OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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Sony MDR XB55ap Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap
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 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

9.0

User score

â–²Better than 53% 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%
5.6

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 70% 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%

6.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 70%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 93%
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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 XB55ap

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 70% 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%

6.3

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
9.0/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 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 89% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR XB55ap has a popularity score of 9.5 points, which is higher than that of 88.8% of products in this category.
9.5
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
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
?
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
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
8 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 8 g, lighter than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Sony MDR XB55ap vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 96.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    8 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
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 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.
  • 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
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony MDR XB55ap is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 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.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony MDR XB55ap is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 13.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 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 XB55ap
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR XB55ap has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.05 vs 8).
    9.05 vs 8
  • 62% more popular
    Sony MDR XB55ap is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.51 vs 5.9).
    9.51 vs 5.87
  • 96.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    8 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
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 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.
  • 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

4.0
JEET BANERJEE
≈ estimated
22/07/2026
Open-box purchase · BGMI and mic tests · final verdict
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP has a weak mic and average sound, so look for a better alternative.
9.0
Life Good Tech
≈ estimated
19/12/2023
Unboxing and review · sound, comfort and mic tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP impresses for music, gaming and movies, though its mic picks up call noise.
5.0
electro mod
≈ estimated
14/02/2023
Hands-on review · fit, sound and value comparison
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP is mostly bass with a weak fit, so the creator would pass unless you are a Sony fan who wants bass.
9.0
eviLWoods
≈ estimated
06/06/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and first impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP suits wired listeners who like Sony's sound, though highs and mids are slightly tinny.
9.0
TECH SMASH
≈ estimated
26/02/2022
Hands-on review · bass, mic and gaming tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP suits bass fans and gym use, but lyrical songs need lower volume to sound clean.
9.0
Lot of Tech
≈ estimated
05/01/2019
Unboxing and review · bass and sound impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP has powerful bass that the creator rates above similar earphones at this price, and a tangle-free cable.
9.0
Technophobic
≈ estimated
24/05/2018
Unboxing and comparison · build and bass tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP is a good buy for bass lovers in this price range, as long as you keep the volume moderate.
7.0
Flat Tech
≈ estimated
12/11/2017
Unboxing and review after 3 months · sound, comfort and durability tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP is a fun, bass-heavy pair for EDM fans, but not the choice for serious audio.
9.0
BG TechLife
≈ estimated
13/02/2022
Unboxing · first look and personal opinion
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP is the creator's favourite wired earbud, recommended as a gift for people who still want a wired option.
8.5
Geekyranjit
✓ explicit
17/07/2020
Hands-on review · sound tests and build notes
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP offers good sound for the price, with a controlled bass boost, though the treble and cable are weaker.
9.0
Tech Unbox
≈ estimated
30/07/2018
Hands-on review · comfort, build and sound tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP is a strong budget pick with balanced sound and comfort, despite tangling and modest bass.
8.0
Sav Talks
≈ estimated
07/03/2018
Unboxing and review · app button control and bass impressions
Verdict
Sony MDR-XB55AP offers good value for budget bass fans, with buttons you can customise in the app.
More graded video reviews (2)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

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 XB55ap

  • Powerful and deep bass performance suited for EDM and bass-heavy genres
  • Good overall value for the price
  • Effective tangle-free serrated cable design
  • Clear microphone quality for hands-free calls
  • Durable build quality often lasting several years with heavy use
  • Includes a storage pouch and multiple ear tip sizes for a better fit

What customers don't like about Sony MDR XB55ap

  • Bass can be overpowering, occasionally drowning out mids and treble
  • Large earbud housing may feel bulky or uncomfortable for users with small ears
  • Design can be prone to falling out due to weight distribution and lack of ear hooks
  • Recessed or 'veiled' higher frequencies may lack clarity for critical listening
  • Reported durability issues with one side of the headphones failing after several months
  • Actual color of the 'Black' model is often described as a dark grey

Verdict

The Sony MDR-XB55AP is a wired in-ear headphone featuring 12mm neodymium drivers and Powered Bass Duct++ technology designed specifically for deep, club-like low-end frequencies. Key technical specs include a wide frequency response of 4Hz–24,000Hz, a sensitivity of 110dB/mW, and a 16-ohm impedance, all housed in a lightweight 8g frame. Its primary characteristics include a 1.2m tangle-free serrated Litz cable with an L-shaped gold-plated plug and an integrated inline remote/microphone for smartphone calls. Main pros are its powerful sub-bass performance, durable build quality, and the inclusion of four sizes of hybrid silicone earbuds to ensure a secure seal. However, notable cons include a bulky driver housing that can feel heavy or unstable during activity, a recessed midrange that may sound 'veiled' to some listeners, and the lack of dedicated onboard volume controls.

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