Sony is the juggernaut that brings quality headphones for widely varying musical palettes. And they do it without unnecessary pomp or unwanted bloating in prices. They have held on fast to their ideals of good audio and supreme comfort without submitting to the haute couture culture. Sony remains a dependable name in audio equipment, be it the razor sharp audio response that audiophiles crave for or be it the thundering bass that can shake your core. Sony delivers on all of these promises at affordable prices. Some of their best headphones have been in the production for over 20 years and that will annihilate all your doubts about how robust they are.
Are Sony headphones better than Beats?
Comparing headphones requires that they stand on equal ground. They should be in a similar price-range and meant to target the same demographic. If such a pair is found amongst Sony and Beats, then Sony is most likely to take away the cake. They have years of experience in creating diverse music while Beats has always shied away behind strong bass except with the Studio wireless.
Which are the best Sony headphones?
Picking the best Sony headphones would require some keen comparing. Even so, we picked out the top 7 Sony headphones on the following criteria:
Audio: The most crucial consideration was audio. Did these Sony headphones sound like they promised they would? Every bit. The professional headphones of Sony are long-standing aces in their fields. Even the bass-heavy DJ headphones did so well that the enhanced bass never set foot in mids’ territory.
Comfort: Sony must start giving out lessons in comfort. Kudos to their engineers who make their headphones feel so safe and snug that music becomes second nature to you.
Price: Sony headphones are always priced according to their true value. They are affordable and more often than not you are left surprised that they sound so magnificent at their price-tag when other brands are selling everything premium.
Accessories:Sony headphones never pinch pockets on giving away the best and rightful accessories to support their products. They come with the complete package to set you up.
THE TOP 7 BEST SONY HEADPHONES - COMPLETE CHART
Picture |
Name |
Frequency Response |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Frequency Response |
Price |
Rating |
 |
1. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone | 10Hz - 20 kHz | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
2. Sony MDR1A Premium Hi-Res Stereo Headphones | up to 100 kHz | $$$ | 4.6 |
 |
3. Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil | 5 Hz - 30 kHz | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
4. Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone | 10–22,000 Hz | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
5. Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones | 3–28,000 Hz | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
6. Sony MDR V55 Extra Bass Foldable DJ headphones | 5-25,000 Hz | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
7. Sony MDRZX100 ZX Series Stereo Headphones | 12Hz - 22 kHz | $$ | 4.2 |
Sony MDR V6 reigned the headphone industry with more conviction than Dragon Queen Daenerys astride her largest dragon. The MDR7506 is a spawn of the same illustrious line and likewise monopolizes the studio headphones market in its price range. The flat-as-a-pancake sonic output peppered with more details than what their price can buy, make them the best Sony headphones.
Audio Performance
Sony MDR 7506 headphones are so tonally balanced that a Shaolin monk might want to learn from them. The clean sound manages mids, highs and bass with practised ease. The bright sound is as lively as it gets with an accurate reproduction of the original audio. Stereo imaging is set in a wide and deep soundstage. These Sony headphones are not as detailed as the premium cans as to be unforgiving on bad formats. By contrast M50 sound richer with better bass expansion. However they also swell in the matter of price.
If you need the bass to play-up, pair the 7506 with the most basic amplifier with a bass boost mode like FiiO E18 Kunlun. At 63Ohms impedance, the MDR 7506s need a portable amplifier to partner well with smartphones or small MP3 players.
Design and Features
The fact that Sony MDR 7506 headphones have survived in the market for over 2 decades is a testimonial to their longevity. Clocking an 8-ounce weight, they perch without much clamping pressure on the head. Earcups and headband are sheathed in soft material. If you find the leather too slippery on the earpads, you can always switch them out with velour earpads yourself.
The cable of the MDR 7506 headphones is not detachable. It is 9.8 feet long and coils in between for some yanking room.
Additional Perks
These Sony headphones are shipped with a screw-on 6.3mm studio jack and a pleather pouch.
Pros:
- Flat professional-grade audio response
- Relatively forgiving on bad formats
- Punchy bass
- Comfortable fit without clamp
- Replaceable earpads
- Coiled long cable
- Studio-ready package
Cons:
- Cable is not detachable
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone>>
Sony MDR1A headphone is a baby of the Sony’s high resolution line-up. It has the purgative approach towards details. It almost gives all of them up before relentlessly moving on to the next song. These Sony headphones tread a fine line between being surgically hewn and rich with musical intricacies only as one of the best Sony headphones can.
Audio Performance
The MDR1A headphones have a steadfast midrange-bass-treble balance. They have the startling clarity that will turn a casual listener into audiophile in a snap. The bass sounds powerful with a visceral impact. However, it doesn’t have the precise tightness that we see in Sennheiser HD 650. Bass bleeds slightly into the mids.We can’t comment on whether it’s a pro or con because the little extra bass keeps them from sounding boring. However, the prude audiophiles will turn their noses up the slight travesty.
The overall sound of these Sony headphones is very pleasant and balances the fine texture of music. These are true high-resolution headphones that value detail-by-detail audio reproduction over all else. They can sound pretty harsh with MP3 formats when compared to the other headphones on this list. But they are still better than the Sennheiser HD800 or Audio-Technica MSR7 in this regard.
Design and Features
Given that Sony is not a big believer on cutting-edge aesthetics, MDR1A headphones are positively pretty. Chunky, but pretty. Their plastic and metal build is luxuriously padded in protein leather. They ooze comfort by the sheer amount of cushioning on them. The earpads are racetrack-oval shaped with ear-engulfing fit. The headband padding extends on both sides till the ears. Earcups fold flat for storage but these headphones are too bulky to carry around every day.
Additional Perks
Sony MDR 1A headphones come with two detachable cables: one regular 1.2m cord and the other with inline microphone and remote control. The thick cables fit into the left earcup and terminate in an angled jack.
Pros:
- Delightful detailed sound
- Impactful bass
- Balance tone
- Highly comfortable design
- Earcups fold flat to be hung easily around the neck
- Good looking cans
- Detachable cables
Cons:
- Bulky design
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDR1A Premium Hi-Res Stereo Headphones>>
The Sony MDRV6 headphones are legends. They can beat Barney Stinson in theirlegen-dary-ness. But we already have the Sony MDR7506, their successor, on our list. Why then, you ask, include V6 too? Because of their unshakeable reputation and because of the subtle differences between the two. As long as Sony manufactures MDR V6 headphones, they will never be far from the top of any Best headphones roster.
Audio performance
The audio signature of Sony MDRV6 and MDR7506 headphones are along the same lines: sonic response that could have been drawn with a ruler. And yet there’s a smidgen more clarity to the V6s. They have the flatter graph when the response is mapped. They operate in a larger frequency spectrum as compared to the Sony MDR 7506 headphones. They deserve a place on the best Sony headphones lists for one-upping the 7506 in these matters.
MDR7506s also have a treble that needs to be reined it. It turns sibilant at higher volumes which can make them sound harsh. As a result there’s a slight edge to the mellow music on them. However, 7506 has a bass that’s more voluminous than the V6 Sony headphones which have a lean bass.
Design and Features
The Sony MDR V6 headphones have a highly comfortable architecture with no dazzle. They sizzle with pure class of sweeter times. The headband is made of leather material and covers the entire arch. Earpads are the racetrack-oval shape that can encircle even the jumbo sized ears. The earpads are not as lush as the new-age headphones, something we noticed with the 7506 headphones as well. But they can be replaced for the much sought-after Velour pads. Comfort-wise the V6 headphones are very similar to the 7506 headphones.
MDR V6 Sony headphones have a fixed cable on the left earcup. It is 10 feet long with some coiled portion for shock absorption and ends in a 3.5 mm silver plug.
Additional Perks
The Sony MDR V6 headphones are shipped with a 6.3mm studio adapter for professional music-mixing use.
Pros:
- Flat, neutral audiophile-grade response
- Bass-treble-midrange balance
- High clarity sound
- Very comfortable fit
- Replaceable earpads
- Coiled long cable
- Studio adapter included
Cons:
- Cable is not detachable
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil>>
TV viewing with home theatre gets so much better with the Sony MDRRF985 wireless headphones. Coupled with their own transmitter base, these headphones sound as good as wired headphones and allow you to have an intimate TV viewing experience, even in a room where your spouse is sawing them in the bed, next to you.
Audio Performance
These 900 MHz FM headphones connect without connection drop with audio/video devices. With a little tweaking you can eliminate any hiccups in the sound or connection. Once properly setup, these Sony headphones produce an enjoyable sound. Their bass has plenty of oomph but they aren’t enhanced enough to cause spine-shaking impact. Mids and vocals are well in line with bass which makes listening to dialogues over background music a painless experience.
Highs roll off before getting fatiguing. Only at the highest volumes do the highs feel a tad harsh with extended wearing.
Design and Features
The main equipment of the Sony MDRRF985 headphones consists of the cans themselves and a receiver base. When the headphones are hung on the base, it moonlights as a charging station. The MDR985s are extremely soft in their contact with your head. The earpads are lushly padded. Sennheiser RS 120 cannot bring about the same sense of comfort over prolonged wearing as these. So RF985 is not just better, it’s one of the best Sony headphones. All controls are situated on the earcups. Apart from the power button, a numbered volume wheel lets you alter the volume. It’s a nifty way to remember and reset the volume you liked in the first instance.
These Sony headphones work on a rechargeable battery that is not user-replaceable. The maximum battery life is 25 hours and maximum range is 150 feet.
Additional perks
All cables required to connect the MDR 985 Sony headphones to PC or TV are provided.
Pros:
- Very comfortable for use over long hours
- Sound leakage is extremely low
- Very effective passive noise isolation
- Numbered Volume wheel
- Good range and battery life
- Balanced lively sound
- No static or connection drop when properly connected
- Receiver works as charging and storage station too
Cons:
- Bulky-looking
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone>>
Sony MDRXB950BT headphones bring you Sony’s luscious sound signature with extreme bass. Usually they go for utmost clarity and a flat audio response. But these Sony headphones step up the game with bass, all over Bluetooth. Sony is trying to beat Beats at their own game with this masterpiece.
Audio Performance
There’s a sizable difference between how the audio sounds in the Sony MDRXB950BT headphones when used in wired mode and when without. Over wires, the overall sound is richer and fuller than on Bluetooth. They are still a bargain for their potential in terms of audio quality. The bass gets deep and dirty on these cans especially on wire, rumbling around in the 3-28,000 Hz range in wired mode. When on wireless this expanse is limited to 20-20,000 Hz which robs the MDRXB950/BT of some depth. They also have a Bass boost mode which turns up the bass heat. But it also muddies the clarity of the low end. So it would be personal preference to use it or not.
Midrange sounds warm and liquid leasing a new life to your vocal renditions. Treble has clarity and avoids sibilance like plague.
Design and Features
The MDRXB950BT headphones by Sony double as a headset with an internal microphone. Chunky has always been the nature of Sony headphones and these follow the trend. But they are not bad-looking. Fortunately, they fit snug and do not stick off your head.They are definitely as comfortable as the best Sony headphones can get. The body is a generous mix of metal and plastic. Earpads are made of faux-leather and mitigate any clamp pressure.
The playback, call and track navigation buttons are situated on the ear pieces. Microphone relays calls very clearly and call audio is well-received in a noisy room.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable to wear
- Deep bass supported by sub-bass presence
- Rich mids and clear treble
- Good fitment and clamp-free
- Internal mic for calls
- 20 hours battery life per charge
- Can be used in wired mode
Cons:
- Wired mode has way better audio performance than wireless mode
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones>>
Sony MDR V55 headphones have the kind of bass that can light up the audio for oodles of fun. Designed as DJ headphones, these cans carry the weight of deep bass that can rock you up and get you shaking a leg at the party. With the classic reliable Sony build, they pack the comfort for long hours of use that DJing demands, rounding up the best Sony headphones’ features.
Audio Performance
Most bass-heavy headphones tend to slip-up and let the bass off the leash at some point of time of some track. Bass ends up bespattering the quality of mids most often. But MDR V55 headphones lodge a clear win here. They thump deep down in the sub-bass region and elucidate new details. This turns the listening experience to a downright delight. Mids and treble remain firmly in-line and assert themselves on their turns. Treble runs parallel with bass in adding its charm to the audio.
Like all Sony headphones, the V55s are also friendly to some EQ. They can be tweaked to make the mids take the centerstage if you like classical and rock.
Design and Features
The MDR V55 Sony headphones have an on-ear design. They nestle your ears in gentle comfort. Even though the on-ear earcups press down on your ears, they do not cause the usual discomfort. Their fitment is secure on the head. So if you are head-banging these headphones will not fly off of your dome.
A cable descends from the left earcup and ends in an L-shaped 3.5mm jack. It is the flat type that resists tangling. These Sony headphones are purely music-oriented and do not carry a mic.
Additional Perks
The MDRV55s collapse to half their footprint by means of articulating arms. The metal hinges look quite solid in their build.
Pros:
- Deep impactful bass
- Clear mids and treble
- Enjoyable music
- Comfortable on-ear design
- Snug fit
- Tangle-free flat cable
- Collapsing architecture
Cons:
- Cable is not detachable
- Studio adapter not provided
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDR V55 Extra Bass Foldable DJ headphones>>
We are always looking out for headphones that bring a lot of worth for their money for the best headphones list. That’s how Sony MDRZX100 landed in our best Sony headphones soup. Being connoisseurs with a good sense of humor, we picked them up and took a long look and liked what we saw. If you are looking to kickstart a heady passion in playing with audio and EQ, then Sony MDRZX100 headphones can be you partners in crime.
Audio Performance
Keeping in mind how low these headphones cost, they are quite appealing. The bass is lean leaving the low end lacking, but the audio is otherwise soothing. If you were to play a bassy track, it would assert itself well. This keeps the midrange clean. There’s no overstepping on bass’ part here to muddy the midrange. Treble is smoother which makes it more forgiving over bad recordings.
The sound of these Sony headphones is ripe for equalizer. It responds quiet well to EQ modifications. So if you have ample EQ-knowledge, these can be made worth much more with a slight bass enhancement.
Design and Features
Sony MDRZX100 headphones are on-ear cans. They are very easy on your ears veiling any discomfort that comes with earpads pressing on the ears. They are made of plastic and weigh only 4.2 ounces. The low weight makes them good for use over long hours. A Y-cable descends from both the ear pieces and ends in an angled 3.5mm plug. In spite of the highly affordable price tag of these Sony headphones, the cable reflects a tough build.
Additional Perks
The ear pieces of MDRZX100 headphones fold flat for convenient storage.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Smooth sound
- Highly comfortable architecture
- Robust design
- Very responsive to EQ of audio
- Clamp-free fit
- Fits children also
Cons:
- Lean bass
