Name: Sony MDR HW300k
Brand: Sony

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR HW300k

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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

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: LOW

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: LOW

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

N/A

Connectivity

5.8

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

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

N/A

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

Features

4.0

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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

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

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: HIGH

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

Battery

4.2

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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: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

Design

7.3

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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: LOW

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: LOW

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

Sony MDR HW300k vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sony MDR HW300k better than the average pair of headphones?

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More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR HW300k offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support 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: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 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 HW300k has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
On-device controls
Sony MDR HW300k includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Dongle included
Sony MDR HW300k includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
What it is: Comes with a USB or wireless dongle for connectivity
When it matters: When you want a more reliable low-hassle wireless connection for a PC, console, or work machine without depending only on Bluetooth.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR HW300k supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% 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 HW300k supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
NFC pairing
Sony MDR HW300k supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
What it is: Supports one-tap pairing via NFC
When it matters: When one-tap Bluetooth pairing matters for convenience.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
AptX support
Sony MDR HW300k supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
What it is: Supports Qualcomm aptX codec for higher-quality Bluetooth sound
When it matters: When you use compatible Android gear and want broader higher-quality Bluetooth support.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
Play while charging
Sony MDR HW300k can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
What it is: Can be used while charging
When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
12.8% lower weight
Sony MDR HW300k is lighter than the average pair of headphones (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
18 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Play while charging
Sony MDR HW300k can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR HW300k has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR HW300k offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Dongle included
Sony MDR HW300k includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
NFC pairing
Sony MDR HW300k supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
AptX support
Sony MDR HW300k supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
On-device controls
Sony MDR HW300k includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR HW300k supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.

Why is Sony MDR HW300k worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR HW300k uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
No travel bag
Sony MDR HW300k does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR HW300k 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%.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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 HW300k has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
20 hours shorter battery life
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR HW300k has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR HW300k does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
1 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 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: LOW
Good value: <=2 hours
Sony MDR HW300k has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR HW300k does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones 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 HW300k does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR HW300k 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%.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Sony MDR HW300k 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 %
20 hours shorter battery life
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 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: LOW
Good value: >45 hours
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.10 hours vs 30 hours
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR HW300k has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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 HW300k has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR HW300k has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Sony MDR HW300k has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR HW300k uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR HW300k does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR HW300k does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

30 Reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR HW300k?

Lightweight and comfortable for shorter sessions
Balanced sound profile with clear dialogue for TV and movies
Easy setup process with the wireless transmitter
Includes an auxiliary cable for a wired connection option
Budget-friendly price point for a wireless system
Compact and small transmitter design
Uncompressed 2.4 GHz signal reduces interference compared to older models

What customers dislike about Sony MDR HW300k?

Limited wireless range; signal often drops when moving between rooms
Battery life is relatively short (rated for 10 hours, often less in practice)
Can cause ear discomfort or 'pinching' during extended wear
Long charging time (up to 3-4 hours for a full charge)
Hardware can produce a squeaky or creaky noise when adjusting the ear cups
Lack of advanced inputs like HDMI or Optical on the base station
Bass and high-frequency performance may feel lacking or 'muted' for audiophiles

Expert reviews

cuffiewireless.it

11/03/2019

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-RF855RK | Reviews, prices, and photos [Includes technical comparison with MDR-HW300K]

The Sony MDR-RF855RK is a budget-friendly pair of over-ear wireless headphones designed primarily for watching television without disturbing others. Operating on FM stereo radiofrequency, it boasts an impressive signal range of up to 100 meters and provides a very good, clear audio response of 10–22,000 Hz for general TV dialogue and casual music listening. Users will find it highly convenient to use, as the headphones automatically power on when worn and shut off when removed. It features a compact transmission base that doubles as a charging dock, taking approximately 7 hours to fully charge the included Ni-MH batteries to deliver up to 18 hours of continuous battery life. Additionally, multiple pairs of these RF headphones can be linked to a single transmitter simultaneously, making them ideal for shared viewing. Pros and Cons Pros: Highly affordable pricing, lightweight design, and great wearing comfort thanks to a double headband padded with soft leather. It delivers an excellent battery-to-charge ratio alongside reliable, long-range signal reception. Cons: The overall plastic build is not very solid or durable. The audio profile lacks the high-fidelity depth...

Sony MDR HW300k Review | 93 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR HW300k

Sony MDR HW300k vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sony MDR HW300k better than the average pair of headphones?

Why is Sony MDR HW300k worse than the average pair of headphones?

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR HW300k and other products in the Headphones category

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR HW300k?

What customers dislike about Sony MDR HW300k?

Expert reviews

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