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Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR NC100d Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Sony MDR NC100d Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR NC100d
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 72% of headphones
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–²Better than 70%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

52%

8.1

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 75%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £160
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Headphones model ranking

Ranked #1 of 1,029 models in Headphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR NC100d

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

52%

8.1

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

6.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR NC100d has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
13.5 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones 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
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
8 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.3% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
22 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 22 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 69.6% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
9 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 9 g, lighter than 96.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Sony MDR NC100d vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 1 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5.87x less popular
    Sony MDR NC100d is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Sony MDR NC100d is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Sony MDR NC100d is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR NC100d

  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC), especially for low-frequency engine noise
  • Lightweight and comfortable earpiece design suitable for long travel sessions
  • Uses a standard AAA battery, which is convenient for quick replacement while traveling
  • Includes useful travel accessories like an airplane adapter and carrying case
  • Sound quality improves significantly when ANC is activated, gaining warmth and bass

What customers don't like about Sony MDR NC100d

  • Unimpressive audio performance compared to non-ANC headphones in the same price bracket
  • Bulky and heavy battery control box located mid-cable can be awkward or tug on ears
  • Noticeable drop in sound quality (loss of bass and brittle highs) when ANC is off
  • Introduces a light background hiss common in older active noise-canceling tech
  • Lacks integrated remote controls for music playback or volume on the housing
  • Long 1.5m cable is prone to tangling

Verdict

The Sony MDR-NC100D is a set of wired, digital noise-cancelling in-ear headphones featuring large 13.5mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 8Hz to 23,000Hz. Utilizing Sony's Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelling technology, these earbuds automatically select from three modes (Airplane, Train, or Office) to reduce ambient noise by up to 98.2%. Key pros include a comfortable vertical-ear design, high sensitivity (110dB/mW when powered), and the ability to continue listening in passive mode even if the single AAA battery—which provides up to 22 hours of active use—runs out. However, some users note that sound quality can be unimpressive with lacking bass punch, and the bulky, non-detachable battery housing on the 1.5m cord can be awkward for active use.

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