Article Summary
This article offers a comprehensive guide to the best Sony headphones of 2025, with a focus on the WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 models, which deliver powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) performance. These headphones are ideal for those with no spending limit, but the previous-gen WH-1000XM5 offers similar sound quality for less.
What This Means for You
- Practical implication #1: Sony headphones are a reliable choice for their excellent sound quality, comfy designs, and ANC performance.
- Implication #2 with actionable advice: If you’re on a budget, consider the WH-1000XM5 as they offer great value with strong ANC and sound quality.
- Implication #3 with actionable advice: Regularly check for sales, as Sony headphones often retail at a discount.
- Future outlook or warning: Expect more advanced features and improvements in ANC performance from future Sony headphones, but at higher price points.
The Best Sony Headphones of 2025
Music fans, frequent travelers, and audio enthusiasts should consider Sony’s headphones for their top-notch ANC and sound quality. I’ve spent more than a decade reviewing audio gear, testing hundreds of products from a range of brands, and Sony consistently delivers. For those with no spending limit, the WH-1000XM6 headphones offer superior ANC, rivaling high-end competitors from brands like Bose. However, the previous-gen WH-1000XM5 remains a strong contender with similar sound quality at a lower price point.
After testing multiple Sony headphones in various environments, with a focus on music and movie content, I’ve made recommendations tailored to specific user preferences. While each model is worth full retail price, they can often be found on sale at a discount.
Our top picks for the best Sony headphones
- Best overall value: WH-1000XM5 – The WH-1000XM5 delivers great sound quality and ANC performance, making them an excellent value for the price.
- Best for noise-cancelling: WH-1000XM6 – The WH-1000XM6 takes ANC performance to the next level, further isolating users from disruptive noises.
- Best on a budget: WH-CH720N – For those on a budget, the WH-CH720N still offers solid audio quality and ANC experience at a more affordable price point.
- Best for bass: ULT Wear – The ULT Wear provides powerful bass output, perfect for those seeking deep, rich sound.
- Best earbuds: WF-1000XM5 – The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are a perfect blend of sound quality, comfort, and portability on-the-go.
Best overall value
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
The WH-1000XM5 is our top pick for its high-quality audio performance, comfortable design, and powerful ANC capabilities.
The WH-1000XM5 headphones balance excellent sound quality, noise cancelation, and comfort, which makes them the best overall value. This 2022 model is often discounted despite being the latest flagship.
Although the XM6 has slight improvements in sound quality and ANC, the XM5 remains a better value with its affordable price point. With 30 hours of battery life, lightweight design, Bluetooth Multipoint connection, and speak-to-chat features, the XM5 serves as a versatile headphone for various use cases, including home, office, travel, and extended periods of listening.
Tyler Hayes/Insider
The XM5’s 30-hour battery life, lightweight design, Bluetooth Multipoint connection, and speak-to-chat features make them versatile headphones for use in various settings. While the XM6 offers upgrades, the XM5 remains a better value with a more justifiable price point.
You can read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones review for a deeper dive into their features and capabilities, and also see how they compare to our other top pick, the WH-1000XM6.
Best for noise-cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
The XM6 provides excellent ANC performance with adaptive technology that continuously filters out background sounds as your environment changes.
When you buy
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the pinnacle of Sony’s noise-canceling expertise, offering advanced ANC technology that rivals other high-end competitors. With adaptive noise canceling, enhanced power efficiency, and improved comfort, the XM6 delivers a superior user experience for those willing to pay more.
In addition to its noise-canceling prowess, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones introduce a new adaptive technology with the integrated HD Noise Canceling QN1 processor, designed to continuously monitor and adjust the ANC performance as your environment changes. With 12 microphones for filtering out background noises, these headphones are highly effective in creating a serene listening environment.
Tyler Hayes/Insider
If noise-canceling performance is your top priority, the WH-1000XM6 headphones will not disappoint. However, bear in mind that their high retail price might not justify the incremental improvements over the WH-1000XM5.
