The best Sony headphones, tested for noise cancellation, sound, and...

The 6 best Sony headphones, tested for ANC, sound, and value

No matter your price point, Sony has an option for you — and I tried them all.

on July 31, 2025

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Overview

Sony is the current king of headphones and earbuds. Look no further than the new flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds. These are two category leaders and global top sellers praised for their marvelous active noise cancellation, sound quality, and special features. However, the legacy audio brand also sells terrific entry-level and mid-range products that deliver near-flagship performance at accessible price points.

Whether you’re looking for an AirPods alternative or a pair of wireless headphones with a wider sound range than Bose headphones, Sony has you covered on all fronts. We’ve spent the past several months testing all of Sony's most popular models to help you find the right pair.

How to choose the best Sony headphones

Sony headphones and earbuds juggle several priorities, including ANC, battery life, hi-res sound, and multipoint pairing. However, you may need to compromise on some of these features if you're not willing to spend $300 or more, the minimum price for flagship headphones in 2025.

If you want audio you can tailor to your liking, look for headphones carrying Sony’s adaptive sound features: 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, and Find My Equalizer. Travelers and road warriors need a model with noise cancellation powerful enough to eliminate sounds across the entire frequency spectrum, not just airplane engines. Those who live active lifestyles or exercise regularly can find buds with a transparency mode that keeps them aware of their surroundings. Lengthy playtimes and wireless perks (e.g., Bluetooth multipoint, mobile app) have their benefits as well.

It all comes down to preference.

Now, let’s check out the best Sony headphones of 2025, hands-on tested by Mashable staff.

Every pair of Sony headphones and earbuds was tested firsthand by the Mashable staff. We thoroughly assessed the following areas:

Active noise cancellation

We put each model’s ANC capabilities to the test in various environments, both indoors and outdoors, and up against common situational background sounds (e.g., airplanes, chatter, wind). We also evaluated transparency modes.

Our team monitored power levels every hour to judge the accuracy of battery life claims. Determinants like ANC, Bluetooth, and high volume were taken into account. Quick charging and wireless charging received the same attention.

Customization & special features

We tested feature in the Sony Sound Connect app (previously the Sony Headphones Connect app). On the list: ANC/Transparency, EQ, listening modes, and smart controls. We also looked at wireless features outside of the app, like Google Fast Pair and multipoint pairing.

We listened to all forms of media — audiobooks, music, movies, podcasts, and video games. First, we reviewed each model’s sound signature out of the box, then enabled compatible audio settings to see how they enhanced the listening experience. We also tested popular music streaming services and spatial audio tracks using 360 Reality Audio.

Our Pick

sony xm6 headphones on a bed

The Good & The Bad

Stellar soundstage with hi-res playback
Top-tier noise cancellation
A comfier and more portable-friendly design
Lengthy listening times
Endless features

More expensive than previous models
Improvements are more iterative than innovative

Our review:

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones.

Who it's for:

Audiophiles and Sony fanboys who’ve saved their chips to splurge on the latest flagship release. Yes, these are the most expensive Mark Series headphones to date, but their overall performance justifies their steep MSRP.

Why we picked this:

There are reasons why we have the WH-1000XM6 as the best sound-first headphones. They take full advantage of Sony’s proprietary technologies and elevate wireless audio to heights that no other rival has yet to match.

Underneath the hood lie the same 30mm drivers as the WH-1000XM5. Translation: excellent bass, balance, and definition. Everything sounds more surreal because of the enhanced midrange that gives vocals a prominent boost over boom-heavy tracks. The low end remains boomy and stable without muddying up the soundstage. Sony’s EQ with multiple presets is useful for customizing sound. DSEE remains a must for upscaling lo-fi tracks (those poorly ripped Limewire files sitting in Apple Music deserve better). The LDAC codec streams content at CD-like quality over Bluetooth on compatible Android devices. Hi-Res Audio and spatial audio are the true standouts, the former fine-tuned to emphasize depth and layering, while the latter creates a more immersive listening environment with precise headtracking.

Sony stuffed 12 mics inside the WH-1000XM6 to ramp up ANC performance versus the XM5s. The headphones remove as much external noise from the soundstage as the class-leading Bose QuietComfort Ultra. That speaks in loud volume. Very few high-pitched sounds creep through, but none are distracting. The new Adaptive NC Optimizer works like a charm and precisely adjusts ANC by examining the noise levels around you. Then there’s the 20-level ambient sound mode that demonstrates resilient noise and vocal capture for high ambient alertness. We had fun eavesdropping on conversations and hearing farther-distant sounds when resting in quiet settings.

The modifications between this version and its predecessor aren’t game-changing. Battery life hasn’t changed either and call quality takes a minor dip. In the end, you’re paying for the WH-1000xM6’s superior sound and Bose-level noise cancellation, which are well worth the investment.

Details

sony xm5 headphones with case open

The Good & The Bad

Unbeatable sound quality
Outstanding ANC
Similar feature set as the flagship Mark headphones
Gorgeous ultramodern design
Longer battery life than the AirPods Pro 2

Spatial audio setup is aggravating

Who it's for:

Those who want premium wireless audio in a stunning true wireless design. Whether it’s daydreaming to your favorite tracks in the office or zoning out to instrumentals on a long international flight, Sony’s flagship buds are sonic bliss.

Why we picked this:

As we patiently wait for the Mark VI wireless earbuds, which are rumored to launch sometime next year, the WF-1000XM5 sit safely atop the true wireless throne. Two years in and they still maintain a heavy lead over industry favorites like the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. (Though, the QuietComfort Ultra wins out as the most comfortable earbuds in our testing.)

Sony’s Dynamic Driver X unit expands frequencies for greater clarity and detail. The banging lows, sharp mids, and crisp highs blend well on contemporary recordings. Enabling both DSEE and LDAC enriches sound output and provides smoother streams over Bluetooth 5.3. The V2 and QN2e chipsets work in unison to produce phenomenal noise cancellation that intuitively adapts to environments and removes 90 percent of unwanted noises from the soundscape.

What’s most fascinating about these earbuds is that they share almost the exact feature set as their headphone counterpart. Notables include Quick Attention to lower volume to 10 percent and Speak-to-Chat for auto-pausing content when chatting with people.

These buds hold some of the longest playtimes of any noise-canceling earbuds. A full charge generates between 8 to 12 hours of listening time, depending on how you use the buds. The wireless charging case holds up to 36 hours and comes with effective quick charging (a 3-minute charge gives you 1 hour of use). Call quality, controls, and craftsmanship are also executed incredibly well.

Our only complaint is the frustrating 360 Reality Audio setup. This requires using your smartphone camera to perform a head-tracking test and scan your ears, and it often fails to register movements.

Details

Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones on red sheet

The Good & The Bad

Surprisingly good ANC and audio
Connect App support with wide feature set
50+ hours of battery life
Dependable connectivity
Almost always on sale under $100

Some signature Sony technologies are missing
Mediocre build and call quality

Who it's for:

Budget-conscious shoppers who want several Sony audio perks at a fraction of the cost. The WH-CH720N is an unbeatable deal that fits the bill. While their full retail price is closer to $200, you can almost always find these Sony headphones on sale for under $100.

Why we picked this:

The WH-CH720 employs 30mm drivers and exclusive brand technologies to broaden sound performance. Expect a vibrant mix of impactful bass with striking mids and highs. Turning on DSEE raises fidelity on poor-quality recordings, which many luxury headphones can’t do. You can tweak the sound to your liking via the EQ, though the headphones sound great on their default setting.

ANC is fantastic. These cans handle low frequencies and rumbling noises with ease. Sony’s 20-level ambient sound mode lets us engage in conversations loud and clear without taking off the headphones. It also made passing objects (e.g., cars, runners) more transparent when walking outside.

Other strong points include reliable multipoint, user-friendly controls, and up to 50 hours of battery life with powerful quick charging (a 3-minute charge gives you 1 hour of playtime).

Some of Sony’s key features are absent, like LDAC and Quick Attention. The lackluster design and voice calling can be off-putting as well. Luckily, the noise cancellation and sound make up for these mishaps.

Details

sony WF-C710N earbuds on gray fabric

The Good & The Bad

Robust ANC and sound quality
Stacked with features
Trustworthy touch controls
Competitively priced

Can feel uncomfortable after 2 hours of wear
Lacks hi-res playback

Who it's for:

Wireless earbuds users who want Sony sound at an affordable price. The WF-C710N are brilliant mid-range buds that can go toe-to-toe with many of the market’s best wireless earbuds.

Why we picked this:

As stated in our review, “Sony’s adaptive sound technologies create a full depth of sound that blends well with noise cancellation for pleasant listens.” The 5mm drivers deliver punchy, well-balanced sonics. ANC removes up to 85 percent of ambient noise. The 20-level transparency mode comes in clutch for keeping tabs on your surroundings.

Usability is the WF-C710N’s most underrated attribute. Sony developed these buds to be as user-friendly as possible, implementing highly responsive touch controls and voice assistance, along with strong connectivity via dual-device pairing and one-tap Google Fast Pair (Android users only). The Sony Connect App is available to extend functionality.

It would have been awesome if Sony added LDAC for hi-res playback on compatible devices. Wearing the buds for a few hours can also be uncomfortable. Other than that, the WF-C710N comes correct.

Details

Sony LinkBuds Fit on bed

The Good & The Bad

Optimal comfort and fit
Energetic sound that can be customized
Many of the same features as Sony’s flagship buds
Can accessorize with swappable case covers and silicon-fitting wings

Weak ANC and battery life
Wide Area Tap feature could be better

Who it's for:

Looking for the best Sony headphones for working out? This is it. They're just right for people who want Sony sound in a sporty package.

Why we picked this:

Sony made these buds super comfy and fit-ready. The small oval design rests pleasantly on the concha for long-term listening, while the installed tips provide stable in-ear support when performing lateral exercises. IPX4 certification protects the LinkBuds Fit from sweat and heavy splashing.

Sony’s Dynamic Driver X unit and V2 chipset expand frequency range, resulting in a nice mix of bumping lows, crisp mids, and transparent highs. Bass slaps hard on EDM, hip-hop, and rock tracks. Those who desire more oomph can play around with Sony’s EQ to manually adjust bass levels. DSEE is also on board for higher fidelity.

These buds are not flawless. ANC is disappointing, and the compact charging case holds as many charges as the original AirPods. However, Sony’s ambient listening mode holds up well and is suitable for runners who want to increase their awareness without compromising sound.

If you're a fan of the best open earbuds, Sony does make the LinkBuds Open earbuds. However, we haven't tested this model yet.

Details

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones on blue sheet

The Good & The Bad

ANC and sound that nearly match their successor
Slightly improved battery life
Impressive call quality
Features galore

Plastic construction looks very cheap
They don’t fold up

Our review:

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM5 headphones.

Who it's for:

Brand enthusiasts who can’t afford the pricier WH-1000XM6, but still want the extravagant Sony listening experience — you won't be disappointed. Very few things separate these two models, besides the big price difference. What we know for sure is that the WH-1000XM5s retain many series hallmarks, including ANC, battery life, sound, and special features. If you wait for them to go on sale, they're unmatched in overall value.

Why we picked this:

We don’t blame anyone for shrugging off the newer and more expensive Mark VI headphones, especially when the Mark V headphones are just as amazing and sell for much less at select online retailers (the black version is $296 on Walmart).

The WH-1000XM5s have articulate and engaging sound. Bass and treble can be adjusted in the EQ. DSEE is essential for music collectors who want more clarity and depth from their Napster-ripped MP3 files. 360 Reality Audio and LDAC make content immersive and more detailed at faster bitrates, respectively. ANC gets rid of most ambient noise around you. There is only a 2-hour difference in playtime between this and the latest version. Still, you’re guaranteed usage throughout the work week before recharging.

Sony’s all-plastic design is a severe downgrade from the sleek and stylish WH-1000xM4. The fact that they don’t fold up is concerning as well. Most people can live with these shortcomings if it means enjoying top-tier Sony sound.

Details

alex bracetti headshot

Alex Bracetti is a freelance product reviewer and journalist covering gadgets and men's grooming products. An experienced consumer tech writer, he has bylines at Mashable, Complex, SPY.com, Thrillist, AskMen, CNN Underscored, and Tom's Guide. In addition to writing about the latest tech trends and gadgets, he's also covered men's fashion, sports, and gaming. For Mashable, he primarily covers headphones/wireless earbuds, party speakers, smartphones, and mobile accessories.

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