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Sony MDR XB55ap Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£25
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR XB55ap review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
4.8

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%

4.7

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.2

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(2723)
amazon
4.5
(909)
amazon
4.4
(405)
amazon
4.8
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(2723)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(909)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(405)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(15)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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

  • 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

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    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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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR XB55ap

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%

4.7

Calls & Controls

4.8
Sony MDR XB55ap has a technical score of 4.84 points, which is lower than that of 53.2% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(2723)
amazon
4.5
(909)
amazon
4.4
(405)
amazon
4.8
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(2723)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(909)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(405)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(15)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.2
Sony MDR XB55ap has a user score of 9.19 points, which is higher than that of 92.9% 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 XB55ap 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.0
Sony MDR XB55ap has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 61.2% 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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

8 g
Sony MDR XB55ap weighs 8 g, lighter than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% 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 XB55ap vs the average headphone

  • 96.3% lower weight
    Sony MDR XB55ap is lighter than the average headphone (8 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 XB55ap is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.8 g vs 218 g
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB55ap has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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 XB55ap has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • In-line controls
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR XB55ap includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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

    Sony MDR XB55ap includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony MDR XB55ap is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    Sony MDR XB55ap is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 96.3% lower weight
    Sony MDR XB55ap is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB55ap has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB55ap has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sony MDR XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap 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 XB55ap and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
2723 Reviews
amazon
4.5
909 Reviews
amazon
4.4
405 Reviews
amazon
4.8
15 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
2723 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
909 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
405 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
15 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

L
leclaireur.fnac.com
08/11/2021
Sony MDR-XB55AP Lab Review: Budget wired earphones that do the bare minimum

The Labo Fnac review gives the Sony MDR-XB55AP wired in-ear headphones a low rating of 2 out of 5 stars, characterizing them as very basic, entry-level earbuds that offer only the bare minimum. On the positive side, the review notes that the 1.2-meter serrated cable is durable and effective at preventing tangles, and it includes a convenient inline microphone and remote control for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
12/04/2026
Comparing Sony earbuds - Tweakers

Tweakers reviews highlight the Sony WF-1000XM6Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as a top-tier contender, often praised as the best-sounding wireless earbuds for their advanced 32-bit V2 processor, exceptional 8-hour ANC battery life, and superior noise cancellation. These flagship earbuds also feature a robust, customizable app and improved physical ergonomics, securing...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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