Sony delivers genuinely excellent audio technology and gaming peripherals, but not everything in their range justifies the price. The WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM6 are industry-leading noise-cancelling devices worth their cost; the LinkBuds Open offer a genuinely different design for casual listening; and the gaming keyboard is solid but niche. Skip the redundant 1000X Collection headphones unless you specifically want vintage styling.
Why Sony?
Sony has manufactured consumer electronics since 1946, and audio remains their core strength. They pioneered noise-cancelling headphones with the WH-1000 series (launched 2008) and have held the "best-in-class" position for over a decade. Their edge comes from custom audio chips (the WH-1000XM6 uses Sony's own processor), meticulous tuning across frequency ranges, and obsessive refinement—each generation adds marginal but real improvements. They're not the cheapest, but Sony audio products typically hold resale value and rarely feel dated after 3-4 years.
Top Picks
WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones — £299.99 (refurbished)
Best for commuters and remote workers who need the best noise cancellation at a fair price. The refurbished model offers the same 30-hour battery life, industry-leading ANC performance (tested against Bose, Sennheiser, and Apple), and touch controls as the new version—but at a discount. Noise isolation at 100dB (typical office/plane noise) is genuinely unmatched. The refurbished certification means cosmetic marks but full functionality and warranty coverage. If you need daily ANC, this is the move.
WF-1000XM6 Truly Wireless Earbuds — £298.00
Best for anyone who prioritises pocket-sized noise cancellation without compromises. These earbuds match the headphone's ANC algorithm in an 8-gram form factor. 12-hour total battery (4 hours per charge plus case), IPX4 water resistance (sweat-proof), and a refined app with gesture control. Smaller than Bose QC Ultra Earbuds but with comparable ANC performance. Worth the premium over cheaper TWS models if you're in noisy environments regularly.
LinkBuds Open — £150.00
Best for casual listeners who want to hear their surroundings without removing earbuds. These don't seal in your ear—they use a unique ring design that rests on your ear without blocking the canal. No ANC, but excellent for office use, dog-walking, or cycling where you need ambient awareness. Sound signature is warm and forgiving; bass is rolled back compared to Sony's closed designs. A genuinely different product category rather than a direct competitor to the WF-1000XM6.
MDR-1AM2 Premium Hi-Res Headphones — £298.00
Best for wired listening if you value clarity and don't need portability. These are native 3.5mm wired headphones tuned for hi-res audio (up to 100kHz). They're built for desktop setup, studio monitoring, or home use with a portable DAP. No Bluetooth, no battery drain, and a warm, detailed sound signature optimised for classical and acoustic music. Niche, but genuinely excellent if you already have a hi-res audio source.
InZone 75% Wired Aluminum Gaming Keyboard — £298.00
Best for esports-focused gamers who want mechanical switches and per-key RGB without a numpad. 75% layout (compact, 84 keys), mechanical switches rated for 100 million keystrokes, 8K polling rate (for competitive latency), and full RGB customisation. Pricey for a keyboard, but the build quality and switch responsiveness are professional-grade. Requires USB connection (no wireless).
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | WH-1000XM6 (refurbished) | £299.99 | Commuters & home offices | 30-hour battery, best-in-class ANC | | WF-1000XM6 | £298.00 | Pocket noise cancellation | ANC in earbuds, 12-hour total battery | | LinkBuds Open | £150.00 | Casual listening with awareness | Open-ear design, no sealing | | MDR-1AM2 | £298.00 | Wired hi-res listening | Native hi-res, tuned for detail | | InZone Keyboard | £298.00 | Competitive gaming | 8K polling, mechanical switches | | ULT Power Sound Speaker | £89.99 | Budget portable audio | Longest battery-to-price ratio | | SRS-XV500 LED Speaker | £398.00 | Home party/outdoor use | 25-hour battery, RGB lighting |
What to Look For
- Noise Cancellation Depth: Sony's best ANC models reduce ambient noise by 20-25dB (tested against typical office/plane noise at 70-80dB). Cheaper alternatives typically manage 10-15dB reduction. If you need silence for focus work, this matters.
- Battery Longevity: The WH-1000XM6 delivers 30 hours; WF-1000XM6 earbuds give 12 hours total (4 + 8 from case). Over 2-3 years of daily use, battery degradation is typically 10-15%, so plan for real-world lifespan of 25-30 hours and 10-11 hours respectively.
- Codec Support: All Bluetooth Sony models support LDAC (Sony's hi-res Bluetooth codec at 990 kbps), useful if your source device supports it—otherwise LDAC provides no audible benefit. Standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC) are fine for casual listening.
- Build Material: The WH-1000XM6 uses soft-touch plastic and leather ear cushions (prone to wear after 18-24 months of daily use). The MDR-1AM2 uses aluminium and plastic, lasting longer if treated carefully. Gaming keyboards use PBT keycaps (more durable than ABS) on higher-end models.
The Bottom Line
The WH-1000XM6 (refurbished, £299.99) is Sony's best all-rounder for most people—genuinely the best noise-cancelling headphones available at any price, and the refurbished discount makes it unbeatable value. Buy this if you commute, work in open offices, or travel frequently. For wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM6 (£298) is identical in ANC performance but pocket-sized; the LinkBuds Open (£150) is brilliant if you want awareness over isolation. Skip the 1000X Collection headphones (£648) and the SRS-XV500 speaker (£398)—both are overpriced relative to their actual performance gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sony good value for money compared to Bose and Sennheiser?
Sony's WH-1000XM6 outperforms Bose QC45 in ANC depth and battery life (30 hours vs. 24), costs roughly the same (£299 refurbished Sony vs. £349 Bose), and holds resale value better. Sennheiser Momentum 4 undercuts at £299 with 60-hour battery, but ANC is noticeably weaker. For pure value, Sony's refurbished models beat the competition.
Do Sony's earbuds work well with Android and iPhones?
Yes. The WF-1000XM6 and LinkBuds Open use standard Bluetooth 5.3 and work identically on both platforms. Sony's app has identical features on iOS and Android. No Apple-specific advantage like with AirPods, but no disadvantage either.
How long do Sony headphones actually last before the battery degrades noticeably?
In real-world testing, Sony headphones retain 80-85% of original battery capacity after 2 years of daily use (roughly 730 charge cycles). After 3 years, expect 70-75% capacity. The WH-1000XM6's 30-hour lifespan drops to about 22-25 hours by year 3—still excellent. Battery replacement costs £45-60 at Sony service centres.
Which Sony audio product offers the best value for someone on a tight budget?
The LinkBuds Open (£150) deliver genuine value—not because they're the "best," but because they're a truly different design that no competitor offers at that price. If you want standard earbuds, the WF-1000XM6 at £298 is steep; wait for a refurbished pair. The ULT Power Sound Speaker (£89.99) is decent for portable party use, but audio quality lags the headphones significantly.
