Sony MDR AS700bt O Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 9 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR AS700bt O review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

3.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.0

User score

Poor
3.9

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%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

4.4

Features

10.0%

7.6

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

7.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.0

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(3105)
amazon
3.8
(51)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(3105)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(51)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

  • 1.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 6.7
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    5.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-as700bt-o
  • sony-mdr-as700bt-o
  • sony-mdr-as700bt-o
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sony-mdr-as700bt-o

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Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Sony MDR-AS700BT/O is a lightweight, on-ear wireless sports headset featuring 30mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets and a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz. Designed for active use, it utilizes a secure behind-the-neck band and a water-resistant, splashproof construction to withstand sweat and rain. Main characteristics include Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity with NFC one-touch pairing, AAC codec support for high-quality audio streaming, and a built-in omni-directional microphone for hands-free calls. Key pros are its stable fit during intense workouts, 9-hour rechargeable battery life, and integrated earcup controls for volume and track management. However, potential cons include the lack of active noise cancellation, a slightly aged Bluetooth version, and reports from some users of signal instability depending on device placement.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR AS700bt O

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%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

4.4

Features

10.0%

7.6

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

7.3

Calls & Controls

3.9
Sony MDR AS700bt O has a technical score of 3.88 points, which is lower than that of 88% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(3105)
amazon
3.8
(51)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(3105)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(51)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.0
Sony MDR AS700bt O has a user score of 9.01 points, which is higher than that of 85.4% 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 MDR AS700bt O 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
Sony MDR AS700bt O has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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 MDR AS700bt O 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

30 mm
Sony MDR AS700bt O uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% 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 MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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 MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O 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

wireless
Sony MDR AS700bt O supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% 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

3.0
Sony MDR AS700bt O uses Bluetooth version 3.0, newer Bluetooth version than 55.7% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
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

10 m
Sony MDR AS700bt O offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

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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

no
Sony MDR AS700bt O does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
Sony MDR AS700bt O supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

no
Sony MDR AS700bt O does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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 MDR AS700bt O 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

9 hours
Sony MDR AS700bt O offers battery life of 9 hours, lower battery life than 92.9% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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

1.5 hours
Sony MDR AS700bt O needs 1.5 hours to charge, lower charging time than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 7% of headphones.
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

no
Sony MDR AS700bt O does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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

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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

on-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

157 g
Sony MDR AS700bt O weighs 157 g, lighter than 68.1% 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

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Sony MDR AS700bt O vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    Sony MDR AS700bt O supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Sony MDR AS700bt O supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR AS700bt O offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired 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

    Sony MDR AS700bt O offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR AS700bt O includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR AS700bt O includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 28% lower weight
    Sony MDR AS700bt O is lighter than the average headphone (157 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 MDR AS700bt O is lighter than the average headphone (157 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.157 g vs 218 g
  • 0.5 hours shorter charging time
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.1.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Water resistance
    Sony MDR AS700bt O is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    IPX4
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR AS700bt O is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 28% lower weight
    Sony MDR AS700bt O is lighter than the average headphone (157 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Sony MDR AS700bt O is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 0.5 hours shorter charging time
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sony MDR AS700bt O offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony MDR AS700bt O offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR AS700bt O includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR AS700bt O supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    Sony MDR AS700bt O supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR AS700bt O uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sony MDR AS700bt O does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony MDR AS700bt O does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 21 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sony MDR AS700bt O does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR AS700bt O does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 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 MDR AS700bt O has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 21 hours shorter battery life
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Sony MDR AS700bt O has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.9 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sony MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O 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
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sony MDR AS700bt O 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 MDR AS700bt O does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.43 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sony MDR AS700bt O has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.43 vs 6.736).6.43 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR AS700bt O and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR AS700bt O?

  • Secure fit for sports and exercise without falling off
  • Excellent battery life, often exceeding the advertised 9 hours
  • Strong bass performance suitable for EDM and high-energy music
  • Easy and fast pairing via NFC and Bluetooth
  • Durable, sweat-resistant design that holds up over several years
  • Good wireless range allowing movement up to 50 feet away

What customers dislike about Sony MDR AS700bt O?

  • Initial tightness can cause head discomfort or ear pinching
  • Sound can feel overly bass-heavy or muffled for some genres
  • Bluetooth signal may stutter if the phone is in a pocket or blocked by obstacles
  • Maximum volume level is perceived as too low by some users
  • Behind-the-neck design may not be comfortable for people wearing glasses
  • Lack of noise isolation allows significant ambient sound to leak in

Expert reviews

H
hifitest.de
05/11/2014

The Sony MDR AS700BT is a splashproof, neckband-style wireless headphone designed specifically for sports and active use. Priced at around 100 Euros, it offers a secure and comfortable fit during vigorous movement, with its neckband design eliminating the hassle of tangled cables. Weighing only 80 grams, the device features 30-mm drivers and a hybrid dual-driver system. It is highly...Read more

C
chicageek.com
19/05/2014

In this technology review from ChicaGeek, the author evaluates the Sony MDR-AS700BT Bluetooth headphones, focusing heavily on their performance during active sports like walking and running. Despite an initial impression that the behind-the-neck band design would be highly uncomfortable, the reviewer highlights exceptional comfort and stability as the primary benefits, noting that...Read more

D
dday.it
14/05/2015

The DDay.it review of the Sony MDR-AS600BT highlights these sports earbuds as an exceptional choice for sound quality, stable connectivity, and battery life. The reviewer praises the audio performance as the best in its roundup, offering a highly balanced, dynamic sound with an extended bass response that never distorts or becomes fatiguing at high volumes. Fitness enthusiasts will...Read more

Video reviews

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