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Sony MDR XB550AP Review | 93 Data compared

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

Sony MDR XB550AP review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

4.7

Poor

9.2

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%
6.1
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
4.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.1
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

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Verdict

The Sony MDR-XB550AP is a pair of closed-back, on-ear headphones featuring 30mm dynamic dome drivers and a frequency response range of 5Hz to 22,000Hz, specifically tuned for deep, punchy low-end performance via EXTRA BASS™ technology. These headphones include a smartphone-compatible in-line remote and microphone, an adjustable metal headband, and soft cushioned earpads for long-listening comfort, all weighing approximately 180g with a 1.2m tangle-free flat cord. Main pros include its powerful bass output, durable reinforced build, and effective passive noise isolation; however, some users find the clamping force too tight for long sessions, and the sound profile can sometimes mask higher-frequency details due to the bass emphasis.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR XB550AP

Overall score

5.6

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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

5.0

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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

3.8

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

6.3

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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 XB550AP vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR XB550AP better than the average headphone?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
17.4% lower weight
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.180 g vs 218 g
14.5% higher user score
Sony MDR XB550AP has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 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 XB550AP has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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
2.57x cheaper
Sony MDR XB550AP is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
Sony MDR XB550AP is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
17.4% lower weight
Sony MDR XB550AP is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR XB550AP has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sony MDR XB550AP reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR XB550AP worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR XB550AP has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP 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 XB550AP does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR XB550AP and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR XB550AP?

Powerful and deep 'Extra Bass' response ideal for EDM and Hip-Hop
Reasonable pricing offering good value for money
Lightweight design and soft cushions provide long-term comfort for many
Strong passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out background sounds
Equipped with a functional in-line microphone and remote for calls
Tangle-free flat cable design and attractive matte finish

What customers dislike about Sony MDR XB550AP?

Bass can sometimes overpower mids and highs, leading to a 'muddy' sound
On-ear clamping force can cause ear soreness during extended use
Wired cord is considered relatively short by some users
Durability concerns regarding the plastic swivel points and earpad lining
Lack of onboard volume controls on the in-line remote
Design may feel too loose for individuals with smaller heads

Expert reviews

kopfhoerer.de

05/04/2018

Sony MDR-XB550AP review on kopfhoerer.de

The Sony MDR-XB550AP is an affordable, wired on-ear headphone specifically engineered for bass lovers, featuring a retail price of around €30 to €50. A major strength of this model is its exceptionally deep and powerful bass response, which makes it incredibly fun for modern hip-hop, R'n'B, and EDM tracks. Additionally, it offers clean construction quality with a rigid metal...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

18/05/2017

Sony MDR-XB550AP Review: A balanced wired headset for your smartphone

The Labo Fnac review rates the Sony MDR-XB550AP as a solid 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting it as a well-balanced, budget-friendly wired headphone tailored for smartphones. Weighing 199 grams, this closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) model features an integrated microphone and a dedicated hands-free button for ease of use. The lab testing emphasizes excellent audio fidelity in terms of...Read more

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