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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 V55 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR V55 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 V55
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 56% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

â–²Better than 56% 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%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 66%
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 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
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 94%
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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 V55

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%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
9.1/ 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
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.1
Popularity
Popularity
9.8/ 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 91% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR V55 has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than that of 90.6% of products in this category.
9.8
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
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
Show more
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
on-ear
Weight
220 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 220 g, heavier than 50.3% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR V55 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 13.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 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 V55
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR V55 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.1 vs 8).
    9.1 vs 8
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 67% more popular
    Sony MDR V55 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.8 vs 5.9).
    9.8 vs 5.87
  • 13.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 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 V55
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR V55 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.1 vs 8).
    9.1 vs 8
  • 67% more popular
    Sony MDR V55 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.8 vs 5.9).
    9.8 vs 5.87
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 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
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.
  • 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.
    April 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.
  • 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.
    April 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

9.0
Raja Kumar (Blazzintech)
≈ estimated
15/07/2016
Hands-on review · personal use and flight test
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 is one of the best wired headphones in its price range if you don't need Bluetooth.
7.0
BarneysTechWorld
≈ estimated
09/05/2016
Hands-on review · about two hours of wear and sound tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 suits rap and electronic music, but it is only worth buying if it costs less than usual.
7.0
BCtechB
≈ estimated
27/08/2015
Honest review · comfort, sound and leakage in daily use
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 offers strong bass and detail for the price, but it is uncomfortable and leaky, so only bass-heavy listeners should consider it.
9.0
DJAppyD
≈ estimated
14/12/2014
Long-term test · one week of daily use and live mixing
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 is well worth the money, but its tight fit for larger heads and short cable are drawbacks.
9.0
FranceFrys
≈ estimated
16/07/2012
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 offers strong sound and bass for the price and is recommended, though its thin cushions feel cheap and can itch.
7.0
AMotayo
≈ estimated
01/07/2017
Short first look · unboxing and sound impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 has strong bass with good control, but it is not the most comfortable pair.
9.0
Just Reviews
≈ estimated
17/12/2014
Comparison · unboxing and monitoring use
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 is a strong choice for professional-style monitoring, especially with a short cord.
8.0
DJAppyD
≈ estimated
06/12/2014
Unboxing · first impressions, no use yet
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 looks good, feels like a DJ headset, and should last.
8.0
killshot2596
≈ estimated
15/07/2013
Hands-on review · everyday listening and comfort notes
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 sounds very good, but its clamping pressure gets uncomfortable in longer listening sessions.
9.0
John Gage
≈ estimated
30/07/2016
Short review · sound, build and price impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-V55 is good quality for the price and recommended, especially for buyers on a budget.
Not graded
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 V55

  • Punchy and tight bass response suitable for DJing and bass-heavy genres
  • Lightweight and foldable design for easy portability and storage
  • Reversible and swiveling earcups allowing for flexible one-ear monitoring
  • Tangle-resistant flat cable design
  • Clean, stylish aesthetic with multiple color options
  • Affordable price point offering high value for budget-conscious users
  • Clear sound production even at high volume levels without significant distortion

What customers don't like about Sony MDR V55

  • On-ear (supra-aural) design can cause ear pain and discomfort during extended use
  • Short, non-detachable cable limits movement and cannot be easily replaced if damaged
  • Poor noise isolation and significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for quiet or very noisy environments
  • Headband lacks sufficient padding, contributing to overall discomfort
  • Lack of in-line controls or microphone for smartphone use
  • Plastic construction and hinges can feel cheap and are prone to squeaking or breaking over time
  • A noticeable dip in high frequencies can make some instruments, like cymbals, sound unnatural

Verdict

The Sony MDR-V55 is a closed-back, on-ear DJ-style headphone featuring 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a powerful frequency response range of 5 Hz to 25,000 Hz. Built for both professional monitoring and casual portability, it includes a 1,000 mW power handling capacity, a 40-ohm impedance, and a 105 dB/mW sensitivity, all housed in a lightweight 220g foldable frame with reversible swivel earcups. Main pros include its punchy, tight bass response that avoids muddiness, a tangle-free 1.2m flat serrated cable, and a compact design ideal for travel. However, its on-ear supra-aural fit can lead to physical discomfort and heat during extended sessions, and some users report that the plastic construction can develop audible creaks over time.

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