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Sony MDR ZX330bt Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 30 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR ZX330bt review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

4.8

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

3.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.1
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
4.8
Battery life
4.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
4.8
Battery life
18.0%
6.8
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
4.8
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.8
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
4.8
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#27 in Best Sony Wireless Headphones
#47 in Best Sony Headphones
#286 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#528 in Best Wireless Headphones
#693 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT is a lightweight (150g) on-ear wireless headset featuring 30mm dome drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz. Its standout characteristic is an exceptional 30-hour battery life, supported by a fast-charging feature that provides 10 hours of playback from a one-hour charge via micro-USB. The headphones offer seamless connectivity through Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC one-touch pairing, alongside a swivel-flat design for enhanced portability. Main pros include its marathon battery performance, comfortable pressure-relieving earpads, and reliable wireless stability for its price point. However, notable cons include a somewhat cheap-feeling plastic construction, the absence of a 3.5mm jack for wired backup, and a lack of active noise cancellation.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR ZX330bt

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

4.6

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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

5.2

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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

4.7

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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

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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Features

4.4

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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

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

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

4.3

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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

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

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

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

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Design

6.6

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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 ZX330bt vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR ZX330bt better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Sony MDR ZX330bt supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% 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 ZX330bt supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR ZX330bt offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (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: HIGH
Sony MDR ZX330bt offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Sony MDR ZX330bt includes on-device controls, the average headphone 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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX330bt includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
31.2% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX330bt is lighter than the average headphone (150 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 ZX330bt is lighter than the average headphone (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.150 g vs 218 g
Sidetone support
Sony MDR ZX330bt supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% 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 ZX330bt supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
14.5% higher user score
Sony MDR ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone 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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
2.15x more popular
Sony MDR ZX330bt is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Sony MDR ZX330bt is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
31.2% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX330bt is lighter than the average headphone (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sony MDR ZX330bt offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Sony MDR ZX330bt includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR ZX330bt supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
EQ customization
Sony MDR ZX330bt supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR ZX330bt worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR ZX330bt uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
No neodymium magnet
Sony MDR ZX330bt does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
2 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
2 hours longer charging time
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 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: MEDIUM
Good value: <=2 hours
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.4 hours vs 2 hours
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
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
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sony MDR ZX330bt has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (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 ZX330bt has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR ZX330bt uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 ZX330bt uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR ZX330bt 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 ZX330bt does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No neodymium magnet
Sony MDR ZX330bt does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR ZX330bt does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR ZX330bt and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR ZX330bt?

Exceptional battery life, with many users confirming up to 30 hours of playback time.
Quick and easy wireless pairing via Bluetooth and NFC (Near-field communication).
Lightweight and portable design featuring swivel folding earcups for easier travel storage.
Solid value for the price, frequently cited as a 'great buy' for budget-conscious listeners.
Integrated controls on the earcups are easy to find and operate by touch.
Comfortable for short-to-moderate listening sessions due to the soft, pressure-relieving earpads.

What customers dislike about Sony MDR ZX330bt?

Cheap, plastic build quality that feels flimsy and fragile to some users.
Lack of a 3.5mm jack, meaning they cannot be used as wired headphones if the battery dies.
On-ear clamping force can become tight or painful during long periods of use, especially for those with larger heads or glasses.
Sound quality lacks depth and richness; some reviewers describe the bass as boomy or sluggish.
Poor noise isolation, allowing external sounds to leak in and music to leak out at higher volumes.
The glossy exterior finish on the earcups is highly susceptible to visible scratches.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

01/05/2016

SONY MDRZX330BT/B Sony MDR ZX330BT - Headset - on-ear

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT is a budget-friendly on-ear wireless headset, praised for its secure fit during workouts and impressive, vibrant treble performance, making it a good value option for active, casual listeners. However, the headset is characterized by a fragile, lightweight plastic construction that requires delicate handling, and it lacks sweat resistance, leading to discomfort...Read more

techradar.com

21/11/2017

Sony MDR-ZX330BT On-Ear Headphones review

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT is an ultra-lightweight (150g) entry-level pair of wireless on-ear headphones priced at approximately $99. On the positive side, these headphones feature a highly attractive, aesthetically pleasing minimalist design and offer a remarkably painless setup process via Bluetooth or NFC pairing. Their standout feature is an exceptional 30-hour battery life that...Read more

sonntagmorgen.com

01/02/2017

Sony MDR-ZX330BT Review 2026 - Sunday Morning

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT is a budget-friendly, on-ear wireless headphone model priced at 124.81 EUR that earns an overall score of 85% on Sonntagmorgen. It is constructed out of lightweight plastic weighing just 150 grams, and features 30mm drivers combined with neodymium magnets. In terms of performance, the review highlights exceptionally clear highs, well-balanced mid-tones that make...Read more

chip.de

12/12/2016

Sony MDR-ZX330BT Review - CHIP

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT Bluetooth headphones received a "satisfactory" overall rating from the CHIP test center, lands squarely in the middle of the competition with average price-performance value. The standout feature of this on-ear model is its exceptional battery life, which lasts over 41 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the design is highly lightweight, making them easy to...Read more

robadainformatici.it

28/03/2026

Sony MDR-ZX330BT Bluetooth Headphones - Full Review", "Sony MDR-ZX330BT Bluetooth Headphones - Complete Review

The Sony MDR-ZX330BT is an affordable pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones that offers a balanced audio experience and remarkable battery life for its mid-range price class. On the positive side, these headphones deliver deep and well-balanced sound reproduction across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, making them highly suitable for genres like pop, rock, and metal. They stand...Read more

coolesuggesties.nl

14/05/2015

Review: Sony MDR-ZX330BT Bluetooth headphones

The review on CooleSuggesties highlights the Sony MDR-ZX330BT Bluetooth headphones as an impressive budget-friendly option priced at 99.99 euros. The reviewer praises the device's excellent sound quality, noting that it delivers a satisfyingly rich bass, great mid-tones, and clear high frequencies for its price point. A standout pro is its exceptionally intuitive control setup,...Read more

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