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Sony MDR IF245rk Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 28 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR IF245rk review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

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%

3.3

Technical Score

20.0%

8.1

User score

Poor
3.3

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%

3.1

Sound

20.0%

1.9

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.2

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.1

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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(840)
amazon
3.8
(62)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(840)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(62)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.5

    Battery life

  • 2.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.5

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 1.3
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.5

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.5

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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  • sony-mdr-if245rk
sony-mdr-if245rk
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sony-mdr-if245rk

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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-IF245RK is a lightweight, on-ear infrared cordless stereo headphone system designed for home audio, featuring 40mm drivers and a 10-24,000 Hz frequency response with a 30mm thick ear pad design. Key advantages include an impressive 60-hour battery life (via NiMH pack), a 200g comfortable design with self-adjusting headband, and a 26-foot (8-meter) line-of-sight range. Potential limitations include required direct line-of-sight for audio, a slow 24-hour charging time, and limited range compared to modern RF or Bluetooth technologies.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR IF245rk

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%

3.1

Sound

20.0%

1.9

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.2

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

3.3
Sony MDR IF245rk has a technical score of 3.35 points, which is lower than that of 95.8% 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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(840)
amazon
3.8
(62)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(840)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(62)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.1
Sony MDR IF245rk has a user score of 8.06 points, which is higher than that of 65.4% 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 IF245rk 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%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.0
Sony MDR IF245rk has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82.8% 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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

10 Hz
Sony MDR IF245rk reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% 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

N/A
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

no
Sony MDR IF245rk is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

N/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

N/A
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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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

no
Sony MDR IF245rk does not support multipoint. 65.1% 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

no
Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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

28 hours
Sony MDR IF245rk offers battery life of 28 hours, lower battery life than 54.4% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

24 hours
Sony MDR IF245rk needs 24 hours to charge, higher charging time than 99.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

?
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

700 mAh
Sony MDR IF245rk has a battery capacity of 700 mAh, higher battery capacity than 65.4% of headphones and equal to 4% 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

on-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

200 g
Sony MDR IF245rk weighs 200 g, lighter than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% 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

open-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 IF245rk vs the average headphone

  • 127.5 ms lower audio latency
    Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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 IF245rk has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Open-back design
    Sony MDR IF245rk uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR IF245rk uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 IF245rk has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
    What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
    When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR IF245rk has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Open-back design
    Sony MDR IF245rk uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 127.5 ms lower audio latency
    Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR IF245rk includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR IF245rk supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR IF245rk uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 IF245rk does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony MDR IF245rk does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 22 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a higher charging time than the average headphone (24 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR IF245rk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR IF245rk does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony MDR IF245rk was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2012
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony MDR IF245rk does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR IF245rk does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 22 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR IF245rk has a higher charging time than the average headphone (24 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 IF245rk has a higher charging time than the average headphone (24 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.24 hours vs 2 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR IF245rk 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 IF245rk has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR IF245rk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Sony MDR IF245rk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR IF245rk uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 IF245rk 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 IF245rk does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% 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 IF245rk does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 12.2% worse value for money
    Sony MDR IF245rk has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.00 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 IF245rk has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.00 vs 6.736).6 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR IF245rk and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
840 Reviews
amazon
3.8
62 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
840 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
62 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR IF245rk?

  • Lightweight and comfortable design for extended listening sessions
  • Convenient self-adjusting headband that requires no manual fitting
  • Reliable rechargeable NiMH battery providing up to 28 hours of use
  • Simple setup for home entertainment systems with multiple connection options like RCA and 3.5mm
  • On-device rotary volume control for quick and easy adjustments

What customers dislike about Sony MDR IF245rk?

  • Limited transmission range of 8 meters that requires a clear line of sight to the base
  • Susceptible to static interference or signal loss if the infrared beam is obstructed
  • Sound quality is often described as average or lower compared to modern radio frequency or Bluetooth alternatives
  • Lacks modern features like active noise cancellation or a dedicated mobile app
  • Foam ear pads may cause overheating after several hours of wear

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