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Sony MDR 1000X Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 20 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony MDR 1000X review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.3

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Very good
7.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

9.7

Sound

20.0%

3.9

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

3.1

Battery

4.0%

8.3

Calls & Controls

Very good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(1083)
amazon
4.2
(665)
amazon
4.1
(373)
amazon
4.0
(292)
amazon
4.0
(156)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(1083)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(665)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(373)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(292)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(156)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.9

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

  • 5.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium closed-back wireless headphone featuring 40mm liquid crystal polymer drivers and a frequency response of 4Hz–40,000Hz for Hi-Res Audio. Key characteristics include industry-leading Sense Engine noise cancellation, LDAC support for high-quality Bluetooth streaming, and a 20-hour battery life. Its main pros are the innovative Quick Attention mode, which allows ambient sound by covering the right ear cup, and a comfortable, foldable synthetic leather design. However, some cons include potential durability issues with the headband plastic and the use of an older Micro-USB charging port instead of USB-C.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 1000X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

9.7

Sound

20.0%

3.9

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

3.1

Battery

4.0%

8.3

Calls & Controls

7.3
Sony MDR 1000X has a technical score of 7.31 points, which is higher than that of 87.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(1083)
amazon
4.2
(665)
amazon
4.1
(373)
amazon
4.0
(292)
amazon
4.0
(156)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(1083)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(665)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(373)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(292)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(156)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.9
Sony MDR 1000X has a user score of 8.87 points, which is higher than that of 80.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Sony MDR 1000X has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.6

Price

7.9
Sony MDR 1000X has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony MDR 1000X supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Sony MDR 1000X uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sony MDR 1000X uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

4 Hz
Sony MDR 1000X reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony MDR 1000X supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony MDR 1000X is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

4
Sony MDR 1000X has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88.2% of headphones and equal to 5% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony MDR 1000X does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Sony MDR 1000X supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

4.1
Sony MDR 1000X uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.2% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
Sony MDR 1000X offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

160 ms
Sony MDR 1000X has audio latency of 160 ms, higher audio latency than 58.2% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR 1000X does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony MDR 1000X supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR 1000X does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR 1000X does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony MDR 1000X supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

20 hours
Sony MDR 1000X offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.5% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

20 hours
Sony MDR 1000X offers battery life with ANC of 20 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 74.3% of headphones and equal to 9.8% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

4 hours
Sony MDR 1000X needs 4 hours to charge, higher charging time than 90.5% of headphones and equal to 4.7% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR 1000X does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

1,050 mAh
Sony MDR 1000X has a battery capacity of 1050 mAh, higher battery capacity than 91.5% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

275 g
Sony MDR 1000X weighs 275 g, heavier than 72% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Sony MDR 1000X vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR 1000X supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony MDR 1000X supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1000X has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR 1000X has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR 1000X supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR 1000X supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR 1000X offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony MDR 1000X offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony MDR 1000X offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR 1000X offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR 1000X includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR 1000X includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 27 mm more spacious earcup width
    Sony MDR 1000X offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (70 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR 1000X supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1000X has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR 1000X supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 75% higher battery capacity
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,050 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony MDR 1000X has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sony MDR 1000X can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR 1000X offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony MDR 1000X offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR 1000X includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Sony MDR 1000X has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR 1000X reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR 1000X supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 26.1% higher weight
    Sony MDR 1000X is heavier than the average headphone (275 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 32.5 ms higher audio latency
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (160 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
    When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 26.1% higher weight
    Sony MDR 1000X is heavier than the average headphone (275 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sony MDR 1000X is heavier than the average headphone (275 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.275 g vs 218 g
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    Sony MDR 1000X has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4x more expensive
    Sony MDR 1000X is more expensive than the average headphone (£360 vs £90).
    Sony MDR 1000X is more expensive than the average headphone (£360 vs £90).£360 vs £90
  • 32.5 ms higher audio latency
    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (160 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
    When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    Sony MDR 1000X has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (160 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.160 ms vs 127.5 ms
Total
Overall
Design
Battery
Connectivity

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 1000X and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
1083 Reviews
amazon
4.2
665 Reviews
amazon
4.1
373 Reviews
amazon
4.0
292 Reviews
amazon
4.0
156 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
1083 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
665 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
373 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
292 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
156 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 1000X?

  • Industry-leading active noise cancellation that effectively rivals or surpasses the Bose QC35
  • Exceptional sound quality for Bluetooth headphones, featuring a warm, balanced signature with rich bass and clear mids
  • Innovative 'Quick Attention' mode allows you to hear the outside world instantly by cupping the right ear cup
  • Personalized NC Optimizer that calibrates noise cancellation based on individual head shape and whether you wear glasses
  • Strong battery life of up to 20 hours with noise canceling and Bluetooth both active
  • Supports high-quality audio codecs including LDAC, aptX, and AAC for near-wired wireless performance

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 1000X?

  • Well-documented build quality issues, specifically the plastic headband being prone to cracking under normal stress
  • Touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental track skips or volume changes
  • Microphone performance during phone calls is often described as muffled or picking up too much ambient noise
  • Ears can become warm or sweaty during extended listening sessions due to the synthetic leather pads
  • Headphones automatically turn off after a few minutes if not actively paired to a Bluetooth device, making it difficult to use 'NC only' mode
  • Lacks 'Multipoint' Bluetooth connectivity, meaning users cannot connect to two devices (like a phone and laptop) simultaneously

Expert reviews

H
headphonesty.com
31/07/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: A real-world commuter's perspective

The Headphonesty review characterizes the Sony MDR-1000X as a premium, feature-packed wireless headset, praising its sturdy construction, comfortable fit, and effective active noise cancellation. Key strengths include intuitive touch controls, practical ambient sound modes, and excellent performance in isolating ambient noise. However, the review notes significant cons, specifically...Read more

S
soundphilereview.com
09/03/2017
Sony MDR-1000X review: great sound without the noise

The Sony MDR-1000X wireless headphones deliver an exceptional combination of premium sound quality and top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), successfully rivaling industry leaders like the Bose QuietComfort 35. Architecturally, the design balances elegance and long-term durability using a polished brushed-aluminum core wrapped in premium plastic and synthetic leather earcups....Read more

T
techguide.com.au
30/01/2017
Sony MDR-1000X review: One of the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium pair of wireless, noise-cancelling headphones priced at $699.95, which positions it as a more expensive alternative to competitors like the Bose QC35. The reviewer praises the design for its high build quality, luxurious leather feel, and comfortable padding suitable for long-haul flights. Performance-wise, the headphones excel with a powerful 40mm...Read more

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pickr.com.au
06/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Noise Cancellation Headphones Review - Pickr

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium pair of wireless, semi-foldable headphones built with a luxurious "leather-look" plastic casing over a metal and plastic frame. Delivering an exceptionally balanced and clear audio performance across all music genres, the headphones stand out for their strong mids, tight bass, and pristine highs powered by Sony's S-Master HX amplifier and DSEE HX...Read more

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soundguys.com
30/11/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review - SoundGuys

The SoundGuys review of the $400 Sony MDR-1000X headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. praises their top-tier active noise cancellation, which rivals the Bose QuietComfort 35, along with an intuitive touch-control system and useful ambient sound modes. The audio profile features a warm, engaging sound signature, and the headphones offer a comfortable design suitable...Read more

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head-fi.org
22/11/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Reviews on Head-Fi

The Sony MDR-1000X is highly rated on Head-Fi for its versatile, consumer-friendly V-shaped sound profile, featuring full, punchy bass ideal for modern genres. Key strengths include industry-leading active noise cancellation, convenient gesture controls, and a lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions. Conversely, critical feedback notes a shallow soundstage and...Read more

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techhive.com
10/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones review", "Sony MDR-1000X noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones: Review

Executive Summary The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium pair of wireless headphones that directly challenges the market dominance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 by delivering excellent active noise cancellation and a rich, warm, and balanced sound signature. The headphones stand out for their highly effective active noise-cancelling performance across diverse environments—such as cafes and...Read more

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cnet.com
15/04/2017
Sony vs. Bose noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones: Are you looking for help with a technical issue on this specific model, or are you comparing it to...

The Sony MDR-1000X ($349) is a highly capable noise-canceling Bluetooth headphone that stands out for its exceptional audio performance and feature set. Reviewer Steve Guttenberg notes that its pros include a clearer, more open, and dynamic soundstage compared to competitors, featuring distinct bass definition and a relaxed treble that successfully tames harsh, overcompressed...Read more

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xander51.medium.com
05/03/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Okay Fine Sony, You Win

In the Medium review, the Sony MDR-1000X is praised for its premium, sturdy design featuring an exposed metal headband and high-quality synthetic leather, alongside a rich, warm sound signature that prevents listening fatigue. The reviewer highlights the exceptional wireless performance, reporting no signal dropouts or static during use. Medium· Conversely, the reviewer notes that...Read more

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galaxus.de
20/06/2017
Sony MDR-1000X review: The new benchmark for audiophiles who hate noise

The Sony MDR-1000X is reviewed as a top-tier, high-tech noise-canceling headphone offering a balanced, spacious sound profile with effective ambient noise cancellation. Pros highlighted include superior, clean audio in active mode, the "Sense Engine" for sound customization, and user-friendly features like covering the ear cup to mute music. Conversely, the review notes cons...Read more

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pcmag.com
23/09/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review - PCMag

The PCMag review highlights the Sony MDR-1000X as luxurious, comfortable wireless headphones offering powerful, detailed audio performance alongside versatile features like effective ambient sound modes and independent ANC. Key advantages include rich bass, crisp highs, and the ability to use the headphones passively or with high-performance active noise cancellation. However, at a...Read more

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rtings.com
26/06/2018
Sony MDR-1000X Wireless Headphones Review

The Sony MDR-1000X Wireless headphones offer premium performance for commuting and office environments, featuring an industry-leading active noise cancellation system that effectively isolates low-frequency sounds, according to. They provide a comfortable, sturdy, and well-built design with intuitive touch controls for active use. However, the review notes a mediocre treble...Read more

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techradar.com
21/05/2019
Sony MDR-1000X Wireless Headphones Review

Sony MDR-1000X Review Summary The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium pair of over-ear wireless headphones that offers exceptional performance, particularly for frequent travelers and audiophiles. They deliver outstanding audio playback by utilizing Sony's LDAC codec and DSEE HX software to upconvert compressed files into near Hi-Res quality. Additionally, they boast an impressive battery...Read more

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cnet.com
22/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X review: A worthy rival to the Bose QuietComfort 35

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, noise-canceling headphone that serves as a direct competitor to the Bose QuietComfort 35, retailing for $400. It delivers top-notch, well-balanced sound quality characterized by punchy bass, clear details, and a dynamic mid-range. Designed with frequent travelers in mind, it boasts an impressive 20-hour battery life and can continue playing...Read more

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whathifi.com
06/11/2018
Sony MDR-1000X review | What Hi-Fi?

The Sony MDR-1000X wireless over-ear headphones deliver an impressively balanced and expressive sound paired with industry-leading active noise-cancelling that rivals the top competition from Bose and Sennheiser. They excel at eliminating everyday environmental rumbles—such as office chatter or transit drones—and feature an exceptional 20-hour battery life. Additionally, the...Read more

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theverge.com
13/02/2017
Sony 1000X review: the best of both worlds", "Sony 1000X review: the best of Bose worlds

The Sony MDR-1000X headphones offer premium, comfortable, and portable design with exceptional sound quality, highlighted by a punchy bass and the convenient "Quick Attention" gesture control. Key advantages include long-lasting battery life and, according to the review, a superior overall package compared to competitors, despite a high $399.99 price point. While active noise...Read more

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futurezone.at
03/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Noise Cancelling with Touch Control

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, noise-canceling Over-Ear headphone priced at €399 that directly challenges market leaders like Bose. On the positive side, it offers exceptional wearing comfort for long sessions, even for glasses wearers, due to its well-padded headband and firm yet gentle fit. The audio performance is highly impressive, delivering crystal-clear highs,...Read more

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avguide.ch
31/07/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Classy Quietness", "Sony MDR-1000X Review: High-Class Quiet

The avguide.ch review concludes that the Sony MDR-1000X is undeniably one of the absolute best noise-canceling headphones currently available on the market. Priced at 479.00 CHF, these 2017-model, closed-back dynamic headphones deliver an exceptionally high-quality Bluetooth audio connection, especially when paired with Sony audio players like the NW-A35 due to its LDAC codec...Read more

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sonntagmorgen.com
01/01/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Acoustic Gold?

The Sony MDR-1000X is a high-end pair of over-ear, Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones that delivers an exceptionally brilliant, well-balanced, and high-resolution audio performance. Priced at €143.99, they feature an elegant design with foldable earcups, a highly durable build quality, and a premium storage carrying case that enhances portability for travelers and commuters. The...Read more

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galaxus.de
21/06/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: The New Benchmark for Audiophiles with a Noise Allergy

The Galaxus review identifies the Sony MDR-1000X as a top-tier headset for high-fidelity audio and effective noise cancellation, boasting excellent sound quality via LDAC Bluetooth and a comfortable, snug fit. While praised for its performance, the headphones face drawbacks, including a high price point and concerns regarding long-term durability, as the metallic coating on the...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
17/02/2017
Sony's best noise-cancelling headphones, the MDR-1000X, put to the test

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium, over-ear Bluetooth headphone with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) priced at approximately €399. It is designed for demanding travelers. It delivers a highly effective ANC performance that significantly dampens deep engine drones on long flights. The headphone features an impressively balanced and detailed sound profile across mid and high...Read more

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areadvd.de
08/11/2016
REVIEW: Sony MDR-1000X Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – A Technical Masterpiece for €399?

The German AREA DVD Sony MDR-1000X Review evaluates these premium €399 over-ear Bluetooth headphones as a technical masterpiece designed primarily for business travelers and frequent flyers. On the positive side (pros), the review highly praises their dynamic and balanced sound quality, which delivers powerful bass alongside finely resolved vocals and an expansive virtual...Read more

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kopfhoerer.de
29/03/2017
Sony MDR-1000X review by kopfhoerer.de", "Sony MDR-1000X put to the test by kopfhoerer.de

The Sony MDR-1000X is a high-end, closed-back Bluetooth over-ear headphone that excels in both audio fidelity and technical features. It delivers an audiophile-grade performance with a detailed, dynamic soundstage and a precise frequency response ranging from 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz. Key technical highlights include LDAC support for high-resolution wireless streaming and an impressive...Read more

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netzwelt.de
06/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review: The Perfect Alternative to the Bose QC 35

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1000X is a well-rounded, high-quality over-ear Bluetooth headphone that positions itself as a strong competitor to the Bose QuietComfort series. It is praised for its premium synthetic leather build, highly comfortable fit during long listening sessions, and balanced, neutral sound signature that performs exceptionally well with electronic tracks. Its...Read more

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moovely.fr
21/02/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: The Best Bluetooth Headphones?

The Sony MDR-1000X stands out as a highly innovative, feature-rich Bluetooth headphone pair designed to compete directly against premium market leaders like Bose. A major highlight of the headset is its highly effective, personalized active noise cancellation, which uses internal and external microphones to adapt to the user's specific head size or facial features. It delivers a...Read more

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numerama.com
07/12/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Touch Controls Elevate This Bluetooth Headphone

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, closed-back, active noise-canceling (ANC) headphone designed to compete directly against the Bose QC 35. A standout feature highlighted in the review is its highly intuitive right-earcup touch control panel, which allows users to effortlessly adjust volume, skip tracks, and activate voice assistants with quick finger gestures. It also...Read more

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audiocasque.fr
08/03/2017
Sony MDR-1000X | REVIEW | The best Bluetooth headphones

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium, circum-aural Bluetooth headset designed to rival the Bose QC35 in the active noise-canceling (ANC) market. Weighing 275 grams, it features a minimalist, elegant aesthetic with a solid metal headband, comfortable memory foam ear cushions, and earcups that fold flat into a rigid zippered carrying case. It delivers an incredibly rich, precise, and...Read more

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presse-citron.net
25/08/2017
Review of the week: Sony MDR-1000X, active noise-cancelling headphones

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium, high-end wireless active noise-canceling (ANC) headphone designed to challenge the dominant market presence of rivals like the Bose QuietComfort 35. The review by Presse-citron highlights its sophisticated, elegant design constructed with metal and synthetic leather, offering superb long-term comfort despite its 275-gram weight. In terms of...Read more

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darty.com
10/05/2017
Review: Sony MDR-1000X headphones

The Darty review highlights the Sony MDR-1000X as a premium active noise-canceling headphone, praising its industry-leading noise isolation, superior high-resolution sound, and practical "Quick Attention" mode. Key pros include a robust 20-hour battery life and a comfortable, ergonomic design suitable for commuting. Conversely, the review notes drawbacks, such as underwhelming...Read more

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geektest.fr
15/03/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Hi-Res Bluetooth Headphones Review

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, high-resolution Bluetooth headphone featuring an elegant design with real leather on the headband and earpads, ensuring excellent comfort for extended listening sessions of up to four hours. It is highly practical due to its foldable design for compact storage in the included rigid carrying case, earcups that swivel for neck wear, and a...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
14/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review: A Truly Premium Headphone

The Labo Fnac review rates the Sony MDR-1000XGo to product viewer dialog for this item. wireless over-ear headphones 4 out of 5 stars, celebrating them as a truly premium, high-end choice for audiophiles. The expert lab testing emphasizes that the headphones deliver an exceptionally balanced sound profile, achieving an impressive frequency response score of 8.1 and an excellent...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
13/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review: A Complete Portable Headphone", "Sony MDR-1000X Review: The Ultimate Portable Headphones

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, over-ear headphone designed for travel, earning a 5/5 score for its rich feature set and great build quality. Its standout strength is a warm, musical audio signature featuring well-defined, deep bass and clear, intelligible vocals without harsh sibilance. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is highly effective, placing it among the best on...Read more

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xataka.com
04/02/2017
Sony MDR-1000X review: the perfect wireless headphones

The Sony MDR-1000X is a high-end pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that features a comfortable, foldable design with synthetic leather ear pads and a 20-hour battery life. The review highlights its impressive intelligent noise cancellation, which filters specific frequencies to allow for clear conversations without removing the headset, and the "Quick Attention" mode that...Read more

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revista-gadget.es
03/06/2026
We review the Sony MDR-1000X headphones with DSEE HX", "Testing the Sony MDR-1000X headphones with DSEE HX

The Sony MDR-1000X premium over-ear wireless headphones deliver an exceptional audio performance paired with highly effective external noise cancellation, making them incredibly comfortable for long, intensive listening sessions. These headphones stand out as the first to integrate DSEE HX technology, which upscales compressed music files from any source to near high-resolution...Read more

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caribbeandigital.net
06/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X review: The perfect wireless headphones to leave you spellbound

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1000X headphones deliver stellar audio quality featuring deep, well-balanced bass, enriched mid-tones, and an expansive soundstage enhanced by DSEE HX software to upscale compressed digital files. Weighing 272 grams, the circumaural design is remarkably comfortable for long listening sessions without trapping residual heat or creating a dangerous...Read more

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digitalvideoht.it
28/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X | Digital Video HT

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, circumaural noise-canceling headphone designed to deliver high-quality audio while effectively isolating environmental sound. It features 40mm drivers with liquid crystal polymer diaphragms and is packed with proprietary Sony technologies like the S-Master HX amplifier, LDAC codec for high-resolution Bluetooth audio, and DSEE HX to restore...Read more

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saggiamente.com
10/12/2017
Review: Sony MDR-1000X and WH-1000X M2, comparing two editions of the most innovative headphones

The Saggiamente review highlights the evolution from the Sony MDR-1000X to the WH-1000XM2, praising the latter for enhancing top-tier noise cancellation with a 30-hour battery, lower price point, and a dedicated app. Key strengths shared across both models include superior active noise cancellation, high-resolution audio, and the intuitive "Quick Attention" gesture control. YouTube·...Read more

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digitec.ch
21/06/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review: The New Benchmark for Noise-Averse Audiophiles

The Sony MDR-1000X is characterized as a top-tier reference for wireless noise-canceling headphones, featuring exceptional sound quality, the advanced Sense Engine for customized noise cancellation, and a convenient "Quick Attention" feature. Its lightweight 275-gram design and comfortable faux-leather pads provide a superior user experience suitable for long-term use. YouTube·...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
05/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X: wireless music and no noise

The Sony MDR-1000X is a pair of closed-back circumaural headphones that features digital active noise cancelling (ANC) and Bluetooth connectivity designed for high-quality audio on the move. A major standout feature is its highly effective ANC system, which has been upgraded to optimize the isolation of both high and low-frequency external noises. To address the needs of audiophiles...Read more

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dday.it
05/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X review: this is the best noise-cancelling headphone and it's wireless too

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, noise-canceling headphone that directly challenges and surpasses the market leader, Bose. It features an outstanding over-ear design built with high-quality faux leather and a robust, creak-free body that folds efficiently into a compact travel case. Acoustically, the headphones offer a highly balanced, hi-fi sound quality...Read more

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id.nl
21/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review | ID.nl

The ID.nl review characterizes the Sony MDR-1000X as a top-tier active noise-canceling headphone, highlighting its detailed soundstage, effective noise cancellation, and high-quality LDAC wireless support as major pros. Its robust, comfortable build and convenient touch controls are also noted, though the DSEE HX upscaler is criticized for being ineffective.

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bluetoothkoptelefoon.com
30/10/2016
Sony MDR-1000X review » BluetoothHeadphones.com

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium, wireless over-ear headphone designed to challenge the dominance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 in the active noise-cancelling (ANC) market. Boasting a sleek, minimalist silhouette and a comfortable, lightweight plastic design with synthetic leather padding, it is highly suitable for multi-hour use and long flights. The headphones offer a...Read more

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tweakers.net
02/02/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Black - unskulledman - Product reviews

The Sony MDR-1000X is described as a solid, well-constructed, and lightweight pair of over-ear headphones that delivers excellent sound quality and comfortable, long-term wearability. Users can expect a premium build right out of the box that balances durability with comfort. However, the review highlights significant cons regarding the Bluetooth functionality, noting that...Read more

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intogadgets.nl
20/02/2023
Sony MDR-1000X noise-cancelling headphones review

Review Summary The Sony MDR 1000X is a premium wireless, noise-cancelling headphone that offers outstanding performance, making it highly effective for long-distance travel like international flights. A standout feature is its intuitive touch-sensitive controls on the right ear cup, which allow users to swipe to change tracks and adjust volume, or double-tap to answer phone calls....Read more

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androidworld.be
02/09/2016
Hands-on with the Sony MDR-1000X: noise-cancelling with...

The Androidworld review provides a positive hands-on evaluation of the Sony MDR-1000X over-ear headphones following a test at the IFA event in Berlin. The reviewer praises the device for its full and rich sound quality and its ability to stream high-definition audio from virtually any source via Bluetooth or a traditional wired connection. The standout feature of the headphones is...Read more

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nwtv.nl
03/06/2017
Sony MDR-1000X Review - NWTV

The NWTV review of the Sony MDR-1000X gives the wireless noise-canceling headphones a perfect 5 out of 5 stars score, highlighting their excellent build and technical capability. The reviewer notes that the device features a robust yet lightweight design made mostly of premium plastics and synthetic leather, with minimal metal accents. On the audio side, the 40mm drivers deliver...Read more

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xgn.nl
17/12/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review - Away with ambient noise

The XGN review highlights the Sony MDR-1000X as premium, active noise-canceling headphones featuring outstanding, balanced audio quality and up to 20 hours of battery life. A key advantage is the intuitive "Quick Attention" mode, allowing ambient sound to pass through by covering the ear cup, making them ideal for commuting. Conversely, the review notes the high retail price as a...Read more

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hifi.nl
16/10/2016
Review Sony MDR-1000X - Hifi.nl

Review Summary: Sony MDR-1000X The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphone designed to compete directly with industry leaders like Bose and Beats. Sporting a sleek, subtle monocolor design in matte black or champagne, it features high-quality plastics and a faux-leather driver housing that mitigates fingerprint smudges. The headphones offer...Read more

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androidworld.nl
02/09/2016
Hands-on with the Sony MDR-1000X: Noise Cancelling with Quick Attention

The hands-on review from Androidworld covers the Sony MDR-1000X over-ear wireless headphones, evaluated during a brief test at the IFA event in Berlin. The reviewer highlights several notable pros, most notably the high-quality, full sound and highly effective active noise cancellation that rivals the Bose QuietComfort 35. A major standout feature is the "Quick Attention" mode,...Read more

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androidworld.nl
22/11/2016
Sony MDR-1000X Review: Absolute Silence Through Noise-Cancelling

The Sony MDR-1000X is a premium wireless, noise-canceling over-ear headphone that features a smooth, minimalistic design with intuitive touch controls on the ear cup, such as swiping to adjust volume. It provides excellent audio quality with deep bass, utilizing Sense-technology and micro-USB charging to deliver up to 20 hours of playback. The headphone stands out for its high build...Read more

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