Sony brings back the Walkman headphones

The new Sony MDR-3R USB-C Wired Headphones take their retro look from Sony’s original MDR-3 headphones, the ones that came with the first Walkman in 1979. The silver headband and foam ear pads are a throwback, but the connection is completely modern: they plug straight into a USB-C phone, tablet or computer.

Sony MDR-3R features

• Retro Walkman designInspired by Sony’s original 1979 MDR-3 headphones
• USB-C connectionPlugs directly into compatible smartphones, tablets and computers
• No charging neededWired, so there are no batteries and no Bluetooth pairing
• Built-in microphoneHands-free calls with in-line controls
• Lightweight and comfortableOpen-air, on-ear design for everyday listening
• Two sets of ear padsComes with both blue and orange foam ear pads you can swap
• Classic Sony soundUpdated 23mm drivers for balanced audio

Price and where to buy

The Sony MDR-3R comes in silver for $59.99. It’s available from Sony’s official store, Best Buy and Amazon, where it’s already selling out fast.

Stranger Things edition

Sony also released a limited-edition Stranger Things MDR-3R for $79.99. It has black and red ear pads, special packaging and a Stranger Things logo.

Good to know

USB-C only: the MDR-3R uses USB-C, not a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Open-air design: it doesn’t have noise cancellation and won’t block out much outside sound.

If you love retro tech or miss the original Walkman headphones, the MDR-3R brings that classic look back with a few useful modern upgrades.