Looking for wireless headphones? Look here
We know that the market for headphones is incredibly competitive, but there are still a few models that stand out for their unique design and premium features. Sony is one of those brands that consistently produce quality products that are both beautiful and useful.
The brand has been around for decades and has earned its reputation for delivering high-quality products that last. The brand has even gone so far as to create a unique line of wired headphones for audiophiles designed to be durable and last for years.
Here are this year’s absolute best Sony Wired headphones for every need and every budget.
Best Sony wired headphones for 2022
Sony MDR-Z1R
Price: $1,799.99 at Sony; $1,800.00 at Amazon
Noise Cancelling: Yes
Connectivity: Headphone cable (Gold-plated stereo mini-plug), Balanced-connection headphone cable (L-shaped gold-plated balanced standard plug), Wired
Sony’s flagship Signature Series headphones include huge 70mm HD drivers, full-range sound up to 120kHz, and Hi-Res Audio compatibility, allowing you to listen to your music in the best possible way. Each Signature Series component, from the resonance-free housing and Fibonacci-patterned grills, to the silver-coated OFC cables, raises the high-resolution sound experience from one you hear to the one you can feel.
The titanium and leather headband is flexible, lightweight, and sturdy. The titanium and leather headband provides a more comfortable over-ear fit. Beta-titanium retains its elasticity and returns to its original form despite being bent. Stability and comfort are enhanced by using genuine leather.
It has a frequency response of 4 Hz to 120 kHz, which can accommodate the wide range of music genres that are popular today. Even the deepest sub-bass notes have plenty of room in the 4 Hz low-frequency band. Music with a 120 kHz high-end will sound more lifelike and realistic since you’ll be able to hear delicate audio harmonics and tone.
With resonance-free housing, you can eliminate any unwanted sounds. The air resistance is controlled, and any repercussions caused by driver movement are eliminated using a specific acoustic paper filter (designed using Canadian softwood fibers and manufactured using the Japanese paper method of Washi).
As with other Sony wired headphones built in Japan, the MDR-Z1R headphones are exceptional in terms of both quality and performance. Using only the best materials and production procedures, they produce unparalleled sound in the industry.
Sony MDR-Z7M2
Price: $598 at Amazon; $599.99 at Sony
Noise Cancelling: No
Connectivity: Wired, Balanced-connection headphone cable (L-shaped gold plated balanced standard plug and Gold-plated stereo mini plug)
A wide frequency range allows the MDR-Z7M2 headphones to bring out the best throughout every sound, making them an excellent choice for listening to high-resolution music. When you first try them on, they are thick and massive, like velvet. Despite this, they are so tightly packed and enclosed that it quickly becomes clammy. In contrast, the mechanical noise reduction is flawless.
The sound quality of the M2 is noticeably better than that of its predecessor. The bass is more defined, the overall sound is more controlled, and the headphones’ impedance doesn’t add much weight. Indeed, you may use them directly with your smartphone without feeling deceived.
With the Z7M2, Sony provides two cables, one of which is a single-ended 3 m (3 foot) wire and the other a balanced 4-ft (1.2 m) cable with a 4.4 mm Pentacon connection. The 3.5 mm plug on each wire connects to the headphones, and the collars on both lines prevent the cords from unintentionally detaching.
One of the main components of this Sony headphone is a 70mm driver, which has been adjusted to perform more effectively and produce less noise at the same time. The most noticeable change is the addition of a Fibonacci-patterned grill to reduce high-frequency distortion.
Furthermore, the Z7M2 has a pleasant sound that can only be disregarded from an objective position for listeners of hip-hop, rock, pop, and even electronica. Due to its deep, resonant bass, the track has a captivating sound, albeit at the sacrifice of overall precision.
Sony MDR-1AM2
Price: $299.99 at Sony; $298.00 at Amazon
Noise Cancelling: Yes
Connectivity: Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini, Wired
Battery Life: None
Closed-back, enclosing design helps lock in music and keep out outside noises by encircling the ear. Precision acoustics ensure that sound is focused entirely on your ears, so even the slightest noises may be heard. The closed-back design enhances the bass characteristics in your music, so you’ll feel every beat.
An ideal fit can be achieved using soft, contoured synthetic leather earpads with pressure-relieving cushions. Comfort and durability are provided by using smooth fabrics and stitching that are free of snags and tears. Because of the MDR-1AM2’s ultra-lightweight design, you’ll be able to listen for long periods without experiencing any discomfort in your ears.
These Sony wired headphones can go with you wherever you go. The swivel design allows for convenient storage when traveling. The earcups may be swiveled flat for convenient storage in a bag or the included pouch.
Sony MDR-XB550AP
Price: $64.95 at Walmart
Noise Cancelling: No
Connectivity: Wired, Connection headphone cable 3.5 mm L-shaped
This Sony wired headphones is built to last and can be worn around your neck and stored in your gym bag despite their size. Even the flat (1.2m) cable is highly durable, ensuring that you won’t spend the first song of your playlist trying to untangle knots.
The soft, well-cushioned pads adhere firmly to your ears to keep them in place, but they aren’t painfully so. Although it lacks active noise cancellation, they do a fantastic job blocking out external noise. Thus, this is a good option if you’re looking for non-ANC headphones.
For added comfort, the supporting headband’s sliding adjustment can be stretched out on both sides if the initial fit isn’t just right. Besides that, each cup carries a single 40mm driver. Even though it is snappy and warm, the bass does not become overpowering. Lovers of pop and rock music will appreciate the quality of the low-end music.
Sony MDR-10R
Price: $179.99 at Sony
Noise Cancelling: Yes
Connectivity: Detachable cord, Bluetooth Connectivity
Featuring a studio-quality sound that brings out the subtleties in every song, the Sony MDR-10R High-Resolution Audio compatible headphones produce studio-quality sound that goes from deep lows to highs. Unwind with an audio experience unlike any other with this Sony wired headphones.
Enjoy consistently crisp, well-balanced audio. You can hear up and down from deep bass to the highest soprano. Even if the volume is raised, there is no distortion.
Closing the rear of the headphone allows you to hear more of your music. You can listen for hours on end because it’s comfortable to wear. Keep in touch with friends and family via your mobile device when you’re out and about. Using your Android or iPhone’s built-in controller and microphone, the cordless headset lets you take hands-free phone calls whenever they come in.
Bring them to work, the beach, or a park. Traveling with swivel earcups and a tangle-free bag is a pleasure, thanks to these features.
Sony MDR-ZX660AP
Price: $119.99 at Sony
Noise Cancelling: No
Connectivity: Wired, flat, single-sided 1.2m cable
Despite their size, these Sony wired headphones are made to endure and can be worn around your neck or tucked in a sports bag. You won’t even have to waste time untangling the 1.2-meter flat wire before you can start listening to your music.
The well-cushioned pads adhere to your ears like a glove, yet they’re not too tight to be bothersome. Even without active noise-cancellation, they do a fantastic job of reducing out street noise. And if the fit isn’t just perfect the first time around, the support headband’s sliding adjustment may lengthen both sides for added customization.
While other more pricey headphones combine numerous drivers to cover various ranges of the frequency spectrum, this model just has one 40mm driver in each cup. The bass is well-managed, sounding powerful and warm without being overbearing. Low-end pop and rock music is available for those who like the genre.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP
Price: $49.99 at Sony; $14.39 at Amazon
Noise Cancelling: No
Connectivity: The Y-type chord design reduces the risk of tangling whereas the 4-conductor gold-plated, L-shaped plug provides communication.
The Sony MDR-ZX310AP ZX Series Stereo Headset can playback audio and answer calls using a compatible smartphone. These headphones have 30mm, drivers with Ferrite magnets, an in-line microphone, and a smartphone remote control. Sony’s Smart Key software for Android smartphones allows you to modify how to control your device. It is compatible with their remote.
Besides that, it is a perfect companion for your smartphone, thanks to the built-in microphone and multi-function control button. The Smart Key app is also available for Android users, gaining additional control functions straight from their smartphone.
These Sony wired headphones are designed to correctly replicate an extensive, dynamic frequency range, with seamless transitions between the highs and lows and plenty of basses. Comfy ear cushions and an adjustable headband with swivels allow long listening sessions without getting tired.
Sony MDR-ZX110NC
Price: $38.25 at Amazon; $27.99 at Walmart
Noise Cancelling: Yes
Connectivity: Wired
Battery Life: Up to 80 hours of battery life
Sony’s MDR-ZX110NC headphones are among the best on the market today. Its reliable performance and good sound quality are popular choices for many. Also, in terms of appearance, they’re matte black on black. The back of the ear cups has been styled, adding a touch of whimsy to the design.
The sound quality of this headset is hard to assess. Based on one of its three testers, it has an excessive treble sound with very little to no bass when the canceling mode is activated. Using the noise canceling tool improves sound quality and adds a lot of bass.
Also, its headset can be wireless. It has a non-detachable wire that is devoid of an in-line remote. The noise canceling feature requires a battery since it doesn’t support Bluetooth.
The 30mm drivers inside the ear cups are a good size for the inner ears. It’s well-cushioned, ensuring that they are comfortable to use anytime they are in use. The headphones’ ear cups are also considered to be relatively small.
Despite its excellent sound quality, the Sony MDR-ZX110NC comes with numerous flaws, such as they’re made of cheap plastic. When you’re working out, these Sony wired headphones aren’t as stable as they should be, and they tend to fall over easily.
Sony MDR-ZX110
Price: $34.99 at Sony; $38.35 at Amazon
Noise Cancelling: Yes
Connectivity: The L-shaped stereo small connector on the other end of the flat Y-type cable helps minimize tangling.
Battery Life: 80 hours of battery life
You may take these Sony wired headphones with you everywhere you go. Swiveling earcups make it simple to store the headphones when not in use, and they also make them more portable when traveling. Because the earcups swivel flat, you don’t have to worry about them taking up too much room in your baggage or backpack.
While listening to music, you may make hands-free phone calls using an in-line controller and microphone on the headphone wire. If you want to switch between music and phone calls, you don’t have to remove your headphones. *Only featured with the MDR-ZX110AP model
Closed-back, enclosing design helps lock in music and keep out outside noises by encircling the ear. You can hear even the tiniest noises because the acoustics bounce back to your ears. The closed-back significantly enhances and maximizes the bass signatures in your music, so you’ll feel every beat.
Relax and enjoy the music. The headband on these headphones is self-adjusting, and the earcups are plush and cushioned all the way around. Listen to your favorite albums again and over in the comfort of your own home.
Recommended read: Complete Guide to the Best Sony Wireless Headphones
Here’s a quick video overview of the best Sony wired headphones
So Which is our Top Pick?
The Sony MDR-Z7M2 is the most excellent wired headphones we’ve seen thus far. Many users have expressed satisfaction with the product’s design, style, comfortability, and affordability. We’ve also gathered some reviews of the headphones from audiophile websites that have put them through their tests:
With the MDR-Z7M2s, I think Sony has a winner in this niche – approachable and comfortable headphones which tick all the right boxes from a high-res hi-fi/head-fi point of view but more importantly, have the ability to make most genres of music sound good for hours of enjoyable, fatigue-free listening. – Audiofi.net
As I write this review the MSRP of the Sony MDR-Z7m2 is around $500 which makes it a better buy compared to its introductory price of $900, I’ve never heard such a headphone in this price range that handles a lot of genres unlike its predecessor, it may not be the most detailed nor the largest soundstage of its competitors but due to its smooth signature it may win a lot of fans. – Audiorealviews.site
While expensive, the well-built and supercomfortable Sony MDR-Z7 can go toe to toe with competing high-end audiophile headphones. – cnet.com