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Sony MDR XB510as Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£35
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR XB510as review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

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%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Good
4.9

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%

4.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.7

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%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(1034)
amazon
3.9
(817)
amazon
4.0
(441)
amazon
3.9
(145)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(1034)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(817)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(441)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(145)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 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

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    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

  • 7.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    7.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-xb510as
  • sony-mdr-xb510as
  • sony-mdr-xb510as
sony-mdr-xb510as
sony-mdr-xb510as
sony-mdr-xb510as

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-XB510AS is a wired in-ear sports headphone featuring 12mm dome-type dynamic drivers designed with 'Extra Bass' technology for enhanced low-end performance. Key specifications include a wide frequency response of 4Hz to 24,000Hz, a sensitivity of 106dB/mW, and a 56-ohm impedance, all powered by high-energy neodymium magnets. Built for durability, it boasts an IPX5/7 waterproof rating, allowing it to be washed after workouts or used in heavy rain. Main pros include a secure fit provided by interchangeable arc supporters and hybrid silicone earbuds, along with a tangle-free serrated 1.2m Litz wire cable and an in-line microphone for hands-free calling. However, common cons involve a bulky design that sticks out significantly from the ears, which some users find heavy or uncomfortable for extended use, and the lack of in-line volume controls.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR XB510as

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%

4.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

4.9
Sony MDR XB510as has a technical score of 4.87 points, which is lower than that of 51.9% 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%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(1034)
amazon
3.9
(817)
amazon
4.0
(441)
amazon
3.9
(145)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(1034)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(817)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(441)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(145)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.7
Sony MDR XB510as has a user score of 8.66 points, which is higher than that of 76.1% 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.
10
Sony MDR XB510as has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.9
Sony MDR XB510as has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% 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

no
Sony MDR XB510as does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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

12 mm
Sony MDR XB510as uses a driver size of 12 mm, smaller driver size than 86.5% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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 XB510as 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

4 Hz
Sony MDR XB510as reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% 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 XB510as 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 XB510as 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

1
Sony MDR XB510as has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

yes
Sony MDR XB510as 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

?
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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 XB510as 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

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

no
Sony MDR XB510as 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

yes
Sony MDR XB510as supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
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

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 XB510as 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
Show more

Sony MDR XB510as vs the average headphone

  • 95.9% lower weight
    Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.9 g vs 218 g
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB510as has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 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 XB510as has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 9 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB510as has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (111 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 XB510as has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as 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 XB510as 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 XB510as includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB510as has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 XB510as has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Water resistance
    Sony MDR XB510as is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    IPX5
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR XB510as is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 95.9% lower weight
    Sony MDR XB510as is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Sony MDR XB510as is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    Sony MDR XB510as has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB510as has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 9 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB510as has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB510as has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR XB510as reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR XB510as includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR XB510as has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR XB510as has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    Sony MDR XB510as has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 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 XB510as has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.12 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR XB510as and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
1034 Reviews
amazon
3.9
817 Reviews
amazon
4.0
441 Reviews
amazon
3.9
145 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
1034 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
817 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
441 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
145 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR XB510as?

  • Deep, powerful bass suitable for EDM and bass-heavy music
  • Secure fit during sports and running thanks to arc supporters/ear fins
  • IPX5/7 rating makes them waterproof, sweatproof, and washable
  • Durable build quality with a tangle-resistant flat serrated cable
  • Good overall value for the price point
  • Includes a variety of ear tip and wing sizes for customization
  • Passive noise isolation effectively blocks out gym or commuting noise

What customers dislike about Sony MDR XB510as?

  • Bulky design that sticks out significantly from the ears
  • Can become uncomfortable or cause ear pain after long periods of wear
  • Average high and mid-range frequencies compared to audiophile models
  • Wired-only design can be restrictive for some users
  • Microphone and one-button remote may stop working over time according to some users
  • The large size makes them unsuitable for use under helmets or while sleeping
  • Cable microphonics (static noise) can occur if the wire brushes against clothing while running

Expert reviews

E
expertreviews.co.uk
28/11/2023
The best Sony headphones to buy | Expert Reviews (Section 9: Sony MDR-XB510AS) Are you looking for these specifically for their waterproof features or...

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones stand as the top over-ear noise-cancelling option on the market, praised for delivering exceptional sound quality and utilizing the smartest active noise cancellation available. They incorporate upgraded drivers that extract rich details from audio files, while boasting a streamlined design that successfully reduces wind interference. Comfort is...Read more

M
musicphotolife.com
23/05/2017
Sony MDR-XB510AS Review: Washable Sports Earphones

The Sony MDR-XB510AS is a pair of wired sports earphones retailing in Singapore for S$69, designed specifically for active users seeking durability and reliable battery life. The audio profile features a deep, firm, and boomy bass that remains well-contained without completely overwhelming the soundstage. While the midrange is pronounced enough to add warmth to your music, the...Read more

F
fr.fnac.be
04/05/2020
Sony MDR-XB510AS - headphones with microphone

The Sony MDR-XB510AS wired in-ear headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. are designed for intensive workouts, featuring a robust IPX5/7 water-resistance rating that allows them to be washed after use. They offer deep audio via 12mm drivers with Extra Bass technology, a tangle-free cable, and secure fit stabilizers. YouTube· Key constraints include a 3.5mm wired...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
palabraderunner.com
06/11/2017
Sony MDR-XB510AS: Review and opinion of these sports headphones

The Palabra de Runner review gives a highly positive 4.5 out of 5 rating to the Sony MDR-XB510AS wired sports earbuds, highlighting them as an excellent, budget-friendly option under 50 euros for athletes who still prefer a wired setup. The core pros emphasize their infinite battery life because they connect via a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, eliminating the need for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
sony.es
08/02/2017
MDR-XB510AS In-Ear Headphones Opinions and Reviews

The Sony MDR-XB510AS wired in-ear headphones are designed for active use, featuring an IPX5/7 rating for washability, secure arc supports, and 12mm drivers delivering powerful EXTRA BASS™ for workouts. However, the bulky housing can cause discomfort during extended wear, and the sound profile prioritizes low-end frequencies over clear mids and highs. and Sony waterproof Sports...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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