I tested the best Sony headphones and earbuds for ANC, sound, and cool factor: See my top 7 picks
As Black Friday approaches, savvy shoppers are gearing up to take advantage of significant discounts on Sony headphones, which cater to a wide range of audio needs and budgets. With options ranging from budget-friendly models under $50 to high-end noise-cancelling headphones that rival even the best offerings from Bose, Sony’s lineup has something for everyone. Notably, the flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones are already seeing a $20 discount, while the WH-CH720N noise-cancelling headphones are priced at an attractive $79. For those looking for even more budget-friendly options, the WH-CH520 headphones are available for just $38. With prices starting strong ahead of Black Friday, now is the perfect time to explore the diverse offerings from Sony.
When selecting the best Sony headphones, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Sony headphones are known for their advanced features, including Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts audio settings based on your environment. For frequent travelers, robust Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is crucial, as it effectively blocks out ambient noise beyond just the sounds of airplane engines. For fitness enthusiasts, the LinkBuds Fit provide a secure fit and transparency mode, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying their workouts. While premium models typically start at $300, there are excellent mid-range and budget options available that don’t compromise on sound quality or essential features. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your audio preferences, lifestyle, and budget, making Sony headphones a versatile choice for any audiophile this holiday season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X6XNuFXnjU
My pro tip: Take advantage of Black Friday deals on Sony headphones
Whether you’re looking for an
AirPods
alternative, budget cans under $50, or a wireless headphones with a wider sound range than the
best Bose headphones
, Sony has you covered on all fronts.
And with
Black Friday
just around the corner, you can get almost all of these headphones for even cheaper than usual. In the weeks leading up to the shopping event, the flagship XM6s received a small $20 discount, the mid-range WH-CH720 headphones are on sale for under $100, the CH-520 headphones are all the way back down to $38, and the noise-cancelling WF-C710N are just $79. We’re also watching the XM4 and XM5 models very closely. In other words, the sale prices are starting off strong.
So which should you buy? I spent the past several months testing and re-testing
all
of Sony’s most popular headphones and earbuds (and the better part of a decade reviewing headphones) to help you decide.
Now, let’s check out the best Sony headphones of 2025.
How to choose the best Sony headphones
Sony headphones and earbuds juggle several priorities, including ANC, battery life, hi-res sound, and multipoint pairing. However, you may need to compromise on some of these features if you’re not willing to spend $300 or more, the minimum price for flagship headphones in 2025.
If you want audio you can tailor to your liking, look for headphones
carrying Sony’s adaptive sound features
: 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, and Find My Equalizer. Travelers and road warriors need a model with ANC powerful enough to eliminate sounds across the entire frequency spectrum,
not just airplane engines
. Those who live active lifestyles or exercise regularly can find buds with a transparency mode that keeps them aware of their surroundings. Lengthy playtimes and wireless perks (e.g., Bluetooth multipoint, mobile app) have their benefits as well. And while Sony doesn’t specialize in
sports earbuds
like Beats (and increasingly Apple as well), the Sony LinkBuds Fit let you stay in the Sony ecosystem while you work out.
As in all shopping decisions, it all comes down to preference and budget.
Recent changes to this guide
The Sony XM5 and XM6 headphones.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones
:
We added these headphones in September 2025 after re-reviewing them and having a positive experience. We’ve named them our new “Budget pick.”
Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling headphones
:
Previously our “Budget pick,” we named them the “Best Sony headphones under $100” in our most recent update.
