Sony Headphones Review
Sony headphones are available in a variety of designs and price points. Some headphones apple feature neutral sound profiles or one with a heavy bass to cater to a variety of music genres. Many use Sony’s Headphones Connect app for sound customization and EQ presets.
If it’s recognizing that your headphones are removed and stopping the music, noting you’re on an airplane and turning down the noise cancellation, or any number of smart features, these earbuds will do what you want, without lifting a finger.
Sound
Sony is a surprisingly versatile brand that produces various headphones that are geared for all types of listeners. Their cheaper models tend to have a slightly bass-heavy sound quality that appeals to some, while their premium models offer a wide range of options for those who are audiophiles.
The majority of their premium headphones offer a good amount of customization options with their mobile application such as Sony You can choose to pick a customized preset, tweak your own EQ for graphics, or switch between different modes for your own unique listening experience. The app is easy to use and has a simple layout that allows you to easily find what you are looking for.
In terms of quality of audio, Sony’s headphones are generally reliable and well-balanced. They offer plenty of punch and thump for music such as rock, hip hop and EDM without overpowering the mids or vocals. They feature a neutral audio profile, which makes them a great option for studio monitoring. Their high-end headphones can handle the majority of professional tracks and mix with ease.
Many Sony headphones have a robust feature set that includes noise cancellation as well as an inline microphone and remote, and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The microphones are able to handle voice assistant commands precisely and consistently, and include full wake-up word detection. This makes the Sony headphones an excellent option for frequent commuters as well as road warriors.
If you’re an avid audiophile, the premium Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are an excellent choice. The ANC is better than the predecessors, and they are an excellent upgrade for anyone wanting to get the best out of their mobile audio. The newer version is more expensive than the older models however the sound quality and battery life, as well as other features are worth the additional cost for a lot of users.
The XM5s are equipped with a number of other features which make them an excellent purchase for music fans who spend much of their time on public transportation. They come with a feature dubbed Speak to Chat, which automatically suspends your music and pipe in ambient sound for hands-free calls, and their touch panels can detect taps with precision. They also have a cool feature called Quick Attention that allows you to stop playing music by placing your hand on one of the earcups, and they’ll resume playback when you remove your hand from the earcup.
Comfort
Sony is a major manufacturer that makes a wide range of different headphones at different price levels. Their line-up has a wide variety of styles, including open-back headphones that give natural sound to earbuds with active sound cancellation for commuting. The less expensive models of the brand usually have fewer features while the higher-end models include some attractive extras. For example you can find wireless on-ears that work with Sony’s Headphones Connect app to customize the EQ settings. Many of them also have Alexa integration to control voice and smart assistant support.
The most popular Sony headphones are the WH-1000XM5s, which come with a variety of features built-in, making them a great option for those who commute. They can track your daily routine and music adjust the ambient sound control settings to suit the environment. They can automatically lower noise cancelling levels and increase the exterior audio to allow you to hear the surrounding when you’re on the move. They are able to detect the wearer’s presence and will automatically pause and restart the music if you remove them.
There are also Sony’s noise-canceling wireless earbuds at a lower price like their WF-1000X series and the Walkman NW WS413 pair. The former comes with aptX HD for better audio streaming. The latter is a great pair of earbuds for general use and for workouts, with a decent look and great ANC.
The WH-1000XM5s are more expensive than other pairs in their class, however they’re among the best headphones for commuting or exercising. They’re lightweight and comfortable. They are also secure and comfortable. They don’t place pressure on your ears. They also have an extended battery life and high-quality sound which is comparable to more expensive headphones.
The WH-1000XM5s have been around for a while, and they’re still one of the best headphones you can buy to block out noise. The XM6s that are coming in the near future are likely to be a bit better however, you can still get an XM5 at an affordable price today. The XM5s feature many of the same features of the more recent models, including an in-app EQ as well as the option to put connection stability above audio quality.
Style
Sony headphones come with a wide selection of options for all kinds of listeners including the WF-1000X for casual use series to the PlayStation-specific INZONE headsets. Their price varies however the brand is known for reliability and quality. Depending on what you need you may want a pair that has additional features like equalizer or noise cancellation applications. Certain models are more distinct and some have a retractable cord for listening while on the go.
The WH-1000XM5s from Sony are the latest wireless on-ear headphone. They have superior noise cancellation as well as sleek, modern design. They are compatible with the aptX HD and LDAC which allows you to play high-resolution audio with the right headphones. They also support the Quick Attention mode which stops the music and pipes in ambient sound when you raise your hands in front of your ear. These headphones are light and have a long battery life, and can be controlled by your smartphone.
If you’re looking for music a low-cost alternative, look into the Sony WH-CH520. The Sony WHCH520 is a slightly older model, but it still performs well. It’s priced at $59 US and £50 UK or AU$89. The thin design isn’t ideal for active use and they’re not designed for long-term use. However, they are comfortable for commutes and flights. The headphones come with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer and are compatible with Headphones Connect, an app which lets you modify settings like EQ.
The MDR7506 is a standard studio model that professional musicians use due to its neutral sound and affordable cost. The slightly bass-heavy sound profile can add thump to your mix, and the included EQ presets let you customize the sound. This pair of headphones doesn’t have noise cancelling microphones, noise cancelling or voice assistant features however they do have a good battery life and durable construction. There are replacement ear pads in a variety of materials, and their vinyl construction is easy to clean after the session. The ear cups fold flat, which makes them easy to put in your bag or backpack.
Technology
The headphones must be powerful enough to handle podcasts, music, and phone calls, while also providing a clear signal. The Sony WH1000XM5s are able to handle this challenge easily. The Sony WH-1000XM5s feature some of best noise cancellation available. They also have a clear sound across all frequencies and excellent spatiality. They can transfer dynamic changes in music from quiet moments to loud ones, and are equally adept at handling the intricate details of Radiohead’s 15 Step as they are the beats of I Dare You by Tiesto.
The XM5’s superb ANC is only one of the many standout features and you can also customize your experience using the Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings, alter the volume and listening modes, and even make a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa to control your device. These headphones are comfortable for long periods of time, and their sleek design adds a stylish touch to your audio setup.
Sony headphones are a favorite among audio engineers and recording professionals however, they are also popular with consumers. They are renowned for their high-quality sound along with their long battery life and many smart features. They’re an excellent upgrade for those who wish to upgrade their basic wired headphones. In the US they are covered by a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty that covers manufacturing defects or workmanship that is defective, as well as accidental damage.
Most Sony headphones feature an extremely durable, high-quality metal build that is able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, they are equipped with premium audio drivers that provide great sound quality with very little distortion. The drivers are made up of polymer and neodymium magnets with a thin, flexible membrane that can vibrate to create sound waves.
The new XM5s are a solid improvement over ear headphones their predecessors with improved noise cancellation and a better bass response. The XM5s may not be as portable as their competitors however, if you intend to use them for extended time at home or in at work, they’re an excellent choice. They sport slim, feminine looks and come with 10 levels of active noise cancellation that you can manage via the Headphones Connect app.