Sony presently dominates the market for headphones and earbuds. Take a look at the latest flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds. These models are leading contenders and international bestsellers, celebrated for their outstanding active noise cancellation, audio quality, and distinct features. Moreover, this esteemed audio company provides excellent options in the entry-level and mid-range categories that deliver near-flagship performance at reasonable prices.
If you’re in search of an alternative to AirPods, budget-friendly selections under $50, or wireless headphones offering a wider sound spectrum than the finest Bose cans, Sony has options to meet all requirements. I have dedicated several months to evaluating and re-evaluating all of Sony’s most sought-after headphones and earbuds (and have spent almost a decade reviewing headphones) to aid you in selecting the ideal pair.
Now, let’s dive into the finest Sony headphones of 2025.
How to select the optimal Sony headphones
Sony headphones and earbuds strike a balance among various priorities, including ANC, battery endurance, high-resolution sound, and multipoint connectivity. However, you may have to make concessions on some of these attributes if you’re not willing to pay $300 or more, which is the baseline cost for flagship headphones in 2025.
If you want customizable audio, look for headphones equipped with Sony’s adaptive sound technologies: 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, and Find My Equalizer. Travelers and frequent flyers should choose a model with ANC robust enough to filter out sounds across the entire frequency range, not just airplane engines. Those who lead active lives or exercise consistently can find earbuds with a transparency mode to stay alert to their surroundings. Extended battery life and wireless advantages (e.g., Bluetooth multipoint, mobile app) are beneficial as well. Although Sony is not focused on sports earbuds like Beats (and increasingly Apple), the Sony LinkBuds Fit allow you to remain within the Sony ecosystem during workouts.
As with all purchasing choices, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and budget.
Updates to this guide
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
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