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Sony XBA NC85D Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£220
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony XBA NC85D review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

5.3

User score

Very good
7.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.7

Sound

20.0%

6.9

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

7.4

Connectivity

6.0%

2.0

Battery

4.0%

7.2

Calls & Controls

Very good
5.3

User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
(17)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(17)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    8.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 6.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-xba-nc85d
  • sony-xba-nc85d
sony-xba-nc85d
sony-xba-nc85d

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony XBA-NC85D is a pioneering in-ear headphone featuring a box-free digital noise-canceling design that integrates all circuitry and a rechargeable Ni-MH battery directly into the earpieces. It utilizes a single full-range Balanced Armature driver with a frequency response of 5Hz to 20,000Hz, a sensitivity of 106dB/mW, and a high impedance of 820 ohms. Key advantages include its ultra-lightweight 6g build, Artificial Intelligence Noise Canceling that automatically selects between three environmental modes (Airplane, Bus/Train, Office), and a 20-hour battery life rechargeable via a proprietary USB dongle. However, notable drawbacks include the inability to play audio in passive mode when the battery is dead, an audible hiss from the ANC circuitry in quiet settings, lack of inline volume/mic controls, and potential audio distortion at high volumes.

Technical Specifications of Sony XBA NC85D

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.7

Sound

20.0%

6.9

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

7.4

Connectivity

6.0%

2.0

Battery

4.0%

7.2

Calls & Controls

7.7
Sony XBA NC85D has a technical score of 7.73 points, which is higher than that of 91.7% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
(17)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(17)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

5.3
Sony XBA NC85D has a user score of 5.27 points, which is lower than that of 98.2% of products in this category.
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.
2.2
Sony XBA NC85D has a popularity of 2.2 points, which is lower than 65.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

7.9
Sony XBA NC85D has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% of products in this category.
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

yes
Sony XBA NC85D supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

balanced armature
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

N/A
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

1
Sony XBA NC85D uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

5 Hz
Sony XBA NC85D reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
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

yes
Sony XBA NC85D supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sony XBA NC85D is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Sony XBA NC85D has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

no
Sony XBA NC85D does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

N/A
Show more
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

wired
Sony XBA NC85D supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
Show more
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

?
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

yes
Sony XBA NC85D supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
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

N/A
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

3
Sony XBA NC85D offers 3 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 94.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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

no
Sony XBA NC85D does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

N/A
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

20 hours
Sony XBA NC85D offers battery life with ANC of 20 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 74.3% of headphones and equal to 9.8% of headphones.
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

4 hours
Sony XBA NC85D needs 4 hours to charge, higher charging time than 90.5% of headphones and equal to 4.7% of headphones.
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

no
Sony XBA NC85D does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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

80 mAh
Sony XBA NC85D has a battery capacity of 80 mAh, lower battery capacity than 99.6% of headphones.
Show more
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

in-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

6 g
Sony XBA NC85D weighs 6 g, lighter than 98.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
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

N/A
Show more

Sony XBA NC85D vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony XBA NC85D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony XBA NC85D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 97.2% lower weight
    Sony XBA NC85D is lighter than the average headphone (6 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 XBA NC85D is lighter than the average headphone (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.6 g vs 218 g
  • EQ customization
    Sony XBA NC85D 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 XBA NC85D supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 XBA NC85D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony XBA NC85D offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Sony XBA NC85D offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA NC85D includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA NC85D includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Sony XBA NC85D includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony XBA NC85D includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony XBA NC85D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony XBA NC85D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 97.2% lower weight
    Sony XBA NC85D is lighter than the average headphone (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony XBA NC85D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA NC85D has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony XBA NC85D has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA NC85D includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Sony XBA NC85D offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Sony XBA NC85D includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony XBA NC85D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony XBA NC85D supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    Sony XBA NC85D supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA NC85D has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony XBA NC85D uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony XBA NC85D has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 86.7% lower battery capacity
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (80 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA NC85D has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA NC85D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    Sony XBA NC85D was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2012
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony XBA NC85D 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 XBA NC85D 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
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA NC85D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    Sony XBA NC85D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA NC85D 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 XBA NC85D has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 86.7% lower battery capacity
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (80 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
    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

    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (80 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.80 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • 51.8% lower user score
    Sony XBA NC85D has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.27 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 XBA NC85D has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.27 vs 8.000).5.27 vs 8
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA NC85D has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Sony XBA NC85D has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sony XBA NC85D 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 XBA NC85D uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
Total
Overall
Design
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony XBA NC85D and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
17 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
17 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony XBA NC85D?

  • World's first in-ear noise-canceling design without a bulky in-line battery box
  • Compact and lightweight build with integrated rechargeable batteries in earpieces
  • Effective noise cancellation in loud environments like airplanes and trains
  • Clean audio performance and crystal-clear vocals at moderate volume levels
  • Convenient charging via an included USB dongle
  • Includes a rigid protective carrying case and airplane adapter

What customers dislike about Sony XBA NC85D?

  • High price point that many reviewers felt was not justified by performance
  • Significant audio distortion on deep bass when played at high volumes
  • No passive mode; headphones will not output sound if the battery dies
  • Audible background hiss from noise-canceling circuitry in quiet rooms
  • Marginal noise-canceling effectiveness compared to competitors
  • Lack of essential modern features like inline controls or a built-in microphone
  • Tangle-prone cable and proprietary USB charging requirement

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
19/04/2012
Sony's disappointing noise-cancelling in-ear headphones (Video Review)

The CNET review of the Sony XBA-NC85D concludes that these noise-canceling in-ear headphones are highly disappointing, largely because their mediocre performance fails to justify their exorbitant $499.99 retail price. On the positive side, the review highlights an innovative, "boxless" engineering design that manages to integrate both the noise-canceling circuitry and rechargeable...Read more

C
cio.com
04/05/2012
Sony XBA-NC85D: The World's Smallest Noise-Cancelling Earphones

The CIO review of the Sony XBA-NC85D details an impressive engineering milestone that ultimately fails to deliver practical value. On the positive side, the review praises the earphones as the world's smallest and lightest of their kind. By utilizing micro-sized Balanced Armature (BA) Drivers, Sony completely eliminated the need for a bulky, separate external audio control box. This...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
07/11/2012
Sony XBA-NC85D Review", "Sony XBA-NC85D Headphones Review", "Sony XBA-NC85D In-Ear Headphones Review

The Sony XBA-NC85D review from PCMag UK highlights a major milestone in earphone engineering, as it is the first-ever in-ear noise-canceling pair to completely eliminate a bulky, in-line battery box. Instead, Sony managed to integrate all the noise-cancellation circuitry and the rechargeable battery directly into the compact earpieces themselves, utilizing a specialized USB dongle...Read more

C
cnet.com
30/03/2012
Sony XBA-NC85D review - CNET

The Sony XBA-NC85D noise-canceling in-ear headphones fail to live up to their premium $499.99 price tag, delivering disappointing results across design, audio quality, and utility. On the positive side, the headphones feature a clever design where the rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries and noise-canceling electronics are integrated directly into the earpieces, completely...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
26/07/2013
Sony XBA-NC85 review - Expert Reviews

Sony XBA-NC85 Review Summary The Sony XBA-NC85 is a pair of high-end active noise-cancelling earphones that successfully eliminates the bulky, traditional in-line battery pack by miniaturizing all circuitry into the earpieces themselves. Weighing just 6 grams, they remain lightweight, comfortable, and stable enough for gym use, despite protruding slightly from the ears. The audio...Read more

A
areadvd.de
12/07/2012
SPECIAL: Sony's Connected Product World at IFA 2012

This Sony press preview outlines an interconnected product lineup showcased at IFA 2012 with a strong focus on network integration, mobility, and high-end display technologies. Major highlights include the introduction of the Google TV Internet Player (NSZ-GS7), which brings Google TV outside the US for the first time to transform any TV into an internet-ready device, and the...Read more

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M
manager-magazin.de
05/12/2012
In-Ear Headphones: High-End Sound for the Eardrums - Manager Magazin

The provided review from manager magazin evaluates five high-end in-ear headphones, assessing their design, comfort, usage, and sound quality. Apple In-Ear Headphones (€79): Offer a sleek, lightweight, and compact build with a highly functional three-button remote, but their tight silicone seal causes a distracting thumping noise during physical movement and delivers a overly...Read more

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A
audiocasque.fr
21/05/2014
AKG K490 NC: Full review (includes comparison with Sony XBA-NC85D)

The AKG K490 NC is a lightweight, 150-gram on-ear noise-canceling headphone that delivers outstanding, balanced sound quality with rich bass and clear highs across all musical genres. A standout feature is its ability to maintain virtually identical audio performance whether the active noise cancellation (ANC) is turned on or off, bypassing the audio degradation common in competing...Read more

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