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Sony MDR HW700ds Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£450
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR HW700ds review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.3

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%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
5.6

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%

6.4

Sound

20.0%

3.3

Features

10.0%

5.4

Design

8.0%

6.8

Connectivity

6.0%

5.1

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

Good
8.9

User score

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

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

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(675)
amazon
3.8
(361)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(675)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(361)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    1.7

    Battery life

  • 2.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    1.7

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.6
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    1.7

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    1.7

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-hw700ds
sony-mdr-hw700ds

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a high-end digital wireless headphone system designed for home cinema, featuring massive 50mm neodymium drivers and a proprietary processor that reproduces a virtual 9.1-channel surround sound experience. Key technical specifications include a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 25,000Hz, dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz transmission with a 30-metre range, and support for high-resolution uncompressed audio up to 192kHz/24-bit, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Main characteristics include specialized DSP modes (Cinema, Game, and Voice) and a dedicated breakout box with three HDMI inputs supporting 4K pass-through. Its primary pros are the deeply immersive 3D soundstage, exceptional comfort for long sessions due to pressure-relieving earpads, and a solid 12-hour battery life. However, notable cons include an aging HDMI 1.4b standard that lacks HDR/Dolby Vision pass-through without external splitters, mediocre performance for critical music listening compared to hi-fi stereo headphones, and a bulky design that only functions with its specific base station.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR HW700ds

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%

6.4

Sound

20.0%

3.3

Features

10.0%

5.4

Design

8.0%

6.8

Connectivity

6.0%

5.1

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

5.6
Sony MDR HW700ds has a technical score of 5.62 points, which is higher than that of 68.3% of products in this category.
User score

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

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

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(675)
amazon
3.8
(361)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(675)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(361)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.9
Sony MDR HW700ds has a user score of 8.87 points, which is higher than that of 80.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Sony MDR HW700ds has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

6.3

Overall score

40.0%

8.1

Price

6.8
Sony MDR HW700ds has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% 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 HW700ds 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

50 mm
Sony MDR HW700ds uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% 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 HW700ds 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

5 Hz
Sony MDR HW700ds reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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 HW700ds 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

0
Sony MDR HW700ds has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony MDR HW700ds does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
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 HW700ds supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
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

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: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

0 ms
Sony MDR HW700ds has audio latency of 0 ms, lower audio latency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony MDR HW700ds supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

no
Sony MDR HW700ds 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

no
Sony MDR HW700ds does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

12 hours
Sony MDR HW700ds offers battery life of 12 hours, lower battery life than 85.9% of headphones and equal to 3.6% 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

3 hours
Sony MDR HW700ds needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% 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

yes
Sony MDR HW700ds supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

800 mAh
Sony MDR HW700ds has a battery capacity of 800 mAh, higher battery capacity than 74.7% of headphones and equal to 7.7% of headphones.
Show more
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

320 g
Sony MDR HW700ds weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% 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

?
Show more

Sony MDR HW700ds vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR HW700ds 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 HW700ds has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR HW700ds supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR HW700ds supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR HW700ds uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    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

    Sony MDR HW700ds uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR HW700ds 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 HW700ds 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
  • 127.5 ms lower audio latency
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
    When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.0 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR HW700ds offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (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: HIGH

    Sony MDR HW700ds offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR HW700ds includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR HW700ds includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR HW700ds offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (75 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 HW700ds offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (75 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.75 mm vs 60 mm
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR HW700ds offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (75 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR HW700ds has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR HW700ds supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR HW700ds uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 33.3% higher battery capacity
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (800 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sony MDR HW700ds can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 127.5 ms lower audio latency
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR HW700ds offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR HW700ds includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR HW700ds supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Sony MDR HW700ds is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR HW700ds uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sony MDR HW700ds does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 18 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR HW700ds has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR HW700ds does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 years older release date
    Sony MDR HW700ds was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2013
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher charging time than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Sony MDR HW700ds is heavier than the average headphone (320 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 HW700ds is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.320 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR HW700ds 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 HW700ds does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR HW700ds has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Sony MDR HW700ds has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 18 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    Sony MDR HW700ds has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.12 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5x more expensive
    Sony MDR HW700ds is more expensive than the average headphone (£450 vs £90).
    Sony MDR HW700ds is more expensive than the average headphone (£450 vs £90).£450 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR HW700ds has fewer microphones than the average headphone (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 HW700ds has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR HW700ds and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
675 Reviews
amazon
3.8
361 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
675 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
361 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR HW700ds?

  • Immersive 9.1-channel virtual surround sound that effectively replicates a multi-speaker home theatre experience for movies and games.
  • Highly comfortable over-ear design with thick, soft memory foam padding suitable for long-duration wear.
  • Strong wireless performance using dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) technology to prevent interference and signal drop-outs.
  • Powerful bass and decent dynamic range that makes action scenes in films highly impactful.
  • Convenient on-ear controls for volume, input switching, and sound effect modes.

What customers dislike about Sony MDR HW700ds?

  • Relatively high price point compared to high-end dedicated hi-fi stereo headphones.
  • Sound quality for music is less refined, with some reviewers finding the mids and treble lack detail or sound slightly 'processed'.
  • HDMI 1.4 limitations mean the processor unit does not support HDR or Dolby Vision passthrough (limited to 4K at lower refresh rates).
  • Large, bulky physical profile that is not ideal for casual wear or travel.
  • The 12-hour battery life, while decent, is shorter than many modern wireless headphone alternatives.

Expert reviews

G
galaxus.de
25/03/2018
9.1 wireless surround headphones: eargasm at its finest thanks to the "Sony MDR-HW700DS"

The Galaxus review praises the Sony MDR-HW700DS as a premier 9.1-channel wireless surround system for cinema and gaming, boasting brilliant, interference-free sound via a versatile base station. Key advantages include exceptional comfort from large, adjustable ear cushions and a convenient automatic on/off mechanism paired with an 11-hour battery life. Cons identified in the review...Read more

H
head-fi.org
22/06/2016
Sony MDR-HW700DS Wireless Headphone (Japan Import) Reviews

The Sony MDR-HW700DSGo to product viewer dialog for this item., reviewed on Head-Fi, offers a 9.1-channel digital surround sound system designed for immersive movies and gaming, featuring uncompressed, zero-delay audio over dual-band Wi-Fi that can pass through walls. Key advantages include exceptional comfort from soft, pressure-relieving ear pads, weighty and precise bass...Read more

S
soundvisionreview.com
16/07/2015
Sony MDR-HW700DS Review - SoundVisionReview

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a 9.1-channel digital surround wireless headphone system designed primarily for immersive home theater and gaming experiences. It consists of a large, circum-aural wireless headphone featuring 50mm drivers and a dedicated transmitter box that handles multi-band wireless connections (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) alongside extensive audio format processing like Dolby...Read more

T
t3.com
30/09/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS review

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a wireless 9.1-surround sound headphone system featuring a dedicated control box that acts as a pass-through for up to three HDMI sources, such as game consoles or Blu-ray players. Designed primarily for late-night movies and gaming, this closed-back headset utilizes sophisticated psychoacoustic processing to manipulate sound phases, generating an expansive,...Read more

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techadvisor.com
02/06/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS 9.1 wireless headphones review

The Sony MDR-HW700DS wireless headphones provide an immersive, high-concept virtual 9.1 surround sound experience tailored for private home theater setups, late-night gaming, and isolated movie viewing. Designed to connect with any HDMI source component, the system utilizes a dedicated dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) processor base station featuring three HDMI inputs with 4K pass-through,...Read more

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avforums.com
01/05/2014
Sony MDR-HW700 Wireless Headphones Review

The AVForums review highlights the Sony MDR-HW700/HW700DS as a premium, well-engineered, two-piece system featuring a dedicated processing base station for immersive, virtual 9.1-channel sound, particularly excelling with high-definition audio decoding. Key pros include exceptional comfort for long-duration use and a wide, impactful soundstage that provides a cinematic experience,...Read more

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digitec.ch
26/03/2018
9.1 wireless surround headphones: eargasm at its finest thanks to the "Sony MDR-HW700DS"

The Digitec review of the Sony MDR-HW700DS highlights these 9.1-channel wireless headphones as a premier solution for immersive home cinema and gaming, offering exceptional virtual surround sound processing and a stable, dual-band wireless HDMI base station. Key advantages include high-quality, comfortable design with large, plush earcups, along with 192 kHz/24-bit audio support...Read more

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homecinemachoice.com
14/08/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS review

The Sony MDR-HW700DS, reviewed by Home Cinema Choice, provides a compelling, interference-free wireless alternative to traditional home theater setups, delivering a vast 9.1-channel virtual soundstage with impressive scale and deep bass. While the system excels in immersive audio quality and features a robust HDMI digital sound processor, it is hindered by complex controls and a...Read more

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trustedreviews.com
19/03/2014
Sony MDR-HW700 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews assessment of the Sony MDR-HW700 highlights its exceptional capabilities for home cinema, featuring sensational dynamic range and,, and 7.1/9.1-channel virtual soundscapes. These comfortable, plush-cushioned headphones excel at creating a high-end, immersive audio environment without disturbing others. However, the review notes drawbacks, including mediocre...Read more

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digitec.ch
26/03/2018
9.1 Wireless Surround Headphones - Sony MDR-HW700DS

The Sony MDR-HW700DS 9.1-channel wireless headphones offer an immersive, realistic virtual surround sound experience ideal for late-night home cinema and gaming, featuring robust dual-band 2.4/5 GHz connectivity and comfortable, high-quality over-ear pads. The system provides advanced,,, directional audio and a unique, convenient automatic power feature activated by the headband,...Read more

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stereo.de
01/08/2014
Sony MDR-HW 700DS - Test results - stereo.de

The Sony MDR-HW700DSGo to product viewer dialogue for this item., reviewed by Stereo.de, is lauded as a powerful, comfortable 9.1-channel virtual surround system with dual-band wireless for lag-free, high-quality home cinema audio. It features a versatile base station with 4K HDMI pass-through and supports native surround formats like Dolby TrueHD, though it requires precise DSP...Read more

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krone.at
31/05/2014
Premium headphones for home theater: Sony HW700DS review", "High-end home cinema headphones: Sony HW700DS tested

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a premium 9.1-channel wireless home theater headphone system priced around €420 that delivers excellent performance despite a sparse accessory package. The system includes a large transmitter base station that acts as an HDMI switcher, featuring three 4K-capable HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, and an optical audio port. On the positive side, the headphones...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
19/06/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS review: the perfect companion for Gravity

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a sendedary, home-oriented wireless headphone system designed explicitly for immersive movie and gaming experiences rather than portable music listening. It features a dedicated base station that processes data using a dual-band wireless transmission (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), effectively eliminating audio dropouts up to a 30-meter range. The system offers an...Read more

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digitec.ch
26/03/2018
9.1 wireless surround headphones: the ultimate treat for your ears with the Sony MDR-HW700DS

The Digitec review highlights the Sony MDR-HW700DS as an exceptional 9.1-channel wireless surround sound system for home theater and gaming, offering immersive audio with 50mm HD drivers and a stable connection up to 30 meters. Key benefits include 12-hour battery life, dedicated sound profiles (Cinema, Game), comfortable design, and multiple HDMI inputs. However, the review points...Read more

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barradesonido.es
15/05/2024
Sony MDR-HW700DS: Fantastic headphones with 9.1 sound

Review Summary: Sony MDR-HW700DS The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a premium pair of closed-back circumaural wireless headphones specifically engineered to deliver a highly convincing 9.1-channel virtual surround sound experience for home theater enthusiasts. The system relies on a dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Wi-Fi connection to transmit lossless, zero-latency audio, making it perfect for movies,...Read more

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auriculares-hifi.com
09/10/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS - Hi-Fi Headphones

This forum review outlines a highly positive experience with the Sony MDR-HW700DS wireless digital surround headphone system. The reviewer praises the product's flawless construction and advanced transmitter unit, which features an extensive array of connectivity options including three HDMI inputs, an HDMI TV output, TOSLINK optical inputs/outputs, and traditional RCA inputs. The...Read more

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digitec.ch
26/03/2018
9.1 Wireless Surround Headphones: The Ultimate Eargasm Thanks to the Sony MDR-HW700DS

The Digitec review highlights the Sony MDR-HW700DS as a high-performing 9.1-channel wireless surround sound system, featuring premium craftsmanship and large, comfortable cushions for extended sessions. Its external processor base station supports lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, offering an immersive, virtualized home theater experience with strong, wide...Read more

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hifi.nl
11/06/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS surround headphones review

The Sony MDR-HW700DS is a 9.1-channel wireless digital surround headphone system consisting of a dual-band wireless headset (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) and a dedicated processing/transmitter base station. On the positive side, the system offers highly impressive spatial audio reproduction that outperforms typical virtual surround speaker configurations, living up to Sony's strong historical...Read more

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fwdmagazine.be
22/04/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS Review - FWD Magazine

The FWD Magazine review praises the Sony MDR-HW700DS as an exceptional wireless 9.1 surround sound headphone system, ranking it among the best on the market for watching movies. The reviewer highlights several major pros, including a highly enjoyable and immersive surround-like sound effect, phenomenal LFE low-end bass that simulates a built-in subwoofer, and an incredibly stable,...Read more

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hifi.be
11/06/2014
Sony MDR-HW700DS surround headphones review (Belgian Hifi portal)", "Review of the Sony MDR-HW700DS surround headphones (Belgian Hifi portal)

The HiFi.nl review highlights the Sony MDR-HW700DSGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as an exciting 9.1-channel wireless surround sound headphone system that delivers excellent theater-like performance. The reviewer praises its immense sound quality, which easily beats traditional virtual surround speakers. It operates smoothly on dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless bands....Read more

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