Sony’s MDR-3R is a pair of wired USB-C headphones that copies the look of the 1979 Walkman original, and in the US it costs $59.99. Sony announced it on November 5, 2026, together with a limited Stranger Things Edition, and both are due on sale in November.
The MDR-3R is a modern take on the MDR-3, the on-ear pair that shipped alongside the first Walkman. Sony keeps the 23 mm driver size of the original, adds a microphone and an in-line remote, and replaces the old 3.5mm plug with a USB-C connector.
What does the Sony MDR-3R offer?
Sony describes it as plug and play: “No charging, pairing, or updates are required.” The details from Sony and What Hi-Fi? look like this:
- Connection: USB-C, for devices that support USB Audio Class 1.0
- Drivers: 23 mm units, tuned to stay close to the MDR-3 with subtle refinements for modern listeners
- Controls: a built-in microphone and an in-line remote, which What Hi-Fi? says has three buttons
- Weight and design: 38g according to What Hi-Fi?, with a slim adjustable metal headband and an open-ear fit
- Ear pads: blue and orange sets for swapping the look
- Materials: about 25% recycled plastic in the body and plastic-free packaging, according to Sony
There is no Bluetooth, no battery and no noise cancelling, as What Hi-Fi? points out. The open design also lets sound escape, and Sony itself mentions some sound leakage. The box and manual are styled after the originals.
One caveat sits in Sony’s footnotes: settings may be needed depending on the device, operating system or app, and use with a Walkman is not recommended.
What is the Stranger Things Edition?
The Stranger Things Edition is a limited version inspired by the headphone style worn by the character Max in the Netflix series. Sony says it adds an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.
What Hi-Fi? describes a black headband with black and red ear pads, and 9to5Google calls it a red and black variant. The hardware inside is the same as the standard model.
Prices
Sony lists suggested retail prices of €59 and £49 for the MDR-3R, and €69 and £59 for the Stranger Things Edition, with availability from November 2026. For other markets, the figures below come from 9to5Google and What Hi-Fi?:
- United States: $59.99 for the MDR-3R and $79.99 for the Stranger Things Edition, which What Hi-Fi? rounds to $60 and $80
- United Kingdom: £49 and £59
- Europe: €59 and €69
- Australia: AU$89.95 and AU$99.95
- Canada: not listed in the sources we read
9to5Google reports sales starting on November 5 at typical retailers, naming Sony, Amazon and Best Buy. Local retailers and exact dates in each country were not detailed.
Who it suits
Retro and Stranger Things fans. The design copies the 1979 look down to the packaging style, and the red and black edition leans into the TV link for $79.99 in the US.
Anyone with a USB-C phone, tablet or laptop. The headphones have no battery and need no pairing, so they suit people who want a simple wired set with a microphone for calls. Check that your device supports USB Audio Class 1.0.
Listeners who want a light, cheap spare pair. At 38g and $59.99 in the US, it is an inexpensive extra for a bag or desk, though the open design leaks sound and will not block noise.
Who should wait. Anyone who needs Bluetooth, noise cancelling or a headphone jack, and Canadian buyers, since no price was listed for Canada. Walkman owners should note Sony does not recommend using these with a Walkman.
What is still unknown?
The pages we read do not give frequency range, impedance or cable length, and they do not list prices for Canada or other markets. Regional retailers and exact on-sale dates may differ from the November window Sony gave.
For your country, check the product page Sony points to in its release, sony.co.uk/headphones/products/mdr-3r, or the local Sony site for current pricing.
