OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony SBH50 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:8 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony SBH50 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

â–²Better than 65% of headphones
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

7.7

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 61% of headphones
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 2,346 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 79% of headphones
  • sony-sbh50
sony-sbh50

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony SBH50

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Battery

4%

7.7

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 2,346 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Popularity:
Sony SBH50 has a popularity score of 8.2 points, which is higher than that of 78.1% of products in this category.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
9.2 mm
Driver size
9.2 mm
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 9.2 mm, smaller driver size than 92% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Number of microphones
1
â–² Better than 27% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
3
Bluetooth version
3
â–² Better than 56% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 3, newer Bluetooth version than 55.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
?
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
Companion app
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Battery life
8 hours
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 8 hours, lower battery life than 93.7% of headphones and equal to 4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
2.5 hours
Charging time
2.5 hours
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 53% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
115 mAh
Battery capacity
115 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 115 mAh, lower battery capacity than 98.4% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
15.8 g
Weight
15.8 g
â–² Better than 89% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 15.8 g, lighter than 88.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Sony SBH50 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 92.8% lower weight
    Weight
    15.8 g
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (15.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    15.8 g vs 218 g
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 92.8% lower weight
    Weight
    15.8 g
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (15.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    15.8 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • NFC pairing
    NFC pairing
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    Fast pairing
    yes
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sidetone
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 30.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9.2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    8 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones 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
    Charging time
    2.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 80.2% lower battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    115 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (115 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    115 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones 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
  • No travel bag
    Travel bag included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No travel bag
    Travel bag included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 30.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9.2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    8 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones 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
    Charging time
    2.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 80.2% lower battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    115 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (115 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    115 mAh vs 580 mAh

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

N
noypigeeks.com
22/09/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SBH50 Review – Bluetooth Headset Evolution
S
superadrianme.com
10/09/2013
Summary of the review
REVIEW: Sony Stereo Bluetooth Headset SBH50
U
unbox.ph
24/08/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SBH50 Bluetooth Headset Review: The Ultimate Xperia Accessory?
D
droidpanic.com
29/01/2014
Summary of the review
MobileFun Review: Sony SBH50 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,346 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sony SBH50

  • Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous connection to two devices
  • Clear OLED display for notifications, SMS, and caller ID
  • Built-in FM radio with RDS functionality
  • NFC support for quick 'one-touch' pairing
  • Versatile 3.5mm jack allows using preferred third-party earbuds
  • Lightweight clip-on design is convenient for hands-free calls
  • Good overall audio quality for a Bluetooth 3.0 device

What we don't like about Sony SBH50

  • Initial pairing process, especially for multipoint, can be difficult and unintuitive
  • Notification support is limited; some apps like WhatsApp may not display correctly
  • Small OLED screen can be difficult to read for long messages and attracts fingerprints
  • Stock earbuds included in the box are often cited as mediocre or bass-shy
  • Menu navigation via small side buttons is not very user-friendly
  • Occasional Bluetooth connection drops reported by some users

Verdict

The Sony SBH50 is a versatile Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headset featuring a 128 x 36 pixel OLED display for viewing notifications, call logs, and FM radio stations with RDS. Weighing just 15.8g and measuring 58 x 24 x 8 mm, the device supports multipoint connectivity for two devices, NFC one-touch pairing, and features a 115 mAh battery providing up to 8 hours of talk or streaming time and 400 hours of standby. Its primary advantages include the ability to swap the included earbuds for any 3.5mm headphones, high-quality HD Voice support, and a built-in independent FM radio. However, potential drawbacks include a plastic build that can attract fingerprints, reported issues with random disconnections, and limited display support for non-Latin characters.

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