Sony has been in the audio headphone game for over half a decade. From tape recorder headsets to the world’s first noise canceling headphones, Sony has led the listening industry since the beginning. And with the recent rise in earbuds, it's no surprise that the best Sony earbuds have quickly become a popular workout accessory for many.
Most earbuds options are wireless so you don't have to deal with tangling wires while working out. As earbuds have become the go-to audio tool, the quality of Sony’s earbuds have not wavered. Sony earbuds are a comfortable option that can improve your listening experience no matter where you go.
Sony offers earbuds in many different shapes, sizes, and functions. With all of these options, choosing the best Sony earbuds for you may seem like a tough task. To ease your decision-making process, the ACTIVE Reviews Team rounded up their favorite Sony earbuds and broke down the pros, cons, and pricing of each. Keep reading to see if one of these options is right for you.
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The Best Sony Earbuds - Our Top Picks
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What to Look for When Shopping for Sony Earbuds
Wireless
Sony earbuds are typically either wireless or wired. Because wireless earbuds use Bluetooth connection, you can take hands-free calls and comfortably listen to music wherever you go. You can also easily store wireless earbuds as there is no cable to worry about becoming tangled.
However, wireless earbuds need to be charged whereas wired options do not. Wired earbuds also tend to be more budget-friendly than wireless options.
Battery Life
With a long battery life, you can enjoy several workouts worth of music without worrying about charging. Most Sony earbuds have 5 to 10 hours of playback time on a full charge. They also often come with a charging case which can extend their battery life up to 24 hours. Plus, almost all of Sony’s earbuds have quick charge which allows you to get a quick boost if you've forgotten to charge them before heading out to the gym or to work.
Noise Canceling
Whether or not you want noise canceling earbuds will depend on where you'll be using them. Noise canceling features allow you to drown out background noise while listening to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook. If you'll be using your Sony earbuds in crowded areas, like at work or in the gym, you may want to choose an option with noise canceling technology. Many noise canceling earbuds also have a transparency mode which allows you to hear the sounds of your environment while still enjoying your audio entertainment.
Best Quality Sony Earbuds - Sony WF-C500
SPECS
- Type: In-ear
- Earbuds Weight: 4.80 oz.
- Earbuds Dimensions: 3.9" x 2.2" x 2.9"
- Batteries: Lithium ion
- Battery Life: 10 hours, 20 hours with charging case
- Charging Time: 10 min. charge for 60 min. playback
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Special Features: Ergonomic surface design, 360 audio
The Sony WF-C500 earbuds prove that big sound can come from small earbuds. These high-quality earbuds feature a small design that makes listening to music comfortable wherever you go. Improved comfort is achieved through a free-from-edges, rounded shape that fits most ear cavities. This cozy shape is paired with an ergonomic surface design to keep them secure in your ear while you move. Because these earbuds work to restore high frequency sounds that can be lost in compression, they provide some of the best sound quality on the market.
We also like how the compactness of these earbuds extends to their cylindrical charging case which is pocket-sized. This means you can bring them to work or the gym without taking up too much space in your bag. When charged in the case, these Sony earbuds can last up to 20 hours. If you forget to charge your Sony WF-C500 earbuds, you can use quick charging to give them a boost: 10 minutes of charging will provide 60 minutes of playback.
PROS
- Exceptional sound quality
- Lightweight, compact design
- Long battery life
- Waterproof enough to withstand sweaty workouts
- Affordable
CONS
- Must use the Sony Headphones Connect app to equalize sound
- Occasional pairing issues
Best Noise Canceling - Sony WF-1000XM3
SPECS
- Type: In-ear
- Earbuds Weight: 3.53 oz.
- Earbuds Dimensions: 5.6" x 4.72" x 2.5"
- Batteries: Lithium polymer
- Battery Life: 6 hours, 24 hours with charging case
- Charging Time: 10 min. charge for 90 min. playback
- Water Resistance: N/A
- Special Features: Noise canceling
When listening to music in a public place, it can sometimes be difficult to drown out the noises of those around you. With noise canceling earbuds, like Sony WF-1000XM3, you can block out external sounds and focus on your favorite songs to boost motivation during your workout. Whether you use these earbuds outdoors at the gym, you'll be able to hear your audio entertainment with next level clarity. This level of noise cancelation is accomplished through 24bit audio signal processing and top-notch signal to noise ratio. We also like how you can switch these earbuds to ambient mode on the Sony Headphones Connect App. This mode allows you to hear background noise while still listening to your choice of media.
On a single charge, these Sony earbuds hold up to six hours of playback: When charged in the case, battery life is extended to 24 hours. And because these earbuds are wireless and have Amazon Alexa built-in, you can be hands free while you workout on the treadmill, lift weights, or enjoy a jog outside.
PROS
- Noise canceling
- Industry-leading sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life with charging case
- Amazon Alexa enabled
CONS
- Not waterproof
- More expensive than other options
Best Sony Earbuds for Working Out - Sony WI-C200 Wireless in-Ear Headset
SPECS
- Type: In-ear with connective wire
- Earbuds Weight: 0.67 oz.
- Earbuds Dimensions: 3.16" x 0.69" x 7.31"
- Batteries: Lithium metal
- Battery Life: 15 hours
- Charging Time: 10 min. charge for 60 min. playback
- Water Resistance: N/A
- Special Features: Lightweight
Avid gym goers know that keeping your earbuds from falling out while moving is key. We think the Sony WI-C200 Wireless in-Ear Headset is a great option for listening to music while you exercise. Although these Sony earbuds use Bluetooth wireless technology, they feature a behind-the-neck connective wire that keeps them secure in your ears as you move or run. Even though they include a wire design, these earbuds have built-in magnets. This means they won't tangle when you store them.
Dynamic sound quality is achieved through 9mm driver units which balances bass, treble, and clarity effortlessly. Because these wireless Sony earbuds are designed to stay snug in your ears, this high-quality sound won’t be interrupted during your workout.
PROS
- Flexible, lightweight design
- Compatible with voice assistant
- Crisp, clear sound
- Affordable
CONS
- Not able to wear just one earbud
- Short Bluetooth distance
- Not waterproof
BUY: Sony WI-C200 Wireless in-Ear Headset
Best Wireless Sony Earbuds - Sony LinkBuds
SPECS
- Type: In-ear
- Earbuds Weight: 1.45 oz.
- Earbuds Dimensions: 3.5" x 2.4" x 3.5"
- Batteries: Lithium ion
- Battery Life: 5.5 hours, 17.5 hours with charging case
- Charging Time: 10 minute charge for 90 minute playback
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Special Features: Wide tap area, lightweight
Wireless earbuds allow you to listen to whatever you want to, wherever you go. With the Sony LinkBuds, you can take calls or listen to music while you’re on the move. Stay connected to your surroundings while using these Sony earbuds, thanks to their open-ring design. We like how this ring shape at the center of the earbud provides audio transparency. The sound quality for your phone calls is also improved by Precise Voice Pickup, which can control multiple microphones and deliver voice signal processing. This means you shouldn't have to ask “Can you hear me now?” while using these earbuds.
Plus, the volume of your listening experience automatically adjusts depending on your environment: LinkBuds will lower the sound level when in quiet locations and increase the volume in louder places. All of these sound features are wrapped up in a small, lightweight design.
PROS
- Wireless with Bluetooth technology
- Unique open ring design
- Wide tap area
- Splash-proof and sweat-proof
CONS
- Case may be difficult to open for some
- Battery life isn’t as long as other options
Best Budget Sony Earbuds - Sony MDRXB55AP Wired Extra Bass Earbuds
SPECS
- Type: Wired in ear
- Earbuds Weight: 2.89 oz.
- Earbuds Dimensions: 2.6" x 1.6" x 6.1"
- Batteries: N/A
- Battery Life: N/A
- Charging Time: N/A
- Water Resistance: N/A
- Special Features: Microphone included
A high-quality listening experience can also be a budget-friendly one. Sony MDRXB55AP Wired Extra Bass Earbuds have all the features of luxury earbuds, while remaining affordable. These Sony earbuds have 12 millimeter driver units that deliver impressive sound with deep bass, no matter what type of music you are listening to. Powered Bass Duct++ makes the bass responsive while providing intense sub-bass: Even at high volumes, the sound will not be distorted with these earbuds.
Despite being connected to a wire, these earbuds are designed to be tangle-free. The cable avoids snags, tangles, and knots because of its serrated design. We also like how you’re still able to make hands-free phone calls even though these earbuds are wired, as this cable has an inline remote and microphone. This feature also allows you to change songs without having to use your phone.
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Choose from 4 earbud sizes
- Deep bass sound
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- Microphone may be too far down cable
- No Bluetooth connection
BUY: Sony MDRXB55AP Wired Extra Bass Earbuds
FAQs About Sony Earbuds
Does Sony make good earbuds?
Sony has been making audio headsets for nearly six decades. Their name has become synonymous with listening to music on a variety of devices. Throughout their history, their products have remained top-notch: Sony earbuds provide some of the highest quality sound while staying comfortable and secure.
How do I control my Sony earbuds?
Most Sony earbuds have tap controls on the surface design of the earbud. These controls allow you to change the song, increase the volume, and answer phone calls. The Sony Headphones Connect App provides more access to features and functions, such as equalizing sound quality. For wired options, controls are located on an in-line remote on the cable.
Are Sony earbuds noise canceling?
The majority of Sony earbuds are noise canceling. This means they will block external sounds while you enjoy your audiobook, music, or podcast. These earbuds also typically have a transparent setting which allows you to still hear the noises around you.