Sony MDR NC200d Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony MDR NC200d review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.2

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%

7.4

Technical Score

20.0%

6.1

User score

Very good
7.4

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%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

7.5

Features

10.0%

7.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.1

Battery

4.0%

5.5

Calls & Controls

Very good
6.1

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(8)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

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

  • 5.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.1

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    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%

    6.1

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-nc200d
sony-mdr-nc200d

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Sony MDR-NC200D is a supra-aural (on-ear) wired headphone featuring a 40mm dome-type driver with neodymium magnets, delivering a frequency response of 8Hz to 23,000Hz and a sensitivity of 103dB/mW when powered. Its primary characteristic is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) noise-cancelling engine that automatically selects the optimal mode to reduce ambient noise by up to 98.2%, powered for approximately 22 hours by a single AAA battery. Main pros include a compact, foldable design ideal for travel, a detachable 1.5m OFC cord, and the ability to continue playing audio in passive mode when the battery is depleted. However, cons include a reported audible hiss during active noise cancellation, occasional sound muffling compared to passive use, and the lack of an integrated microphone for calls.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR NC200d

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%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

7.5

Features

10.0%

7.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.1

Battery

4.0%

5.5

Calls & Controls

7.4
Sony MDR NC200d has a technical score of 7.41 points, which is higher than that of 88.3% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(8)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.1
Sony MDR NC200d has a user score of 6.11 points, which is lower than that of 92.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.7
Sony MDR NC200d has a popularity of 1.7 points, which is lower than 68.8% 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%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

8.0
Sony MDR NC200d has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 85.4% 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 NC200d 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

40 mm
Sony MDR NC200d uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 NC200d 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 NC200d reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d 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

?
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

yes
Sony MDR NC200d includes a boom microphone. 84.5% 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
Show more
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 NC200d 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

yes
Sony MDR NC200d supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% 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

yes
Sony MDR NC200d 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

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

3
Sony MDR NC200d offers 3 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 94.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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 NC200d 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

22 hours
Sony MDR NC200d 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
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

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

180 g
Sony MDR NC200d weighs 180 g, lighter than 61.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

?
Show more

Sony MDR NC200d vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d 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
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 17.4% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC200d is lighter than the average headphone (180 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 NC200d is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.180 g vs 218 g
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR NC200d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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

    Sony MDR NC200d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC200d 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.
    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 NC200d 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.23000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 17.4% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC200d is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC200d supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC200d has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC200d 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.
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Sony MDR NC200d has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Removable battery
    Sony MDR NC200d has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC200d includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR NC200d supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR NC200d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • EQ customization
    Sony MDR NC200d supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC200d 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.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC200d does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    Sony MDR NC200d was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2011
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d 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
  • 31% lower user score
    Sony MDR NC200d has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.11 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 NC200d has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.11 vs 8.000).6.11 vs 8
  • 6 older release date
    Sony MDR NC200d 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 NC200d was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
  • 2.76x less popular
    Sony MDR NC200d is less popular than the average headphone (1.69 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 NC200d is less popular than the average headphone (1.69 vs 4.646).1.69 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR NC200d and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR NC200d?

  • Effective noise cancellation with an automatic 'AI' mode that adjusts to environments like planes or trains
  • Highly portable, foldable design that fits into a compact supplied carrying case
  • Features a detachable and replaceable audio cable
  • Capable of playing music in passive mode even when the battery is dead
  • Built-in 'Monitor' button allows users to hear surroundings without removing the headset
  • Lightweight build that is generally considered sturdy and durable for travel

What customers dislike about Sony MDR NC200d?

  • Noticeable audio distortion on bass-heavy tracks when noise cancellation is active
  • Audible background hiss often present when the digital noise canceling feature is engaged
  • Some users report comfort issues and pressure headaches during long sessions due to the on-ear (supra-aural) design
  • Lacks an integrated microphone and in-line remote for phone calls or playback control
  • Uses a single AAA battery rather than a modern rechargeable internal battery
  • Sound can feel muffled or 'hollow' with noise cancellation turned on compared to passive mode

Expert reviews

T
techrepublic.com
06/09/2011

The TechRepublic review of the Sony MDR-NC200D headphones praises their exceptional comfort, featuring plush ear pads and a cushioned headband ideal for long-term travel wear. The compact design incorporates active noise-canceling technology designed to reduce ambient noise, paired with a sound profile described as decent for travel use. However, the headset lacks any integrated...Read more

W
whathifi.com
12/04/2012

Review Summary The Sony MDR-NC200D on-ear headphones effectively block out ambient background noise but compromise overall audio quality when active noise-cancelling (ANC) is turned on. The review notes that the ANC technology introduces a gentle, muffled sonic profile that masks detail and vocal clarity, causing basslines and riffs to overwhelm the mix. Conversely, the headphones...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
11/10/2011

The Sony MDR-NC200D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones ($199 list price) offer a mixed performance, earning a 3.0 average rating due to notable audio flaws despite their strong noise-cancelling features. On the positive side, these supra-aural (on-ear) headphones are highly comfortable for long-term listening and feature an automatic "AI NC" system. This technology analyzes ambient...Read more

C
cnet.com
30/10/2011

Despite these positives, the reviewer notes several acoustic and functional drawbacks. The headphones lack an integrated microphone entirely, making them unsuitable for phone calls. Sound quality takes a hit when active noise cancellation is switched on; the headphones introduce an audible background hiss, sound slightly more hollow or canned, and lose some warmth in the midrange...Read more

D
dailymotion.com
07/01/2014

The CNET France review highlights the Sony MDR-NC200D as a compact and travel-friendly set of supra-aural (on-ear) headphones featuring an exceptionally sleek, foldable design. On the positive side, reviewers praise the device for its lightweight, ergonomic construction and plush urethane ear cushions that ensure long-term listening comfort. Its primary selling point is the...Read more

A
audiocasque.fr
17/12/2013

The Sony MDR-NC200D is reviewed as a highly portable and budget-friendly alternative to high-end noise-canceling options like the Bose QuietComfort 15. On the positive side, this mid-range headset is celebrated for its compact, lightweight, and robust foldable design that fits neatly into a well-crafted carrying case. It delivers highly satisfying audio performance for its price...Read more

Video reviews

Compare Sony MDR NC200d with

VS
VS

Compare