Skip to content
HearWiki

Alienware Pro Wireless vs Sony Mdr-Cd900st: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Sony Mdr-Cd900st
HearWiki score
86
65
Sound
8.7
7.1
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
7.4
Price (USD)
$120
$160

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Alienware Pro Wireless is 37 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C. For 37 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless202437 yr newer
  • Mdr-Cd900st1987
What differsPro WirelessMdr-Cd900st

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessMdr-Cd900st
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$160
HearWiki score
86
65
Released
2024
1987
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
5 Hz - 30 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
63 Ω
Sensitivity
-
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Battery life
70 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
310 g
200 g
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Sony Mdr-Cd900st

This wired over-ear headphone is a long-standing studio monitor known for its neutral, mid-focused sound and strong detail retrieval. It prioritizes analytical clarity over bass impact or treble sparkle, making it a practical tool for critical listening rather than casual enjoyment. Comfort is adequate for shorter sessions, and its design is straightforward without modern conveniences like noise cancellation or a detachable cable.

  • Pro:Neutral, uncolored sound profile
  • Pro:Excellent clarity and separation
  • Pro:Lightweight at 200 grams
  • Con:Limited bass and treble extension
  • Con:Average comfort for long wear
  • Con:Non-detachable cable

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.