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Sony WH XB700 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$130
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 30 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony WH XB700 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.2

Good

9.3

Exceptional

6.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.1
Audio latency
25.0%
10
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
2.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
4.8
Battery life
18.0%
5.7
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
4.8
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
6.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.7
Weight
24.0%
10
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

Verdict

The Sony WH-XB700 is a lightweight, 195g on-ear wireless headset featuring 30mm neodymium drivers designed for deep, punchy low-end performance as part of the EXTRA BASS series. These headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with a 10-minute quick charge providing 90 minutes of playback, alongside connectivity via Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and a 3.5mm passive audio jack. Key pros include impressive battery longevity, tactile controls for volume and voice assistants (Google Assistant/Alexa), and a comfortable memory foam design; however, notable cons include a primarily plastic build that can feel less premium, a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a 'dark' sound profile where heavy bass occasionally masks vocal clarity.

Technical Specifications of Sony WH XB700

Overall score

6.0

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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

4.9

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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: 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

3.1

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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

6.0

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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

4.5

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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

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: 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 WH XB700 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony WH XB700 better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Spatial audio support
Sony WH XB700 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony WH XB700 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
More flexible connectivity
Sony WH XB700 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and 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 WH XB700 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
USB-C charging
Sony WH XB700 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
Sony WH XB700 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Sidetone support
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
1.2 lower clamp force
Sony WH XB700 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Sony WH XB700 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.1 vs 4.3
Water resistance
Sony WH XB700 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
IPX4
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony WH XB700 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
1.2 lower clamp force
Sony WH XB700 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Water resistance
Sony WH XB700 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
10.6% lower weight
Sony WH XB700 is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Spatial audio support
Sony WH XB700 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
10x higher input power handling
Sony WH XB700 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
USB-C charging
Sony WH XB700 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Rechargeable battery
Sony WH XB700 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sony WH XB700 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Sony WH XB700 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Sidetone support
Sony WH XB700 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
EQ customization
Sony WH XB700 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony WH XB700 worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony WH XB700 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony WH XB700 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sony WH XB700 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 hours longer charging time
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony WH XB700 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Sony WH XB700 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
72.5 ms higher audio latency
Sony WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 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 WH XB700 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Sony WH XB700 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony WH XB700?

Deep, punchy bass suitable for hip-hop and electronic music
Impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge
Lightweight and comfortable memory foam padding for extended wear
Fast charging capability via USB-C (approx. 90 mins playback from 10 min charge)
Includes physical buttons for tactile controls and built-in voice assistants (Alexa/Google)
Strong wireless range and stable Bluetooth connectivity
Budget-friendly price point for the features offered

What customers dislike about Sony WH XB700?

On-ear design can cause ear fatigue or sweating during long sessions
Lacks Active Noise Canceling (ANC); limited passive isolation of ambient noise
Microphone quality is often reported as muffled or distant for phone calls
All-plastic build can feel less premium or 'cheap' compared to high-end models
No included carrying case or storage pouch
Bass-heavy sound profile may lack clarity for vocal-centric or acoustic genres
High latency makes them less ideal for wireless gaming

Expert reviews

igyaan.in

01/04/2019

Sony WH-XB700 Wireless Headphones Review

The iGyaan review of the Sony WH-XB700 highlights these 195-gram, on-ear wireless headphones as a competitively priced option tailored for bass enthusiasts, featuring a matte polycarbonate build and premium memory foam earcups. Performance is characterized by rich, punchy "Extra Bass" tuning and clear highs, while the physical, customizable button seamlessly triggers voice...Read more

gadgetguy.com.au

14/08/2019

Sony WH-XB700 Over-Ear Extra Bass Headphones

The Sony WH-XB700 Extra Bass headphones are reviewed by Ray Shaw from GadgetGuy as a no-frills, lightweight on-ear wireless option priced at an RRP of $249.95. A major standout feature highlighted in the review is its exceptional 30-hour battery life, which easily passed real-world longevity testing, alongside a fast-charging capability that grants 90 minutes of use from a 10-minute...Read more

gadgetsnow.indiatimes.com

12/05/2019

Sony WH-XB700 review: Loud and clear

The Gadgets Now review highlights the Sony WH-XB700 as a bass-centric, Rs 8,999 headphone featuring a sleeker design and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) borrowed from flagship models. Pros include enhanced comfort from improved leather padding on the headband and earcups, alongside deep, punchy audio that offers solid value for the price. Conversely, the review notes...Read more

majorhifi.com

27/04/2019

Sony WH-XB700 Extra Bass Headphones Review

The Sony WH-XB700 Extra Bass Headphones Review by Gabby Bloch highlights these $100 wireless cans as a strong contender for bass enthusiasts, offering an energetic, low-end focused performance. The pros of these headphones include an exceptional 30-hour battery life, quick charging capabilities (10 minutes for 90 minutes of play), and a strong, sturdy plastic build. They also offer...Read more

rtings.com

06/06/2019

Sony WH-XB700 Wireless Headphones Review

The Sony WH-XB700 wireless on-ear headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. offer exceptional battery life and a strong Bluetooth range, making them suitable for long, daily casual listening. They feature easy-to-use physical controls, though they lack active noise cancellation, relying on passive isolation for moderate noise reduction. RTINGS.comConversely, the...Read more

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