Sony MDR7506
Score: 73/100
Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 87/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers premium ANC, 30 hours of battery life, and LDAC Hi-Res audio in a wireless over-ear design. Its relatively heavy build and longer charging time may affect comfort during extended wear. Geared toward travelers and audiophiles who value top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality.
The Sony MDR-7506 is a professional closed-back studio headphone known for its accurate sound reproduction and excellent isolation. Lacking wireless connectivity and on-headset volume controls makes it less versatile for modern mobile use. Best suited for audio engineers and broadcasters who need reliable wired performance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 30 hoursbest | |
40 mmbest | 30 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 260 g | 250 gbest |
63 Ωbest | 48 Ω | |
106 dB SPLbest | 102 dB SPL | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 210 minutesbest |
— | 10 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wireless Connectivity | false | true |
Audio(4) | ||
Frequency Response | 10-20000 | 20-20000 |
Driver Size (mm) | 40 mm | 30 mm |
Impedance (Ω) | 63 Ω | 48 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 106 dB SPL | 102 dB SPL |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 260 g | 250 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 246x84x185 mm | 263x77x225 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the MDR-7506 a studio staple, emphasizing its closed-back architecture for superior isolation, the 40 mm neodymium-driven drivers for accurate bass and dynamics, and its foldable, portable build with a long coiled cable that resists snags. Editors highlight its comfort during long sessions and its ability to deliver ample volume even from low-impedance sources.
Everyday users consistently commend the headphones for their clear stereo imaging, robust noise isolation, and practical foldable design. The long coiled cable and included adapters receive positive remarks for flexibility, while the most common complaint centers on the absence of an on-headset volume control and lack of wireless connectivity.
Professional reviewers consider the WH-1000XM5 a benchmark in active-noise-cancellation and audio fidelity, highlighting its sophisticated 8-mic, dual-processor system, long battery life, and premium driver design. Comfort is enhanced by a friction-rod headband, though the 250 g weight and potential LDAC-related dropouts are noted as drawbacks.
“extraordinary acoustic isolation”
