Sony EX300ip Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony EX300ip review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

6.0

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

7.5

Calls & Controls

Good
6.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-ex300ip
sony-ex300ip

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony DR-EX300iP is a lightweight, closed-type in-ear headset featuring large 13.5mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets, a 16-ohm impedance, and a broad frequency response of 5Hz to 24,000Hz. Designed specifically for early iPod and iPhone users, its main characteristics include an in-line remote and microphone, an ergonomic vertical-in-ear form factor, and a 1.2m OFC neck-chain cable with a gold-plated four-conductor mini plug. Pros include punchy bass, a spacious soundstage for an entry-level model, and high comfort due to its 6g weight and multiple hybrid silicone tip sizes. Major cons include a thin, tangle-prone J-cord that feels fragile, mediocre passive noise isolation due to the shallow-insertion design, and a fit that can be insecure for users with smaller outer ears.

Technical Specifications of Sony EX300ip

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

7.5

Calls & Controls

5.1
Sony EX300ip has a technical score of 5.12 points, which is higher than that of 56.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.0
Sony EX300ip has a user score of 6.01 points, which is lower than that of 93.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.4
Sony EX300ip has a popularity of 1.4 points, which is lower than 70.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Sony EX300ip has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony EX300ip does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

13.5 mm
Sony EX300ip uses a driver size of 13.5 mm, smaller driver size than 85% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sony EX300ip uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Sony EX300ip reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony EX300ip supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony EX300ip is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Sony EX300ip has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony EX300ip does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sony EX300ip supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony EX300ip does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony EX300ip supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

6 g
Sony EX300ip weighs 6 g, lighter than 98.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Sony EX300ip vs the average headphone

  • 97.2% lower weight
    Sony EX300ip is lighter than the average headphone (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sony EX300ip is lighter than the average headphone (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.6 g vs 218 g
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony EX300ip has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sony EX300ip has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony EX300ip offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony EX300ip offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony EX300ip includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony EX300ip includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Sony EX300ip includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony EX300ip includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony EX300ip supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony EX300ip supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony EX300ip has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony EX300ip has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony EX300ip has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Sony EX300ip has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 97.2% lower weight
    Sony EX300ip is lighter than the average headphone (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony EX300ip has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony EX300ip has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony EX300ip has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    Sony EX300ip has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony EX300ip includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony EX300ip offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Sony EX300ip includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony EX300ip supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony EX300ip has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony EX300ip uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    Sony EX300ip has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    Sony EX300ip has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony EX300ip has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Sony EX300ip has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony EX300ip has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 33.1% lower user score
    Sony EX300ip has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.01 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sony EX300ip has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.01 vs 8.000).6.01 vs 8
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony EX300ip uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony EX300ip uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 3.38x less popular
    Sony EX300ip is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Sony EX300ip is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 vs 4.646).1.38 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Sony EX300ip and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony EX300ip?

  • Impressive punchy bass and warm, liquid mids for its price range
  • Wide and well-layered soundstage compared to other entry-level earphones
  • Extremely lightweight at only 5 grams, making them highly portable
  • Comfortable fit for long-term wear, especially with various tip sizes
  • Comes with a convenient travel bag/special case for safe transport
  • Low impedance (16 Ohms) allows for high volume on mobile devices without an amp

What customers dislike about Sony EX300ip?

  • Frustrating asymmetrical 'J-cord' that many users find thin and prone to tangling
  • Mediocre noise isolation, allowing external sounds to interfere with music
  • Durability concerns, with reports of cable failure and earbud covers falling off
  • Upper treble extension can be mediocre and may pick up sibilance on some tracks
  • Fit can be hit-or-miss, with some users reporting they fall out during activity like running
  • Lacks modern features like inline volume control or a microphone on some sub-models

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
17/08/2009

The Sony MDR-EX300 earbuds feature a warm, robust, and tight bass, offering decent, distortion-free mid-range performance suitable for mainstream and electronic music, though the upper treble lacks clarity. While the bass can overwhelm other frequencies and the cable is prone to tangling with poor isolation, the earbuds are praised for their lightweight, comfortable fit. As an...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010

The Sony MDR-EX300/BLK in-ear monitor offers a warm, detailed sound signature with impressive, deep bass and a wide soundstage for its price point, as noted in the Head-Fi showcase. Its lightweight design ensures high comfort, while the included, high-quality carrying case adds a premium touch. Head-Fi.orgConversely, the earphones are heavily criticized for featuring incredibly...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013

The Sony MDR-EX300 is an entry-level, vertical in-ear monitor (IEM) that provides an impressive sonic compromise between Sony's mass-market consumer and high-end audiophile sound profiles. Equipped with a 13.5mm dynamic driver, these earphones deliver a punchy bass that stops short of being overly bloated, a warm yet open and airy midrange, and a spacious, well-layered soundstage...Read more

C
connect.de
25/09/2009

The connect review of the Sony MDR EX 300 SL describes these 50-Euro in-ear headphones as delivering a very direct and punchy sound signature. A major practical advantage highlighted in the text is the highly durable, 0.6-meter short cable, which can easily be extended to a length of 1.5 meters using the adapter cable included in the box. Additionally, the retail packaging contains...Read more

H
hifitest.de
09/02/2010

The hifitest.de review rates the Sony MDR-EX300SL in-ear headphones as an "Upper Class" (Oberklasse) product, awarding them 3.5 out of 5 stars with a "good" price-to-performance ratio. Released around February 2010 for approximately 50 Euros, these wired earphones feature a unique, flat driver housing shape that makes insertion remarkably easy and practically eliminates any...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
07/10/2010

The Sony MDR-EX300SL is an entry-level pair of wired in-ear monitors designed with an asymmetrical neckband cable configuration, which is particularly useful for athletes or active users to keep the cord stable during movement. While it performs noticeably better than standard stock earbuds bundled with media players, its build and audio quality prevent it from being a stellar...Read more

Video reviews

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