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Sony vs Soundcore
Sony comes out ahead overall.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit youSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
- Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app
- You use an Android phone and switch between two devices
Best Soundcore
Soundcore Sleep A30Tiny, comfortable sleep earbuds that quiet snoring well, but priceySuits you if
- You sleep next to a snorer or a noisy pet
- You're a side sleeper who finds regular earbuds uncomfortable
- You want built-in sleep sounds and a quiet alarm that won't wake anyone else
The short version
Sony is the stronger brand for noise cancelling headphones right now. The best single model of the two is the Sony WF-1000XM5, which suits you if you commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted.
We researched 50 expert reviews, analyzed 63,776 owner ratings and comments across 24 sources for every Sony and Soundcore model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 77 vs 72 · reliability 68 vs 54
| Sony | Soundcore | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 77 | 72 |
| Experts | 88 | 80 |
| Owners | 72 | 73 |
| Reliability | 68 | 54 |
| Models scored | 3 | 2 |
| Most reliable model | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Soundcore Sleep A30 |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Sony or Soundcore?
Sony, on balance. Its models do better overall.
Based on: Average Product Review score 77 for Sony vs 72 for Soundcore.Which brand is more reliable, Sony or Soundcore?
Sony. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 68 vs 54.What is the best Sony noise cancelling headphones?
The Sony WF-1000XM5. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sony models (79).What is the best Soundcore noise cancelling headphones?
The Soundcore Sleep A30. It suits you if you sleep next to a snorer or a noisy pet.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Soundcore models (79).