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Sony MDR XB800 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£95
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR XB800 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

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%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

8.2

User score

Good
4.6

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%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.2

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(346)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(346)

(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

  • 0.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.4

    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

  • 3.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.4

    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

  • sony-mdr-xb800
sony-mdr-xb800

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-XB800 is a premium wired headphone in the Extra Bass series, featuring massive 50mm dome-type drivers and a Direct Vibe structure engineered to deliver a powerful frequency response of 3Hz to 28,000Hz. Key characteristics include a high sensitivity of 106 dB/mW, a 24-ohm impedance, and a 1.2-meter tangle-proof flat serrated cord with a gold-plated L-shaped mini plug. Main pros consist of its intense, punchy bass performance, high 3,000mW power handling capacity, and a portable dual-folding design with pressure-relieving foam earpads for sound isolation. However, notable cons include its relatively heavy weight (290g), reports of structural weakness in the ear cup arms that may lead to breakage over time, and a non-detachable cable.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR XB800

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%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

4.6
Sony MDR XB800 has a technical score of 4.58 points, which is lower than that of 67.6% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(346)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(346)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.2
Sony MDR XB800 has a user score of 8.16 points, which is higher than that of 66.9% 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.
7.6
Sony MDR XB800 has a popularity of 7.6 points, which is higher than 64.5% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Sony MDR XB800 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% 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 XB800 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

50 mm
Sony MDR XB800 uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% 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 XB800 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

3 Hz
Sony MDR XB800 reaches a lowest frequency of 3 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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 XB800 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 XB800 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

0
Sony MDR XB800 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% 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

no
Sony MDR XB800 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% 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

N/A
Show more
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 XB800 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 XB800 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

no
Sony MDR XB800 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

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

290 g
Sony MDR XB800 weighs 290 g, heavier than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 1.2% 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

?
Show more

Sony MDR XB800 vs the average headphone

  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB800 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 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 XB800 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.3 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR XB800 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 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 XB800 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR XB800 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 XB800 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 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 XB800 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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 XB800 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR XB800 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR XB800 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
  • Foldable design
    Sony MDR XB800 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR XB800 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 30x higher input power handling
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 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 XB800 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.3000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR XB800 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Sony MDR XB800 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR XB800 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR XB800 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 30x higher input power handling
    Sony MDR XB800 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony MDR XB800 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 33% higher weight
    Sony MDR XB800 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR XB800 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sony MDR XB800 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR XB800 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR XB800 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony MDR XB800 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    December 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR XB800 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    Sony MDR XB800 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 33% higher weight
    Sony MDR XB800 is heavier than the average headphone (290 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 XB800 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.290 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    Sony MDR XB800 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 XB800 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR XB800 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Sony MDR XB800 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • No travel bag
    Sony MDR XB800 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 XB800 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony MDR XB800 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    December 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Sony MDR XB800 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
Total
Design
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR XB800 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
346 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
346 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR XB800?

  • Powerful and deep bass response (3Hz-28kHz range) suitable for EDM and bass-heavy genres
  • Dual-folding design makes them highly portable for travel
  • Tangle-resistant flat serrated cable with an L-shaped jack
  • Relatively lightweight with soft foam ear pads that provide a good acoustic seal
  • Aesthetically pleasing industrial design with chrome and silver accents

What customers dislike about Sony MDR XB800?

  • Overpowering bass can muddy the mid-range and treble, leading to a 'veiled' sound
  • Durability issues, with reports of the headband or ear cup arms snapping over time
  • On-ear design can cause ear fatigue and discomfort after 30–60 minutes of use
  • Lack of a removable/detachable cable makes it difficult to repair if the wire fails
  • Synthetic leather material on ear pads can feel stuffy and non-breathable

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
01/10/2012
Sony MDR-XB800 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Sony MDR-XB800 headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. offer a powerful, punchy bass response that reaches lower frequencies than the older MDR-XB500, complemented by clearer mids and highs. These portable, dual-folding headphones are designed for bass lovers, delivering strong sound in a compact package. However, the review highlights significant comfort issues,...Read more

D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Sony MDR-XB800Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - Digital Trends

The Sony MDR-XB800 over-ear headphones ($149 MSRP) feature a flashy silver-and-black design, 50mm drivers, comfortable leatherette-covered foam earpads, and a highly flexible, DJ-friendly construction with multiple hinges for easy storage. While they are praised for their tight, authoritative bass performance at 60Hz—making them a potential fit for hip-hop enthusiasts—they suffer...Read more

0
01net.com
14/11/2012
Sony MDR-XB800 review: Great isolation, but too heavy on the bass

The Sony MDR-XB800Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a closed-back, supra-aural (on-ear) headphone weighing 296 grams that features striking black and silver aesthetics, though its build relies heavily on plastic. On the positive side, the design includes a clever system of joints and pivots that allows the ear cups to rotate 90 degrees—making them highly practical for...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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