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Sony MDR ZX220BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£70
Avg. price in US: ~$80
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 8 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR ZX220BT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Good

5.8

Good

7.9

Very good

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#40 in Best Sony Wireless Headphones
#67 in Best Sony Headphones
#371 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#663 in Best Wireless Headphones
#803 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Sony MDR-ZX220BT is a lightweight (130g) on-ear wireless headphone featuring 30mm dome drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz. It utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 with NFC one-touch pairing for quick connectivity and includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Key pros include its highly portable swivel-folding design, integrated volume and track controls, and an affordable price point. However, it is limited by a relatively short 8-hour battery life (requiring a 2.5-hour charge), a non-padded plastic headband that can cause discomfort during long sessions, and the lack of a wired backup option when the battery is depleted.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR ZX220BT

Overall score

6.2

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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

5.9

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

6.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

5.8

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

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

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: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

?

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: LOW

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Features

5.4

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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

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

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: HIGH

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

4.1

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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: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Design

7.4

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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: LOW

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: LOW

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

?

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Sony MDR ZX220BT vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sony MDR ZX220BT better than the average pair of headphones?

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EQ customization
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
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
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR ZX220BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired 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: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
40.4% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX220BT is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Sony MDR ZX220BT is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.130 g vs 218 g
On-device controls
Sony MDR ZX220BT includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
AAC codec support
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
What it is: Supports AAC codec for iOS and compatible devices
When it matters: When you mainly use Apple devices and want stronger Bluetooth codec support.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
NFC pairing
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
What it is: Supports one-tap pairing via NFC
When it matters: When one-tap Bluetooth pairing matters for convenience.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
40.4% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX220BT is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR ZX220BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
AAC codec support
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
NFC pairing
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
On-device controls
Sony MDR ZX220BT includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
EQ customization
Sony MDR ZX220BT supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR ZX220BT worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR ZX220BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
No travel bag
Sony MDR ZX220BT does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR ZX220BT has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
97.5% lower input power handling
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower max input power than the average pair of headphones (2.5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
22 hours shorter battery life
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
0.5 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
74.1% lower battery capacity
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (150 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR ZX220BT has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Sony MDR ZX220BT has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
22 hours shorter battery life
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
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: LOW
Good value: >45 hours
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.8 hours vs 30 hours
0.5 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
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: LOW
Good value: <=2 hours
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
74.1% lower battery capacity
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (150 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
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: LOW
Good value: >=720 mAh
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (150 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.150 mAh vs 580 mAh
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 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 ZX220BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR ZX220BT has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 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 ZX220BT has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR ZX220BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX220BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR ZX220BT and other products in the Headphones category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR ZX220BT?

Excellent value for the price, especially when found on sale
Balanced and clear sound quality with decent highs and mids
Reliable Bluetooth and NFC pairing that connects quickly to smartphones
Long-lasting battery life, typically providing 8–10 hours of playback
Lightweight and portable swivel-flat design
Effective built-in microphone for clear hands-free calls

What customers dislike about Sony MDR ZX220BT?

On-ear design can cause ear fatigue or discomfort after 1–2 hours of use
Build quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticky
Lack of a 3.5mm auxiliary port for wired listening when the battery is dead
No active noise cancellation (ANC), leading to poor isolation in loud environments
Charging time is relatively slow, taking about an hour for a full charge
Volume levels may not be loud enough for some users in noisy cardio areas

Expert reviews

leclaireur.fnac.com

29/11/2016

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-ZX220BT Review: A good pair of wireless headphones

The Labo Fnac review evaluates the Sony MDR-ZX220BT as a good, lightweight (136 grams) on-ear, closed-back wireless headset that balances strong performance areas with notable weaknesses. The laboratory testing reveals excellent audio fidelity with a frequency response score of 7.8 and a solid distortion score of 7.5. Its standout performance attribute is its perfect sound leakage prevention (scoring a maximum of 10 for perturbation), meaning your music will not disturb people sitting near you. The headset also scores a perfect 10 for wearing comfort according to technical assessments and features built-in Bluetooth, NFC pairing, and an integrated microphone for calls. However, the headphones suffer from severe limitations regarding external sound isolation and physical versatility. The acoustic isolation scored a mediocre 5 out of 10, meaning ambient noises will easily break through your listening experience. Additionally, the unit does not have a foldable frame, lacks iPhone Lightning compatibility, and is heavily critiqued by customers for having too-small ear pads that yield a "flat" sound profile. Laboratory measurements specifically isolated a weak distortion response at 200 Hz (scoring a low 4), which...

it.webuy.com

29/09/2026

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-ZX220BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones: Review and Details

The Sony MDR-ZX220BT is a wireless on-ear Bluetooth headphone model featured on CeX. A major benefit is its NFC One-touch technology for instant device pairing. The hardware utilizes 1.18-inch (30 mm) dome drivers to output clear, dynamic audio. It includes an integrated microphone and convenient on-ear buttons for hands-free call control. Furthermore, a flat-folding swivel design ensures the headphones store easily inside travel bags.

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