Technologies
Sony Headphone Deals: Prices on New Headphones Start at $10
We’ve compiled some of the top bargains currently available on Sony headphones and earbuds.
There are a ton of headphone options out there, and finding a quality pair can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes, with so many unknown brands on Amazon and $10 pairs up for grabs at your local gas station. It’s never an enjoyable experience to spend any amount of money on headphones or earbuds that let you down.
Long a respected brand in the audio market, Sony makes some of the most popular headphones with a line that runs the gamut from premium noise-canceling, over-ear models to inexpensive on-ear headphones to excellent true-wireless earbuds in a variety of price ranges.
Like with all headphones, prices for Sony headphones tend to fluctuate and throughout the year you’ll find discounts on most Sony models — and sometimes pretty major discounts. While we can’t keep track of all the deals on Sony headphones (there are a lot), we’ve put together a list of current deals and pricing for the most popular — and best — of them. We also have lists of the best deals on Beats headphones and best AirPods deals in case you’re interested in those brands’ earbuds and headphones.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023
David Carnoy/CNET
Unlike the «open» LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S are traditional noise-isolating earbuds with tips you jam in your ears. They’re more compact and lighter than Sony’s flagship WF-1000M4 and also feature Sony’s V1 processor. While their sound and noise canceling don’t quite measure up to the WF-1000XM4’s, they’re close and cost less. They’re the Sony buds for people who can deal with larger buds but want 80 to 85% of those buds’ features and performance for significantly less.
All-time low: $128.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Introduced way back in 1991 (!), the Sony MDR-7506 has long been a favorite headphone of recording engineers and other sound professionals (yes, these are wired headphones). The origins of its design date even further back, since the MDR-7506 headphones are, in fact, a refresh of the Sony MDR-V6 that rolled out in 1985. Both models were designed for the pro sound market, but remain hugely popular with consumers.
While the two models have the same design and are very comfortable, they don’t sound identical. Both offer very well-balanced sound and excellent clarity for their modest prices — and both are great overall values. But the MDR-V6 headphones make a little more bass and sound more laid-back and mellow, while the 7506 headphones are leaner with a more accentuated treble range, which makes the sound a little crisper and livelier.
All-time low: $70.
Sony
If you’re looking for a cheap on-ear wired headphone, the ZX Series is as good a bet as any. It costs $10 — or $20 for the version with a microphone.
All-time low: $10
Sony
The Sony MDR-Z7M2 may not be the flagship audiophile headphone in Sony’s lineup (that would be MDR-Z1R), but it’s still a high-end model that lists for $900 but has been on sale for $600. I reviewed the earlier version of the Z7 (the M2 at the end stands for Mark 2, or second generation) and it sounded great and was comfortable. To be clear, this is an audiophile headphone and sounds best with the right audio equipment, which may include a headphone amplifier or a high-resolution portable music player (notice the Sony Walkman player, which isn’t included, in the photo).
All-time low: $570
David Carnoy/CNET
While the C500’s design sensibility has more in common with the high-end WF-1000XM4 than their predecessor, the WF-XB700 Extra Bass, the C500 is not a noise-canceling model and is pretty basic as far as earbuds go, with no ear-detection sensors or transparency mode. But the buds are compact, lightweight, fit comfortably and sound good for an entry-level model. Read our Sony C500 first take.
All-time low price: $58
David Carnoy/CNET
When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it’s done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $400 price tag ($50 more than the WH-1000XM4), most of those changes are good, and Sony’s made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.
All-time low price: $292
Sony
The WH-CH710N is Sony’s entry-level noise-canceling headphones. At their list price of $148, they’re grossly overpriced, but a lot more compelling when they go on sale, which they often do (look for them for less than $100 or ideally at $78, their low price). The set’s sound and noise-canceling features are a big step below what you get with the WH-1000XM4, but these are overall competent headphones that are lightweight and comfortable to wear. In other words, this pair is far from the best but it’s a good choice if you can’t afford something higher-end. No carrying case is included.
All-time low price: $78
David Carnoy/CNET
No earbuds are perfect and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds or be able to afford their high price. But if you’re looking for great-sounding earbuds with excellent noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes. And unlike the earlier WF-1000XM3, these are water-resistant with an IPX splash-proof rating.
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds also have top-notch noise canceling and sound quality, but the Sony is right there with the Bose for noise canceling. Some might even say it’s a touch better in that department. The Sony offers better sound quality and has a more compact design, particularly for the case — though the Sony buds certainly aren’t small.
All-time low price: $180
David Carnoy/CNET
The LinkBuds are, in a sense, Sony’s answer to Apple’s standard AirPods. While they don’t sound as good as Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM4 noise-isolating earbuds, they offer a discreet, innovative design and a more secure fit than the AirPods, as well as good sound and very good voice-calling performance.
Like the third-gen AirPods, their open design allows you to hear the outside world — that’s what the ring is all about. That makes them a good choice for folks who want to hear what’s going around them for safety reasons or just don’t like having ear tips jammed in their ears. They also have a few distinguishing extra features, including Speak to Chat and Wide Area Tap. Instead of tapping on a bud, you can tap on your face, just in front of your ear, to control playback.
They’re IPX4 splash-proof and thanks to their fins — Sony calls them Arc Supporters — they lock in your ears securely and work well for running and other sporting activities.
All-time low price: $128.
David Carnoy/CNET
As for the WH-XB910N, this is the step-down model from the WH-1000XM4. It’s an Extra Bass model, so it does have a preponderance of bass. This updated version looks the earlier XB900N but offers improved noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can pair it with your phone and computer simultaneously. It also supports Sony’s LDAC audio codec. It often sells for around $150 or slightly less. At that price, it’s a decent value.
While improved, the noise canceling isn’t quite up to the level of the WH-1000XM4. And the WH-XB910N doesn’t have some of that model’s extra features, such as Speak to Chat, wearing detection sensors and Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology. However, it does have a Quick Attention Mode, which allows you to put your hand over the ear cup to go from noise canceling to an ambient-aware transparency mode. Also, this headphone now comes with a hard case like the WH-1000XM4. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours at moderate volume levels — that’s the same as what you get from the WH-1000XM4.
All-time low price: $123
David Carnoy/CNET
While they’re no longer Sony’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM4 are still very good headphones and worth considering if you can find them at a big discount.
All-time low price: $248.
How we test headphones at CNET
We test headphones based on five key criteria, comparing similarly styled and priced models. These criteria include design, sound quality, features, voice-calling performance and value.
Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones or earbuds fit (ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. For earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings.
We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the headphones to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
Some great-sounding headphones aren’t loaded with features, but we do take any extra features into account. These include everything from noise-canceling and transparency modes (ambient sound mode) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears.
When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear your voice.
We determine value after evaluating the strength of the earbuds against all these criteria and what the headphone is able to deliver compared to other models in its price class.
More audio recommendations
- Best Cheap True Wireless Earphones
- Best Earbuds for Running for 2023: Bone Conduction and More
- Protect Your AirPods: 5 Cases Under $20
- Best Headphones for 2023: Top Picks for All Styles
- 7 Great AirPods Pro Alternatives That Cost a Lot Less
- Best Cheap Earbuds and Headphones for 2023
- Best Earbuds and Headphones for Working Out for 2023
- Best Headset for Working From Home in 2023
- Best Soundbars for 2023
- 5 True Wireless Earbuds Worth Buying for Under $40
- Best AirPods Max Accessories for 2023
Technologies
Meta Connect 2025 Live: New Ray-Bans Gen 2, Oakley Vanguards, Quest VR
Technologies
Missed Out on Hades? Play the Original on Game Pass This Weekend
Game Pass subscribers can also play the early access open beta of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 starting on Oct. 2.
The god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler game Hades is one of the most popular games in recent memory — and one of my personal all-time favorite games. The gameplay feels smooth, it’s easily replayable and the game’s writing is full of heart and emotion. The game’s developer Supergiant Games is gearing up to release Hades 2 soon, but if you missed playing the original — or want to replay it — you can on Xbox Game Pass starting on Sept. 19.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC or mobile device for $20 a month. A subscription gives you access to an extensive library of games, with new ones, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, added monthly, plus other benefits such as online multiplayer and deals on non-Game Pass titles.
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Here are the games Game Pass subscribers can play soon. You can also check out the games Microsoft added to the service in early September, including Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 17.
This rebooted first-person shooter comes to Game Pass Standard subscribers more than a year after Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could play it. You can continue the story of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as you and a team of special forces members try to track down an ultranationalist terrorist. You can also take on hordes of the undead in the zombies gameplay mode, or challenge your friends in multiplayer mode. With the Carry Forward feature, you can transfer much of your content and weapons progressions from Modern Warfare 2 to this game.
For the King 2
Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 17.
Get ready for this turn-based roguelite tabletop RPG — try to say that five times fast. You and up to three others will work to overthrow the tyrannical Queen Rosomon and bring an end to her oppressive reign. You’ll encounter enemies and friends in lush forests, lava-filled wastelands and Merling-filled tropical seas.
Overthrown (Game preview)
Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 17.
Build and manage your kingdom as a monarch with a magical crown in this city-builder game. Be prepared to defend your home at a moment’s notice. Farm the land, build structures needed to survive and protect your citizens from mutants and bandits to keep your people happy.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could play this game in January, and Game Pass Standard subscribers can get in on the fun, too.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play starting on Sept. 17.
If you played Vampire Survivors, you should give this game a try. It’s another auto-shooter game where your character automatically shoots at enemies, and you have to avoid attacks while also mining minerals from the alien world Planet Hoxxes. And really, you play a dwarf miner in space, need I say more?
Frostpunk 2
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play starting on Sept. 18.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could play this game on PC in 2024, and now Microsoft is bringing this game to console and Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta).
This city-building survival game asks you to make the tough decisions needed to ensure your community survives in an arctic apocalypse. Set 30 years after the events of the award-winning Frostpunk, you play as the Steward, who takes control of the city after the Captain — the original game’s player character — dies. The city is struggling with overpopulation plus food and coal shortages, among other issues. It’s up to you to build shelter and provide enough food for everyone while dealing with the factions vying for power.
Wobbly Life
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 18.
Get ready to explore this silly, vibrant, open-world physics sandbox game with your friends or on your own. The world is filled with minigames, missions, secrets, collectibles and tons of clothing options to find and unlock. Plus, there are almost one hundred vehicles you can use as part of jobs, or that you can just crash for the fun of it. It’s up to you.
Hades
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 19.
If I were stuck on an island and could only play five games, Hades would be one of them. It’s an engaging roguelike with tons of different ways to overcome your enemies, but the real star of the game is the touching story about relationships and forgiveness. There’s a reason it made history as the first (and so far only) game to win a Hugo Award — an accolade usually given to science fiction and fantasy literary works, but that created a special category for video games in 2021.
Endless Legend 2 (Game preview)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play starting on Sept. 22.
Lead your faction to build a great empire that can crush your enemies in this fantasy strategy game. You can play as warriors descended from the stars, cursed knights or hive-minded beasts, but know that each faction has its strengths, weaknesses and unique philosophies that can influence the rest of the game. And fending off enemies is just one challenge in this game. You’ll have to adapt to the changing environment as well. Will you expand as the tides reveal new treasures, or focus on improving your defenses?
Sworn
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play starting on Sept. 23.
Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable have been corrupted in this roguelike game, and it’s up to you to bring them down. This game supports up to four-player co-op action, and players’ strengths can be combined in surprising ways to become worthy knights.
Peppa Pig: World Adventures
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 25.
Make a pizza in Italy, climb the Eiffel Tower and explore more places with your friends and family in this Peppa Pig game. You can meet new characters, build your perfect house and go on adventures across the world with Peppa and others.
Visions of Mana
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 25.
Square Enix’s latest game in the Mana series follows Val and his childhood friend Hinna as they go on a journey to the legendary Mana Tree. You’ll encounter adorable yet ferocious creatures, use the powers of Elementals in battles and explore a vast semi-open world on your adventure.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play starting on Sept. 30.
Lara Croft is back in this action-adventure game as she attempts to find the Mirror of Smoke. Along the way, she encounters a Mayan tribesman named Totec who has unique weapons and skills to help Lara on her quest. This game has the classic Tomb Raider gameplay elements like exploration, platforming and puzzle solving.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Early Access Open Beta
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play between Oct. 2 and 7.
Fight it out in new 6v6 multiplayer maps, master an arsenal of new weapons and experience the next Call of Duty game before everyone else in the open beta of Black Ops 7. Early access to the beta launches at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Oct. 2 and will last 72 hours. Then, the open beta launches at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Oct. 5 before concluding on Oct. 8.
Sopa – Tale of the Stolen Potato
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play starting on Oct. 7.
Miho goes to the pantry to grab a potato for his grandmother’s soup when he lands in a fantastical land. Now he has to find his way back home by following in the footsteps of a mysterious traveler from long ago. You’ll meet quirky characters, gather exotic ingredients and take in vibrant environments in this world of magical realism inspired by Latin America.
More games on Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core is the cheapest subscription tier ($10 a month) and gives people access to a handful of games. Microsoft occasionally adds new games to this tier, and on Oct. 1, the company is bringing these games to the service.
Games leaving Game Pass on Sept. 30
While Microsoft is adding those games to Xbox Game Pass, the company is also removing a few games from the service on Sept. 30. You’ll have to buy these games separately after that date.
For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you. You can also check out what to know about upcoming Xbox game price hikes.
Technologies
You Can Snag a Pair of Refurbished Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC Headphones for Just $180
These Sony headphones are popular thanks to their strong active noise canceling and great sound, and now they’re 55% off.
Quality headphones can cost a fortune — unless you can find a way to save. Going refurbished is one such way, and right now you can put a pair of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones on your head for just $180. This model has been around for a while now, but they’re still among the best ANC headphones on the market.
That price gets you certified refurbished headphones that are a full 55% off the price you’d pay if you went for a brand-new pair. You’ll also be able to take advantage of eBay’s refurb warranty program, which means that your headphones will be covered for a full two years as well. This price doesn’t require any coupons or discount codes and the seller, Secondipity, has a positive review rating, too.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for being comfortable and great-sounding. Their battery life is rated for up to 32 hours per charge. Sony’s active noise-canceling technology is present, and among the best you can get.
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Best-in-class voice call quality is also part of the package so you can use these things for virtual meetings and phone calls, too. You’ll even get a carrying case in the box so you can take your headphones with you when you travel or just when you go to the office.
There are always headphone deals to be had if you know where to look. And if these WH-1000XM5 headphones are not your style, take a look at our picks of the best noise-canceling headphones.
HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK
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$300 (save $51)
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$299 (save $151)
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$220 (save $180)
Why does this deal matter
Sony’s over-ear headphones have built a reputation for top-tier sound and some of the best noise cancellation you will find anywhere. Normally, that level of performance doesn’t come cheap — but because these are refurbished, you’re looking at half the usual cost. For anyone who’s been holding off on upgrading to a pair of premium headphones, this is the golden chance to buy one before the deal runs out.
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