expectations.
Sony's noise reduction was effective, but not a record.
The WH-CH700N is a controversial headphone, on the one hand they have everything that comes to mind to require a wireless model, on the other hand, each of the aspects does not quite reach excellent quality. Therefore, before buying, I recommend that you personally familiarize yourself with them so that you do not have false expectations.
PROS:
- Battery life
- Comfortable
- Good build quality
- Compact
- Full integration with Google Assistant and Siri
- AptX HD codec support
- Soundproofing.
CONS:
- Noise reduction is just good, but not excellent
Headphones Sony MDR-1000x in conjunction with the Sony Xperia XZ Premium made a small revolution in the field of wireless sound transmission. The LDAC codec allows you to forget that you are listening to wireless headphones and get a truly high-quality sound. Now all audiophiles can safely download recordings of any quality onto the FLAC phone and not think that the wireless interface will significantly degrade their sound. I do not exclude that LDAC is not a panacea. Most likely, the next version of the codec will be released in a few years, and the manufacturer will announce even higher quality. But what I hear today suits me completely. Let's not forget that we are listening to wireless headphones not at home, but on the road. And even with a powerful system of active noise reduction, we will not be able to appreciate every nuance and tone of sound when we ride the subway or fly in an airplane. Therefore, the modern implementation of the LDAC codec is enough with a margin for such tasks. The sound of the Sony MDR-1000x headphones is confident, high-quality and dense. When you take them in your hands, you immediately understand that this is quality. When you put it on your head and start listening, you are convinced: this is what you were looking for. But remember that the Sony MDR-1000x, like other Sony headphones, has a signature emphasis in sound - a soft, enveloping, honeyed sound with a slight emphasis on low frequencies and an easy pushing of high frequencies to the background. If you already had Sony headphones and you liked the sound, don’t hesitate to buy the Sony MDR-1000x, especially if you have a source that supports LDAC or aptX. Recall the active noise reduction, which competes on equal terms with the unspoken king - the BoseQC 35 headphones. And it wins them functionally, because QC 35 has only one operation mode - active noise canceling is always on, it cannot be turned off or its operation can be changed. While the Sony MDR-1000x allows you to either completely turn off noise reduction, or turn on its intelligent version, or turn off the suppression of human voices. Ample opportunities and high efficiency - it is obvious that the Sony MDR-1000x wins this battle. If you are looking for full-size wireless headphones with active noise reduction and the ability to listen to lossless CD-quality recordings, pay attention to Sony MDR-1000x headphones, I'm sure they won’t disappoint you.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $119.95
Headphones Sony MDR-1000x in conjunction with the Sony Xperia XZ Premium made a small revolution in the field of wireless sound transmission. The LDAC codec allows you to forget that you are listening to wireless headphones and get a truly high-quality sound. Now all audiophiles can safely download recordings of any quality onto the FLAC phone and not think that the wireless interface will significantly degrade their sound.
I do not exclude that LDAC is not a panacea. Most likely, the next version of the codec will be released in a few years, and the manufacturer will announce even higher quality. But what I hear today suits me completely. Let's not forget that we are listening to wireless headphones not at home, but on the road. And even with a powerful system of active noise reduction, we will not be able to appreciate every nuance and tone of sound when we ride the subway or fly in an airplane. Therefore, the modern implementation of the LDAC codec is enough with a margin for such tasks.
The sound of the Sony MDR-1000x headphones is confident, high-quality and dense. When you take them in your hands, you immediately understand that this is quality. When you put it on your head and start listening, you are convinced: this is what you were looking for.
But remember that the Sony MDR-1000x, like other Sony headphones, has a signature emphasis in sound - a soft, enveloping, honeyed sound with a slight emphasis on low frequencies and an easy pushing of high frequencies to the background. If you already had Sony headphones and you liked the sound, don’t hesitate to buy the Sony MDR-1000x, especially if you have a source that supports LDAC or aptX.
Recall the active noise reduction, which competes on equal terms with the unspoken king - the BoseQC 35 headphones. And it wins them functionally because QC 35 has only one operation mode - active noise canceling is always on, it cannot be turned off or its operation can be changed. While the Sony MDR-1000x allows you to either completely turn off noise reduction, or turn on its intelligent version, or turn off the suppression of human voices. Ample opportunities and high efficiency - it is obvious that the Sony MDR-1000x wins this battle.
If you are looking for full-size wireless headphones with active noise reduction and the ability to listen to lossless CD-quality recordings, pay attention to Sony MDR-1000x headphones, I'm sure they won’t disappoint you.
I do not exclude that LDAC is not a panacea. Most likely, the next version of the codec will be released in a few years, and the manufacturer will announce even higher quality. But what I hear today suits me completely. Let's not forget that we are listening to wireless headphones not at home, but on the road. And even with a powerful system of active noise reduction, we will not be able to appreciate every nuance and tone of sound when we ride the subway or fly in an airplane. Therefore, the modern implementation of the LDAC codec is enough with a margin for such tasks.
The sound of the Sony MDR-1000x headphones is confident, high-quality and dense. When you take them in your hands, you immediately understand that this is quality. When you put it on your head and start listening, you are convinced: this is what you were looking for.
But remember that the Sony MDR-1000x, like other Sony headphones, has a signature emphasis in sound - a soft, enveloping, honeyed sound with a slight emphasis on low frequencies and an easy pushing of high frequencies to the background. If you already had Sony headphones and you liked the sound, don’t hesitate to buy the Sony MDR-1000x, especially if you have a source that supports LDAC or aptX.
Recall the active noise reduction, which competes on equal terms with the unspoken king - the BoseQC 35 headphones. And it wins them functionally because QC 35 has only one operation mode - active noise canceling is always on, it cannot be turned off or its operation can be changed. While the Sony MDR-1000x allows you to either completely turn off noise reduction, or turn on its intelligent version, or turn off the suppression of human voices. Ample opportunities and high efficiency - it is obvious that the Sony MDR-1000x wins this battle.
If you are looking for full-size wireless headphones with active noise reduction and the ability to listen to lossless CD-quality recordings, pay attention to Sony MDR-1000x headphones, I'm sure they won’t disappoint you.
PROS:
- Excellent ergonomics, you can listen to headphones for 3 or more hours without discomfort;
- Premium manufacturing materials: metal, genuine leather, high-quality plastic;
- Foam pad ear pads and headband for maximum comfort;
- Support for advanced LDAC and aptX codecs for high-quality wireless music transfer;
- Long working time - up to 20 hours with an active noise reduction system;
- Excellent sound quality with Sony brand name;
- Excellent quality of active noise reduction, in the subway you can listen to music at the usual volume level;
- Stylish, attractive and concise appearance.
CONS:
- Your interlocutors will not always hear what you say: the microphone does not pick up your speech very well;
- A long battery charge time is about 4 hours
Headphones Sony MDR-XB950N1 left a rather controversial, but generally pleasant sensation of acquaintance. An effective system of active noise reduction will definitely make trips in transport more comfortable and quiet, the appearance is perfect for young people, who, in fact, they are intended in the first place. Long battery life and convenient controls complete the list of unique advantages. The sound in the headphones is powerful, deep and all-pervasive, but remember that it is only for those who are young in soul, body and able to withstand the deepest and most powerful bass in life without losing their minds. If this is you, then the Sony MDR-XB950N1 is for you. For an older and calmer audience, I suggest paying attention to the Sony MDR-1Am2.
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★★★★★
More details + $95.95
Headphones Sony MDR-XB950N1 left a rather controversial, but generally pleasant sensation of acquaintance. An effective system of active noise reduction will definitely make trips in transport more comfortable and quiet, the appearance is perfect for young people, who, in fact, they are intended in the first place. Long battery life and convenient controls complete the list of unique advantages. The sound in the headphones is powerful, deep and all-pervasive, but remember that it is only for those who are young in soul, body and able to withstand the deepest and most powerful bass in life without losing their minds. If this is you, then the Sony MDR-XB950N1 is for you. For an older and calmer audience, I suggest paying attention to the Sony MDR-1Am2.
PROS:
- Powerful bass
- Stylish look
- Long battery life - up to 22 hours
- Efficient Active Noise Reduction
- Convenient controls
CONS:
- The headphone sound is not universal, most suitable for modern popular and electronic music
- The internal free space of the ear pads is small, so I recommend trying on headphones before buying
The Sony WI-SP600N headphones made a good impression on me, and this is one of the few sports headphones that could fully pass the test of exercises. In the 20 minutes of my intensive home training, I never had to correct them. The headphones in my ears sat like a glove and, at the same time, did not cause discomfort. Recall also the built-in active noise reduction system, IPX4 water protection, pleasant, energetic sound, and we will get some of the best sports wireless headphones at the moment. The only minus, in my opinion, is the large control panel. If it were smaller, then the Sony WI-SP600N would be the best sports model.
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★★★★★
More details + $98.00
The Sony WI-SP600N headphones made a good impression on me, and this is one of the few sports headphones that could fully pass the test of exercises. In the 20 minutes of my intensive home training, I never had to correct them. The headphones in my ears sat like a glove and, at the same time, did not cause discomfort. Recall also the built-in active noise reduction system, IPX4 water protection, pleasant, energetic sound, and we will get some of the best sports wireless headphones at the moment. The only minus, in my opinion, is the large control panel. If it were smaller, then the Sony WI-SP600N would be the best sports model.
PROS:
- Nice powerful sound
- Protection against water and sweat IPX4
- Convenient, albeit large, control panel
- Active noise reduction system
- Convenient branded companion application for the phone
- Original silicone ear cushions providing excellent passive sound insulation
CONS:
- Large control panel
- Battery life up to 6 hours
- It is impossible to use headphones comfortably without silicone anchors
The Sony WF-SP700N left a pretty clear impression on me - I have to take it. After all, given their cost, noise reduction, and sound quality, there are almost no competitors. Rather, there is, but no one can offer the same thing for comparable money. There is IPX4, and a pleasant appearance, and the ability to choose from four colors: pink, white, yellow, black. If you need headphones with a similar set of features and good, albeit not audiophile, sound quality, then the Sony WF-SP700N is what you need.
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★★★★★
More details + $128.00
The Sony WF-SP700N left a pretty clear impression on me - I have to take it. After all, given their cost, noise reduction, and sound quality, there are almost no competitors. Rather, there is, but no one can offer the same thing for comparable money. There is IPX4, and a pleasant appearance, and the ability to choose from four colors: pink, white, yellow, black. If you need headphones with a similar set of features and good, albeit not audiophile, sound quality, then the Sony WF-SP700N is what you need.
PROS:
- Active noise reduction
- IPX4 Certification
- Support for the AAC codec (I recommend using it only with Apple gadgets)
- Good ergonomics and a secure fit
- Proprietary application with additional functionality
CONS:
- The microphone loves to catch the wind and the noise around you.
- Audio Delay When Watching Video Using SBC Codec
Headphones Sony MDRZX770BN Bluetooth and Noise Canceling Headset pleasant sensation of acquaintance. An effective system of active noise reduction will definitely make trips in transport more comfortable and quiet. The appearance is perfect for young people, who, in fact, they are intended in the first place. Long battery life and convenient controls complete the list of unique advantages.
PROS | CONS |
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★★★★★
More details + $73.95
Headphones Sony MDRZX770BN Bluetooth and Noise Canceling Headset pleasant sensation of acquaintance. An effective system of active noise reduction will definitely make trips in transport more comfortable and quiet, the appearance is perfect for young people, who, in fact, they are intended in the first place. Long battery life and convenient controls complete the list of unique advantages.
PROS:
- Good sound quality, especially when connected to aptX-enabled phones;
- Convenient ergonomics, headphones can be listened to for several hours in a row;
- Instant connection to your phone or laptop using NFC;
- Soft, comfortable ear pads;
- Active noise reduction system;
- Bluetooth range up to 10 meters;
- Good value for money;
- Sturdy construction;
- Headphones can be connected via Bluetooth or by wire
CONS:
- In the summer with prolonged listening ears sweat;
- When connected via wire, the sound quality drops dramatically;
- Active noise cancellation outperforms competitors;
- The built-in microphone does not always work well, with external noise the interlocutor will not hear you well.
