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Sony makes a wide variety of headphones, from affordable truly wireless earbuds to over-ears with premium features like noise cancelling (ANC) and even gaming headsets. While their lineup can be quite time-consuming to sort through, there's something for everyone.
Below is a selection of Sony headphones with different features and price points. We've tested many headphones from this manufacturer and have compiled our picks for some of the best the brand has to offer.
As long as you like the fit and feel of an over-ear design, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless are for you. These well-built headphones have an active noise cancelling system. As a result, they can block out a great amount of background sound. They last roughly 27 hours continuously with the ANC on, which will easily get you from point A to point B. You can even use them wired in a pinch.
In addition to noise cancelling, these over-ears support multi-device pairing and LDAC, a codec that allows you to stream higher-quality audio. Unfortunately, the ear cup padding is mushy, and you may find the headphones somewhat uncomfortable as their headband can sit heavy on the top of your head. If you need to transport them, they come with a sturdy carrying case to shield them from damage.
Out of the box, they have a very bass-heavy sound. They deliver a lot of extra thump, rumble, and boom, so genres like EDM and hip-hop sound exciting. Vocals and instruments are muddied from all the extra bass and sound less clear in mixes, but you can adjust them to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
Are over-ears too big and bulky to take with you on the go? Then earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are worth checking out. They have a smaller, more lightweight, and portable design. Their trimmed-down size doesn't mean they've sacrificed features, though. Thanks to the combination of memory foam ear tips and ANC, these buds cut down a fantastic amount of background noise. It reduces noises like heavy traffic, coworkers chatting, and the whirl of computer fans so that you can focus on your audio. If that's not enough, they support multi-device pairing, LDAC for streaming high-quality audio, and an EQ to adjust their warm sound to suit your tastes.
These buds have a comfortable and stable fit, although not everyone may like how the memory foam tips put pressure on the ear canals. They're also well-built and certified IPX4 for resistance against water exposure, so you can wear them during tough workouts without risking damage. They last under nine hours on a single charge, but their carrying case supplies two extra charges. Unfortunately, their mic's recording quality is poor, and your voice lacks body and depth.
If you're on a tight budget, consider a more affordable pair of headphones like the Sony WI-C310 Wireless. They don't have any of the extra features common to higher-end picks and are quite simple overall. However, these neckband headphones offer a fairly neutral sound with extra warmth and fullness, making them well-suited for most audio content. They also last 17 hours continuously, so you don't need to worry about battery life during your workday.
They're comfortable and come with three differently-sized ear tips to help you get the best fit. Their build quality reflects their price, though. They feel plasticky and lack an IP rating for water resistance. The cables are also long and can snag on something if you're not careful. While they won't reduce much low, rumbly noise like bus and car engines, they're better at blocking out higher-pitched noise like watercooler talk from colleagues.
Did you know that Sony also makes gaming headsets? Options like the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless are designed for use with your PlayStation 5 console. These over-ears have a non-detachable boom mic so that you can communicate with friends and teammates. While your voice sounds bright, it's still easy to understand, even in noisy environments. Thanks to their USB dongle, they also have low latency, ensuring that your audio and visuals stay in sync during the heat of the moment.
Out of the box, they have a warm, boomy sound that can help emphasize sound effects like footsteps. You can also use their companion software's graphic EQ and presets if you're gaming on a PC. You can't transfer these features to your PS5, though. If that's not enough, they support Bluetooth, too, so you can use them more casually and connect them to your console and Bluetooth device simultaneously. Unfortunately, the headphones feel plasticky and are a bit large, so they may not fit well if you have a small head.
Sony is a manufacturer that produces a wide variety of headphones. Although there's a lot of choice, your preferences and usage will largely determine which of their products is right for you. However, our picks cover each of Sony's largest lineups, so whether you're looking for something more casual or want headphones for a specific purpose, there's an option for everyone.
Written by Vanessa McCuaig, RTINGS.com
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.