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Sony MDR XB450ap Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£55
Avg. price in US: ~$40
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR XB450ap review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.2

Good

9.1

Exceptional

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
1.4
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
6.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.1
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%
10
Companion app
4.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.5
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

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony MDR-XB450AP is a pair of wired, on-ear headphones featuring 30mm neodymium dynamic dome drivers and an Acoustic Bass Booster designed for a punchy low-end response. These headphones boast a wide frequency range of 5Hz to 22,000Hz, a sensitivity of 102dB/mW, and a 24-ohm impedance, delivering loud and clear audio across various devices via a 1.2-meter tangle-free flat cable. Key characteristics include a swivel-folding design for enhanced portability, cushioned earpads for long-wearing comfort, and an in-line remote with a microphone for hands-free calling. Main pros include its powerful bass performance, stylish aluminum housing, and highly affordable price point for budget-conscious listeners. However, potential cons include a predominantly plastic build that may feel less premium, a lack of padding on the headband which can cause discomfort over time, and a bass-heavy sound profile that can sometimes overshadow mids and highs.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR XB450ap

Overall score

6.0

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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.

Sound

4.9

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

4.6

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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

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

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

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

6.2

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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

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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Features

5.6

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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

N/A

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

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

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

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Battery

3.0

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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

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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Design

6.9

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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

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

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

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Sony MDR XB450ap vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR XB450ap better than the average headphone?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR XB450ap has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 XB450ap has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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
Sony MDR XB450ap 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 XB450ap includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sony MDR XB450ap includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR XB450ap includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
24.3% lower weight
Sony MDR XB450ap is lighter than the average headphone (165 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 XB450ap is lighter than the average headphone (165 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.165 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
Sony MDR XB450ap has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR XB450ap has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
13.7% higher user score
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.09 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 XB450ap has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.09 vs 8.000).9.09 vs 8
22 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.132 dB vs 110 dB
24.3% lower weight
Sony MDR XB450ap is lighter than the average headphone (165 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Sony MDR XB450ap has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR XB450ap has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
22 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR XB450ap 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR XB450ap includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sony MDR XB450ap includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR XB450ap worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR XB450ap has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR XB450ap does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR XB450ap has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR XB450ap has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 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 XB450ap has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Sony MDR XB450ap 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 XB450ap has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Sony MDR XB450ap has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
No travel bag
Sony MDR XB450ap does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR XB450ap does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR XB450ap and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR XB450ap?

Powerful and deep bass response ideal for EDM and Hip-Hop
Stylish premium design with metallic finishes and concentric circle patterns
Tangle-free flat serrated cable with gold-plated jack
Lightweight and portable with swiveling, folding ear cups
In-line remote and microphone for hands-free calling and music control
High value for money as an entry-level budget headphone
Passive noise isolation is decent for an on-ear design

What customers dislike about Sony MDR XB450ap?

Bass can be 'bloated' or 'muddy', lacking clarity and definition
Mids and highs are often described as recessed or 'veiled'
On-ear design can cause discomfort or ear pain during long listening sessions
Primarily plastic build may feel less durable over time
Non-replaceable ear pads limit the product's long-term lifespan
Narrow soundstage compared to open-back or higher-end alternatives

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

10/03/2015

Sony MDR-XB450 - Reviews - Head-Fi

Head-Fi community reviews describe the Sony MDR-XB450 as a budget-friendly option designed for bass-heavy music, featuring a stylish aesthetic with aluminum earcups and a flat, tangle-free cable. Users praise the comfortable on-ear design for long listening sessions and note the punchy, dominant bass that performs well for EDM and hip-hop, especially when adjusted with an equalizer....Read more

samma3a.com

17/08/2015

Sony MDRXB450APGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Extra Bass Headphones Review

The Sony MDR-XB450AP is an affordable pair of closed-back, on-ear headphones designed specifically to deliver enhanced bass frequencies through its 30 mm Neodymium dynamic drivers and Beat Response Control technology. Weighing 165 grams, the headphones feature a comfortable, foldable design with soft cushioned ear cups that provide a good acoustic seal to block out external noise....Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

16/11/2016

Sony MDR-XB450AP Review: A good pair of wired headphones

The Labo Fnac review awards the Sony MDR-XB450AP wired, on-ear headphones an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars, praising its excellent value for money. The lab test highlights exceptional acoustic performance in containment and distortion, awarding a high 9 out of 10 for sound perturbation (meaning the design prevents music from leaking out to neighbors) and an 8.1 out of 10 for low...Read more

tech-hardware.it

26/04/2017

Review – Sony XB450AP - Tech Hardware

The Sony XB450AP is a budget-friendly pair of 2.0-channel stereo headphones engineered primarily for fans of dance and electronic music. It features an eye-catching, lightweight plastic design with a minimal packaging layout that includes only the headphones and an instruction booklet. Equipped with 30mm dome drivers and a tangle-resistant flat cable, the headphones terminate in a...Read more

cuffie.pro

05/05/2017

Sony MDR-XB450AP: Review, Price, and Specifications

Sony MDR-XB450AP Review Summary The Sony MDR-XB450AP is a budget-friendly pair of on-ear headphones priced at around €40, specifically designed for smartphone integration and compatible with both Android and iOS systems. They feature a clean, futuristic, and lightweight design with aluminum ear cup covers and a highly durable, tangle-free flat cable. A key benefit is the inline...Read more

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