OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony XBA H3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£290Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony XBA H3 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony XBA H3
6.2/10

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 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 52% of models
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical score

20%

7.1

User score

â–²Better than 52% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components

52%

6.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 58%
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 84%
  • sony-xba-h3
sony-xba-h3
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 XBA H3

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components:

52%

6.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

6.0
User score
User score
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Popularity:
Sony XBA H3 has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 54.1% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
hybrid
Driver size
16 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 16 mm, smaller driver size than 82.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 3 drivers, more drivers than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
3 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 3 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
1
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
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
10 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Sony XBA H3 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 95.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    3 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.27 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.027 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 2 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    3 vs 1
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 95.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    3 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.27 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.027 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 2 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    3 vs 1
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 17 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (127 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    127 dB vs 110 dB
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 24 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (16 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    16 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    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 battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 3.22x more expensive
    Sony XBA H3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£290 vs £90).
    £290 vs £90
  • 13.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony XBA H3
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony XBA H3 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.07 vs 8).
    7.07 vs 8
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    Sony XBA H3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 7.3).
    7.06 vs 7.27
  • 3.22x more expensive
    Sony XBA H3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£290 vs £90).
    £290 vs £90
  • 13.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony XBA H3
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony XBA H3 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.07 vs 8).
    7.07 vs 8
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    Sony XBA H3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 7.3).
    7.06 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 24 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (16 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    16 mm vs 40 mm
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

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

8.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
06/07/2014
Hands-on review · sound, bass tape mod and comfort
Verdict
Sony XBA-H3 is worth buying if you accept its ergonomic issues and loose bass.
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony XBA H3

  • Powerful and deep bass response from the 16mm dynamic driver
  • Exceptional treble detail and clarity thanks to the super tweeter
  • Expansive and wide soundstage rarely found in in-ear monitors
  • High build quality with detachable MMCX cables and multiple ear tip options
  • Musical and immersive sound signature that excels with classical and electronic genres
  • No crossover design ensures broad compatibility with portable players

What customers don't like about Sony XBA H3

  • Large and bulky housing that sticks out significantly from the ears
  • Awkward ergonomics make them difficult and 'burdensome' to put on/take off
  • Ported design leads to poor noise isolation and susceptibility to wind noise
  • Bass can feel slightly bloated or 'muddy' without specific modifications (like the tape mod)
  • Recessed mid-range can make some vocals feel less prominent
  • High retail price compared to newer hybrid alternatives

Verdict

The Sony XBA-H3 is a high-resolution hybrid in-ear headphone featuring a sophisticated three-way driver system, which combines a large 16mm liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver with two balanced armature units—one full-range and one HD super tweeter. These drivers deliver an ultra-wide frequency response of 3Hz to 40,000Hz, characterized by a 40-ohm impedance, 107dB/mW sensitivity, and Beat Response Control for tight, powerful bass. Key pros include its expansive soundstage, detachable MMCX-style cables with smartphone compatibility, and secure memory-resin ear hangers for a stable fit. However, common cons include its bulky and protruding physical design, which may feel heavy or uncomfortable for some users, and average passive noise isolation due to the ported housing.

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