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Sony MDR 10R Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£120
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR 10R review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.7

Good

7.4

Very good

6.0
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.4
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
6.1
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.1
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony MDR-10R is a high-resolution, closed-back headphone featuring 40mm dynamic dome drivers with a broad frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz, a 40 ohm impedance, and 100 dB/mW sensitivity. Weighing only 180 grams, it is characterized by its lightweight over-ear design, plush pressure-relieving cushions, and a detachable serrated cable that helps prevent tangling. Main pros include its extreme long-term comfort, foldable swivel earcups for portability, and a warm sound profile with tight bass response suitable for travel. However, cons include subpar passive noise isolation due to integrated bass ports, a thinner headband that may lack sufficient contact for some users, and a tendency for the bass-heavy signature to sometimes overpower mid-range vocal clarity.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 10R

Overall score

6.0

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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.

Sound

6.2

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

6.1

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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

?

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

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

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

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

6.4

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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

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

?

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

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

?

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

N/A

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Features

2.7

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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

N/A

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

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

N/A

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

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Battery

6.4

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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

N/A

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

?

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

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

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

N/A

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Design

7.6

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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

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 10R vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR 10R better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR 10R 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 10R has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 10R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 10R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 10R 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 10R 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
In-line controls
Sony MDR 10R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR 10R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
1.6 lower clamp force
Sony MDR 10R has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Sony MDR 10R has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.7 vs 4.3
Foldable design
Sony MDR 10R has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR 10R has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
17.4% lower weight
Sony MDR 10R is lighter than the average headphone (180 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 10R is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.180 g vs 218 g
Boom microphone included
Sony MDR 10R includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
Sony MDR 10R includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
1.6 lower clamp force
Sony MDR 10R has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Foldable design
Sony MDR 10R has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
17.4% lower weight
Sony MDR 10R is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR 10R has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 10R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 10R 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.
15x higher input power handling
Sony MDR 10R has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR 10R has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
In-line controls
Sony MDR 10R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Sony MDR 10R includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR 10R worse than the average headphone?

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20 mm tighter earcup height
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR 10R has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
0.5 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR 10R has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR 10R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
Sony MDR 10R was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR 10R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
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
Sony MDR 10R does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.5 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR 10R has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 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 10R has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
20 mm tighter earcup height
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.40 mm vs 60 mm
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR 10R has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Sony MDR 10R has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
3 mm tighter earcup width
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR 10R has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.40 mm vs 43 mm
4 years older release date
Sony MDR 10R was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Sony MDR 10R was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
7.8% lower user score
Sony MDR 10R has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.42 vs 8.000).
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.
Sony MDR 10R has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.42 vs 8.000).7.42 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 10R and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 10R?

Lightweight and highly comfortable for long listening sessions
Premium-looking aesthetic and solid build quality
Smooth and pleasant sound profile suitable for genres like Jazz and Vocals
Includes two detachable cables, including one with a smartphone remote
Compact, travel-friendly design with ear cups that fold flat
Good value for the price point, often described as a more affordable alternative to the MDR-1R

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 10R?

Bass can be perceived as boomy, flabby, or overpowering depending on the track
Mid-range occasionally sounds muffled, distant, or 'hollow'
Poor passive noise isolation due to large bass ports
Durability issues reported, specifically regarding the plastic headband cracking or the audio cutting out in one ear after extended use
Treble can have a 'nasal' peak or feel lacking in sharpness
Included carrying pouch is a simple flap design that doesn't offer much protection or secure closure

Expert reviews

pressreader.com

01/10/2013

SONY MDR-10R - Singapore - PressReader

This article from HWM Singapore reviews the Sony MDR-10R over-ear headphones, emphasizing their portability, visual aesthetic, and acoustic strengths. Architecturally, the headphones present an oval, oblong shape featuring highly ergonomic, tilted, egg-shaped earcups clad in faux leather that comfortably enclose the user's ears. Tailored for on-the-go smartphone pairing, the model...Read more

head-fi.org

10/09/2013

Sony Over-Ear Headphones - MDR-10R - Reviews

According to Head-Fi user reviews, the Sony MDR-10R headphones feature a premium, lightweight design with exceptional, best-in-class comfort and a 180-gram frame suitable for long-term wear. They offer strong portability with a detachable, remote-compatible cable and are very easy to drive directly from mobile devices. Conversely, the audio signature is heavily skewed by a boomy,...Read more

hardwarezone.com.sg

04/09/2013

Sony MDR-10R Headphones - From 1 to 10

The Sony MDR-10R headphones offer a lightweight, refined design featuring ergonomic, faux-leather ear cushions that provide improved comfort and less heat buildup than the older MDR-1R model. Equipped with 40mm drivers, they include a "High Resolution Audio" feature that successfully restores detail and clarity to compressed MP3 files, resulting in sparkling, spacious trebles ideal...Read more

goughlui.com

31/05/2014

Review: Sony MDR-10R “High-Res Audio” Headphones

The Sony MDR-10R "High-Res Audio" headphones feature a small profile design with a lightweight, 180-gram frame that makes them optimal for travel. They offer exceptional comfort due to a low-clamping headband and plush, triangular-shaped earcups that seal around the ears. The package provides high-utility accessories, including a nylon carrying pouch and two detachable cables with...Read more

hifitest.de

17. Februar 2014

Sony MDR-10RC review: Hi-Fi headphones tested

The review by hifitest.de awards the Sony MDR-10RC an "Upper Class" (Oberklasse) rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising it as a highly balanced, universal talent suitable for both mobile use and home HiFi systems. Priced at approximately 150 Euros, this lightweight (165g) on-ear model features a closed-back design and a space-saving foldable architecture. Acoustic testing highlights...Read more

audiovision.de

18. Februar 2016

Sony MDR-10RC Review

The Sony MDR-10RC is a compact, closed-back over-ear headphone designed specifically for mobile use with smartphones and MP3 players, retailing at an original price of 120 Euros. Tuned in collaboration with the soul-rock band "The Script," it features 40mm PET drivers with a neodymium drive system that delivers a high efficiency level, allowing it to achieve impressive volume even...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

16/11/2016

Sony MDR-10RC review", "Sony MDR-10RC lab test

The Sony MDR-10RC is a compact, foldable, closed-back supra-aural (on-ear) wired headphone. Tested by Labo Fnac, it received an impressive technical rating, highlighted by outstanding acoustic fidelity and comfortable design. Its core strengths lie in its excellent frequency response (rated 8.8/10), low sound distortion (7.8/10), and exceptional sound containment (9/10), ensuring...Read more

darty.com

17/12/2013

I tested the Sony MDR-10RC headband headphones

The Darty et Vous review highlights the Sony MDR-10RCGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as a lightweight, compact, and highly comfortable on-ear headphone, featuring a 165g, foldable design with soft padding suitable for long-term use. It delivers a warm, energetic sound profile with punchy bass, making it ideal for modern music genres, while the detachable cable with an...Read more

audiocasque.fr

10/10/2014

Sony MDR-10RBT | REVIEW | An affordable wireless headphone", "Sony MDR-10RBT | TEST | An affordable wireless headset

The AudioCasque review highlights the Sony MDR-10RBT as a lightweight, highly comfortable, and affordable supra-aural Bluetooth 3.0 headphone that provides a strong value proposition for under €200. On the positive side, it is praised for its generous earcup padding, office-friendly passive noise isolation, and a solid battery life of 17 hours. Additional pros include seamless NFC...Read more

igen.fr

22/04/2014

Sony MDR-10RBT wireless headphones review

The iGeneration review characterizes the Sony MDR-10RBT as a lightweight, solid, and highly comfortable over-ear wireless headphone featuring easy NFC connectivity and a sound signature tailored to modern music. Weighing just over 200 grams, it is noted for its comfortable, sturdy design suitable for, but not limited to, daily commutes. However, the headset lacks active noise...Read more

01net.com

12/02/2014

Review: A highly comfortable Sony Bluetooth headset for audio lovers", "Test: A very comfortable Sony Bluetooth headphone for sound enthusiasts

The 01net review highlights the Sony MDR-10RBTGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as a comfortable, lightweight (228g) premium Bluetooth headset priced around €200 [1.1]. It features an appealing metallic design, NFC pairing, and high-quality aptX Bluetooth audio [1.1]. The device includes intuitive earcup controls and an impressive microphone for hands-free calls [1.1]....Read more

lesnumeriques.com

23/12/2013

Sony MDR-10RBT Headphones Review: The Bluetooth On-Ear Choice

This review from Les Numériques awards the Sony MDR-10RBT a solid 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting it as a compact, well-built supra-aural (on-ear) addition to Sony's "R" series gama. Structurally, the reviewer praises its lightweight 165g design, excellent finish quality, and plush leather-covered padding that avoids the need for memory foam while remaining highly comfortable. On the...Read more

goughlui.com

31/05/2014

Review: Sony MDR-10R “High-Res Audio” Headphones

The Sony MDR-10R is a lightweight, travel-friendly set of closed-back headphones featuring a detachable, tangle-resistant serrated cable system and comfortable, plush earcups with low clamping force. Sonically, the headphones deliver a heavily bass-biased profile that excels with electronic music and dance genres, providing enough low-end punch to effectively mask high-frequency...Read more

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