Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Sony WH XB900N Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:35 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Sony WH XB900N Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 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
Score components

80%

8.0

Technical score

20%

9.4

User score

★Better than 95% of headphones
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 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
Score components

52%

9.0

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

6.7

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

7.9

Calls & Controls

★Better than 91% of headphones
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 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
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on 10,532 buyer reviews from online shops.
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.
★Better than 98% of headphones
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony WH XB900N

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 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
Score components:

52%

9.0

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

6.7

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

7.9

Calls & Controls

8.0
User score
User score
9.4/ 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
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on 10,532 buyer reviews from online shops.
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.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
9.8/ 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
Popularity:
Sony WH XB900N has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than that of 90.6% of products in this category.
9.8
Value for money
Value for money
8.7/ 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
Score components:

60%

8.3

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

8.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
2 Hz
Lowest frequency
2 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 2 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
?
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
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
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Bluetooth version
4.2
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.7% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 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
40 ms
Audio latency
40 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
Companion app
yes
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
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
35 hours
Battery life
35 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 35 hours, higher battery life than 58.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
30 hours
Battery life with ANC
30 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 30 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 43.1% of headphones and equal to 9.1% of headphones.
Charging time
7 hours
Charging time
7 hours
This pair of headphones needs 7 hours to charge, higher charging time than 98% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh, higher battery capacity than 86% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
254 g
Weight
254 g
This pair of headphones weighs 254 g, heavier than 63.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4.9
Clamp force
4.9
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.7% of headphones and equal to 8.5% of headphones.
Show more

Sony WH XB900N vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 16 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    2 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (2 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    2 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    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
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    Audio latency
    40 ms
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    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
  • 17.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony WH XB900N
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony WH XB900N has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.37 vs 8.000).
    9.37 vs 8
  • 19.7% better value for money
    Sony WH XB900N has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.7 vs 7.3).
    8.7 vs 7.27
  • 66.6% more popular
    Sony WH XB900N is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.78 vs 5.9).
    9.78 vs 5.87
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 16 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    2 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (2 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    2 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    40,000 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • 72.4% higher battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,000 mAh
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1000 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    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
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    Audio latency
    40 ms
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    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
  • LDAC support
    LDAC
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • AptX HD support
    aptX HD
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    NFC pairing
    yes
    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
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Sidetone support
    Sidetone
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    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
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 5 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    7 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (7 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    7 hours vs 2 hours
  • 16.5% higher weight
    Weight
    254 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (254 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    254 g vs 218 g
  • 8 mm tighter earcup width
    Earcup inner width
    36 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    36 mm vs 44 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Clamp force
    4.9
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Sony WH XB900N is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    101 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Sony WH XB900N is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • 16.5% higher weight
    Weight
    254 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (254 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    254 g vs 218 g
  • 8 mm tighter earcup width
    Earcup inner width
    36 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    36 mm vs 44 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Clamp force
    4.9
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    101 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    7 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (7 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    7 hours vs 2 hours

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
majorhifi.com
02/08/2019
Summary of the review
S
smh.com.au
17/10/2019
Summary of the review
P
pickr.com.au
02/10/2019
Summary of the review
U
unwiredforsound.com
26/11/2020
Summary of the review
T
techhive.com
26/07/2019
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
11/11/2019
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
27/06/2019
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
14/08/2019
Summary of the review
S
soundguys.com
06/12/2024
Summary of the review
R
rtings.com
04/03/2021
Summary of the review
H
heise.de
21/08/2021
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
12/08/2019
Summary of the review
C
cnetfrance.fr
07/08/2019
Summary of the review
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
15/09/2019
Summary of the review
M
maisonadam.ca
02/04/2020
Summary of the review
E
es.gizmodo.com
24/06/2019
Summary of the review
S
smartworld.it
20/08/2019
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
25/09/2020
Summary of the review
S
stevesnet.nl
01/10/2019
Summary of the review
G
gadgetgear.nl
01/07/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 10,532 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Sony WH XB900N

  • Powerful, punchy bass ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop
  • Outstanding battery life offering 30-38 hours of continuous playback
  • Highly comfortable over-ear design with plush memory foam padding
  • Effective 'Quick Attention' mode for hearing surroundings instantly
  • Comprehensive app support with detailed EQ and customization options
  • Support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX HD

What we don't like about Sony WH XB900N

  • Extremely bass-heavy sound profile can be overwhelming and muddy for some users
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is sub-par compared to flagship models like the WH-1000XM3
  • Very slow full charging time of approximately 7 hours
  • Build quality feels somewhat plasticky and less premium than higher-end Sony models
  • Earpads tend to trap heat and become warm during long listening sessions
  • Lacks a hard shell carrying case, including only a soft pouch

Verdict

The Sony WH-XB900N is a wireless, over-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and digital noise cancellation designed to enhance low-end frequencies for a punchy sound profile. Key specifications include Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity with support for LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC codecs, a substantial battery life of up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on, and convenient USB-C fast charging that provides 60 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge. Its main characteristics include intuitive touch sensor controls, a dedicated 'Quick Attention' mode for ambient awareness, and full integration with the Sony Headphones Connect app for EQ customisation. Main pros include its exceptionally long battery life, comfortable foldable design, and powerful bass response suitable for modern genres. However, some cons include a long 7-hour full charging time, a somewhat plasticky build compared to flagship models, and a bass-heavy default sound that may feel overwhelming for certain users or musical styles.

Compare Sony WH XB900N with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Sony WH XB900N and other products in the Headphones category

No results found