Which Sony Headphones Should You Actually Buy? A Breakdown of Every Model

Sony makes genuinely good headphones across nearly every budget, from £19.99 basics to £458 flagships. The WH-1000XM6 remains the standout — industry-leading noise cancellation and sound quality — but you don't need to spend that much unless you travel frequently or work in loud environments. Most buyers will find better value in the mid-range: the WH-XB910N at £149.97 offers excellent bass and noise cancellation, while the LinkBuds at £198.19 suit anyone wanting truly wireless earbuds without breaking the bank.

Why Sony?

Sony has manufactured audio equipment since 1946 and remains one of only three companies (alongside Apple and Bose) that compete at the absolute top of the headphone market. Their strength lies in noise-cancellation technology — they pioneered the algorithms that all modern active noise-cancelling headphones now emulate — and in tuning audio for real-world listening rather than studio perfection. Sony also scales their quality consistently: even their £19.99 MDR-ZX110 stereo headphones deliver acceptable clarity for casual use, which many budget brands don't manage. They're particularly strong in the £100–£300 range, where they balance features, build quality, and price better than most competitors.

Top Picks

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones — £398.00

Best for frequent travellers and remote workers who value silence. The WH-1000XM6 are the benchmark in noise cancellation — they neutralise engine noise, office chatter, and mid-range rumble almost completely. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC on, touch controls are responsive, and the sound signature is neutral enough for podcasts but detailed enough for music. Build feels premium (leather ear cups, folding design) and they come with a hard case. This is the choice if noise cancellation is your primary concern and you'll use them daily.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones — £268.00

Best for buyers wanting flagship performance without the latest-generation price tag. The XM5 are 90% as effective as the XM6 — the difference in noise cancellation is marginal in real use — but cost £130 less. They retain the same 30-hour battery life, excellent build quality, and neutral tuning. The main trade-off is slightly older Bluetooth codec support, but most users won't notice. This is the smarter choice if you want Sony's best noise cancellation but don't specifically need the newest model.

Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Extra Bass — £149.97

Best for bass enthusiasts and gym use. The XB910N emphasise bass frequencies (hence "XB" in the name) while still offering solid noise cancellation — roughly 80% as effective as the XM6. Comfort is excellent for extended wear, and the bass tuning works well for hip-hop, EDM, and pop without sounding muddy. At £149.97, they're half the price of the XM6 and offer real noise cancellation in a fun-sounding package. The 12-hour battery is adequate for daily commutes but requires charging every couple of days.

Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds — £198.19

Best for people wanting wireless earbuds with no passive isolation anxiety. LinkBuds don't seal your ear canal (they rest on top of it), which feels odd initially but means you hear ambient sound naturally — ideal for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs situational awareness. They're incredibly light, include basic noise cancellation rather than true ANC, and the 8-hour case battery is solid. Sound quality is decent, not premium, and they won't suit people who prioritise audio fidelity over comfort.

Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones — £19.99

Best for casual listening and backups. These are wired, no frills — 30mm drivers, basic padding, foldable design. They won't compete with mid-range wireless options, but at £19.99 they're perfectly acceptable for light use, travel spares, or kids' headphones. If you have a spare 3.5mm jack on your device (increasingly rare), these work reliably.

Quick Comparison

| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | WH-1000XM6 | £398.00 | Frequent travellers | Best-in-class noise cancellation; 30-hour battery | | WH-1000XM5 | £268.00 | Value flagship seekers | 90% of XM6 performance at £130 less | | WH-XB910N | £149.97 | Bass enthusiasts | Extra bass tuning + noise cancellation at mid-range price | | LinkBuds | £198.19 | Active lifestyle users | Open-ear design; no passive isolation needed | | MDR-ZX110 | £19.99 | Casual/backup use | Incredibly affordable wired option |

What to Look For

• Noise cancellation type: True active noise cancellation (ANC) matters if you work in loud offices or fly regularly — Sony's XM6 and XM5 offer 99% noise reduction in the 500–2000Hz range. Passive isolation (just ear-cup sealing) is fine for quiet environments.
• Battery life vs. daily use: If you commute 1 hour daily, 12–15 hours per charge is sufficient (XB910N fits here). If you travel or forget to charge, 30-hour batteries (XM6/XM5) prevent mid-day power loss.
• Audio tuning: Sony's XM series is neutral (good for all genres), while XB series is bass-forward (good for pop, hip-hop, EDM). Pick based on what you listen to most.
• Comfort for extended wear: Over-ear models distribute weight across your head; earbuds suit shorter sessions. Sony's over-ear designs are genuinely comfortable for 6+ hours, but LinkBuds are better for 1–2 hour sessions if you dislike ear-canal sealing.

The Bottom Line

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 at £398.00 if you travel, work in loud environments, or use headphones 20+ hours weekly — they'll last years and justify the cost through noise cancellation alone. For everyone else, the WH-1000XM5 at £268.00 offers near-identical performance at a sensible price, or step down to the WH-XB910N at £149.97 if bass and value matter more than cutting-edge specs. Don't overspend on Sony; their strength is range, not luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth £398?

Only if you fly monthly, work in offices, or use headphones daily for 2+ hours. The noise cancellation pays for itself through productivity and comfort — you'll use them constantly. If you commute 30 minutes by car and use headphones casually, the £268 WH-1000XM5 or £149.97 XB910N deliver better value.

Can I use Sony headphones for gaming?

Yes, but check the lag. Most Sony wireless headphones have 200–400ms Bluetooth latency, which is noticeable in fast-paced games. The Pulse Elite at £107 is specifically tuned for PlayStation 5 and has lower latency. For Xbox or PC gaming, a wired headset remains the most responsive option.

Do Sony headphones work with all phones?

Yes — Bluetooth 5.0 or later (standard since 2020) connects to any phone, tablet, or computer. Sony uses standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, LDAC), so there's no Apple-exclusive limitation like AirPods. All models pair easily with iOS and Android.

What's the difference between WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5?

The XM6 has slightly better noise cancellation, better Bluetooth codec support (LDAC for lossless audio if your device supports it), and improved touch controls. In real-world listening, 90% of users won't notice the difference. The XM5 is £130 cheaper and still excellent — a better value choice for most buyers.