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Sony revives Walkman headphones, wraps drivers from 1981 in 38g retro housing

Sony is reissuing what may be its most iconic retro headphones.
ⓘ Sony
Sony is reissuing what may be its most iconic retro headphones.
Sony is reissuing the headphones that came with the first Walkman after 45 years. The ultralight on-ear headphones aim to impress not only with their retro charm, but also with modern convenience features such as USB-C and an inline remote.

The Sony MDR-3R on-ear headphones aim to bring back a simpler time. After all, the headphones do not need to be charged, paired or connected via Bluetooth. Instead, they simply connect to a smartphone, tablet or gaming handheld via a USB-C cable, and you can start listening to music right away.

The design was inspired by the Sony MDR-3 from 1981, the headphones that shipped with the first Walkman. Sony includes both orange and blue ear pads, allowing the look to be changed at any time. The retro design and lack of a battery have at least one major advantage: a low weight of just 38 grams.
 


Sony even uses the same dynamic drivers with a diameter of 23 millimeters as in the model from 1981, so the headphones are even supposed to sound like the original. However, Sony couldn't resist adding a few modern convenience features. These include a microphone that allows users to make phone calls via a connected smartphone. There is also an in-line remote control for controlling music playback and volume.

Pricing and availability

The Sony MDR-3R on-ear headphones are available now for $59.99 from the Sony online store. The version with a black headband and red ear cushions is marketed as the "Stranger Things Edition" and costs $79.99. Sony ships the headphones in vintage-style packaging, and even the manual was modeled on the original.
 

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> Expert reviews and news on laptops, smartphones and tech innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 11 > Sony revives Walkman headphones, wraps drivers from 1981 in 38g retro housing
Hannes Brecher, 2026-11- 5 (Update: 2026-11- 5)