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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 XB400 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR XB400 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 XB400
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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 52% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

8.5

User score

â–²Better than 52% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 56%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

6.7

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 63%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 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–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 83%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR XB400

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

6.7

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
8.5/ 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–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 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–² Better than 80% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR XB400 has a popularity score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 79.8% of products in this category.
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% 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
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% 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
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
150 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 150 g, lighter than 69.4% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR XB400 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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.
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • 31.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    150 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 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.
  • 6.7% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR XB400
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR XB400 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.53 vs 8).
    8.53 vs 8
  • 31.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    150 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
InnUpendi
≈ estimated
29/07/2013
First-time buyer review · everyday listening and sound impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 is highly recommended for clear, detailed sound and strong value, especially for first-time over-ear buyers.
9.5
Hal Zeke
≈ estimated
10/01/2013
Hands-on review · three pairs over several weeks
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 offers high value and strong performance and is definitely worth buying in one of several colours.
9.0
PhotonsAcrossTheAir
≈ estimated
08/11/2012
Hands-on review · sound and comfort impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 is strongly recommended for clear sound and deep bass, though it looks cheap and trails pricier Beats.
7.0
BCtechB
≈ estimated
05/04/2014
Comparison · sound, comfort and noise tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 trails the Philips overall, but is a good pick for rap and electronic music.
8.0
Misanthropic Hermit
≈ estimated
15/03/2013
Hands-on review · sound and comfort
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 sounds great for the money, though the on-ear fit gets uncomfortable over long sessions.
9.0
sobezap
≈ estimated
23/02/2013
Unboxing · sound test and comfort
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 wins the reviewer over with deep bass and comfort, a strong pick for budget buyers.
8.0
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
09/02/2013
Unboxing · brief noise isolation test
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 earns high praise from the reviewer after a short test.
8.0
Lokenath Singh
✓ explicit
12/01/2015
First look · unboxing and first listen
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB400 is recommended for everyone, based on comfort, sound and price.
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony MDR XB400

  • Powerful and deep bass response suitable for genres like hip-hop and electronic music
  • Excellent value for money with high sound quality at a budget price point
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions due to lightweight design and soft ear pads
  • Convenient swivel-fold design allows the earcups to lay flat for easier storage
  • Surprisingly effective passive noise isolation that helps block out ambient chatter
  • Tangle-resistant flat cable design with a durable L-shaped gold-plated jack

What customers don't like about Sony MDR XB400

  • Primarily plastic build can feel somewhat fragile and lacks metal reinforcement
  • The plastic finish is prone to scratches and attracts fingerprints easily
  • Mids and highs are less impressive compared to the dominant low-end bass
  • Lacks a dedicated carrying case for protection during travel
  • Standard model lacks in-line controls or a microphone (available only on the XB400IP version)
  • Comfort can diminish after several hours of use due to on-ear pressure for some users

Verdict

The Sony MDR-XB400 is an on-ear, wired headphone featuring 30mm dome-type dynamic drivers and an Advanced Direct Vibe Structure designed to deliver powerful, deep bass. Key specifications include a broad frequency response of 5 Hz – 22,000 Hz, an impedance of 24 ohms (at 1 kHz), and a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW, ensuring high-impact audio even from portable devices. Its main characteristics include a 1.2-meter tangle-free serrated flat cable, a gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug, and a lightweight, 150g swivel-folding design for enhanced portability. Main pros are its exceptionally rich low-end performance for the price and pressure-relieving urethane foam earpads that provide comfort during long listening sessions. Notable cons include the lack of an integrated microphone for phone calls and the tendency of the synthetic ear cushion material to flake or degrade over several years of use.

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