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10 Best Sony Headphones 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Platinum Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
1668 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation is flawless, effectively muting both low rumbles and higher-pitched sounds without interruption, even when moving your head.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers rich, detailed audio with crisp highs, warm mids, and clean bass, supported by LDAC and Hi-Res audio, plus a customizable EQ for personal tuning.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on and a quick 3-minute charge providing around 3 hours of use, ideal for all-day listening.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is excellent for long flights and extended wear, with soft memory foam ear pads and a well-fitting design, though the ear cup size may feel a bit tight for some.
Connectivity
Connectivity can require an extra step on initial pairing but switches seamlessly between devices once connected.
Durability
Build quality feels solid and premium despite a mostly plastic construction, with improved hinge durability over previous models.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are over-ear wireless headphones known for some of the best noise cancellation you can find. They use a fast noise-canceling processor and 12 microphones to block out background noise very effectively, making them great if you want peace during travel, work, or noisy environments. Sound quality is excellent, with clear vocals and balanced music, thanks to input from expert audio engineers and high-resolution audio support. Battery life is impressive too, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 3-minute charge gives you about 3 hours of playback, which is very convenient for long days.

Comfort is designed with a wider, adjustable headband and soft synthetic leather ear pads, making them suitable for extended wear without much pressure. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and a 10-meter range, and you can also use a wired connection if needed. The foldable design and compact carrying case make them easy to take along, and their build feels sturdy with quality materials. However, they are not water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions. They might also feel a bit pricey for casual listeners who don’t need advanced noise cancellation or studio-level sound. These headphones are well suited for anyone wanting premium sound and top-tier noise cancellation, especially travelers, commuters, and those working in busy spaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
1668 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation is flawless, effectively muting both low rumbles and higher-pitched sounds without interruption, even when moving your head.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers rich, detailed audio with crisp highs, warm mids, and clean bass, supported by LDAC and Hi-Res audio, plus a customizable EQ for personal tuning.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on and a quick 3-minute charge providing around 3 hours of use, ideal for all-day listening.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is excellent for long flights and extended wear, with soft memory foam ear pads and a well-fitting design, though the ear cup size may feel a bit tight for some.
Connectivity
Connectivity can require an extra step on initial pairing but switches seamlessly between devices once connected.
Durability
Build quality feels solid and premium despite a mostly plastic construction, with improved hinge durability over previous models.
#2

Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Control, Midnight Blue

Rating
9.1
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
18510 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is exceptional, effectively blocking out airplane noise and background chatter, making travel and noisy environments much more peaceful.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear highs, deep bass, and perfectly balanced tones, providing a detailed and immersive listening experience across all music genres.
Comfort and Fit
The lightweight design combined with soft leather ear cushions ensures outstanding comfort for extended wear without causing fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 30 hours of playback and a rapid charging feature that provides hours of use after just a few minutes of charging.
Connectivity
Touch controls and voice assistant activation add convenience for hands-free operation, enhancing overall usability.
Durability
The headphones do not fold inward like previous models, which makes them less compact for travel, but the sturdy carrying case offers good protection.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are over-ear headphones designed to deliver a high-quality, immersive listening experience. Their standout feature is excellent noise cancellation, thanks to eight microphones and dual processors that effectively block out background noise, making them ideal for travel, work, or noisy environments. Sound quality is clear and balanced, suitable for music lovers who appreciate detailed audio.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, and the quick charge feature adds 3 hours of use with just a 3-minute boost—great for users on the go. Comfort is a strong point, with a lightweight design and soft leather ear cups that allow for extended wear without discomfort. Connectivity is modern and reliable via Bluetooth 5.2, with multipoint connection support so you can switch between devices easily. The headphones also include convenient touch controls and voice assistant activation for hands-free operation.

Durability is decent, with quality materials like leather and metal, but they are not water-resistant, so care is needed around moisture. While priced at a premium level, these headphones suit anyone looking for top-tier noise cancellation coupled with comfort and long battery life for everyday use.

Rating
9.1
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
18510 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is exceptional, effectively blocking out airplane noise and background chatter, making travel and noisy environments much more peaceful.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear highs, deep bass, and perfectly balanced tones, providing a detailed and immersive listening experience across all music genres.
Comfort and Fit
The lightweight design combined with soft leather ear cushions ensures outstanding comfort for extended wear without causing fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 30 hours of playback and a rapid charging feature that provides hours of use after just a few minutes of charging.
Connectivity
Touch controls and voice assistant activation add convenience for hands-free operation, enhancing overall usability.
Durability
The headphones do not fold inward like previous models, which makes them less compact for travel, but the sturdy carrying case offers good protection.
#3

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

Rating
8.2
Sound Quality
Noise Cancellation
Battery Life

Most important from
61819 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is great, clear, and without issues, outperforming the XM5 and almost matching the Apple AirPods Max.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is almost comparable to the Apple AirPods Max and is much better than the XM5, with the added advantage of a manual on/off button.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting for days without needing a recharge and featuring automatic shut-off to save power.
Comfort
The XM4s are incredibly comfortable even for long periods, especially for those who wear glasses, although the headband might cause slight discomfort after extended use.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, with no issues experienced unlike with the XM5, and the Sony Connect app adds a user-friendly layer of control.
Durability
Despite the plastic build, the XM4 feels sturdy and durable, much better than the XM5 which felt flimsy.
Additional Features
Gesture controls work accurately, and the companion app with built-in EQ allows for extensive customization, a boon for Apple users.

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.

Rating
8.2
Sound Quality
Noise Cancellation
Battery Life

Most important from
61819 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is great, clear, and without issues, outperforming the XM5 and almost matching the Apple AirPods Max.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is almost comparable to the Apple AirPods Max and is much better than the XM5, with the added advantage of a manual on/off button.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting for days without needing a recharge and featuring automatic shut-off to save power.
Comfort
The XM4s are incredibly comfortable even for long periods, especially for those who wear glasses, although the headband might cause slight discomfort after extended use.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, with no issues experienced unlike with the XM5, and the Sony Connect app adds a user-friendly layer of control.
Durability
Despite the plastic build, the XM4 feels sturdy and durable, much better than the XM5 which felt flimsy.
Additional Features
Gesture controls work accurately, and the companion app with built-in EQ allows for extensive customization, a boon for Apple users.

Buying Guide for the Best Sony Headphones

When it comes to picking the right Sony headphones, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Sony offers a wide range of headphones, each designed to cater to different types of users. Whether you're looking for something to use during workouts, for professional audio work, or just for casual listening, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider when choosing Sony headphones and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Type (Over-Ear, On-Ear, In-Ear)The type of headphones refers to their design and how they fit on or in your ears. Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that cover your entire ear, providing excellent sound quality and noise isolation, making them ideal for home use or professional settings. On-ear headphones rest on your ears and are more portable, but they may not offer the same level of noise isolation. In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, fit inside your ear canal and are highly portable, making them great for on-the-go use. Choose the type based on where and how you plan to use your headphones.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. This is particularly important if you plan to use your headphones in noisy environments like airplanes, public transport, or busy offices. There are different levels of noise cancellation, from basic to advanced. If you need to focus in noisy settings, look for headphones with advanced noise cancellation. If you just need a bit of quiet, basic noise cancellation might suffice.
Sound QualitySound quality encompasses the clarity, balance, and richness of the audio produced by the headphones. This is crucial for audiophiles, musicians, or anyone who values high-fidelity sound. Sound quality can vary greatly between models, with some emphasizing bass, others offering a more balanced sound, and some providing high-resolution audio. Consider what type of sound profile you prefer and what you'll be listening to most often. For example, bass-heavy headphones might be great for hip-hop, while balanced sound might be better for classical music.
Battery LifeBattery life is important for wireless headphones, as it determines how long you can use them before needing to recharge. This is especially crucial for travelers or those who use headphones for extended periods. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 30 hours on a single charge. If you need headphones for long trips or all-day use, look for models with longer battery life. For shorter, more casual use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are essential for ensuring that you can wear your headphones for extended periods without discomfort. This includes the materials used for the ear pads, the weight of the headphones, and the adjustability of the headband. Over-ear and on-ear headphones should have soft, cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband. In-ear headphones should come with different sizes of ear tips to ensure a snug fit. Consider how long you'll be wearing the headphones and choose a model that feels comfortable for that duration.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the headphones connect to your devices. This can include wired connections, Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies. Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement and are great for activities like working out or commuting. However, wired headphones can provide a more stable connection and better sound quality. Some models offer both options. Consider how you plan to use your headphones and choose the connectivity that best suits your needs.
DurabilityDurability is important if you plan to use your headphones in various environments or if you tend to be rough on your gear. This includes the build quality, materials used, and any water or sweat resistance. Look for headphones with sturdy construction and materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. If you plan to use them for workouts or outdoor activities, consider models with water or sweat resistance.

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