Sony's current range includes genuine value picks alongside specialist gear — but not everything justifies the price. The £54.99 portable speaker offers exceptional bang for money, the £150 Linkbuds Open are genuinely innovative for open-wear fans, and the £158 over-the-ear headphones deliver solid all-rounders. The gaming keyboard, however, is overspecced for most buyers.
Why Sony?
Sony has manufactured audio and electronics since 1946, building a reputation for audio engineering that runs deep. They pioneered the Walkman (1979), defined the gaming headset category, and now lead in spatial audio and noise-cancellation technology. What sets them apart: they design hardware and the software that powers it — meaning better integration and tuning than competitors who bolt drivers into generic shells. Their current focus is wireless audio (headphones, earbuds, speakers) and gaming peripherals, where they command 15-20% of premium market share in Europe.
Top Picks
Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker — £54.99 (with case)
Best for value-conscious travel and outdoor use. This 420g speaker delivers 16 hours of battery life, IPX4 water resistance, and surprisingly rich bass for its size. The bundled case is essential; without it, you're paying more elsewhere for the same hardware. Verdict: unbeatable value in its class.
Sony Linkbuds Open Truly Wireless Earbuds — £150
Best for people who want audio without isolation. Open-ear design (ring-shaped, sits on cartilage) means you hear ambient sound while listening — ideal for cycling, office work, or social situations. 8-hour battery, lightweight (5.9g each), and genuinely comfortable for all-day wear. The trade-off: bass is thinner than closed-back earbuds, and they won't suit gym users who want immersion. Verdict: a genuinely different product, not a gimmick.
Sony Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones — £158
Best for balanced everyday listening. These fold for portability, offer 30+ hours battery, and include solid noise cancellation. Build quality is robust (aluminium hinges), and they sound neutral across music genres. No Bluetooth 5.3 frills, no gaming focus — just reliable all-rounders. Verdict: safe choice if you're unsure what you need.
Sony Inzone Gaming Keyboard — £298
Best for RGB-obsessed gaming desks only. Mechanical switches, 8K RGB zones, wired (no latency), aluminium frame. Problem: it's 75% layout (compact, missing keys), costs 3× a quality non-gaming mechanical board, and the RGB is overkill for most games. Verdict: skip unless RGB and gaming branding justify the premium.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | SRS-XB100 Speaker | £54.99 | Travel, outdoors, value | 16h battery + case bundle | | Linkbuds Open | £150 | Open-ear listening, cycling | Ring design, ambient aware | | Over-the-Ear Headphones | £158 | Everyday balanced use | 30h+ battery, foldable | | Inzone Keyboard | £298 | RGB gaming desks | Mechanical, 75% layout |
What to Look For
- Battery life in real-world conditions: Sony specs are honest, but expect 20-30% less than claimed in noisy environments. The speaker gets 16 hours; headphones genuinely hit 30+.
- Weight and fit for your use case: The Linkbuds (5.9g per bud) are featherweight; standard earbuds run 6-8g. If you wear earbuds 8+ hours daily, that 2g difference matters.
- Noise cancellation type: Sony's passive isolation (physical fit) beats active on the budget models. Only the premium £300+ range includes true hybrid ANC.
- Connection stability: All current Sony audio gear uses Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2. Range is solid (30m+ line-of-sight), but codec support varies. Check if your phone supports LDAC (Sony's hi-res codec) before assuming lossless audio.
The Bottom Line
If you want a single recommendation, buy the Sony SRS-XB100 speaker (£54.99) — it's objectively the best value on this list. For audio enthusiasts, the £150 Linkbuds Open justify the premium if you dislike earbuds that seal your ear canal. Skip the gaming keyboard unless RGB genuinely matters to you; spend that £298 on a quality mechanical board plus a separate headset. Sony's strength is reliability and audio tuning, not innovation — expect solid, predictable products rather than surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sony good value for money?
It depends on the product. The £54.99 speaker is exceptional value — you'd pay £80-100 elsewhere for equivalent specs. The headphones (£158) are competitively priced against Sennheiser and Bose. The gaming keyboard (£298) is overpriced for what you get; Corsair or Keychron offer better build for less.
Are Sony headphones better than Apple AirPods?
Differently good. Sony headphones have longer battery (30+ hours vs. 6-8 hours per charge), better noise cancellation, and work across any device with Bluetooth. AirPods integrate seamlessly with Apple ecosystems and have lower latency for gaming. If you're Android or multi-device, Sony wins. If you're all-in on Apple, AirPods are simpler.
Can I use the Linkbuds Open while exercising?
No, not reliably. They sit on your cartilage, so sweat and movement cause them to shift. The open-ear design also means you'll need higher volume to hear music outdoors, which defeats the ambient-aware benefit. Buy closed-back earbuds with IPX5+ rating for gym use instead.
Do Sony products work with non-Sony devices?
Yes, completely. All Sony audio gear uses standard Bluetooth, so they pair with any phone, laptop, or tablet. Sony's app (Headphones Connect) adds customisation and better battery tracking, but it's optional — devices work fine without it. The gaming keyboard connects via standard 2.4GHz USB dongle, no Sony software needed.
