The WH-1000XM5 are Sony's flagship premium headphones, equipped with Sony's most advanced audio and noise-canceling technology. These trendy headphones are praised for their comfort, noise-canceling capabilities, sleek design, and warm, enjoyable sound. Although Sony released these cans in 2022, they've held their value well over the last two years and are still worthy competitors to newer releases like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sonos Ace.

The XM5 headphones sport large, oval ear cups with enough padding to wear all day without discomfort. They are big enough to accommodate a larger head but may be too big for a smaller head and ears.

Review: Sony WH-1000XM5

They're equipped with Bluetooth v5.2, which offers stable connections and enhances energy efficiency. The XM5's 40-hour battery life means you can wear them all week without charging before the weekend. The 30mm dynamic drivers deliver Sony's signature bass-forward sound, and a 3.5mm jack is on the right ear cup in case you want to listen over a wired connection.

However, if you prefer wireless listening, the XM5 offer three Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, and Sony's proprietary LDAC codec. 

When we tested the XM5 headphones, we found their noise-canceling properties among the best on the market. Sony's XM5 headphones are ideal for commuters, students, desk workers, or anyone who wants a capable pair of premium headphones for everyday use.

Sony WH-1000XM5 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 30mm dynamic | Noise cancellation:Yes | IP rating: IPX4| Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

Sony's WF-1000XM5 are the earbud equivalent to the over-ear headphones of the same name. Hence, the XM5 earbuds are Sony's premium and most sophisticated version. They feature advanced AI technology for clear voice calling, an upgraded processor for stable Bluetooth connections, and an ergonomic design for optimal comfort. 

The XM5 earbuds sport a round bud design that sits inside the ear canal. When I tested these earbuds, I found that the round design was more comfortable and secure than the traditional bud-and-stem design you see in other earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro. The only drawback of Sony's earbud design is that the company opted for foam ear tips instead of silicone. I found the foam tips to be more absorbent than silicone, and they easily trap sweat and ear wax and can be challenging to clean.

Review: Sony WF-1000XM5

However, silicone ear tips are slippery and tend to fall out of your ear when you sweat. So, if you want earbuds that are very secure in your ear and don't mind the debris that the foam tips accumulate, the XM5 buds will do you well.

The XM5 buds come with a charging case that delivers an extra six hours of juice, so these earbuds can go a few days before needing a charge. AI technology ensures clear calling by isolating your voice and quieting background noises.

The noise-canceling tech in these earbuds is impressive, and they easily compete with Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. They're equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and the LC3 Bluetooth codec, offering more stable Bluetooth connections, a wider connection range, lower latency, and better sound quality. However, only a few newer Samsung and Google phones are compatible with LC3, so if you have an iPhone, you're stuck with Apple's AAC codec.

Sony WF-1000XM5 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 12 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 8.4mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | IP rating: IPX4

The WH-CH720N are an excellent option if you want a pair of Sony's over-ear headphones for less than$200. Like the Ult Wear and XM5 headphones, the WH-CH720N headphones are equipped with Sony's V1 processor, which contributes to noise cancellation. However, the WH-CH720N have weaker noise-canceling properties than the Ult Wear and XM5.

The WH-CH720N are a pair of budget headphones, as Sony included all the high-quality features inside the earcups and kept the design and materials simple and low-cost. These headphones are entirely made of plastic, which gives them a cheaper feel but is responsible for their incredibly comfortable and lightweight design. 

Review: Sony WH-CH720N

I tested the WH-CH720N headphones, and found that their warm, bass-forward sound aligns with their more expensive Sony counterparts. These headphones sound great for$100, but they show their low price in the noise-canceling department.

These headphones aren't equipped with Sony's proprietary high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec, but they have Sony's DSEE audio technology, which enhances the quality of compressed audio files. Additionally, the WH-CH720N have many of Sony's future-proof software features, along with Ambient Sound mode so that you can hear your surroundings. If you're looking for a less-expensive pair of Sony headphones that are solid for everyday use, these are a great choice.

Sony WH-CH720N tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 30mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

Sony's premium gaming headphones are an excellent option for dedicated PlayStation users who prefer wireless gaming headphones. The H9 offer Sony's signature full, bass-forward sound and feature Sony's Spatial Sound for an immersive gaming experience. 's Kerry Wan reviewed the INZONE H9 and said the Spatial Sound feature has reliable, realistic, and accurate head-tracking tech.

According to Sony, these headphones perform best in first-person shooter games, but Wan noted that third-person shooter titles perform just as well.

Review: Sony INZONE H9

The H9 headphones are equipped with Sony's Digital Noise Canceling technology and compare its performance to the acclaimed XM5 headphones. According to Wan, the noise-canceling tech effectively blocks household noises like a running refrigerator or air conditioner, adding another level of immersion to your gaming session.

These wireless gaming headphones are compatible with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and Sony recommends using both to experience the lowest gameplay and voice chat latency. The H9 are equipped with the INZONE Hub, which allows users to tailor their EQ and device settings.

Sony INZONE H9 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.0) | Battery life: 32 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): N/A

Open-ear headphones can be a runner's best friend, especially when they want to hear the world around them without compromising style, sound quality, or comfort. The LinkBuds are a great option if you want Sony earbuds with an open design. 

These earbuds' design differs from open-ear earbuds that hook onto your ear. Instead, they feature a hole in the middle of the earbuds for ambient noises to pass through. 

Review: Sony LinkBuds

's Matthew Miller tested the Sony LinkBuds and wore them while working in his home office, commuting on the train, and running outside. Compared to bone conduction earbuds, Miller says the LinkBuds don't allow the wearer to hear as many external noises but are more transparent than traditional in-ear buds.