10 Best Sony Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones are a top-tier choice for those seeking high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. With Dual Noise Sensor technology, these headphones excel in blocking out ambient sounds, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. The sound quality is impressive, enhanced by EDGE AI and DSEE Extreme for upscaling digital music files, ensuring a rich audio experience. The 30-hour battery life with quick charging is a huge plus, providing long listening sessions with just a short charge time.

Touch sensor controls add convenience for managing playback, volume, and calls without needing to reach for your device. The Speak-to-Chat feature is innovative, pausing your music automatically when you start talking, although this may not be perfect for everyone if you often sing or talk to yourself while wearing headphones. Comfort is another strong suit, with an updated design that reduces pressure for extended wear, though some users might still find them slightly bulky for very long periods.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection, allowing you to pair with multiple devices effortlessly. Despite being packed with features, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a limitation for some users. Durability-wise, they are well-built and sturdy but remain lightweight at 9 ounces. Additional features such as superior call quality with five built-in microphones and adaptive sound control for personalized listening make these headphones versatile. The included protective case and detachable cable add extra value. These headphones are best suited for users who prioritize sound quality, noise cancellation, and long battery life in their daily usage.

The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones are lightweight, wired on-ear headphones designed mainly for travel and casual listening. Their on-ear design with cushioned earpads offers decent comfort for shorter listening sessions, though over-ear models might be better for extended use. These headphones do not have noise cancellation, so they don't block out background noise, which could be a drawback if you need quiet in busy places.

Sound quality is good for the price, with 1.38-inch drivers providing clear mids and highs, plus a reasonable bass response, making music sound punchy and lively. The wide frequency range means you can enjoy a variety of music styles without much loss in detail. Since they are wired with a 3.5mm plug, you don’t need batteries or charging to use them, which is convenient but means less freedom of movement compared to wireless models.

Build quality is fair for everyday travel, with swiveling ear cups that fold flat, making them easy to pack and carry, though the plastic body may not feel very durable under rough handling. These headphones represent a budget-friendly choice for those who want simple, reliable sound with easy portability, but they lack advanced features like noise cancellation and wireless connectivity that some travelers or audiophiles might expect.

The Sony WH-CH520 wireless on-ear headphones offer a mix of convenience and quality, making them a good option for everyday use. Their standout feature is the impressive 50-hour battery life, which can accommodate long trips and busy days without frequent recharging. Quick charging is an added benefit, ensuring you can quickly get back to your music. Sound quality is customizable through the Sony Headphones Connect App, allowing you to adjust the EQ to your preference.

However, the lack of noise cancellation may be a drawback if you are looking for a quiet listening experience in noisy environments. Comfort is well-addressed with a lightweight build, swivel earcups, adjustable headband, and soft ear pads, making extended use more pleasant. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connection, and easy pairing with both smartphones and Windows 10 computers, though the absence of a wired option might be a limitation for some users.

Durability is typical of Sony's standards, with a plastic build that is sturdy yet light. Additional features like hands-free calling, DSEE for enhanced audio quality, and Fast Pair for locating your headphones add to the overall appeal. However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which may limit their use in various weather conditions. Available in four colors, these headphones suit different style preferences. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are a solid choice for those who prioritize battery life, sound customization, and comfort but may not meet the needs of those requiring noise cancellation or water resistance.