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Sony MDR RF985rk Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:25 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR RF985rk 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 RF985rk
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

â–²Better than 53% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 56%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.2

Design

8%

6.2

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 66%
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 89%
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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 RF985rk

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.2

Design

8%

6.2

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
8.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR RF985rk has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
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
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% 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
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% 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
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
?
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
25 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 25 hours, lower battery life than 55.2% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3.5 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 2.7% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
650 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 650 mAh, higher battery capacity than 61.9% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
320 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR RF985rk vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • 70.4% more popular
    Sony MDR RF985rk is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 9.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR RF985rk
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR RF985rk has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.8 vs 8).
    8.8 vs 8
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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
  • 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 travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 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 neodymium magnet
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

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Not graded

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 RF985rk

  • Long battery life (up to 25 hours on a single charge)
  • Impressive wireless range (up to 150 feet through walls)
  • Convenient charging dock that doubles as a transmitter
  • Excellent for the hard of hearing due to dedicated volume controls
  • Comfortable over-ear design with adjustable headband
  • Simple plug-and-play setup for TV and home audio
  • Affordable price point compared to high-end wireless systems

What customers don't like about Sony MDR RF985rk

  • Susceptible to RF interference, static, and hissing sounds
  • Ear pad material (foam/faux leather) tends to deteriorate and flake over time
  • Bulky and large design can feel heavy during long sessions
  • Audio can crackle or distort when volume peaks
  • Lack of a dedicated mute button on the headset
  • Difficult to find official replacement batteries once they wear out
  • Automatic tuning can sometimes struggle to lock onto the correct channel

Verdict

The Sony MDR-RF985RK is a wireless radio frequency (RF) headphone system specifically designed for home entertainment, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 22,000Hz. Utilizing 900MHz analog transmission, the system offers a broad operating range of up to 150 feet and includes a dedicated transmitter base that doubles as an induction charging dock for the internal lithium-ion battery. Key advantages include an impressive battery life of up to 25 hours on a single 3.5-hour charge, high-quality stereo sound with minimal leakage, and an adjustable, cushioned over-ear design for long-term comfort. However, some users have noted susceptibility to static interference or humming if placed near other electronic devices, and there have been reports of the synthetic earpad material deteriorating or flaking over several years of use.

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