Sony has established itself as a mainstay in the audio industry, making some of the best wireless headphones, earbuds, and wired over-ear headphones. Sony headphones, in particular, run the gamut from budget-friendly earbuds for the casual commuter to high-end headphones that sound great. No matter what type of headphones you’re looking for, Sony is sure to have something for you.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
When you have a product that many people love, changing it can be risky. That’s the case with Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X line of headphones that first launched in 2016 as the MDR-1000X wireless headphones, and each generation has grown in popularity. Sony has made some design changes over the years, but none as dramatic as the WH-1000XM5. Most of these changes are good, aside from a higher $400 price point ($50 more than the WH-1000XM4), with Sony making some notable improvements to voice call performance, along with better noise cancellation and more refinement the sound of. Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review.
2. Sony WF-1000XM4
The award-winning Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless headphones are an excellent choice for those who want to listen to music on the go. The XM4 headphones build on the huge success of 2020’s award-winning WF-1000XM3 headphones with increased comfort and better sound quality.
They produced one of the most dynamic, detailed and balanced performances we’ve heard from a pair of Bluetooth headphones. The bass notes sound tight and methodical, while the vocals exude refinement and refinement. Your musical performances will keep you entertained, and you’ll also be grateful for the 8-hour battery life, which is class-leading in the field.
They are also comfortable to wear. These compact earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls and a new eartip design that helps with sound isolation. Combine that with Sony’s excellent noise-canceling features, and you’ve got a headphone that can effectively block out the din.
IPX4 water resistance is part of the WF-1000XM4 package, as is Sony’s iOS and Android Smart Headphone Connect app, as well as smart features like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat.
The WF-1000XM4 aren’t just Sony’s best wireless earbuds, they’re the best earbuds you can buy right now.
3. Sony LinkBuds S True Wireless
If you prefer headphones that are more portable and lighter than over-ear headphones, the best Sony earbuds we’ve tested are the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless. They’re the closed siblings of the open-back Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. While the original LinkBuds had an open design that allowed ambient noise to passively mix with your music, the S model has both ANC and ambient noise modes. It gives you the freedom to hear your surroundings without having to take out your headphones or block out ambient noise when needed. Their ANC systems do a particularly good job of reducing the quiet roar of a bus or airplane engine, as well as ambient noise. They have about 7 hours of continuous battery life, which is pretty good, and they store an extra two full charges in the carrying case, bringing their total battery life to nearly 24 hours.
They sound less bass-heavy than their predecessors, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, which some users may prefer. Even though they’re missing some hum and hum, they’re still warm without bloated vocals and instruments. Like our top earmuff picks, they work with Sony | The compatible Headphones Connect app offers EQ options to fine-tune the audio to your liking. Although they have high latency on PCs, they have low latency when connected to Android and iOS devices, which is great when you’re watching videos on your phone. They also support Sony’s LDAC codec if you want to hear hi-res audio.
4. Sony Link Buds
In a way, the LinkBuds are Sony’s answer to Apple’s standard AirPods. While they don’t sound as good as Sony’s WF-1000XM4 noise-isolating earbuds, they offer a discreet, innovative design and a more secure fit than the AirPods, along with good sound and very good voice-call performance.
Like the third-generation AirPods, their open design allows you to hear the world outside — that’s what Ring is all about. This makes them a great option for anyone who wants to hear what’s going on around them for security reasons, or who just doesn’t like earplugs. They also have some unique extras, including Speak to Chat and Wide Area Tap. Instead of tapping the earphones, you can control playback by tapping your face in front of your ears.
They’re IPX4 splash-resistant, and thanks to their fins — Sony calls them Arc Supporters — they sit securely over your ears, making them great for running and other physical activities. Read our Sony LinkBuds review.
5. Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Although primarily a gaming headset, these over-ear headphones offer PS5 owners flawless core audio performance. You can also take your gaming to the next level, especially when combined with the PS5’s 3D audio processing.
Headset controls sit on the edge of the left housing, including a rocker for adjusting the balance between game audio and chat. Battery life is rated at 12 hours, which isn’t long by Bluetooth headset standards, but should suffice for even the longest gaming sessions.
In addition to the PS5, you can also use the Pulse 3D headset wirelessly with a PC or PS4 if you run out of battery or use the headset with an Xbox, phone or want to use a tablet.
If you don’t have the money, space, or bother to buy a home theater system, the PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is pretty much the best option for PS5 gaming, and it’s a no-brainer.
