A 3.5mm analog jack/cable is available for wired listening.
ANC is described as impressive for the money, especially versus everyday background noise. ANC can be adjusted across several levels or modes.
Noise cancelation is consistently described as top-tier and often best-in-class, with Gen 2 seen as a small refinement (more precise, fewer quirks); some outlets still give Sony a slight edge in ultimate silence. Most reviews highlight easy ANC control through modes or a slider (often 1–10) and note Gen 2 can fully disable ANC, which improves flexibility and battery options.
The software is presented as highly customizable and feature-rich for the category.
The look is described as stylish and visually appealing without being flashy.
ANC is said to add virtually no audible white noise when music is paused.
The sound signature is described as staying the same across ANC, ambient, and off modes.
ANC is said not to noticeably reduce audio quality.
Android support is framed more favorably than iPhone support.
Android support is repeatedly described as strong, with easy pairing and the best codec features (aptX family) available on compatible Snapdragon phones.
The app interface is described as clean and easy to navigate.
The companion app is generally stable and straightforward for modes, ANC, immersive audio, and device management, but many reviewers describe it as basic compared with feature-rich competitors.
aptX support is explicitly absent.
Reviews that discuss codecs call out aptX Adaptive and related options (including lossless/low-latency variants on compatible Snapdragon devices) as a meaningful plus for Android users.
Low-latency mode is positioned as good enough to keep dialog in sync with video.
USB-C wired audio is noted to reduce Bluetooth latency by tens of milliseconds, which can improve lip-sync for video compared with wireless use.
Wear detection is explicitly described as missing.
The product is marketed with multiple design or industry awards.
Bass is described as very good, with strong impact and extension.
Bass is widely praised as deeper, punchier, and more controlled than the prior model, though a couple reviewers still describe it as warm or occasionally one-note depending on genre and settings.
Battery life is described as long enough for extended use and travel.
Battery life is commonly reported around 27–30 hours with ANC on, which is competitive but not class-leading; immersive/spatial modes reduce runtime, and some sources note longer life with ANC off.
Bluetooth connection stability is described as solid.
Bluetooth performance is often described as quick to connect and stable in daily use, but a minority report occasional connection quirks or issues.
Bluetooth 5.3 support is explicitly mentioned.
The frame is described as more durable than expected at the price.
Build quality is generally seen as durable enough for daily travel, but the heavy use of plastic and occasional rattly feel reduce the perceived premium value at this price.
The physical controls are described as very responsive in daily use.
Physical buttons are serviceable but frequently criticized for doing too many functions (pairing/power, multi-press combos) and offering limited customization.
Several reviewers mention the 2.5mm analog input as less common than 3.5mm, but the included cable and USB-C option make it easy to stay connected when needed.
The travel case is described as sturdy and well made.
The included case is widely appreciated for being sturdy and compact, though some reviewers find the folding orientation awkward or wish the case design were quicker to open/close.
Fast charging is a clear strength, with about 7 hours from a 10-minute top-up.
Charging is typically described as convenient, with quick-charge figures around 15 minutes for a few hours of playback and full charge around a few hours; USB-C also enables charging while listening.
Clamping force is described as secure without becoming uncomfortable.
Clamping force is usually described as gentle and fatigue-free, but a few reviewers find the fit on the snug side (great for seal) or potentially too loose for smaller heads during movement.
Codec support includes LDAC and SBC, but not AAC or aptX.
Codec support is described as modern and well-rounded for 2025-era ANC headphones, with standard codecs plus aptX Adaptive family and multiple wired options; performance depends on your source device support.
The headphones are described as comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Comfort is a core strength: many reviewers call it class-leading for long sessions thanks to light weight, plush pads, and an easy seal, with only occasional notes about heat buildup or fit preferences.
The headphone supports both wired and Bluetooth listening.
The design is described as premium-looking and sleek.
Design is largely unchanged from the previous generation, with updated glossy accents and more color options; reactions range from stylishly understated to a bit boring or too fingerprint-prone.
At least one reviewer notes there is no dedicated low-latency wireless dongle, limiting plug-and-play latency solutions for gaming compared with some rivals.
The earcup padding is described as extremely soft.
Earpads are typically described as soft, deep, and comfortable, though some users note ears can touch the inner padding or that the surface may not feel ultra-premium to the touch.
The earcups swivel and pivot for fit and storage.
The yoke/rotation design allows the cups to lay flat, but at least one review notes the rotation range is limited in one direction.
Pad movement can create a faint rustling noise on the head.
The EQ tools include detailed gain and Q-factor adjustment.
EQ control is repeatedly called out as limited (a simple 3-band slider), good for small tweaks but not ideal for listeners who want granular tuning.
The headphone is portrayed as unusually full-featured for its price tier.
The sound is described as largely accurate.
Tonality can be shaped into a more balanced response with CustomTune and light EQ, but out of the box many characterize it as a V-shaped or slightly dark consumer tuning rather than strictly neutral.
The headband adjustment is present and easy to use.
Headband padding is described as soft to the touch.
Where mentioned, the metal headband/hinge structure is viewed as reassuring, even though much of the exterior uses plastic to save weight.
Movie playback can feel more immersive than expected at this price.
The box includes a healthy accessory bundle with cables and an airline adapter.
Accessories are typically described as solid for the category, with a sturdy case plus USB-C and analog cables included for flexible connections.
Instrument separation is strong enough to reveal individual layers clearly.
Instrument separation is rated good-to-excellent, with most reviewers finding layering and placement strong; a few note busy mixes can still blur slightly.
A built-in multi-microphone array is explicitly mentioned.
LDAC support is explicitly confirmed.
The headphones can be turned up loudly without obvious distortion.
The microphone system is said to reduce wind and background noise effectively.
Noise reduction on calls is usually effective, keeping background sounds lower while preserving speech, though some tests still let intermittent noise bleed through or add a slightly processed character.
Call quality is described as flawless in use.
Call quality is generally good for a premium ANC headphone, with most reviewers saying voices stay intelligible in noisy places; a few describe it as merely fine, compressed, or not exceptional.
Midrange output is described as clean for instruments and vocals.
Midrange is generally clear with solid vocal presence, but some reviews note slightly recessed or less biting mids (especially for guitars/rock) compared with top competitors.
The headphones can be used across Apple and non-Apple devices, though not on equal terms.
Cross-platform use is a common strength, with reviewers noting smooth switching between phones and computers across iOS and Android ecosystems.
Multipoint lets the user switch between two devices with ease.
Multipoint is widely praised as seamless for two devices with smooth switching; a couple edge cases (e.g., juggling TV/phone or certain setups) can be finicky.
The seal around the ear helps with passive isolation.
Passive isolation benefits from a good seal and deep cups, but a few reviewers note the foam is not the thickest; overall, it helps the ANC work even better on commutes.
The overall recommendation is strongly positive.
The headphones fold into a more compact shape for transport.
Portability is strong for a flagship ANC headphone: the frame folds and articulates well, keeping the carry footprint compact for travel.
The appearance is described as more premium than the price suggests. The finish is said to deliver a luxury-like feel.
The Classic preset is described as the most balanced option.
Preset EQ or mode profiles exist and can help (e.g., bass-reducing or treble-boosting options), but many reviewers find the presets and overall EQ ecosystem underwhelming.
Replaceable earpads are highlighted as a practical perk for long-term ownership, cleaning, and swapping for third-party pad options.
Sensor coverage is only discussed in the context of missing wear detection.
Sensors and automation (on-head detection, auto pause, low-power modes) are often praised for making the headphones feel effortless day to day.
Practical extras such as safe-volume limits are included.
Auto-pause behavior is described as absent.
The finish can pick up visible fingerprints or grime.
Glossy accents look more premium to some, but multiple reviewers mention they pick up fingerprints and dust more easily than matte finishes.
Initial setup is described as easy and straightforward.
Setup is generally described as simple, with fast pairing and reliable auto-connect behaviors that reduce daily friction.
Overall sound quality is described as excellent for the price. Wired playback is described as more detailed, balanced, and full than Bluetooth in one setup.
Across reviews, the sound is described as enjoyable and travel-friendly, with a consumer-leaning tuning and strong bass; several reviewers say it improves on Gen 1, but a few still find it only fine or a bit dark versus audiophile-leaning rivals. Wired playback (especially over USB-C) is frequently described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, with the bonus of charging-while-listening; analog wired is also supported for older sources.
The soundstage is described as wider in Dynamic mode.
Soundstage is repeatedly called wide and open for a closed-back ANC headphone, helping music and movies feel less claustrophobic.
A spatial-style listening mode is explicitly mentioned.
Immersive/spatial features (including cinema mode) get mixed reactions: some love cinema for clearer dialogue and a bigger movie feel, while others dislike the processing and prefer stereo for music.
The fit is stable enough that the headphones are not described as unstable in use.
Fit stability is good for desk work, commuting, and light movement, but several reviewers caution it is not ideal for more dynamic workouts due to the lack of an IP rating and comfort-first clamping.
The material is described as more sustainable and animal-friendly than conventional leather.
The touch volume control is divisive: some find it responsive and sleek, while others call it imprecise or too easy to trigger large volume changes, especially without tactile feedback.
Ambient mode is described as clear and open sounding.
Transparency mode is commonly rated among the best and natural-sounding, though several reviewers mention a faint hiss/white noise or slightly reduced openness versus the very best implementations.
The headphone is framed as especially well suited to longer trips.
Treble is described as crisp and pleasant.
Treble is typically smooth and cleaner than Gen 1, avoiding harshness; however, multiple reviewers wish for more sparkle or micro-detail and often add treble via EQ.
USB-C is used for charging.
USB-C is a key Gen 2 upgrade, enabling digital audio input (often described as lossless/hi-res) in addition to charging, and allowing simultaneous charge-and-listen use cases.
Value is described as terrific for the asking price.
A control shortcut can summon the device’s voice assistant.
Voice assistant access is supported via shortcuts or touch-and-hold actions in the app, making it easy to trigger assistants without pulling out your phone.
Voice prompts announce mode changes, though with a slight delay.
There is enough output headroom to reach a comfortable loudness.
Volume output is generally ample, and at least one reviewer reports slightly higher output when using USB-C wired audio.
The headphones are explicitly described as not waterproof.
Multiple reviews emphasize there is no official water or sweat rating, making these a poor choice for rain, heavy workouts, or sweaty gym sessions.
Auto-pause on removal is described as missing.
Wear detection performance is effectively negative because the feature is missing.
The weight is low enough to be considered comfortable for portable use.
Weight is repeatedly highlighted as a major comfort advantage versus heavier rivals, making it easier to wear for travel and workdays.
Wind-related interference is kept to a minimal level in one outdoor test.
Xbox is explicitly mentioned as a compatible gaming platform.
