Sony Headphones: What are the Best Sony Wireless Headphones? 2023 Review

The best Sony Headphones:

1. SONY WH-1000XM5 – ( over-ear noise cancellation )
2. SONY WH-H910N – ( over-ear noise cancellation )
3. SONY WF1000XM4- ( in-ear noise cancellation )
4. SONY WF-SP800N – ( sports headphones )
5. SONY LINKBUDS – ( open in-ear headphones )
6. SONY PULSE 3D – ( gamers )
7. SONY LINKBUDS S – ( in-ear closed )
8. SONY WF-C500 – ( in-ear bluetooth )

The fifth generation of these Sony headphones features a new, sleeker design. The Sony WH-1000XM4 already offered incredible sound quality, but the XM5 improves on it. In addition, it integrates the most innovative active noise cancellation technology on the market, and has several innovative functions.

Design and quality:

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are, without a doubt, one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. The most significant difference in the new model is the design. They have a more curved body and a thin headband. They look sleeker and reduce wind vibration.

They maintain the elegant and minimalist design characteristic of this line, but look more modern. They are made from recycled ABS plastic from car parts. They are resistant and very comfortable, as both the cups and the band are padded with a faux leather that is soft to the touch.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 bluetooth headphones have a modern and attractive over-ear design. Unfortunately, they do not have a foldable structure. That said, they come with a carrying case and are slightly lighter than the previous version.

They feature physical buttons to operate power, Bluetooth pairing and switch between different noise cancellation modes. In addition, the outside of the right cup functions as a touch control with which you can manage playback, change songs, answer calls, activate the personal assistant of your choice, and turn the volume up or down.

They have several useful smart features. They integrate a sensor in each cup to automatically pause playback when you remove your headphones. In addition, the Speak-to-Chat technology pauses playback when it hears a voice, so you can talk in peace.

Sound:

The sound quality offered by the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones is really great. They produce no distortion at any volume level, and the signal transmits very cleanly in wireless mode.

They produce a clear sound at all frequencies with plenty of spatiality and separation. The bass is deep but controlled, while the mid tones have excellent presence, and the treble is perceived as very clear. The profile is warm and pleasant.

These Sony WH-1000XM5 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). They integrate 30mm transducers. They are smaller than those present in the WH-1000XM4, but offer the same spatiality and sublime sound.

The noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is also better compared to the previous model. Most noise-cancelling headphones attenuate low-frequency noise well, but suffer with wind, alarms or other high-pitched noises. However, the XM5s impeccably reduce high-pitched noises and isolate you from anywhere.

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

Connectivity:

These Sony headphones work with Bluetooth 5.2 connection, And you can synchronize two mobile devices simultaneously. They also have an auxiliary audio input that allows you to use them wired.

They integrate four microphones that pick up voices clearly when you want to answer calls and enhance support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant personal assistants.

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

Battery:

The Sony WH 1000XM5 headphones integrate a really great battery, one of the longest lasting you can find among the best noise cancelling headphones. It lasts up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, and 40 hours without ANC. The performance is about the same as what the XM4s offer, but it's great for all the features they offer.

Conclusion:

They offer the best noise cancellation on the market, are comfortable and feature a high-performance battery. If you have the means and are looking for the best noise cancelling headphones on the market, these have no competition today. Interested? Check out the best prices on Amazon.

Other quality options include the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 and Shure AONIC 50. If you're looking for stylish headphones, we also recommend checking out the Bang Olufsen headphones.

The Sony WH-H900N are noise-cancelling headphones designed to be easily taken anywhere. They are smaller and less expensive than the WH-1000XM3, but capable of giving you a great sound experience.

Design and quality:

These are compact and lightweight Sony Over-Ear wireless headphones. They have a foldable structure, and can be easily carried in any bag. They have a sleek slim body and a silicone headband that fits snugly on the head. The cups of this new generation were redesigned to maximize contact and improve stability. They also have soft padding of excellent quality. They are really comfortable, and you can wear them all day long.

The Sony bluetooth WH-H900N headphones are available in five colors with two shades, to suit the tastes of any user. They have a minimalistic, elegant and functional design. They feature 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 superb sound quality. They integrate 24mm drivers of the latest generation that produce the same effect as the usual 40mm drivers. They work with a frequency response of 5Hz-40kHz in wired mode, 20-20kHz with 44.1kHx samples and 20-40kHx with the 96kHz LDAC format.

Performance with high-definition formats is remarkable, but they also improve the quality of compressed formats thanks to Digital Sound Enhancement Engine HX(DSEE HX) technology. Furthermore, the Sony H910N headphones feature excellent active noise cancellation. They integrate dual microphones that pick up and reduce ambient noise significantly in any environment.

They also offer several useful, state-of-the-art features. The adaptive control mode, for example, detects what you are doing (walking, traveling, etc.) and automatically adjusts the noise cancellation and ambient mode to optimize your experience. Quick attention mode momentarily reduces the volume by simply placing your hand over a cup, 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's compatible with high resolution files. LDAC transmits three times more data than conventional wireless audio (up to 990 kbps).

The WH-H910N are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. You can use them to make calls and access all the functions offered by these services. They also come with a detachable audio cable for wired connection.

Battery:

The H910N has a battery life of up to 35 hours of continuous playback at moderate volumes. In addition, only 10 minutes of charging allows you to use them for two and a half hours.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for wireless headphones for everyday use that are foldable and able to withstand shock and intensive use, the Sony WH-H910N headphones are a good choice. They support high quality audio files and improve the quality of compressed formats. They are attractive, comfortable and sound great. They also have effective noise cancellation and several useful features. Find the best prices on Amazon.

We also recommend you check out the excellent Marshall headphones.

In Culturasonora, we've already talked about this model in the article on “The best In Ear Headphones of 2023″. Sony WF1000XM4 bluetooh headphones are the best in-ear headphones with a noise cancellation system. This new update is even better than the previous model in all important aspects.

Design and quality:

The Sony WF-1000XM4s feature several major improvements over the previous generation. They have a new round design, and are available in black or silver, with small colored details that add an attractive touch. They also come with new ear tips (sizes S, M, L) that fit better in the ears.

They do not cause any discomfort, and are honestly one of the most comfortable true wireless earphones on the market. Another new feature of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is that they are IPX4 certified. This means you can use them for working out or running, as they resist splashes and sweat from all angles.

They integrate the new V1 chip, an improved DAC and analog amplifier. This translates into superior sound quality and active noise cancellation. Both cups feature touch controls that allow you to access noise cancellation or ambient mode, as well as control playback and volume.

With this Sony headset, you can also answer calls and access various useful functions. For example, the quick attention mode and Speak-to-Chat allow you to talk without removing your headset. You can also find the earphones in case of loss with the Google Find My Device app.

Sound:

The Sony WF-1000XM4 offers excellent sound, close in quality to the superb WH-1000XM4. This is surprising in an In-Ear headset, and that is why they have a special place on the market. The audio is clear at all frequencies, with remarkable detail. The spatiality is very good, and all instruments sound distinct and separate in the mix.

With these Sony Bluetooth headphones, you can play any genre of music and get a great result. The mids and highs have a good presence and punch, while the lows are perceived as deep and controlled. They do not exhibit any distortion, even at very high volumes.

These headphones work with DSEE Extreme Audio technology that improves sound quality when playing compressed audio formats. Each cup integrates a new DAC and analog amplifier that enables you to play high-resolution formats up to 24-bit. The sound profile is very well balanced.

Connectivity:

The Sony WF-1000XM4s use Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and integrate Fast Pair for Android technology for easy pairing with any compatible device. They do not support the aptX codec, but the sound is great. In addition, they work with the Sony LDAC codec that transmits high resolution files with a speed of up to 990kbps. If you want to get the most out of these headphones, we recommend downloading the Headphones Connect application. With the app, you can customize the controls and access a number of useful features, such as the Sony 360 Reality Audio audio format.

Battery:

The Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones have a battery life of eight hours with active noise cancellation. In addition, they come with a charging case/base that gives you an additional 16 hours. On the other hand, if you do not use the noise cancellation technology, the battery lasts 12 hours on a single charge and 24 hours with the case.

The capacity in this regard exceeds that of the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless, and AirPods. Charging is also fast: only 5 minutes of charging is enough to use them for more than one hour. This new version also allows you to charge them with a Qi wireless charger.

Conclusion:

The Sony WF1000XM4 are our favorite True Wireless headphones. They are attractive, comfortable and the battery performance is among the best. Sound quality and active noise cancellation are also remarkable. Simply put, they are one of the best In-Ear headphones on the market. Intrigued? Find the best prices on Amazon.

If you do not need ANC, you can opt for the True Wireless Beoplay E8 headphones. We also recommend you check out the Galaxy Buds Pro.

The WF-SP800N is a sporty alternative to the excellent WF-1000XM4. They are True Wireless headphones resistant to water, sweat and splashes. They are comfortable, lightweight and stay secure through any activity. In addition, they feature active noise cancellation and support the Sony 360 Reality Audio format.

Design and quality:

The new Sony WF-SP800N headphones are designed for sports. They are IP55 certified against dust, splashing water and sweat. You can use them to exercise in any environment.

The purchase package includes pads and fastening hooks of different sizes. These Sony wireless headphones are a perfect fit for any type of user, although they can be a little uncomfortable for prolonged sessions.

This model integrates touch controls to change songs, manage playback, receive calls and activate your phone's personal assistant. You can also access the ambient mode to hear the noise around you, active noise cancellation and 360 Reality Audio surround format.

Sound:

We love the sound quality of these Sony earphones. The bass sounds strong and the power is good. Their performance is equally good when playing any genre of music, and the balance is well achieved.

The sound profile emphasizes the bass and slightly dulls the other tonalities. That said, the audio is perfect for working out. The active noise cancellation is decent, but doesn't compare to that of more expensive ANC headphones, but it's always good to have this technology.

Also, the new 360 Reality Audio format provides a remarkable sound spatiality in services such as Deezer or Tidal.

Connectivity:

It works with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and has a wide wireless range. They are easy to use and have a sensor that automatically pauses or plays the songs when you take off or put on one of the buds.

On the other hand, the clarity of the calls is amazing. Voices are clear, and they attenuate ambient noise when you're speaking. With the Sony Connect application, you can equalize the sound and access the noise cancellation and ambient mode functions.

Likewise, the awareness mode pauses the song when you press and hold a finger on any of the cups, and then resumes the song once you've removed your finger.

Battery:

The Sony WF-SP800N features a built-in battery that provides nine hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation at medium volumes. In addition, the Sony WF-SP800N headphones come with a carrying case that doubles as a charging cradle. This case provides an additional nine hours, giving you a total of 18 hours with Bluetooth connectivity.

Conclusion:

The WF-SP800Ns remain in place during any activity. The sound quality is very decent, the clarity of calls is remarkable, and they have active noise cancellation. These are versatile Sony sports earphones, and are good value for money. Intrigued? Find the best prices on Amazon.

Design and quality:

Sony LinkBuds are the first in-ear headphones with an open-ring design. They do not invade the ear canal, and let you hear ambient noise when you are outdoors. Each cup has a ring-shaped transducer which is attached to the round body that integrates the other technologies.

The ring surrounds the ear canal, while the cups are held at the top of the ear. They are held securely in place by rubberized fittings that come in different sizes, to ensure a good fit for any user. They are not as comfortable as the more conventional models, but they are very light. Each cup weighs only 4.1 grams.

They are the company's smallest In Ear headphones. In fact, they are so compact that Sony invented a new technology that allows you to control functions by gently touching your face next to your ears. You can also press the cups, of course, but we love this new feature.

With the controls, you can manage playback, change songs or answer calls. In addition, you can change them via the app. The cups of these compact Sony headphones are IPX4 certified, therefore resistant to sweat and water splashes. You can use them in the gym or for running, as they are held in place by the rubber attachments.

Sound:

The sound quality is remarkable. The open type design produces a sonorous spatiality difficult to find in other In Ear headphones. All instruments shine and have their place. The details shine in all tones, as well as the clarity and fidelity of the rhythms.

This design doesn't protect you from external noise, but they are designed so that you can use them on the street, at work or anywhere, without isolating yourself from the environment. Each ring integrates powerful 13 mm drivers, and the Sony V1 processor ensures faithful, distortion-free sound.

It's a pleasure to listen to music with the Sony LinkBuds, as their sound quality can satisfy demanding audiophiles. We tested them by playing several Beatles songs and fell in love with the details in all the vocals and instruments.

Connectivity:

To get the most out of the Sony LinkBuds WF-L900 headphones, you need to download the Headphones Connect application. Through the app, you can access many important functions. These include the new Sony 360 Reality Audio surround sound format and adaptive sound control.

The latter function automatically adjusts the volume level according to ambient noise. You can also enable DSEE technology that improves the quality of compressed files, such as MP3s.

In terms of connectivity, they work with Bluetooth 5.2 technology and the wireless range is very wide. You can use them with any device, although Android and Windows users can enjoy an instant connection thanks to the Fast Pair and Switch Pair functions.

Battery:

The autonomy of these Sony headphones reaches 5.5 hours of continuous playback. The charging case gives you an additional 12 hours for a total of 17.5 hours. That's a pretty decent capacity, but it doesn't compare to that of the Sony WF-1000XM4. One positive aspect is that they charge fast via the USB-C port. With only 10 minutes of charging, you can use them for more than 1.5 hours.

Conclusion:

LinkBuds are the world's first True Wireless with open ring design. They give you really great sound and you can use them anywhere. They are very small, lightweight and come with a minimal case. In addition, they offer many useful features, such as adaptive volume control. Interested? Find the best price on Amazon.

Design and quality:

The Pulse 3D are designed to accompany the PS5 console. They feature the same black and white finish as the console. They also have the same sleek appearance, with a slim, futuristic and attractive body.

The ear pads on these PS5 headphones have a leather finish that feels soft to the touch. They are affordable, and while the build quality is not top notch, they feel comfortable and stay cool on long sessions. They also create a good seal around the ear and do not cause pressure.

On the left cup, they integrate a potentiometer to adjust the volume of the game and chat, plus controls to mute the microphone, manage the volume and power on. They do not have a button for the 3D audio function, but this is because the technology is now integrated into the console.

Sound:

The sound quality is very solid for gaming or listening to music, either in stereo or surround mode. The songs don't have the subtle detail of HiFi headphones, but they still sound great.

The profile is well balanced, and all notes sound lively. Bass is deep and controlled, while treble is crisp. Vocals stand out in the mix, and they can reproduce subtle changes in a solid way.

They are perfect for gaming, thanks to the Sony Tempest 3D Audio, a feature implemented in PlayStation games that gives you realistic and immersive sound. We were surprised with this mode as it improves the sense of directionality in games considerably. The effects and surround effect are solid.

Connectivity:

If you want to use the Sony Pulse 3D headphones wirelessly, you can use the USB transmitter on your console. Once connected, the PlayStation will recognize them immediately. You can also use them wirelessly with your PC and they come with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use.

The microphone on these Sony wireless headphones picks up voices with a clarity that surprised us. However, they do not cancel noise in the best way.

Battery:

The autonomy of the Sony Pulse 3D headphones reaches 12 hours, enough for long gaming sessions. In addition, they charge very fast thanks to the USB-C port.

Conclusion:

The Pulse 3D is the best Sony headset for the PlayStation 5. They are designed to enjoy the 3D effect offered by the console and stand out in this regard. The best part: they are quite inexpensive. Interested? Find the best price on this link.

We also recommend you check out the Astro A50 gaming headset, the Razer headset, Barracuda X and the Logitech G430.

Sony wasted little time in launching another model in the LinkBuds line. The original models have a unique open-ring design, while these are more conventional. That said, these Sony headphones are comfortable, offer good sound and solid noise cancellation.

Design and quality:

The original LinkBuds have an open-type design that lets in external noise, but these LinkBuds are closed. They feature new five-millimeter drivers and active noise cancellation. They also create a good seal and come with different pads.

They integrate the company's new technology, and are very small. According to Sony, they are the smallest active noise-cancelling headphones on the market and 41% more compact than the WF-1000XM4. They are also lighter, and it's noticeable.

They are IPX4-certified against splashes of water and sweat, so you can use them for sports . In addition to noise cancellation, they offer an ambient or transparency mode that allows you to hear external noise when you need to.

They integrate the same V1 processor found in the WF-1000XM4, and DSEE Extreme technology that improves the quality of compressed files. In addition, they have features such as Speak-to-Chat, so you can have a conversation without removing your headphones.

The outer part of each cup functions as touch controls that you can assign with the application. With factory settings they control playback, noise cancellation/ambient mode, calls, etc.

Sound:

Overall, the sound balance of these Sony Bluetooth headphones is very well achieved. Performance, as Sony is accustomed to, is remarkable for this price range. Bass is solid and stays in check, treble is crisp and mid-range tones stand out.

The textures surprised us, as did the depth of all the instruments. The sound of these Sony Bluetooth headsets is not as spacious as that of the LinkBuds, but it offers good detail and clarity. In addition, the active noise cancellation is quite decent. Our only complaint is that they lack a bit of dynamism.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.2, and the wireless range is very wide. They do not support aptX, but can handle Sony's LDAC format that wirelessly streams files with resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz at a rate of 990Kbps.

They support Google Fast Pair technologies for Android devices and Swift Pair for Windows 11 or 10.

Battery:

According to the company, the autonomy reaches six hours with noise cancellation active, and nine hours if you turn it off. In addition, the charger gives you an additional 14 hours. When we tested them we noticed that this measure is true, a quite decent capacity.

Conclusion:

The Sony LinkBuds S offer good sound and a very decent ANC. They are very small, comfortable, resistant and versatile. If you want to check the best prices on Amazon, click here.

The WF-C500 are a great choice if you need affordable, high-quality True Wireless earphones. They offer a very decent sound, are comfortable and passively attenuate noise thanks to the seal they create in the ear.

Design and quality:

True Wireless headphones are all the rage these days. The Sony WF-C500 is a more affordable version of the excellent WF-1000XM4. They have a modern and attractive design. They integrate controls to manage volume, playback, and change songs. They also allow you to activate your favorite personal assistant and answer calls.

They are small and lightweight. Each earbud weighs only 5.4 grams, and after a few minutes you forget you are wearing them. You can wear them for hours without discomfort, and they fit well.

The package comes with three sets of ear tips (small, medium and large), to ensure a good fit for any user. In addition, they are IPX4 certified against water and dust. You can't submerge them, but they can withstand splashes of water and sweat.

Sound:

Many audiophiles have refused to use wireless headphones because of the sound quality. The compression of the Bluetooth connection destroys detail, dynamic range and sound spatiality. Nevertheless, the quality offered by these Sony headphones can satisfy the most demanding users, especially considering their size and affordable price.

In this price range, the following stands out: The seal they create in the ears passively reduces external noise. They are a pleasure to use, as they do not invade the ear canal. As for the audio, we were surprised by the good textures and deep bass control. The treble is perceived as lively.

The best part: the mids stand out for their quality. The vowels sound rich and the spatiality is decent. The rhythms are also heard with precision. Overall, these Sony wireless earphones offer a well-balanced and pleasant sound, with a tonal neutrality that we appreciate.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and have a very wide wireless connectivity range. The Sony WF-C500 can work with the personal assistant of your choice, and allow you to make and receive calls very clearly. The only regrettable thing is that they do not support the aptX codec.

To get the most out of these Sony wireless earphones, we recommend using the Sony Connect application. With the app, you can equalize the sound and access the new Sony 360 Reality Audio format.

Battery:

The autonomy of these Sony Bluetooth headphones reaches approximately 10 hours at medium volumes. In addition, they come with a case that also serves as a charging base. The case offers an additional charge for a total of 20 hours. That's a great capacity for such an inexpensive True Wireless pair of earphones.

Conclusion:

The Sony WF-C500 are excellent affordable In-Ear True Wireless earphones. They offer great sound quality, remarkable battery performance and are very comfortable. If you need a cheap True Wireless, this is the best option. To see the best prices on Amazon, click here.

FINAL CONCLUSION:

After a time when Sony had lost a bit of punch, it seems that the Tokyo-based brand has gotten its act together and is once again becoming a very competent competitor in a market as challenging as the headset one. Their strategy is clear: to offer products of more than acceptable quality, at prices within the market average, but not to engage in price wars, because it would lose out.

The goal is to offer the highest possible quality at a price that the average consumer can afford, not just to produce cheaply. They love sound, and in everything they do they make sure it's the main focus.

They have made a point of being present in all market segments. We have wireless headsets for watching TV at home, others for athletes, for mobiles, for gamers… They have decided to plant their flag on all possible fronts. And we must recognize that, as always, they are putting up a good fight and obtaining good results.

We also recommend you check out our comparative reviews of AKG, Bowers and Wilkins, Bose, Sennheiser and the best aquatic MP3 players. If you need more affordable ones you can check out the SoundPeats.

Technical characteristics of Sony headphones: