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Sony MDR MA300 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£55
Avg. price in US: ~$70
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR MA300 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Poor

3.4

Poor

6.7

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Sony MDR-MA300 is an open-air, supra-aural (on-ear) wired headphone featuring 40mm dome-type drivers with ferrite magnets and a frequency response range of 10Hz to 24,000Hz. It has an impedance of 40 ohms at 1kHz, a sensitivity of 102dB/mW, and a high power handling capacity of 1,000mW. Main characteristics include its 3-metre Y-type gold-plated cable and a unique 'Flexible Ear Fit' mechanism that automatically adjusts the driver angle to match the listener's ear shape for improved ergonomics. Pros include a spacious, natural sound field typical of open-back designs, a lightweight build of approximately 245g for extended comfort, and an adjustable padded headband. However, its main cons are significant sound leakage and lack of isolation due to the open-back nature, a mostly plastic construction that can feel flimsy, and a non-detachable, extra-long cable that is cumbersome for portable use.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR MA300

Overall score

4.0

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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

3.0

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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: 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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

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

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Design

5.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

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

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Sony MDR MA300 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR MA300 better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR MA300 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR MA300 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 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
19 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR MA300 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (62 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR MA300 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (62 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.62 mm vs 43 mm
Open-back design
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sony MDR MA300 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR MA300 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 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
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
22 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.132 dB vs 110 dB
19 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR MA300 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (62 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sony MDR MA300 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Open-back design
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 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 MA300 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.
22 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR MA300 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR MA300 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Sony MDR MA300 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR MA300 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
12.4% higher weight
Sony MDR MA300 is heavier than the average headphone (245 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
Sony MDR MA300 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR MA300 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR MA300 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR MA300 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Sony MDR MA300 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2012
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
12.4% higher weight
Sony MDR MA300 is heavier than the average headphone (245 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 MA300 is heavier than the average headphone (245 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.245 g vs 218 g
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
15.8% worse value for money
Sony MDR MA300 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.82 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 MA300 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.82 vs 6.736).5.82 vs 6.74
No travel bag
Sony MDR MA300 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 MA300 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
19.3% lower user score
Sony MDR MA300 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.71 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Sony MDR MA300 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.71 vs 8.000).6.71 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR MA300 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR MA300?

Natural and spacious soundstage due to the open-air design
Balanced audio response with clear highs and decent bass for its class
Flexible ear-fit mechanism that automatically adjusts to the user's ears
Long 3-metre (9.8 ft) cable providing significant freedom of movement for home use
Lightweight construction and soft earpads suitable for extended listening sessions
Good value for money as a budget-friendly home headphone option

What customers dislike about Sony MDR MA300?

Non-existent noise isolation; outside sounds are audible and audio leaks out significantly
Subdued bass and rolled-off detail compared to higher-end models in the MA series
Build quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticky
Long cable can be inconvenient and cumbersome for portable or mobile use
Can be quieter when plugged directly into smartphones due to higher impedance (40 ohms)
Foam material and earpad swivel can feel less substantial or 'flimsy' to some users

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

13/05/2012

Sony MDR MA300Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Sony MDR-MA300 Head-Fi review thread details an open-back, budget-friendly headphone known for a versatile, natural sound signature that excels in music, movies, and gaming. Key design advantages include angled drivers on hinges for superior comfort and non-itchy, soft fabric earcups that ensure a cool, breathable listening experience. Conversely, the review highlights...Read more

uniqueradio.nl

01/08/2016

Cyenne Contralto: a headphone amplifier with serious punch

The Cyenne Contralto is a high-performance, minimalist headphone amplifier built by a brand founded by a Dutchman in Taiwan. In terms of performance and sound quality, the reviewer praises its massive power reserves driven by a robust toroidal transformer, which allows it to drive two pairs of headphones simultaneously at high volumes without any loss of quality,. Sonically, it...Read more

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