Top Sony Headphones 2025: 9 Best Models for Every Style

Explore the best Sony headphones of 2025 with our top picks balancing sound quality, comfort, and price for every taste.

Why Sony Headphones Are a Favorite

If you’re hunting for top-notch Sony headphones, you’re in good company. Sony consistently ranks high in noise-canceling and true wireless earbud categories. Since 2019, expert reviewers have tested every new Sony headphone or earbud model, and only the cream of the crop makes it into this guide.

Sony headphones are everywhere—from crowded metros to airplanes and busy streets. Why? Because they strike a near-perfect balance of excellent sound quality, comfort, and affordability. That’s why Sony remains beloved after four decades.

Take a quick scan of headphone buying guides, even those discussing seemingly minor details like headband length, and Sony products pop up repeatedly. So, with such a strong lineup, which Sony headphones are truly the best in 2025?

To keep it short: if you want full-size headphones with the best value, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is our go-to pick. For earbuds with significantly improved active noise cancellation (ANC) yet still affordable, the new Sony WF-C710N shines. Need the ultimate noise-blocking? The flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 is your best bet. And if budget or tiny ear comfort is your thing, we’ve got you covered too. Let’s dive deeper.

Quick Overview of Our Top Sony Headphones

Here’s a snapshot of our favorite Sony headphones and earbuds. Scroll down for detailed descriptions and comparisons to find the best deals!

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 — Best Overall Sony Headphones

The WH-1000XM4 might be a little older (released in 2020), but they still offer outstanding sound quality, noise cancellation, portability, and comfort. Thanks to price drops over time, they're the best buy for most people.

2. Sony WF-C710N — Best Overall Sony Earbuds

If you want reliable Sony earbuds without breaking the bank, the WF-C710N is a great pick. They introduce major ANC improvements over their predecessors, with great call quality and battery life.

3. Sony WF-C510 — Best Budget Sony Earbuds

Looking for top budget earbuds? The WF-C510 delivers powerful sound and up to 11 hours of battery life at a price that’s hard to beat.

4. Sony WH-CH720N — Best Budget Sony Headphones

For affordable full-size headphones, the WH-CH720N balances decent ANC, detailed sound, and comfort without the flagship price tag.

5. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best Premium Sony Earbuds

The WF-1000XM5 packs Sony’s best tech into compact earbuds, offering top-tier noise cancellation, detailed sound, premium build, and solid battery life.

6. Sony LinkBuds S — Best Sony Earbuds for Small Ears

If you have smaller ears, the tiny and lightweight LinkBuds S provide a comfortable, stable fit and surprisingly long battery life in a mini package.

7. Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best Sony Headphones for Noise Cancellation

The WH-1000XM6 sets the bar for ANC with advanced tech and crystal-clear sound quality, perfect for blocking out noisy environments.

8. Sony LinkBuds Fit — Best Sony Earbuds for Gym Use

Designed for workouts, the LinkBuds Fit offer a secure fit, good sound, and lightweight comfort—ideal for running or training sessions.

9. Sony WH-CH520 — Best On-Ear Sony Headphones

On-ear, budget-friendly, and with a massive 50-hour battery life, the WH-CH520 stand out for everyday use and portability.

In-Depth Look at the Best Sony Headphones

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 — The Best Pick for Most

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Strong active noise cancellation
• Smart, premium features

Cons:

• Not water-resistant
• Newer models available
• Only LDAC wireless Hi-Res support

Despite being released in late 2020, the WH-1000XM4 remains a Sony classic. They strike a brilliant balance between portability, comfort, sound, and features—especially now that prices have dropped. These headphones include features like DSEE Extreme upscaling for compressed music, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, auto-pause/play when removed, 360 Reality Audio, and LDAC codec support. Plus, a 3.5mm headphone jack adds versatility.

Our review summed it up perfectly: "They deliver excellent noise cancellation and stunning sound in a lightweight, comfortable design," highlighting their "expressive dynamics and clear separation between instruments."

2. Sony WF-C710N — Best Earbuds for Most Users

Pros:

• Significantly improved ANC
• Great call quality and endurance
• Auto power-off feature

Cons:

• No LDAC support
• Controls could be better
• Glossy color looks cheap

These earbuds balance price and performance perfectly. Their ANC is surprisingly effective for the segment due to an upgraded mic array. They also improved call clarity and battery life compared to their predecessor, the WF-C700N. While they lack Hi-Res codecs, they support Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature.

ANC is exceptional for the price, reflecting how Sony makes quality affordable.

3. Sony WF-C510 — Best Budget Wireless Earbuds

Pros:

• Powerful, talented sound
• Supports Sony 360 Reality Audio
• Excellent earbud battery life

Cons:

• No noise cancellation
• Clunky user EQ mode
• Limited case battery life

WF-C510 earbuds prove Sony can rock the budget space. At around $60, they deliver surprisingly rich sound with clear highs and satisfying bass. They’re comfy and stay put during workouts—our reviewer even cycled and gym-trained wearing them without worry. Battery life of 11 hours per charge is impressive, though the case’s 11 hours could be better.

4. Sony WH-CH720N — Best Budget Full-Size Headphones

Pros:

• Balanced, detailed sound
• Effective noise cancellation
• Rich feature set for price

Cons:

• Sound may feel compressed
• ANC misses some lows
• Plastic feels cheap

The WH-CH720N offers detailed sound and effective ANC for a modest price. With 35 hours of battery life and physical buttons for controls, they’re practical and lightweight. Though the plastic shell is less refined than premium models, these headphones are a fantastic budget-friendly option with surprising endurance.

5. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best Premium Earbuds

Pros:

• Agile, juicy, fun sound
• Very comfy and secure fit
• Battery life preserved versus XM4

Cons:

• ANC can be outperformed
• Occasional connection issues
• Volume control finicky

Sony’s flagship earbuds pack advanced tech into a smaller, lighter package than the XM4. They feature triple mics per earbud, Bluetooth 5.3, adaptive sound control, and real-time DSEE Extreme upscaling. While ANC is very good, other brands sometimes edge them out in noise cancellation. Premium build quality, comfy polyurethane foam tips, and a sleek design make them a worthy splurge.

6. Sony LinkBuds S — Best for Small Ears

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, comfortable
• Pleasant, non-aggressive sound
• Great app controls

Cons:

• Could use more punch
• Design feels unremarkable

The LinkBuds S are tiny, practically flat in your ear, and light as a feather. They use the same V1 processor as the WF-1000XM4 for noise cancellation and sound processing. ANC can be toggled with touch controls, and ambient sound levels are adjustable through Sony’s app. While the sound lacks some energy, the overall experience is very enjoyable for small-ear users.

7. Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

Pros:

• Industry-leading noise cancellation
• Excellent sound quality
• Super lightweight and comfy

Cons:

• Most expensive Sony headphones
• Slightly bulky design

Sony has outdone itself with the WH-1000XM6, improving on the beloved XM4 and XM5. The ANC is superb thanks to a new processor and 12 microphones, creating near silence from trains, buses, or cafes. The sound is crisp and balanced with clear vocals, and 30 hours battery life suits most users. The foldable design, premium build, and handy app controls make these a luxury pick.

They provide the quietest listening experience we've encountered, beating even Bose's top models.

8. Sony LinkBuds Fit — Best Workout Earbuds

Pros:

• Truly secure, stable fit
• Featherweight comfort
• Powerful gym-ready sound

Cons:

• ANC good but not top-tier
• Touch controls finicky
• Only 3 ear tip options

If earbuds tend to slip during your workouts, the LinkBuds Fit are worth a try. Designed specifically for active wear, they offer good sound quality, enough ANC to keep distractions away, and secure eartips to stay in place during runs or cycling. Bluetooth 5.3 and high-res LDAC codec ensure quality wireless sound.

9. Sony WH-CH520 — Best Cheap On-Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Surprisingly pleasant sound
• Multipoint Bluetooth connection
• Huge 50-hour battery life

Cons:

• On-ear style isn’t for everyone
• Passive noise isolation limited
• No 3.5mm jack

These affordable on-ear headphones offer great value with a long-lasting battery, decent sound boosted by Sony’s DSEE upscaling, and easy switching between devices. They lack active noise canceling and hi-res audio but excel at everyday listening with a stylish and comfortable build.

Choosing the Best Sony Headphones for You

Which Sony headphones are newest in 2025?

• Sony WF-C710N (Earbuds) – March 25, 2025
• Sony WF-C510 (Budget Earbuds) – September 12, 2024
• Sony ULT Wear (Full-Size) – April 17, 2024
• Sony WF-1000XM5 (Flagship Earbuds) – July 24, 2023
• Sony WH-CH520 (On-Ear) – April 11, 2023
• Sony WF-C700N (Earbuds) – April 1, 2023
• Sony WH-CH720N (Full-Size) – February 21, 2023
• Sony LinkBuds S (Earbuds) – May 20, 2022
• Sony WH-1000XM5 (Flagship Full-Size) – May 12, 2022
• Sony WF-1000XM4 (Flagship Earbuds) – June 8, 2021
• Sony WH-1000XM4 (Flagship Full-Size) – August 6, 2020

Newer doesn’t always mean better, but Sony consistently delivers strong options across price ranges and years.

Full-size, on-ear, or wireless earbuds — what’s best?

Your choice depends on lifestyle. Full-size headphones tend to offer better ANC and comfort for long sessions but are bulkier to carry. Earbuds are compact, portable, and increasingly powerful in ANC. On-ear options can be lighter but some find them less comfortable over time.

Try to match your listening habits and physical comfort preferences. Testing different styles in-store can save you from future headaches!

Are Sony headphones better than Bose?

Both Sony and Bose excel at premium audio and ANC. Bose pioneered noise cancellation, offering excellent models like QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Headphones. However, Sony’s WH-1000XM4/XM5/XM6 and WF-1000XM4/XM5 earbuds offer superior sound quality and features like wireless charging, multipoint Bluetooth, and longer battery life.

Ultimately, you should prioritize sound preferences, comfort, and budget.

How We Test Sony Headphones

Every year, countless headphones pass through our hands. We evaluate sound, design, features, battery life, noise cancellation, and spatial audio capabilities against similar-priced competitors.

We test across many music genres, streaming services, and real-world noise environments like public transport and busy streets. Our team even runs workouts with sports earbuds to verify stability and comfort.

Our detailed star reviews represent the most trusted insights on Sony headphones.

"Sony makes the best noise-canceling headphones that balance sound, comfort, and smart features seamlessly." – Expert Review Team

Conclusion

Sony’s 2025 lineup offers something for everyone, whether you want flagship noise-canceling headphones, budget earbuds, or workout-ready wireless buds. Which Sony headphones fit your lifestyle best? Have you tried any of these models yet?

FAQs

• Which Sony headphones offer the best battery life?
  The Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones provide up to 50 hours of playback, making them the longest-lasting in this list.
• Are Sony earbuds good for small ears?
  Yes! The Sony LinkBuds S are specifically designed for smaller ears with a secure, comfortable fit.
• Do Sony headphones support wireless charging?
  Several high-end Sony models like the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 support wireless charging.
• Which Sony headphones have the best noise cancellation?
  The WH-1000XM6 take the crown for the best active noise cancellation currently offered by Sony.
• Are budget Sony earbuds any good?
  Definitely! The WF-C510 offer excellent sound and battery life for a very affordable price.

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