11 best Sony headphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

High-quality headphones are a great opportunity to ensure yourself complete immersion in the world of music, in an exciting video game or listening to training courses on public transport, without annoying others. The modern market of this kind is so huge, and the variety of features and functionality of the headphones themselves is so wide that it is sometimes not entirely possible to single out worthy models. The editors decided to help you in this difficult choice, and made a rating based on the recommendations of our specialists. Today we take a look at the best headphones of various form factors from the legendary Japanese corporation Sony.

Rating of the best Sony headphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Sony in-ear headphones	1	Sony Xperia Ear Duo	RUB 19,999
	2	Sony STH32	RUB 790
Best Sony earplugs	1	Sony XBA-Z5	RUB 27,599
	2	Sony WI-1000X	RUB 12 660
	3	Sony WF-SP700N	RUB 11,990
	4	Sony WI-C300	RUB 2,290
Best Sony over-ear headphones	1	Sony MDR-Z7	RUB 36,460
	2	Sony WH-1000XM2	18 400 rub.
	3	Sony MDR-7506	RUB 6,770
Best Sony on-ear headphones	1	Sony MDR-XB650BT	RUB 5,990
	2	Sony WH-CH500	2 220 rub.

Best Sony in-ear headphones

The first group of devices that we will consider is a kind of miniature headphones, which are called “earbuds” or in the common people – “tablets”. They are attached to the auricle due to its very anatomy and do not enter the ear canal. In terms of sound insulation from external noise, they lose to the 'plugs', and the bass in them is not so juicy, but on the other hand, they create less stress on the ears, less harm to hearing (at least, so it is commonly believed). Our experts have identified two models in the range of Sony in-ear headphones that are completely polar in functionality and price.

Sony Xperia Ear Duo

Rating: 4.9

Let's take a look at one of the most notable models in Sony's in-ear range first. It is remarkable for everyone – in terms of functionality, it is a 'spaceship' in comparison with most other models, and at a price the model is comparable to a good laptop.

This is a dynamic type wireless headphone that connects to the transmitting device via Bluetooth 4.2. Conditionally, they consist of two parts – the speaker-insert itself and the control module, which contains all the electronics. The dimensions of one such 'ear' are 17.5×59.6×10.2 mm, the weight is 10.6 g. There is no special attachment in the form of a bow, so the headphones can be worn simultaneously with any glasses.

Let's briefly list the most important functions and capabilities of the headphones: 4 microphones, compatible with iOS 10 and higher (without support iPad), Android 5.0 with voice control via robot assistants Siri, Alice and Google Assistant for Android; adaptive volume control; speaking notifications; built-in sensors – barometer, compass, proximity, gyroscope, accelerometer, head movement recognition. Daily Assist function will determine the location, report the weather, read the news. Anytime Talk app connects you to voice chat in a group of up to four participants. Headset, Hands free, A2DP and AVRCP profiles are supported. LED indication.

The autonomy of each earbud is provided by a 56 mAh battery. Active work time is about 4 hours, in standby mode – up to 22 hours. There is a fast charging function, due to which the headphones can be charged in 7 minutes enough for 1 hour of listening to audio.

The package includes a USB cable for connecting to a PC and charging, 3 replacement ear pads, an original case-case. Two color solutions are offered – black and gold.

Advantages

• comprehensive integration with voice assistants;
• comfortable and secure fit in the ear;
• additional functions;
• fast charging.

disadvantages

• overcharge.

Sony STH32

Rating: 4.8

The second and final model in the group of in-ear headphones rating is almost the exact opposite of the previous one in terms of 'stuffed' functions, and as for the price, even a comparison is not entirely appropriate here – they are almost three orders of magnitude cheaper.

These are miniature dynamic-type tablet headphones with a membrane diameter of 9.2 mm. They reproduce sound in the frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz. Parameters that may interest a particularly sophisticated user: harmonic distortion – 0.5%, impedance – 18 Ohm.

The manufacturer positions this model as a headphone for sports. They weigh 15.3 g, are equipped with moisture protection, connect to the gadget via an L-shaped plug in a 3.5 mm mini jack.

The headphones are fully compatible with iPhone, there is a built-in microphone through which you can control the Siri and Google Now assistants. You can activate assistants through a separate control panel, which is built into the wires.

This model is available in four colors – white, black, blue, pink.

Advantages

• keep well in the ears;
• adaptation for iPhone;
• water protection;
• affordable price;
• interaction with robot assistants.

disadvantages

• no pronounced shortcomings have been identified.

Best Sony earplugs

Now, as part of the rating of the best Sony headphones according to the version, we will consider a large category of accessories – earplugs. This form factor is very popular due to its main advantages – almost one hundred percent sound insulation from the outside world, the ability to hear real bass. True, such headphones are also not without drawbacks, which mainly boil down to increased stress on the ears and hearing, but with careful individual selection, you can buy an ideal accessory.

Sony XBA-Z5

Rating: 4.9

Traditionally, let's start with the most expensive model, the price of which is even more impressive than that of the above-described Xperia Ear Duo, and let's see what functionality the manufacturer has put into this price.

This model is in-ear closed headphones of a combined type (dynamic / reinforcing) with three drivers and a membrane diameter of 16 mm. They have a sensitivity of 107 dB / mW and are capable of reproducing sound in the frequency range from 3 to 40 thousand Hz.

The physical and design features are as follows. The weight of the earbuds is 11 g. Each earbud is securely fixed on top of the ear with a special hook. A symmetrical detachable cable with an L-shaped plug at the end leads to the connector of the wearable gadget mini jack 3.5 mm. Cable length – 120 cm.

Due to the detachable standard cable, this model allows the connection of another cable with a battery, microphone, blocks Bluetooth and NFC. Full compatibility with PHA-3 – amplifier is realized. The connectors are gold plated.

The delivery set includes a set of three pairs of interchangeable abutments, a cover made of black eco-leather, a clip and an extension for winding excess wire, a balanced cable.

The headphones are available in a single color scheme – black.

Advantages

• clear sound with elastic bass;
• frequency range;
• sensitivity;
• equipment;
• quality materials and workmanship;
• long litz cable;
• made in Japan.

disadvantages

• high price;
• specific fit in the ear, 'treated' with an alternative ear tip.

Sony WI-1000X

Rating: 4.8

Further in the rating comes a very interesting model, which is not as 'elite' as the previous one, but this difference is indicated solely by the absence of gold plating on the connectors and half the cost, and the functionality, on the contrary, is much wider.

WI-1000X are wireless in-ear Bluetooth headphones with a microphone and active noise canceling (can be disabled). Equipped with a headband that is worn around the neck.

Sensitivity – 101 dB / mW. Wireless range is 10 meters, cable connection is also supported. There is NFC support. Smart Listening handles automatic sound tuning. Also supported are LDAC, S-Master HX and DSEE HX technologies, as well as Headset, Hands free, AVRCP and A2DP profiles.

The functionality of the headphones also includes a vibration alert, a volume control, a call answer and call end sensor, support for AAC, AptX HD and AptX codecs. The battery provides autonomy for up to 10 hours of listening and up to 17 hours of standby.

The package includes a soft case, a 1 m cable with a 3.5 mm mini jack, a USB charging cable, an adapter for connecting in an airplane, and a set of ear pads. The wires are made of oxygen-free copper.

Available in black and beige.

Advantages

• quality of materials and workmanship;
• sound quality;
• autonomy;
• convenient and intuitive smartphone application.

disadvantages

• weak microphone;
• cannot be charged and used at the same time.

Sony WF-SP700N

Rating: 4.7

The next item in the ranking of the best Sony headphones according to the version is another sports headphones, this time, unlike the STH32, completely wireless. The price is comparable to the previous model. Available in colors – black, white, yellow, pink. Weight – 15.2 g.

Dynamic type headphones are connected to the transmitting gadget via Bluetooth and reproduce sound in the range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz. The membrane diameter is 6 mm. There is water resistance and active noise cancellation. However, it is worth emphasizing that noise cancellation has some limitations, and the manufacturer's positioning of this model as 'for sports' has a very material basis, and headphones are definitely not suitable for the metro.

The functionality of the model includes: compatibility with iPhone; microphone; support for Headset, Hands free, AVRCP and A2DP profiles; support for NFC and AAC codecs; remote call answering and call termination; LED indication. Battery life – 3 hours, from the battery in the case – 9 hours, while waiting – 35 hours. Full charge time is 1.5 hours.

The package includes a microUSB cable, four pairs of interchangeable ear pads, a charging case, curved L and M holders.

Advantages

• high quality sound;
• water protection;
• convenient application;
• design;
• hold on tightly;
• noise suppression.

disadvantages

• there is an out of sync sound and video.

Sony WI-C300

Rating: 4.6

And the final position in this rating group is the most budgetary model of in-ear headphones manufactured by Sony. Despite the super-affordable (relatively) cost, according to the reviews of real users, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

These are wireless in-ear, closed-back headphones of dynamic type with microphone and USB connection. Equipped with a neck cord. They weigh 15 g. The diameter of the membrane is 9 mm. They reproduce sound in the range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz.

The functionality and capabilities of the headphones include the following: compatibility with iPhone; the function of answering a call and ending the conversation; volume control; support for A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles; LED indication; support for NFC and AAC codecs. Battery life – 8 hours in listening mode, while waiting – up to 200 hours. Charging time is 2 hours.

The package includes three pairs of interchangeable ear pads of different sizes (S, M, L) and a Micro USB cable. The headphones are available in three colors – black, white and blue.

Advantages

• autonomy;
• keeps the connection well;
• decent sound;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• inconvenient location of the battery.

Best Sony over-ear headphones

Now, as part of the rating, we will consider a group of Sony headphone models from the full-size category. These are massive devices that, due to their size, design features, connection specifics and generally intended purpose, are suitable only for home or studio use.

Sony MDR-Z7

Rating: 4.9

And the first number is the most expensive model in the group, which leaves far behind even the above described Sony Xperia Ear Duo for the price. True, it would be fair to say that professionals and convinced audiophiles do not complain about the cost at all, but only emphasize that the accessory is definitely worth this money.

MDR-Z7 – dynamic-type headphones with the widest range of reproducible sound frequencies – from 4 to 100 thousand Hz. Sensitivity – 102 dB / mW, impedance – 70 Ohm, maximum power – 2000 mW. Membrane diameter – 70 mm.

The design of the headphones is classic, with a massive comfortable headband. They are connected to the source through a detachable cable with a mini jack 3.5 mm plug at the end. Headphones weigh 335 g. Features: bi-directional cable connection, gold-plated connectors, oxygen-free copper wires, neodymium magnets.

The scope of delivery includes a standard 3 m cable and a 2 m balanced cable.

Advantages

• premium class;
• made in Japan;
• long cables;
• gold plated connectors;
• the widest range of sound frequencies;
• deep, enveloping bass;
• comfortable fit;
• quality materials and assembly.

disadvantages

• there are claims to standard cables.

Sony WH-1000XM2

Rating: 4.8

Next in this rating group is the less 'elite', but much more affordable model of full-size headphones. I must say that in terms of capabilities and functionality, these headphones are not much inferior to the previous ones, and in some places they even look more advantageous.

WH-1000XM2 is a dynamic wireless headphone with microphone, active noise canceling system and connection via Bluetooth. Sensitivity – 103 dB / mW. They reproduce sound in the frequency range from 4 to 40 thousand Hz. Membrane diameter – 40 mm.

Headphones weigh 275 g. Attached with a not too massive headband. They work within a range of 10 meters from the source. A wired connection is also allowed via a detachable cable, a 3.5 mm mini jack and an L-shaped plug at the end of a 1.5 meter cable. The connectors are gold-plated.

The functions and capabilities of the headphones are as follows: support for NFC and AAC, AptX and AptX HD codecs; support for Headset, Hands free, AVRCP and A2DP profiles; remote call reception and call termination; touch volume control; auto-tuning of sound through Smart Listening; adaptation to atmospheric pressure and individual adjustment of noise reduction parameters; support for LDAC, S-Master HX and DSEE HX technologies. Battery life up to 30 hours. Full charge time is 4 hours.

Advantages

• adaptive and customizable high quality noise reduction;
• expressive sound;
• wireless connection to the source;
• precise touch control;
• convenient application for wearable electronics;
• autonomy;
• Ambient mode (temporarily skipping sounds from the 'outside world');
• laconic elegant design.

disadvantages

• sweat ears (subjective);
• inconvenient storage case.

Sony MDR-7506

Rating: 4.7

The most affordable model completes the rating group of Sony full-size headphones according to the version. Of course, the functionality and characteristics of these headphones are not as outstanding as those of the two previous solutions, but their cost makes it impossible to put forward conscious claims in this regard.

Model MDR-7506 is a dynamic type headphones with a frequency range of 10 to 20 thousand Hz and a sensitivity of 106 dB. Impedance – 63 Ohm. Membrane diameter – 40 mm.

The design of the device is foldable; a comfortable headband is used as an attachment. One-way cable connection via mini jack 3.5 mm and straight plug. The connectors are gold-plated. The design of the accessory uses neodymium magnets, a twisted cord with oxygen-free copper wires 3 meters long.

The set of delivery also includes a convenient case-case and a 6.3 mm adapter. The manufacturer's warranty is provided for a period of 12 months.

Advantages

• expressive sound with the transfer of subtle nuances;
• comfortable fit;
• good sound insulation;
• three-meter cord;
• the most affordable price in the group.

disadvantages

• the eco-leather quickly peels off the ear cushions, which cannot be bought in addition.

Best Sony on-ear headphones

And now we turn to the last small group of our rating, where we will look at another form factor of Sony headphones – overhead. Outwardly, in the photo, they very much resemble full-size ones, but this is not so. The diameter of the 'ear' itself in such headphones is much smaller, and they do not completely cover the listener's ears, but adjoin them.

Sony MDR-XB650BT

Rating: 4.9

The first number in the group is the model, which has earned many positive reviews from real users. Three colors are available – red, blue, black.

This dynamic headphone weighs 190 g with a comfortable and secure headband and a soft yet secure fit. There is a module for wireless connection to the device via Bluetooth. You can also connect via a detachable cable to the standard audio output of a wearable or other device. The operating range of the over-the-air connection is 10 meters.

Headphones are capable of reproducing sound in the frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz. Sensitivity – 95 dB / mW. The resistance is 24 ohms. The all-round microphone has a frequency range of 100 – 4000 Hz.

The functionality of the device is as follows: voice dialing through the built-in sensitive microphone; volume control by touching; control of calls on the smartphone (answer, end conversation, wait, hold a call, repeat the last number); support for NFC and profiles Headset, Hands free, AVRCP, A2DP; LED indication, swivel bowls for easy portability.

The lithium-ion battery provides autonomy for up to 30 hours. Full charging time is about 4 hours. Manufacturer's warranty – 12 months.

Advantages

• sound quality;
• ergonomics;
• design;
• autonomy.

disadvantages

• mediocre insulation.

Sony WH-CH500

Rating: 4.8

And the final model in the group and all the ratings is from – WH-CH500, which is half the price of the previous one, but in terms of characteristics it is quite comparable with it. Available colors – gray, blue, black.

These headphones are also wireless with connection via Bluetooth. The diameter of the membrane is exactly the same – 30 mm, and the frequency range of the reproduced sound is completely the same – from 20 to 20 thousand Hz with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.

Foldable headphone design – the bowls can be rotated for a more compact package. The accessory is attached to the head with a high-quality plastic headband. Headphones weigh 140 g. The wireless communication range is 10 meters.

The functionality of the model includes: support iPhone; support for NFC and Headset, Hands free, AVRCP and A2DP profiles; answering a call and ending a conversation; volume control; support for audio formats SBC, AAC; additional function – content protection by SCMS-T.

Autonomy is provided by a lithium-ion battery, active work time – up to 20 hours, standby time – up to 200 hours, full charge time – 4.5 hours.

The manufacturer's warranty is provided for 24 months.

Advantages

• design;
• convenience (no discomfort for long hours);
• decent sound;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• claims for sound insulation.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.