Sony MDR NC13 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony MDR NC13 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.6

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%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Good
6.4

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%

7.9

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Good
7.4

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%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(276)
amazon
3.7
(49)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(276)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(49)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 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

  • 4.7
    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%

    1.0

    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

  • sony-mdr-nc13
sony-mdr-nc13

Best prices in UK

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-NC13 is a pair of wired, closed-type vertical in-ear headphones featuring 13.5mm neodymium dome drivers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz. Its active noise cancellation (ANC) technology reduces ambient noise by approximately 87.4% (9dB), powered by a single AAA battery that offers an impressive lifespan of up to 100 hours. Main pros include its dual-use capability that allows listening in passive mode without a battery, a lightweight 7g design (excluding the control box), and the inclusion of an airplane adapter and carrying pouch for travel. However, cons include the lack of an in-line microphone and volume remote, a somewhat bulky battery control box, and a noise-canceling performance that is considered effective for constant low-frequency hums but not comprehensive for all environments.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR NC13

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%

7.9

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

6.4
Sony MDR NC13 has a technical score of 6.44 points, which is higher than that of 76.4% 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%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(276)
amazon
3.7
(49)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(276)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(49)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.4
Sony MDR NC13 has a user score of 7.4 points, which is lower than that of 71.3% 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.
7.4
Sony MDR NC13 has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 63.9% 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%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.6
Sony MDR NC13 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 76.6% 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 NC13 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 NC13 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 NC13 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

10 Hz
Sony MDR NC13 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% 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

no
Sony MDR NC13 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 MDR NC13 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

2
Sony MDR NC13 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

no
Sony MDR NC13 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

N/A
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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 NC13 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

no
Sony MDR NC13 does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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 NC13 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 NC13 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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
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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

7 g
Sony MDR NC13 weighs 7 g, lighter than 98% 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
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Sony MDR NC13 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 96.8% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC13 is lighter than the average headphone (7 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 NC13 is lighter than the average headphone (7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.7 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 NC13 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR NC13 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
    What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
    When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC13 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC13 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony MDR NC13 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 96.8% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC13 is lighter than the average headphone (7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC13 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC13 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR NC13 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR NC13 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC13 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC13 has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR NC13 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR NC13 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC13 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    Sony MDR NC13 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2011
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 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 NC13 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 NC13 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR NC13 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 NC13 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 NC13 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6 older release date
    Sony MDR NC13 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 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 NC13 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
  • 8.2% lower user score
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.40 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.40 vs 8.000).7.4 vs 8
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Sony MDR NC13 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR NC13 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR NC13?

  • Excellent battery life, often cited at up to 100 hours on a single AAA battery
  • Effective at reducing consistent ambient sounds like airplane engines and office hums
  • Comfortable for long periods of wear once the correct earbud tip size is found
  • Portable and compact design, often including a carrying pouch and airplane adapter
  • Affordable price point compared to high-end active noise-canceling alternatives

What customers dislike about Sony MDR NC13?

  • Awkwardly placed and bulky battery/control box on the cord that can pull the buds out of ears
  • Cable design is prone to tangling and features an asymmetrical neck-chain style some find frustrating
  • Noise cancellation is less effective against sharp or irregular sounds like nearby conversations
  • Lack of integrated volume controls and an in-line microphone for phone calls
  • Sound quality can diminish slightly when the noise-canceling feature is active
  • Initial discomfort reported by some users before their ears adjusted to the bud shape

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
19/10/2012

The Sony MDR-NC13 in-ear headphones are heavily criticized on Head-Fi for poor durability and sound quality, failing to justify their original $70 price point. While the active noise-cancelling (ANC) technology provides functional reduction of low-frequency ambient noise, the overall experience is described as underwhelming. Key drawbacks include rapid deterioration of internal...Read more

E
ecoustics.com
29/03/2011

The Sony MDR-NC13 is a closed-type, vertical in-ear travel headphone designed to significantly reduce ambient distractions. Released in April 2011 for $69.99, these earphones are engineered specifically for commuters and travelers who want to block out background noise on buses or airplanes. The core performance highlights include a 13.5 mm dome-type driver unit and an...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013

Summary of the Sony MDR-NC13 Review The Sony MDR-NC13 headphones are a mid-level, in-ear option designed to block out continuous ambient drone, such as the hum of an aeroplane or an air conditioner. Priced affordably under £45 despite a higher original RRP, they feature large 13.5mm drivers housed in a bulky design that includes a heavy control box powered by a single AAA battery....Read more

Video reviews

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