OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR 1R Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR 1R Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR 1R
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

â–²Better than 53% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 53%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 73%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Headphones model ranking

Ranked #651 of 1,029 models in Headphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR 1R

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components:

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.9
User score
User score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
6.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR 1R has a popularity score of 6.4 points, which is higher than that of 56.3% of products in this category.
6.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
4 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
2
Market range: <2 – >12
This pair of headphones offers 2 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 93% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
240 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 240 g, heavier than 57.6% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
5.8
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.8, higher clamp force than 82.3% of headphones and equal to 5.5% of headphones.
Show more

Sony MDR 1R vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 60,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    60 mm vs 44 mm
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (67 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    67 mm vs 60 mm
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    60 mm vs 44 mm
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (67 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    67 mm vs 60 mm
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 60,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 15x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,500 mW vs 100 mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1.5 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.8 vs 4.3
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Sony MDR 1R is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 10.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    240 g vs 218 g
  • 6.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR 1R
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR 1R has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.53 vs 8).
    7.53 vs 8
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 2% worse value for money
    Sony MDR 1R has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.13 vs 7.3).
    7.13 vs 7.27
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Sony MDR 1R is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 6.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR 1R
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR 1R has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.53 vs 8).
    7.53 vs 8
  • 2% worse value for money
    Sony MDR 1R has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.13 vs 7.3).
    7.13 vs 7.27
  • 1.5 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.8 vs 4.3
  • 10.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    240 g vs 218 g
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Gary Chen
≈ estimated
02/11/2018
Modding guide · sound tweaks with tape and Dynamat
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R sounds great even without mods, and cheap tape and Dynamat tweaks help, though bass stays a bit lacking.
6.0
HeadphoneAddictCOM
≈ estimated
17/01/2015
Hands-on review · sound, isolation and measurements
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R has good imaging and soundstage, but rolled-off treble and weak isolation hold it back.
9.0
Unicorn Reviews
≈ estimated
25/05/2014
Unboxing and review · walking test and music listening
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R is comfortable, well built and good sounding, though the black plug looks cheap and phone controls fail on Android.
9.0
Headphone PH
≈ estimated
03/02/2014
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R is well built, comfortable and good sounding, and highly recommended for its price.
9.0
GeorgeRM_ Cars & Tech
≈ estimated
03/09/2013
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R offers very good sound and comfort overall, though the bass could be stronger and the visible speaker mesh looks less premium.
9.0
phototristan
≈ estimated
23/05/2013
Hands-on review · sound, fit and phone testing
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R is impressive for the price, with strong bass, though the closed-in sound and plasticky feel are drawbacks.
9.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
09/01/2013
Hands-on review · comparison with Sennheiser Momentum
Verdict
Sony MDR-1R is a great, relaxing and comfortable pair, though the price could be lower.
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony MDR 1R

  • Exceptional comfort, often described as 'pillows' for the ears
  • Sophisticated and stylish design with a premium presentation
  • Rich and liquid midrange that is particularly sweet for female vocals
  • Wide and airy soundstage for a closed-back headphone
  • Lightweight and sturdy build quality despite being primarily plastic
  • Dual detachable cables (one standard, one with inline remote/mic)
  • Non-fatiguing, smooth treble with good sparkle and no harshness

What customers don't like about Sony MDR 1R

  • Bass lacks sub-bass extension and can feel bloated in the mid-bass
  • Subpar noise isolation due to venting on the ear cups
  • Large, non-folding U-shape makes them less portable than competitors
  • Average instrument depth; soundstage can feel disproportionately tall
  • Cable connection can occasionally swivel or rattle, creating noise
  • Midrange response is uneven, with a recessed lower-mid and forward upper-mid
  • Supplied carrying case is a soft pouch rather than a protective hard case

Verdict

The Sony MDR-1R is a premium closed-back circumaural headphone featuring 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) film drivers designed for balanced and high-accuracy audio reproduction. It boasts an expansive frequency response of 4 Hz to 80 kHz, an impedance of 24 ohms for easy drivability, and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW. Key characteristics include an 'Inward Axis' structure for a stable fit and 'Silent Joints' to minimize mechanical rattle. Its main pros are exceptional long-term comfort due to soft pressure-relieving protein leather cushions, a lush and mid-centric sound signature with energetic bass, and a lightweight 240g build. However, cons include a lack of deep sub-bass extension, occasional mid-bass bloat that can muffle busy tracks, and a non-folding design that limits overall portability.

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