Sony MDR NC100d Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony MDR NC100d review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.9

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%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.9

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%

8.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

7.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.1

Battery

4.0%

5.5

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    8.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    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%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR NC100d

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

6.9
Sony MDR NC100d has a technical score of 6.95 points, which is higher than that of 82.8% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Sony MDR NC100d has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

6.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.8
Sony MDR NC100d has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 80.7% 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

yes
Sony MDR NC100d supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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 MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d 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

8 Hz
Sony MDR NC100d reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% 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 MDR NC100d 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

no
Sony MDR NC100d is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

2
Sony MDR NC100d has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% 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

N/A
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 MDR NC100d 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
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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

?
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 MDR NC100d 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

no
Sony MDR NC100d does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

22 hours
Sony MDR NC100d offers battery life with ANC of 22 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 70.1% of headphones and equal to 3.8% of headphones.
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

9 g
Sony MDR NC100d weighs 9 g, lighter than 96.5% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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 MDR NC100d vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC100d supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony MDR NC100d supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 95.9% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC100d is lighter than the average headphone (9 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 NC100d is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.9 g vs 218 g
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC100d has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 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 NC100d has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 NC100d 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 MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR NC100d has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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 MDR NC100d has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR NC100d reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC100d reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC100d has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Sony MDR NC100d has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • 95.9% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC100d is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC100d supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC100d has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR NC100d has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC100d has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR NC100d has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR NC100d reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC100d has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR NC100d supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR NC100d has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC100d has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR NC100d is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC100d does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 years older release date
    Sony MDR NC100d was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2011
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d 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
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC100d does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    Sony MDR NC100d does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 MDR NC100d has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR NC100d is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Sony MDR NC100d is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC100d has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Sony MDR NC100d has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.22 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sony MDR NC100d is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 MDR NC100d is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony MDR NC100d 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 NC100d uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 6 years older release date
    Sony MDR NC100d was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2011
    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 MDR NC100d was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR NC100d and

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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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
14/02/2012

Sony MDR-NC100D Review Summary The Sony MDR-NC100D earphones feature an unusual, distinctive design consisting of a large stalk and a chunky disc that houses massive 13.5mm drive units. Despite their bulky appearance, the earpieces are lightweight at 5g each and sturdy, making them comfortable for stationery environments like a bustling train carriage. The active noise-canceling...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
28/01/2012

The Expert Reviews evaluation positions the Sony MDR-NC100D as a highly capable pair of active noise-cancelling (ANC) earphones that deliver excellent performance, though they come with a premium retail price of £116. A major strength is their active noise cancellation, which effectively eliminates low, repetitive background drones like home heating systems and rushing wind. This is...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
10/08/2012

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the Sony MDR-NC100D describes these active noise-cancelling (ANC) earphones as a stylish, mid-range option priced around £80, featuring effective digital ANC that improves sound quality by adding warmth and detail to the audio profile. While offering decent noise cancellation, the earphones are marred by a bulky, external AAA battery housing that...Read more

C
cnet.com
14/02/2012

Review Summary of the Sony MDR-NC100D The Sony MDR-NC100D active noise-canceling earphones feature an offbeat, lightweight design, weighing only 5g per bud despite housing massive 13.5mm drivers. On the positive side, their active noise-canceling system functions well, effectively neutralizing general office hums and noticeably reducing traffic noise during commutes. The earphones...Read more

Video reviews

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