OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR MV1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£340Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR MV1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR MV1
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

8.3

User score

▼Worse than 60% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

▼Worse than 84%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 77%
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 78%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR MV1

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR MV1 has a popularity score of 6.5 points, which is higher than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
223 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 223 g, heavier than 52% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3.1
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.1, lower clamp force than 76.7% of headphones and equal to 2.7% of headphones.
Show more

Sony MDR MV1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 60,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.1 vs 4.3
  • 6.5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (66.5 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.1 vs 4.3
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 6.5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (66.5 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 60,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    80,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 15x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,500 mW vs 100 mW
  • 7 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    April 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 3.78x more expensive
    Sony MDR MV1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£340 vs £90).
    £340 vs £90
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6.3% worse value for money
    Sony MDR MV1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.84 vs 7.3).
    6.84 vs 7.27
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 3.78x more expensive
    Sony MDR MV1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£340 vs £90).
    £340 vs £90
  • 6.3% worse value for money
    Sony MDR MV1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.84 vs 7.3).
    6.84 vs 7.27
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

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

4.8
Jaytiss
✓ explicit
28/02/2026
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with rivals
Verdict
Sony MDR-MV1 is enjoyable for casual listening but not a studio monitor, so the recommendation is cautious.
8.0
Squashed Out
≈ estimated
22/08/2025
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and use cases
Verdict
Sony MDR-MV1 is recommended with EQ, but its boosted treble means the creator would not use it for mixing.
8.0
Treble Well Xtended
✓ explicit
04/10/2024
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with rivals
Verdict
Sony MDR-MV1 is recommended for its fun, engaging and pleasant sound.
9.5
Mark Ellis Reviews
≈ estimated
08/11/2023
Hands-on review · studio use, comfort and build
Verdict
Sony MDR-MV1 suits studio work, with good comfort, a sturdy build and a useful wired cable.
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded
Brand video
Not graded
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Sony MDR MV1

  • Exceptional comfort and ultra-lightweight design (approx. 223g) suitable for all-day use.
  • Impressive bass extension and impact for an open-back headphone, reaching into sub-bass regions.
  • Excellent imaging and spatial accuracy, specifically designed for 360 Reality Audio and spatial mixing.
  • Highly detailed soundstage with great instrument separation and layering.
  • Very easy to drive even with mobile devices due to low impedance (24 ohms).
  • Breathable suede earpads that stay cool during long sessions.
  • High manufacturing consistency between left and right drivers.

What customers don't like about Sony MDR MV1

  • Treble can be peaky or sibilant around 6kHz-8kHz, which may cause fatigue for sensitive listeners.
  • Lacks a carrying case or protective pouch despite the premium price point.
  • Open-back design provides zero noise isolation and significant sound leakage.
  • Stock cable is very long (approx. 8ft/2.5m), which is cumbersome for casual or mobile use.
  • Earpads are prone to flattening over time, potentially leading to ears touching the driver plate.
  • Some users find the build quality feels 'plastic-heavy' and less premium than competitors like Beyerdynamic.
  • Bass delivery can be inconsistent if the seal is broken by glasses or earrings.

Verdict

The Sony MDR-MV1 is a professional open-back studio monitor designed specifically for spatial and stereo mixing, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with an ultra-wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 80 kHz. It is remarkably lightweight at approximately 223g and features a low impedance of 24 ohms, making it highly sensitive (100 dB/mW) and easy to drive across various devices. Main pros include its exceptional comfort for long sessions, impressive sub-bass extension for an open-back design, and precise imaging for 360 Reality Audio. However, some users may find the high-frequency peaks piercing or fatiguing, and the lightweight plastic construction can feel slightly less premium compared to heavier competitors.

Compare Sony MDR MV1 with other products in the Headphones category

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