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Sony MDR XB510as Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR XB510as 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 XB510as
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 54% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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 69% of models
Score components

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.7

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 69%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 79%
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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 XB510as

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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 69% of models
Score components:

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.7

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
8.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
9.0/ 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 85% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR XB510as has a popularity score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 85.4% of products in this category.
9.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.3
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
12 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones 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
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
4 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones 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
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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
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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.
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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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
9 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 9 g, lighter than 96.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Sony MDR XB510as vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Sony MDR XB510as is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 53.1% more popular
    Sony MDR XB510as is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.99 vs 5.9).
    8.99 vs 5.87
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    This pair of headphones has a better IP rating than the average pair of headphones (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    IPX5 vs none
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    12 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 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 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.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 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.
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    12 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

8.0
Ken Michael
≈ estimated
23/08/2018
Water test · pool and steam room use
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB510AS worked underwater and in steam, but water can get trapped in the ear.
8.0
Mridul Mishra
≈ estimated
25/07/2018
Unboxing and multi-day use · build, sound and comfort
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB510AS has good sound and build, but a tangle-prone cable and bulky housing limit comfort, especially when lying down.
9.0
Arshdeep Singh
≈ estimated
11/09/2018
Short review · sound and build tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB510AS is recommended for sports users and bass lovers, with average mids and highs.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

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 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 don't like 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

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.

Compare Sony MDR XB510as with other products in the Headphones category

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