Sony MDR 1ABT Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£340
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR 1ABT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

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%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

7.2

User score

Good
5.2

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%

5.8

Sound

20.0%

2.5

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

7.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.7

Battery

4.0%

4.3

Calls & Controls

Good
7.2

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(167)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(167)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 5.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 3.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.2

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.2

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    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-1ABT is a high-resolution wireless over-ear headphone featuring 40mm HD driver units with aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, delivering an expansive frequency response of 4 Hz to 100,000 Hz. It supports advanced streaming via the LDAC codec for near-Hi-Res quality over Bluetooth and includes DSEE technology to upscale compressed audio. Key characteristics include NFC one-touch pairing, integrated earcup touch sensor controls for playback and volume, and a substantial battery life of up to 30 hours. Main pros highlighted by users include its exceptional comfort from soft leather ear pads, spacious soundstage, and agile bass performance. However, notable cons include a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), significantly lower volume levels when used in Bluetooth mode compared to wired, and touch controls that some find inconsistent or prone to accidental activation.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 1ABT

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%

5.8

Sound

20.0%

2.5

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

7.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.7

Battery

4.0%

4.3

Calls & Controls

5.2
Sony MDR 1ABT has a technical score of 5.15 points, which is higher than that of 58.2% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(167)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(167)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.2
Sony MDR 1ABT has a user score of 7.24 points, which is lower than that of 74.9% 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.
5.5
Sony MDR 1ABT has a popularity of 5.5 points, which is higher than 54.8% 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%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

6.5
Sony MDR 1ABT has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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

no
Sony MDR 1ABT does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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 1ABT 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 1ABT 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 1ABT reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
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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

no
Sony MDR 1ABT does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 1ABT 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

1
Sony MDR 1ABT has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

yes
Sony MDR 1ABT includes a boom microphone. 84.5% 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 1ABT 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

4.0
Sony MDR 1ABT uses Bluetooth version 4.0, newer Bluetooth version than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 4.8% 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 1ABT 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

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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

yes
Sony MDR 1ABT supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT 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

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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

30 hours
Sony MDR 1ABT offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% 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

N/A
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 1ABT 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

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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 1ABT 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

300 g
Sony MDR 1ABT weighs 300 g, heavier than 80.9% of headphones and equal to 1.3% 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 1ABT vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT 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
  • 80,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 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 1ABT has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.100000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • 75% higher battery capacity
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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.
    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

    Sony MDR 1ABT 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.1050 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR 1ABT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR 1ABT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony MDR 1ABT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR 1ABT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1ABT has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 80,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 75% higher battery capacity
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sony MDR 1ABT can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR 1ABT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR 1ABT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony MDR 1ABT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR 1ABT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 37.6% higher weight
    Sony MDR 1ABT is heavier than the average headphone (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 3 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR 1ABT has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT 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
  • 37.6% higher weight
    Sony MDR 1ABT is heavier than the average headphone (300 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 1ABT is heavier than the average headphone (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.300 g vs 218 g
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 1ABT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3.78x more expensive
    Sony MDR 1ABT is more expensive than the average headphone (£340 vs £90).
    Sony MDR 1ABT is more expensive than the average headphone (£340 vs £90).£340 vs £90
  • 3 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR 1ABT 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 1ABT 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
  • 10.5% lower user score
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.24 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 1ABT has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.24 vs 8.000).7.24 vs 8
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Sony MDR 1ABT has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 3.4% worse value for money
    Sony MDR 1ABT has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sony MDR 1ABT has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).6.52 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 1ABT and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 1ABT?

  • Excellent battery life of approximately 30 hours
  • Highly comfortable fit with plush, soft leather padding for long listening sessions
  • Support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX
  • Detailed and crisp mid-range and treble performance
  • Intuitive touch control panel on the right earcup for volume and playback
  • Sleek and elegant premium design with minimal branding
  • Versatile connectivity options including NFC pairing and a 3.5mm wired mode

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 1ABT?

  • High retail price point considered expensive by many reviewers
  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC)
  • Poor passive noise isolation, making them less ideal for loud commutes
  • Touch controls can occasionally be hit-or-miss or sensitive to finger placement
  • Recessed upper-midrange can make some vocals sound slightly hollow
  • Bass can sometimes be perceived as loose or lacking aggressive punch
  • Minimal included accessories, typically only a soft carrying pouch

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
28/03/2015

Users on Head-Fi express high satisfaction with the Sony MDR-1ABT, praising its balanced, versatile sound profile with controlled, punchy bass that rivals its wired counterpart, making it suitable for varied genres. However, reported cons include immediate build quality issues, such as creaking hinges, and the requirement for an LDAC-compatible source to achieve maximum audio...Read more

I
irishtimes.com
09/07/2015

The Irish Times review of the Sony MDR-1ABT headphones highlights their premium, high-resolution audio capability, driven by LDAC technology for superior wireless sound transmission. Key pros include the intuitive, gesture-based touch controls on the earcups and excellent, near-studio quality audio performance. Conversely, the review notes the high price point as a significant...Read more

R
reviewed.com
12/03/2015

The Sony MDR-1ABT ($399.99) wireless over-ear headphones deliver highly impressive, balanced audio quality that roughly resembles an equal-loudness contour, offering a slight bump to bass without losing midrange detail. A standout feature of these premium headphones is the innovative touch-sensor interface on the right earcup, which allows users to seamlessly swipe for volume...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
09/07/2015

The Sony MDR-1ABT over-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality across a wide 4-100,000Hz frequency response, featuring 40mm drivers that provide powerful bass, clear mid-ranges, and crisp highs. They feature massive, marshmallow-soft foam-padded earcups that offer a highly comfortable, pressure-free wearing experience ideal for extended listening sessions. Additional...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
19/06/2015

The £300 Sony MDR-1ABT wireless headphones offer a comfortable, feature-packed design, featuring a low-tension headband, soft padding, and touch-sensitive controls that provide an expansive, smooth soundstage suitable for high-resolution audio. Despite these strengths, the review notes a predominantly plastic construction that fails to justify the premium price point, along with a...Read more

W
whathifi.com
07/03/2016

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1ABT is an over-ear wireless headphone model designed to showcase Sony's proprietary high-resolution LDAC Bluetooth codec, which streams music up to 24bit/96kHz with minimal compression. On the positive side, these headphones offer exceptional comfort due to their ergonomic, lightweight build and soft leather ear pads. They also boast a reliable 30-hour...Read more

D
diepresse.com
19/09/2015

Sony MDR-1ABT The Sony MDR-1ABT is a premium Bluetooth headphone that stands out primarily for its audio performance when paired with Sony's proprietary LDAC technology. While its plastic exterior features subtle red accents that offer a touch of elegance, its physical appearance is fairly standard for its price bracket. The headphone features a neutral sound signature with a...Read more

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forum.lesnumeriques.com
03/12/2015

The French tech website Les Numériques highlighted the Sony MDR-1ABT bluetooth headphones as a prominent addition to the brand's audio lineup. The pros emphasized in the community feedback and the review details include its exceptional comfort, featuring generously cushioned ear pads and a high-quality plastic and padded headband construction that enables long listening sessions...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
03/12/2015

The Sony MDR-1ABT is a comfortable wireless, over-ear headphone that delivers a clean and highly balanced sound signature signature close to that of Audio Technica. Visually and structurally nearly identical to its wired sibling (the MDR-1A), it features generously padded ear pads and a plush headband that perfectly distributes its 300g weight for hours of fatigue-free listening....Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
03/12/2015

The Sony MDR-1ABT is a circum-aural wireless Bluetooth headphone that earns a 4 out of 5 rating from Les Numériques. Weighing 300 grams, it is highly praised for its exceptionally comfortable, flexible, and durable construction. Acoustically, it delivers identical frequency responses whether wired or wireless, providing clean, highly precise audio with very low distortion during...Read more

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saggiamente.com
17/06/2015

The Sony MDR-1ABT headphones offer top-tier build quality, extreme comfort with plush padding, and an engaging, warm sound profile. Key features include high-resolution audio support via the proprietary LDAC codec, a 30-hour battery life, and innovative, yet sometimes inconsistent, touch-sensitive swipe controls. However, the headset lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), relying...Read more

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xgn.nl
29/03/2015

The XGN.nl review highlights the Sony MDR-1A BT as a top-tier wireless headphone, praising its premium build, beautiful design, and exceptional, long-lasting battery life. It further praises the high-resolution audio quality and extreme comfort, noting the headphones feel nearly weightless during extended use. The primary drawback is the high retail price of 350 euros, placing them...Read more

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hifi.nl
01/09/2015

Based on the provided review, here is a two-paragraph summary of the Sony MDR-1ABT headphones: The Sony MDR-1ABT is a premium, hi-res certified Bluetooth headphone priced around 380 euros that balances a substantial, high-quality build with a surprisingly lightweight frame of 300 grams. Highly recommended for comfort, it features thick, asymmetrical leather ear cushions that offer...Read more

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