One of Sony's focus areas is sound quality, and a lot of work has been done here. For modern headphone models, the main priorities were chosen: wireless communication, compression algorithms with preservation of quality, intelligent noise reduction, high autonomy. At the moment, the company presents both budget and flagship solutions on the market. After reviewing user reviews, expert comments, I have compiled a rating of the best Sony headphones of 2019.
Best Sony wireless headphones
Sony WH-CH500
Our rating opens with the Sony WH-C500 full-size closed-back headphones. They have a stylish Japanese design and are available in three colors. The build quality is high and does not creak when worn. Weight - only 140 g: they are practically not felt on the head. The design feature of the cups allows them to be rotated in two axes for comfortable wearing. Responsible for the sound are 30 mm drivers with a standard (for their level) frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with pronounced bass and detailed clear sound. Like most modern headphones, the WH-CH500 supports NFC for quick pairing with your phone. Bluetooth 4.2 confidently keeps a connection up to 10 meters, has support for many profiles. The function of calls in the “hands free” mode, a voice assistant are provided. This allows you to chat with friends without even taking your phone out of your pocket or bag. Press and hold the play button on the headphones to activate the voice assistant on your Android or iOS device, or make hands-free calls using the high-quality built-in microphone. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 20 hours; according to the experience of the owners, even slightly underestimated. With daily three hours of use in a week, it is unlikely that the battery will be drained. There is no support for fast charging, so from 0 to 100% the headphones will charge for 4.5 hours.
Benefits:
- Nice price.
- High autonomy.
- NFC technology.
- Beautiful design.
Disadvantages:
- The glossy surface of the ear cups scratches heavily.
- Poor insulation.
- There is no charge level indicator.
- Non-removable ear pads.
The WH-CH500 has the modern features that the user needs - Bluetooth connectivity, NFS support, hands-free function. In terms of sound quality, they surpass their competitors, but they have not the best noise reduction. I didn’t like that it’s impossible to change the ear pads, which wear out over time, there is no indication of the battery charge, so you need to monitor its level. Price - 2100 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 82% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WI-C400
The Sony WI-C400 wireless earbuds are equipped with the necessary set of functions and weigh only 35 g. Available in 4 colors, they look pretty good. 9 mm speakers with a frequency range of 8-22000Hz are responsible for the sound. The earbuds support NFC for quick pairing with your phone. Bluetooth 4.2 works up to 10 meters away. There is a hands-free calling function, a voice assistant. When the earbuds are synchronized with your smartphone, you will be notified of incoming messages and calls by vibration. I would like to note the convenient control: with the buttons you can start or stop playback, skip tracks, adjust the volume.They allow you to activate the functions of the voice assistant, make hands-free calls. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 20 hours. There is no support for fast charging, as in the Sony WH-CH500 model: from 0 to 100%, the headphones will charge for 4, .5 hours.
Benefits:
- Compactness, light weight.
- Vibration function for calls and notifications.
- Convenient management.
- Good battery life.
- Shows and says battery percentage.
Disadvantages:
- Often after six months of use, the right earphone fails.
- Thin wire that breaks easily.
- Poor quality spoken microphone.
These headphones are suitable for sports: they are lightweight, have good sound and noise isolation, vibration signal. I would like to point out the good Bluetooth connection, which does not interrupt when running. But it is better not to wear them in the rain, since there is no protection from moisture. This model has a useful feature that the WH-CH500 does not have - a battery level indicator, which was so lacking. Price - 2500 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 76% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WH-CH700N
The WH-CH700N noise canceling headphones are designed for extended listening on the go. Intelligent Noise Canceling (AINC) adapts to the environment, so you can enjoy your favorite songs perfectly on the road. Neither the WI-C400 nor the WH-CH500 have this feature. AINC analyzes background sounds and adjusts their intensity for optimal listening on airplanes and other noisy environments. Press and hold the button to activate this function. NFC technology simplifies setup. To quickly connect and start streaming Bluetooth content right away, simply touch your NFC-enabled device to the N-tag on the case. 40 mm speakers with a frequency range of 20-20000Hz are responsible for the sound. Bluetooth 4.1 works up to 10 meters, although previous models have Bluetooth 4.2. DSEE digital sound enhancement technology accurately restores all the sound details, thus producing high quality sound close to the original recording. You can customize the sound of your headphones using the free Sony Headphones Connect app for Android and iOS. Virtual Surround Technology (VPT) delivers an incredible listening experience, simulating the sound of a club, concert hall or outdoor venue. The battery life declared by the manufacturer is 35 hours. In this model, if fast charging technology. If, nevertheless, the battery charge is not enough, it is possible to connect headphones via a standard mini jack 3.5 mm. Cable - 1.2 m, included in the delivery set.
Benefits:
- Intelligent Noise Canceling (AINC) function.
- Free Sony Headphones Connect app for Android and iOS.
- High autonomy - up to 35 hours.
- Fast charging technology.
- Possibility to connect via mini jack 3.5 mm.
- Battery charge indicator.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Ears often sweat, ear pads fit very tightly.
- Dull sound when using the microphone.
- Noise reduction is incomplete.
The popular model from Sony with Intelligent Noise Canceling. If you use them in the subway, you will still hear the background noise. The volume and quality of the microphone will not be enough, the sound is indistinct, dull. There are no questions about autonomy: the headphones can work up to 35 hours. When the battery runs out, you can recharge it quickly with the quick charge feature not available on the WI-C400 and WH-CH500. A big plus is the ability to connect via a 3.5 mm mini jack, a 1.2 m cable is included in the package. Price - 9950 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 88% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WF-1000XM3
The WF-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones feature a new HD noise canceling processor QN1e. It filters out more noise at almost all frequencies, uses less power, has digital noise cancellation, 24-bit audio signal processing, and a digital-to-analog converter with amplifier.Two microphones - external and internal, so it captures a maximum of extraneous noise - from conversation in transport to the hum of the office and city streets. Responsible for the sound are tiny 6 mm speakers with a frequency range of 20-20000Hz. Bluetooth version 5.0 works at a distance of up to 10 meters, the Sony WH-CH700N uses the older Bluetooth 4.1 technology. New Bluetooth chip and optimized antenna design provide a stable connection for hours of wireless streaming.
DSEE HX digital sound enhancement technology upscales compressed digital music files to sound closer to high-resolution audio. Fully charged earbuds last up to 6 hours with noise canceling on, and a convenient charging case lets you recharge them three times on the go during the day, giving you up to 24 hours of listening time. With the noise canceling system turned off, the earbuds work for 8 hours on a full charge with the ability to recharge the earbuds three times from the charging case, i.e. up to 32 hours of music playback. Fast charging technology is provided, for example, after 10 minutes fast charging, you can listen to your favorite music for 90 minutes. The earbuds can be easily stowed away in the charging case thanks to the built-in magnets, and the case can be quickly charged via the USB-C cable. The WF-1000XM3 noise canceling headphones utilize innovative SENSE ENGINE ™ technology, a range of intelligent features that enhance your listening experience.
The Sony Headphones Connect app has an intelligent adaptive sound control function. It automatically detects what you are doing (driving, walking down the street, or waiting in line) and adjusts the surround sound settings according to the situation. You can change the settings yourself. The headphones are equipped with a “hands free” function and a voice assistant Google Assistant4.
Benefits:
- Ergonomic and modern design.
- Good sound quality.
- Bluetooth version 5.0.
- Advanced HD processor QN1e.
- DSEE HX digital sound enhancement technology.
- High autonomy, fast charging.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Extra large headphone case.
- There is no indicator of the charge / discharge of the case itself.
- The sound during conversations in the headset mode is of poor quality.
- Communication is often interrupted when talking through headphones.
A very interesting model with a wide range of various technologies and functions to improve sound quality, noise cancellation and communication quality, which are not available in the WH-CH700N and WH-CH500. I have no complaints about sound and noise cancellation, everything is fine here thanks to the QN1e HD processor and DSEE HX technology, but the speaker quality during a conversation is low, there is often a disconnection when talking with the interlocutor - this is the biggest drawback. I did not like the headphone case: it is very large, about 2 times larger than the AirPods, made of low quality plastic, very prone to scratches. Price - 17 thousand rubles. On the Yandex. Market 69% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony WH-1000XM3
In this model, the active noise canceling system is implemented with tight-fitting ear pads and a noise canceling HD-processor QN1, almost like in the Sony WF-1000XM3 model. Now music playback will not be affected by processor performance. The headphones use LDAC technology, which transmits approximately three times more data (with a maximum transfer rate of 990 Kbps) compared to traditional Bluetooth wireless solutions. With it, you can enjoy music with quality that is as close as possible to audio with a wired connection.
The built-in amplifier integrated into the QN1 HD noise canceling processor has the best signal-to-noise ratio in its category, low distortion for portable devices, and high-quality sound. Powered by powerful 40mm LCD cone drivers, the headphones deliver impressive bass and can reproduce the full frequency range up to 40 kHz. Even the WF-1000XM3 and WH-CH700N do not have such a high indicator.Automatic Sound Tuning with SENSE ENGINE Smart Listening automatically detects what you are doing - driving, walking or waiting. It adjusts the volume of the surround sound as needed. And with the quick attention function, you can communicate without removing the headphones: touch their body with your hand to decrease the volume, and talk.
SENSE ENGINE technology lets you turn your music on and off with just one touch. It is possible to install the Sony I Headphones Connect application: you can use the equalizer, Smart Listening, surround sound parameters and volume. The headphones are equipped with a hands free function, a voice assistant Google Assistant4. Extra soft ear cushions made of polyurethane foam evenly distribute pressure and fit snugly to your ears. Even more comfort is provided by an ergonomic design with increased space between the speaker and ear.
The battery lasts for as much as 30 hours of operation. In just 10 minutes. can be charged up to 5 hours using the optional AC adapter. In the Sony WF-1000XM3 model, 10 minutes of fast charging provides 90 minutes of music playback. Connection via mini jack 3.5 mm is possible, cable 1.2 m is included in the delivery set.
Benefits:
- HD processor QN1.
- Excellent fast charging.
- High autonomy.
- Compactness and convenience.
- Sound quality.
- Smart Listening technology.
- Possibility of wired connection.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- With a wired connection, the noise canceling function must be turned on manually.
- In the cold, the touch control panel starts to slow down, it works with a delay.
- In summer, ears sweat a lot when wearing headphones.
- Leatherette ear pads.
An excellent model of headphones with excellent sound, the introduction of new technologies and the presence of modern functions and components. In terms of sound quality, everything suits me, but I do not fully understand how in headphones for 25 thousand rubles in a light frost the touch control can slow down so much. The ear cushions are made of low quality leatherette. Already for these 2 disadvantages it is necessary to reduce the price. I believe that the price is clearly overpriced, there is no point in overpaying for this model. It is better to take the Sony WF-1000XM3, which are in no way inferior in terms of sound level and quality, but they are cheaper. On the Yandex. Market 74% of buyers recommend this product.
Best wired Sony headphones
Sony MDR-XB50AP
The XB50AP wired in-ear headphones are available in multiple colors and operate in the 4-24000 Hz range with up to 106 dB sensitivity and 40 ohm nominal impedance. It features 12mm neodymium drivers for powerful, balanced sound. The device features EXTRA BASS technology for club sound. The headphones are compatible with smartphones and come with a built-in remote control and microphone. They are connected via a standard mini jack 3.5 mm connector. Cord length - 1.2 m. The set includes 4 pairs of interchangeable ear pads, a headphone case.
Benefits:
- Affordable price.
- Beautiful view.
- High quality wire that does not get tangled.
- They fit well in the ears, do not fall out.
- Sounds good.
Disadvantages:
- Ears start to get tired from listening to music for a long time.
- Very strong bass. Although for some it will be a plus.
- The back of the headphones is scratched quickly.
- The headset is positioned low.
A good model that corresponds to the "price-quality" indicator. They look good, sound decent, but for me they have very strong bass. It is not entirely convenient that the conversational headset is located lower than it should be, because of this you will not be clearly heard during a conversation. Otherwise, these are good headphones for 1,780 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 83% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-XB550AP
The headphones are made in 5 bright colors and look very nice. Stylish design, compactness, light weight make them ideal for everyday wear. The closed design and soft, tactile ear cushions provide excellent sound isolation and will not cause discomfort even during long listening sessions.The device operates in the range of 5-22000 Hz with a sensitivity of up to 102 dB and a nominal resistance of 24 Ohm. In this important indicator, they surpass the Sony MDR-XB50AP. It features 30mm drivers for powerful, balanced sound. As in the previous model, it uses EXTRA BASS technology for club sound. The headphones have a standard 3.5 mm mini jack, a microphone and a control button. Cord length - 1.2 m.
Benefits:
- Stylish design.
- Excellent soundproofing.
- High quality ear pads.
- Sensitive microphone.
- Flat, tangle-free wire.
- High sound level.
Disadvantages:
- Any touch or shock is transmitted along the wire, it is very sensitive.
- If you do not take them off for more than 2 hours, then they begin to put pressure on your head.
- It takes a long time to adjust the equalizer for yourself because of the large number of low frequencies.
- Short cable if connected to a computer.
A very good model with almost no flaws. The headphones produce great sound, rich bass. If you are well versed in music, then you will want to customize them for yourself, and this will take a long time to dig into the equalizer. Manufacturers rarely supply good quality ear cushions in a set at a low cost of headphones, but Sony was not too lazy to do this: wearing them is comfortable and convenient, but after 2-3 hours they still start to put pressure on the head, ears hurt a little. Price - 2500 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 81% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-XB950AP
The full-size MDR-XB950AP headphones, like previous models, have an interesting modern design. The device operates in the range of 3-28000 Hz, which differs from the MDR-XB550AP, with a sensitivity of up to 106 dB and a nominal impedance of 40 ohms. Powerful 40mm neodymium drivers deliver deep, balanced sound even at high volumes thanks to the secure earhook. Oxygen-free copper voice coils deliver 1000mW of bass performance. The advanced direct vibration system creates an acoustically sealed space around the ears without releasing low frequencies. The low-frequency sound is enhanced by the Bass Booster function: the sound is deep, balanced. Controlling the frequency range is possible thanks to the curved vents. They are optimized for low frequency airflow, so bass is reproduced without distortion.
Featuring a metal headband, soft backing and fitted ear cushions, these headphones are comfortable in any situation. The control panel is made of aluminum. This lightweight material guarantees a prestigious look and feel, while suppressing vibration and delivering a deep, energetic sound. The 1.2 m cable is equipped with a convenient built-in remote control system and microphone. You can answer calls in headset mode at any time, just like on Android smartphones, iPhone. At the other end of the wire there is a standard mini jack 3.5 mm connector.
Benefits:
- Work in a high frequency range - up to 28000 Hz.
- 40mm neodymium speakers.
- Bass Booster function.
- Great headset.
Disadvantages:
- Short cable if connected to a computer.
- Lack of volume control buttons on the remote.
- Do not add up.
- Brushed metal cups scratch very quickly.
- No carrying case.
This model, like the previous one, has practically no flaws. It has a beautiful design, differs from the Sony MDR-XB550AP model in the ability to work at higher frequencies (up to 28000 Hz) and the presence of the Bass Booster function, which significantly improves the sound. Of the shortcomings, I can highlight the lack of volume control buttons and the absence of a carrying case, these are useful "chips" that I would like to see in headphones for 5500 rubles. On the Yandex. Market 82% of buyers recommend this product.
Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 is considered by many to be the benchmark for studio headphones. The company has been producing them for 25 years. The legendary black model stands out for its "monitor sound".Smooth tonal bass without booming, high detail sound harmonizes with clear and open vocals. The midrange sounds natural with no whistles. Due to the tilted position (at an angle of 15 degrees to the ear), the headphones create the effect of a good three-dimensional scene. The wide dynamic range of headphones (from 10 to 20,000 Hz) Sony allows you to enjoy music in any direction - from classics to "heavy" compositions. Noise isolation is made at a fairly high level due to the tight fit on the head. They do not "crush", and the intricate design allows you to wear the headphones both with cups inward and outward. For the production of the MDR 7506 headband and bowls, Japanese designers used metal. Later, the headband was covered with eco-leather, and the ear pads - with vinyl. The cups to the headband are made of high quality plastic. The sensitivity of the headphones reaches 106 dB with a nominal impedance of 63 ohms. 3 m cable with standard 3.5 mm gold-plated mini jack, 6.3 mm adapter included.
Benefits:
- Great sound.
- Very good noise isolation, noise reduction.
- Excellent quality for 25 years.
- Special positioning of the earphone, which gives a special effect.
- Resistance 6 ohms.
- Cable length - 3 m.
- A 6.3 mm adapter is included.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Ear pads wear out quickly, but they can be bought and replaced easily.
- There are many fakes of the model.
These are almost perfect headphones. The model is free from flaws, I can only highlight minor flaws. For our region, the price is too high: not everyone will take headphones for 7360 rubles. If you find such a model cheaper - this is another fake, the original model is difficult to find. In about a year, the original ear pads are erased, but new ones can be purchased. In all other respects, these are ideal headphones with great sound, sleek design and first-class build quality. On the Yandex. Market 95% of buyers recommend this product. Neither the Sony MDR-XB950AP nor other competitors with all their sound quality improvements and technologies match the sound quality of the Sony MDR-7506.
Sony MDR-1AM2
Closes the rating Model MDR-1AM2 continues to win the hearts of music lovers thanks to its accurate sound transmission and clarity of sound in the entire frequency range. Lightweight design, soft earpads ensure comfortable listening for hours. Made of synthetic leather, they provide a comfortable listening experience for hours, and the closed-back design reduces sound loss. New lightweight 40mm HD speakers with an aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer cone deliver crisp, lively sound, especially in the mid and high frequencies. This allows you to enjoy vocals, ensures accurate and natural sound reproduction in the entire frequency range.
Fibonacci-patterned grille protects speakers and reduces loss in high-resolution audio playback so you can hear the finest detail in your compositions. The 4.4 mm balanced connection cable preserves the clarity of your studio sound. It completely separates the right and left channels with an additional ground wire, reduces crosstalk, and improves sound quality. Four silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables reduce resistance and signal transmission loss. This prevents distortion, enhances detail, and delivers clear high frequencies. Built-in remote control and microphone allow you to answer calls, control music playback.
This model implements the 360 Reality Audio effect, which makes music alive, creates the effect of presence. The device operates in the range 3-100000 Hz. Even the legendary Sony MDR-7506, with a sensitivity of up to 98 dB and a nominal impedance of 16 ohms, does not have such an indicator. The cable length is 1.2 m, which is not very practical: I would like a 3 m cable, like in the MDR-7506. At its end there is a standard mini jack 3.5 mm.Unlike the previous model, the package does not include a 6.3 mm adapter, but there is a carrying case. The cable has a built-in remote control and a microphone: you can answer calls, control music playback.
Benefits:
- Special wire design, high quality materials.
- 360 Reality Audio effect.
- It can operate in a high frequency range - up to 100,000 Hz.
- Convenient management.
- Great sound, build quality.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- The cord is only 1.2 m.
- Non-folding headband, only cups can be folded.
- Flimsy construction, all key points are made of plastic.
A worthy model with excellent sound, capable of operating in very high frequency ranges (up to 100,000 Hz), the unique cable significantly improves sound quality along with the 360 Reality Audio effect. Price - 11 thousand rubles. I think there is no point in overpaying for this model: it is better to take the MDR-7506, which is cheaper, has a better assembly and a long (3 m) cable. The sound seemed to me a little bit in them, but better than in the MDR-1AM2. On the Yandex. Market 92% of buyers recommend this product.
