Best Sony Headphones | In-ear, Over-ear, Noise-Cancelling, Gaming

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The launch of Sony headphones products always generates great excitement among audiophiles for the elegance of their designs, the sound quality, and reliability in all types of environments. In addition, the Japanese giant produces state-of-the-art music headphones with one of the best value for money on the market. To give you an idea: they are like the Volkswagen headphones. This article has prepared a comparison of the best Sony In-ear, Over-ear, Noise-Cancelling, Gaming headphones, and some well-rounded models. We review its most powerful models for each category: by types of headphones and by use (for practicing sports, for watching television, and for gaming).

Comparison of the best Sony headphones

SONY WH-1000XM4 – (over-ear noise cancellation)

Technical characteristics:

• Noise cancellation:  Yes
• Connectivity:  Audio cable, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC
• Battery:  30 hours
• Frequency response:  4Hz – 40,000Hz

The fourth generation of these Sony headphones features several improvements over the previous model. The Sony WH-1000XM3 already offered incredible sound quality, but the XM4 improves it. In addition, they integrate the most innovative active noise cancellation technology on the market and have several innovative functions.

Design and quality:

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are undoubtedly one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. In terms of appearance, they look almost the same as the  Sony WF-1000XM3. However, they maintain the elegant and minimalist design characteristic of this line. They are made of hard plastic but feel sturdy and very comfortable. Both the cups and the band are padded with soft-touch faux leather.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Bluetooth headphones have a sober and attractive Over-Ear design. They have a folding structure and have physical buttons for power, Bluetooth synchronization, and an additional one to switch between the different noise cancellation modes. In addition, the exterior of the cups functions as touch controls with which you can control playback, change songs and increase or decrease the volume. (1)

They integrate the new QN1 codec that constantly samples ambient sound (700 times per second) to optimize noise cancellation and has several useful functions. For example, they integrate a sensor in each cup to automatically pause playback when you remove your headphones. Plus, Speak-to-Chat technology pauses playback when you hear a voice so you can speak with confidence.

They turn off automatically if you are not using them and are compatible with the Fast Pair function that allows you to locate the Headphones through the application. They also have an atmospheric pressure optimizer for when you are on a flight.

Sound:

The sound quality offered by the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones is really great. They do not produce distortion at any volume level, and the signal is transmitted very cleanly in wireless mode. They produce clear sound at all frequencies with a lot of spatiality and separation. The bass is deep but controlled, while the mid-tones have an excellent presence, and the highs are perceived very clearly. The profile is warm and pleasant.

These Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones restore the quality of compressed files thanks to the new DSEE Extreme technology and allow a higher data transfer than the competition thanks to the Sony LDAC codec  (990 kbps). (2)

The noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones has been subtly improved over the previous model. The new model integrates the chip called QN1 that can attenuate the high and middle frequencies incomparably. Most noise-canceling headphones dampen low-frequency noises well but suffer from winds, alarms, or other high-pitched noises. (3)

They also allow you to adjust the level of noise cancellation and the ambient sound mode according to where you are. In this section, its performance is the best today.

Connectivity:

These Sony headphones work with the Bluetooth 5.0 connection and integrate an NFC chip that allows you to quickly synchronize these headphones with any mobile device that supports the technology. An interesting novelty is that they allow you to synchronize two mobile devices simultaneously. (4,5)

They also have an auxiliary audio input that allows you to use them in a wired way. In addition, they integrate five microphones that pick up voices clearly when you want to answer calls and work with personal assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

To get the most out of these Sony headphones, you need to download the Headphones Connect app. You can customize the sound through the application, control different functions, access 360 Reality Audio technology, and access a graphic equalizer, among other things.

Battery:

The Sony WH 1000XM4 headphones have a really great battery, one of the longest-lasting that you can find among the best noise-canceling headphones. Lasts up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation and 37 hours without ANC.  The performance is the same as the XM3s, but they offer many new features. The full charge lasts three hours, and only ten minutes of charge are enough to use them for five hours. (6)

Conclusion:

These Sony Bluetooth headphones already offered the best sound quality on the noise-canceling headphone market, and the XM4 feature several improvements. They offer the best noise cancellation on the market, are comfortable, and integrate a high-performance battery. So if you’ve got the money and you’re looking for the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, these are unmatched today. Interested?

SONY WH-H910N – (over-ear noise cancellation)

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  35 hours
• Connectivity:  Bluetooth 5.0, NFC.
• Impedance:  17 Ω
• Frequency response:  5Hz – 40,000Hz.

The Sony WH-H900N is noise-canceling headphones designed to be easily taken anywhere. They are smaller and cheaper than the WH-1000XM3 but capable of giving you great sound quality.

Design and quality:

These are compact and lightweight Sony Over-Ear wireless headphones. They have a folding structure and can be easily carried in any bag. They have an elegant slim body and a silicone band that fits very well on the head. The cups of this new generation were redesigned to maximize contact and improve stability. They also have soft padding of great quality. They are really comfortable, and you can use them all day.

The Sony Bluetooth WH-H900N Headphones are available in five colors with two shades to suit the tastes of any user. They have a minimalist, elegant and functional design. They have easy-to-use touch controls that allow you to control all functions without using your mobile device. You can answer calls, change songs, control playback, and access your favorite virtual assistant.

Sound:

The H910N offers great sound quality. They integrate the latest 24mm drivers that produce the same effect as the usual 40mm drivers. In addition, they work with a frequency response of 5Hz-40 kHz in wired mode, 20-20kHz with 44.1kHx samples, and 20-40kHx with the 96 kHz LDAC format.

The performance with high-definition formats is remarkable, but it also improves the quality of compressed formats thanks to the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine HX (DSEE HX) technology. On the other hand, the Sony H910N headphones feature excellent active noise cancellation. In addition, they integrate dual microphones that capture and reduce ambient noise significantly in any environment.

They also offer several handy next-generation features. The mode adaptive control, for example, detects what you’re doing (walking, traveling, etc.) and automatically adjusts the noise cancellation and friendly way to optimize your experience. In addition, quick Attention mode reduces the volume momentarily just by placing your hand on the glass so you can listen to a conversation without removing your headphones.

Connectivity:

You can connect your Sony WH-H910N headphones to any device via Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC (Near Field Communication). They use the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, so it is compatible with high-resolution files. LDAC transmits three times more data than conventional wireless audio (up to 990 kbps). (7)

The WH-H910N is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. So you can use them to make calls and access all the functions offered by these services. They also come with a removable audio cable to connect devices in a wired way.

Battery:

The H910N has an autonomy that reaches 35 hours of continuous playback at moderate volumes. The battery in these Sony headphones is great. In addition, only 10 minutes of charge allows you to use them for two and a half hours.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a wireless headset for day-to-day, foldable, capable of withstanding shocks, and intensive use, the Sony WH-H910N headphones are a good option. They support high-quality audio files and improve the quality of compressed formats. On top of that, they are attractive, comfortable, and sound great. They also have effective noise cancellation and several handy functions.

SONY WF1000XM3- (In-ear Bluetooth headphone)

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  6 hours
• Connectivity:  Bluetooth 5.0.
• Noise cancellation:  Yes
• Frequency response:  20Hz – 20,000Hz.

The Sony WF1000XM3 Bluetooth headphones are in-ear headphones with a noise cancellation system. They also have Bluetooth and NFC connections. The best? Good sound quality. (8)

Design and quality:

The Sony WF-1000XM3 features several important improvements over the previous generation. They have a sleek pill-shaped design, are smaller, and come with different ear cushions to fit any user. These Sony wireless earbuds weigh just 8.5 grams and are hardly felt. They do not cause discomfort and are honestly the most comfortable true wireless earphones on the market.

They integrate the new QN1e chip that the Over-Ear WH-1000XM3 brothers have. Additionally, they also feature new microphones designed for active noise cancellation technology. Both cups have touch controls that allow you to access noise cancellation or ambient mode, as well as control playback. With these Sony headphones, you can also answer calls and access Google’s virtual assistant.

Sound:

The Sony WF-1000XM3 offers excellent sound, close in quality to the great WH-1000XM3. This is surprising in In-Ear Headphones, and therefore they have a special place in the market. Audio is clear across all frequencies, with remarkable detail. The spatiality is very good, and all the instruments are heard, marked, and separated in the mix.

With these Sony Bluetooth headphones, you can play any music genre and get great results. The mids and highs have a good presence and punch, while the bass feels deep and controlled. They also do not exhibit any distortion, even at very high volumes.

These headphones work with the technology called DSEE HX that improves sound quality when playing compressed audio formats. Each cup integrates a DAC and analog amplifier that allows you to reproduce high-resolution formats of up to 24 bits. The sound profile is very well balanced, but you can also modify it to your personal taste through the application.(9,10)

Connectivity:

The Sony WF-1000XM3 uses Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and integrates NFC technology that facilitates synchronization with any compatible device. In addition, they can work with Google Assistant. Unfortunately, they don’t support the aptX codec, but the truth is that the sound is great.

Battery:

The battery in the Sony WF-1000XM3 headphones lasts for six hours with active noise cancellation. Plus, they come with a charging case/base that gives you three additional full charges. Thus, the capacity in this section exceeds that of the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless and AirPods. Charging is also fast: just 10 minutes of charging is enough to use them for more than 90 minutes—the case charges in three and a half hours via the USB-C port.

Conclusion:

The Sony WF1000XM3 is our favorite True Wireless headset.  They are attractive, comfortable and the battery performance is among the best. The sound quality and active noise cancellation are also remarkable. They are quite simply one of the best in-ear headphones on the market. Have we made you long teeth? 

SONY WF-SP900 – Sony waterproof headphones

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  6 hours internal memory, 3 hours Bluetooth.
• Connectivity:  Bluetooth 4.0, NFC.
• Impedance:  not specified
• Frequency response:  20Hz – 20,000Hz.

The WF-SP900 is a sporty version of the excellent WF-1000XM3. They are True Wireless Headphones resistant to water, sweat, and splash. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and stay safe for any sport. They are an upgrade from the WF-SP700. They look better, and you can use them in the pool without problems.

Design and quality:

The new Sony WF-SP900 headphones are designed for sports. They are IP68 certified and have 4GB internal memory. The memory allows you to use them while swimming since the Bluetooth signal does not work through the water. They are quite comfortable. They are slightly larger than the previous version, but they fit the ear very well.

The purchase package includes four different size silicone ear pads and hooks. These Sony wireless headphones are a perfect fit for any type of user. They also come with pads designed for swimming and an exercise strap, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.

The control system is easy to use and intuitive, although it can be confusing at first. You can control almost all the functions by touching them on the outside: adjust the volume, play or pause, change the song, activate the ambient mode, activate the Bluetooth connection, receive calls and manage a virtual assistant.

Sound:

The sound quality offered by these Sony headphones is quite decent. However, the basses do not sound as loud as in most sports models, and the volume can be a bit low in noisy environments. That said, its performance is good when playing any genre of music, and the balance is well achieved.

They do not offer the best sound on the market, but they stand out for their versatility. Internal memory allows you to use them while swimming and play most audio formats. As in the other Sony wireless headphones, you can choose sound quality or connection stability with the application. The Sound Quality mode is better for most occasions, although the connection mode is recommended in environments with many people.

Connectivity:

It works with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, but the 4 Gb internal memory gives it greater versatility. It allows you to save songs without using an application. You only need to connect the Sony Bluetooth headset to a computer via a USB port. It also has NFC technology that makes it easy to sync with any compatible device.

Battery:

The Sony WF-SP900 has a battery that provides three hours of continuous playback with Bluetooth connectivity and six hours when using the internal memory. Additionally, the Sony WF-SP900 headphones come with a carrying case that doubles as a charging base. This case provides three additional charges, giving you a total of 12 hours with Bluetooth connectivity.

Conclusion:

The WF-SP900 is comfortable and stays steady during any activity. They are waterproof, and you can use them while swimming, thanks to their internal memory. The sound quality is not the best, but if you need a Sony Bluetooth headset to swim, these are the best option. Are your teeth long?

SONY MDR-RF855RK – Sony wireless headphones for Tv

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  18 hours
• Connectivity:  radio frequency – RF
• Impedance:  not specified
• Frequency response: 10Hz – 22,000Hz

If you want to enjoy your movies and videos at home with the highest sound quality but without breaking the bank, the Sony MDR-RF855RK headphones are one of the best options. With them, you will feel the action like never before, and you will immerse yourself in the middle of the scene. In addition, they are large, light, with a closed design, and their price is quite affordable.

Design and quality:

The aesthetics of the Sony MDR-RF855RK wireless headphones convey a feeling of comfort, robustness, and sobriety.  They are made to spend long hours at home watching television, so they do not need to have bright colors. Maybe that’s why they only come in black and don’t have spectacular details. Nevertheless, they work well and are comfortable.

The headband is wide and comes with a very comfortable padded headband. The drivers are large and enveloping (in them are the controls), the pads are very cozy, and the base on which they are placed to recharge them is elegant and discreet.

Sound:

For the price they have, they work in a fairly wide frequency range, and thanks to the isolation obtained with their closed design, you will be able to enjoy all the nuances of the sound with great liveliness and naturalness.

The bass is quite highlighted, and the use we recommend for these Sony is above all as wireless headphones for TV, not so much for games or to listen to music, since a little better performance is usually requested in these activities. As negative aspects, we can point out that the signal volume is a bit low in general and that since the connection does not work by Bluetooth but by radio frequency, interference can sometimes occur.

Connectivity:

These Sony wireless headsets connect only by radio frequency to the base (also the charger). They are supposed to have a range of about 100 meters, but we do not know if the engineers have done the test in an empty gym because, in a normal house, this range is quite shortened and if you move too far from the TV, interference can begin.

Battery:

The battery lasts up to 18 hours, so you can use these headphones for several days without worrying about anything. However, once you place the Sony wireless headphones on the base to recharge, you will have to leave them for at least 8 hours to get them back to being like the first day.

Conclusion:

At  Gadgetverge, we have analyzed all types of wireless headphones, both for watching television and playing video games. Obviously, this model lags far behind in terms of connectivity, frequency range, or sound directionality.

But since we are also aware of the price those good headphones can reach by incorporating these improvements, we have to conclude that the  Sony MDR-RF855RK, for its price, is a good choice for those who want it to experience this for the first time. Kind of headphones or can’t afford a lot of money.

Sony PlayStation Platinum Wireless headset -Sony headphones for gaming

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  8 hours
• Connectivity:  2.4 GHz radio frequency with USB wireless adapter and 3.5mm audio connection
• Impedance:  40 Ω
• Frequency response: 4Hz – 24,000Hz

This model is an updated version of the Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 (known as the Gold Headset). The Japanese brand has created a true titan with 50mm drivers, object-based 3D surround sound, an eye-catching circular design, and wide compatibility with all types of devices.

These are Sony headphones with great features, enviable connectivity, an attractive design, and immensely realistic sound. But you can only fully squeeze its advantages if you have games like Uncharted 4 or shortly when they come out, titles like Days Gone, MLB the Show 17, or Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.

Design and quality:

Being the second generation of an existing model, the design changes are hardly noticeable. However, the personality that these Sony Headphones already had has been maintained, such as the rounded shape of the headband, which is wide and very comfortable, the large size of the drivers, which are now 50mm, the comfort of the huge pads. And they are made of synthetic leather and, in general, a simple and beautiful look.

Sound:

Everything you can look for in a gaming headset, this model has it. The sound is realistic, full of details; it makes you experience the action in the first person and transmits all the details of the game environment. In addition, the noise cancelation system works luxurious.

If you have games like the ones we have mentioned above (Uncharted 4, Days Gone, MLB The Show 17, or Uncharted: The Lost Legacy), you can take advantage of its object-based 3D surround sound locates sounds not only around you but also above and below you. In addition, you can benefit from the virtual 7.1 surround system for the rest of the games, which is no small thing. Another important advantage is that you can listen to the game’s sound and that of the chat simultaneously. You can use the SOUND / CHAT button to adjust the volume of the game relative to that of the chat. You can also choose to listen only to the chat.
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The microphone has a noise cancellation system, and it is integrated into the headband in a way that goes practically unnoticed. So when you get tired of gaming, you can continue using the Sony wireless headphones on any computer (Windows or Mac) by plugging the wireless adapter into the USB port. And with the 3.5mm audio cable, you can plug it into any mobile or tablet. They can help with everything!

Connectivity:

The Sony Platinum Wireless Headsets come with a  wireless USB adapter inserted into one of the drivers, the battery charging cable (micro USB), and a 3.5mm audio jack cable.

Battery:

The battery life is 8 hours, and it takes 3 and half hours to charge fully. There are indeed other models with much more autonomy, and this negative point may be kept in mind at the time of purchase. Still, it is normal that since it is a wireless headset with so many features, the energy expenditure is important.

Conclusion:

We cannot deny that the features offered by these Sony headphones are very attractive, and if the games incorporate 3D technology, you are sure to enjoy them. But we cannot deny the reality: we have to admit that this has yet to be seen, so this model constitutes a better bet for the future. So we bet on them, we think that the improvements they include are fantastic, and we believe that the market will go down that path and end up implementing 3D sound, but we cannot promise you anything.

Sony WF-XB700 – Sony in-ear Bluetooth headphones

Technical characteristics:

• Battery: 9 hours (18 with the case).
• Connectivity:  Bluetooth 5.0.
• Impedance:  Not available
• Weight: 8 gram (each).

The WFXB700B is a great option if you need affordable, high-quality True Wireless headphones. They offer great sound, great battery performance, and are comfortable.

Design and quality:

True Wireless headphones are all the rage these days. The Sony WFXB700B is a more affordable version of the excellent WF-1000XM3. They have a modern and attractive design. They integrate controls to manage the volume, reproduction, and change of songs. In addition, it allows you to activate your favorite personal assistant and answer calls.

The Sony WFXB700Bs are shaped like oval discs and provide a comfortable yet powerful sound experience. They integrate the latest technology in True Wireless with high-performance battery life to ensure you can enjoy your music for hours on end without charging or tangling wires between earbuds. The design ensures that they stay put against your ears while still providing an excellent seal. So you never miss out on any of those sweet beats again!

They are IPX4 certified against water and dust, so you can use them to exercise. They come with several different-sized tips to fit any user. These Sony headphones are comfortable and lightweight. (11)

Sound:

Many audiophiles have refused to use wireless headphones because of the sound quality. Compressing the Bluetooth connection destroys detail, dynamic range, and sonic spatiality. However, the quality offered by these Sony headphones can satisfy demanding users, especially considering their size.

They sound great for the price. The Sony WFXB700B headphones are part of the Extra Bass series. They offer very powerful bass but do not overshadow the other tones and remain controlled. The sound profile is very well balanced, and you can enjoy any musical genre with good details.

The mid-tones are not as punchy as the basses, although they maintain a good presence. Likewise, the highs sound very clear. We regret that they do not work with an application to equalize the sound. That said, the balance is remarkable for this price.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.0 technology and have a very wide range of wireless connectivity. In addition, the Sony WFXB700B Bluetooth headphones can work with the personal assistant of your choice and allow you to make and receive calls very clearly. The only unfortunate thing is that they do not support the aptX codec.

Battery:

The autonomy of these Sony Bluetooth headphones reaches approximately 9 hours at medium volumes. Also, they come with a case that doubles as a charging base. The case offers an additional charge for a total of 18 hours. That’s a great capacity for such cheap True Wireless headsets.

Conclusion:

The Sony WFXB700B is excellent In-Ear True Wireless headphones. They offer great sound quality, a battery with remarkable performance, and are very comfortable. If you need cheap True Wireless, this is the best option.

SONY MDR-XB50AP – Sony in-ear wired headphones

Technical characteristics:

• Battery:  Does not have
• Connectivity:  cable with 3.5mm connection
• Impedance:  16 Ω
• Frequency response: 4Hz – 24,000Hz

The Sony MDR-XB50AP headphones are designed to be used with all types of smartphones, and they’re lightweight for those who don’t want a heavy product on their head. The remote/mic cable is integrated into the cord so you can easily control your music or answer phone calls without taking off your headphone. These Sony earbuds also come in an easy storage bag made from soft cloth material and come equipped with several silicone plugs for a snug fit no matter what size ears you have!

Design and quality:

In products so small, it isn’t easy to find a design that attracts attention. Still, in this case, Sony has managed to convey an image of sobriety, elegance, fleeing from the fanfare, and approaching an aesthetic that evokes quality, simplicity, a product that works and that looks good everywhere.

As the only accessory, it brings some silicone plugs of various sizes that will adjust the Headphones to the size of your ear. The microphone and control built into the cable are discreet and easy to use. The weight of this model is only 8 grams, and the cable is 1.2 meters long. You can find them in the colors black, blue, white and red.

Sound:

As usual in Sony, instead of choosing to lower costs by sacrificing sound quality, they have chosen to take care of its quality without fear of not being the cheapest on the market. They include the X-Bass system, which enhances the bass, considering that these accessories are often used on the street, subway, or noisy environments. For some users, this bass boost is greater than desired.

Connectivity:

As they are not wireless, they do not have any complications: you connect them with their 3.5mm connector to your smartphone, whatever brand it is, and work. Its cable is Y-type, flat, and measures 1.2 meters in length.

Battery:

It does not have a battery as it is not a wireless product.

Conclusion:

Sony XB50AP headphones are very cheap. This in-ear model with cable is made so that you can enjoy the good sound quality and give them intensive use without spending a lot of money.

Sony headphones technical characteristics:

VERDICT

After a time in which Sony lost a bit of punch, it seems that the Tokyo brand has put the batteries and is once again a very competent competitor in a market as difficult as that of headphones. Its strategy is clear: to offer products of a more than acceptable quality at prices located in the market average, but not to enter into price wars because it would lead to losing.

They aim to offer the highest possible quality at a price that the average consumer can afford, not just looking to produce cheaply. They love the sound, and in everything they do, they take care that it is the protagonist.

They have taken care to have a presence in all market segments. We have wireless headphones to watch TV at home, others for athletes, for mobile phones, for gamers… they have decided to plant their flag on all possible fronts, and it must be recognized that, as always, they are fighting and obtaining good results.

References:

1. The differences between over-ear and on-ear headphones from https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/on-ear-versus-over-ear-headphones.html#:~:text=There%20are%202%20ways%20you,less%20than%20over%2Dear%20headphones.
2. What is DSEE HX audio technology? from https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00230269
3. What is ANC – How does Noise Cancellation work? from https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/story/active-noise-cancellation
4. Bluetooth 5.0: What’s Different, and Why it Matters from https://www.howtogeek.com/343718/whats-different-in-bluetooth-5.0/
5. Near Field Communication (NFC) Definition from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/near-field-communication-nfc.asp
6. Active Noise Cancellation from https://ams.com/active-noise-cancellation
7. LDAC™: High-quality wireless listening from https://www.sony.net/Products/LDAC/
8. In-Ear Headphones vs. Earbuds — Is There a Difference? from https://www.wirerealm.com/info/difference-between-in-ear-headphones-earbuds
9. Digital-to-analog converter from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter
10. Analogue or Digital – Does it Even Matter? from https://orangeamps.com/articles/analogue-or-digital-does-it-even-matter/
11. IPX4, IPX8, IP68 – What do they mean? from https://suprabeam.com/technology/ipx4/