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Sony Ier EX15c Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£20
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony Ier EX15c review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Good
4.8

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%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.5

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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(357)
amazon
3.8
(289)
amazon
4.0
(125)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(357)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(289)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(125)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    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%

    1.0

    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

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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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 IER-EX15C is a compact and lightweight (3g) pair of wired in-ear headphones designed for plug-and-play convenience via a USB-C connection, making it compatible with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and PCs. It features 5mm dynamic drivers with high-compliance neodymium magnets tuned to deliver balanced sound with powerful bass and clear vocals, supported by a 1.2m tangle-resistant serrated cable with an integrated slider. Key advantages include an improved in-line remote with volume, playback, and mic-mute controls, a comfortable contoured fit with three included silicone earbud sizes, and no requirement for charging or pairing. However, notable drawbacks include a lack of water resistance, a thin cable that may be prone to damage, and performance that some users find underpowered or overpriced compared to competitive budget alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Sony Ier EX15c

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%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

4.8
Sony Ier EX15c has a technical score of 4.8 points, which is lower than that of 54.8% 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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(357)
amazon
3.8
(289)
amazon
4.0
(125)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(357)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(289)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(125)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.5
Sony Ier EX15c has a user score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 72.2% 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.
10
Sony Ier EX15c has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.9
Sony Ier EX15c has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% 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 Ier EX15c 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

5 mm
Sony Ier EX15c uses a driver size of 5 mm, smaller driver size than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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 Ier EX15c 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

20 Hz
Sony Ier EX15c reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Sony Ier EX15c does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

3 g
Sony Ier EX15c weighs 3 g, lighter than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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
Show more

Sony Ier EX15c vs the average headphone

  • 98.6% lower weight
    Sony Ier EX15c is lighter than the average headphone (3 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 Ier EX15c is lighter than the average headphone (3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.3 g vs 218 g
  • In-line controls
    Sony Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • USB-C charging
    Sony Ier EX15c uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony Ier EX15c uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony Ier EX15c includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony Ier EX15c includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    Sony Ier EX15c is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
    Sony Ier EX15c is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
  • 8 years newer release date
    Sony Ier EX15c was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2025
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Sony Ier EX15c was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2025 vs 2017
  • 2.15x more popular
    Sony Ier EX15c is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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 Ier EX15c is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 98.6% lower weight
    Sony Ier EX15c is lighter than the average headphone (3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • USB-C charging
    Sony Ier EX15c uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • In-line controls
    Sony Ier EX15c includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony Ier EX15c supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sony Ier EX15c includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 8 years newer release date
    Sony Ier EX15c was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Total
Overall
Design
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features
  • Fixed cable
    Sony Ier EX15c has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sony Ier EX15c does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 35 mm smaller driver size
    Sony Ier EX15c has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sony Ier EX15c has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 35 mm smaller driver size
    Sony Ier EX15c has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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 Ier EX15c has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Sony Ier EX15c 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 Ier EX15c has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sony Ier EX15c has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 Ier EX15c has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No travel bag
    Sony Ier EX15c does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony Ier EX15c does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Sony Ier EX15c and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
357 Reviews
amazon
3.8
289 Reviews
amazon
4.0
125 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
357 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
289 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
125 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony Ier EX15c?

  • Native USB-C connectivity eliminates the need for separate dongles or adapters.
  • Extremely lightweight and compact design provides a comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
  • Clear vocal reproduction makes them well-suited for podcasts and dialogue-focused content.
  • Simple plug-and-play functionality with zero latency compared to wireless options.
  • Convenient in-line remote with a tactile volume rocker and functional microphone for calls.
  • Effective passive noise isolation when a proper seal is achieved with silicone tips.

What customers dislike about Sony Ier EX15c?

  • Build quality feels fragile and 'plasticky,' particularly the very thin, non-braided cable.
  • Lack of bass impact or sub-bass rumble often disappoints users accustomed to bass-heavy signatures.
  • Prone to cable microphonics, where physical movement of the wire creates audible noise in the earbuds.
  • Maximum volume levels can feel insufficient on certain devices, especially some Android phones.
  • Non-replaceable cable means the entire unit must be discarded if the wire breaks.
  • Poor indicator visibility for left and right earpieces makes them difficult to identify at a glance.

Expert reviews

R
review-rating.com
08/11/2025
Sony IER-EX15C USB-C Wired In-Ear Headphones | Review & Rating

The Sony IER-EX15C is an affordable, lightweight pair of USB-C wired earbuds designed for everyday commuters, students, and remote workers seeking a hassle-free, plug-and-play audio experience. A standout feature at this price point is its balanced armature driver, which provides impressive midrange clarity, sharp vocal reproduction, and excellent instrument separation ideal for...Read more

S
soundguys.com
28/03/2026
Sony IER-EX15C review: Wired earbuds are back

The SoundGuys review of the Sony IER-EX15C highlights these budget USB-C earbuds as a surprisingly capable option for music, podcasts, and competitive gaming. Key pros include a mid-forward sound profile that smooths harsh treble for comfortable long-term listening, along with clear audio separation, a tangle-resistant cable, and a tactile, functional inline remote. Conversely, the...Read more

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