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Sony XBA S65 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony XBA S65 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

5.9

User score

Poor
4.6

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
5.9

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%

6.3

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(123)
amazon
2.6
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(123)
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(9)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    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%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 7.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    7.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-xba-s65
  • sony-xba-s65
  • sony-xba-s65
sony-xba-s65
sony-xba-s65
sony-xba-s65

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Sony XBA-S65 is a specialized in-ear sports headphone featuring a single Japanese-made Balanced Armature driver that delivers high-clarity audio with a frequency response of 6Hz to 24,000Hz, a sensitivity of 105dB, and an impedance of 24 ohms. Designed for rigorous exercise, these wired earphones weigh approximately 10g and boast a sweat-proof, washable design with a water-resistant film and unique adjustable ear loops to ensure a secure fit. Key pros include its distortion-free audio performance, high noise isolation from its double-layered housing, and a stable fit for high-intensity movement; however, cons include the lack of an in-line microphone or remote controls and a bass response that some listeners may find lean compared to traditional dynamic driver models.

Technical Specifications of Sony XBA S65

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.3

Calls & Controls

4.6
Sony XBA S65 has a technical score of 4.6 points, which is lower than that of 65.9% 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%

6.3

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(123)
amazon
2.6
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(123)
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(9)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

5.9
Sony XBA S65 has a user score of 5.9 points, which is lower than that of 94.4% 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.
4.9
Sony XBA S65 has a popularity of 4.9 points, which is higher than 51.2% 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
Sony XBA S65 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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

no
Sony XBA S65 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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 S65 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

6 Hz
Sony XBA S65 reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% 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

no
Sony XBA S65 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 S65 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 S65 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 S65 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 S65 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

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

no
Sony XBA S65 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% 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

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

no
Sony XBA S65 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

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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

10 g
Sony XBA S65 weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% 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 S65 vs the average headphone

  • 95.4% lower weight
    Sony XBA S65 is lighter than the average headphone (10 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 S65 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA S65 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 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 S65 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA S65 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 S65 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony XBA S65 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 S65 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA S65 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony XBA S65 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Water resistance
    Sony XBA S65 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    IPX5
    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 XBA S65 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA S65 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Sony XBA S65 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Better IP rating
    Sony XBA S65 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    What it is: Level of dust and water protection rating
    When it matters: When sweat, rain, or dust exposure is part of how you use the headphones.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony XBA S65 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.IPX5 vs none
  • 95.4% lower weight
    Sony XBA S65 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Sony XBA S65 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    Sony XBA S65 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony XBA S65 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony XBA S65 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony XBA S65 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    Sony XBA S65 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sony XBA S65 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony XBA S65 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA S65 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA S65 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA S65 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA S65 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony XBA S65 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 S65 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sony XBA S65 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 S65 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony XBA S65 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 S65 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 35.5% lower user score
    Sony XBA S65 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.90 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 S65 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.90 vs 8.000).5.9 vs 8
  • 5 years older release date
    Sony XBA S65 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Sony XBA S65 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
  • 5.2% worse value for money
    Sony XBA S65 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sony XBA S65 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 vs 6.736).6.4 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony XBA S65 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
123 Reviews
amazon
2.6
9 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
123 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
9 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony XBA S65?

  • Secure and adjustable ear loop design ideal for rigorous exercise and running
  • Highly water-resistant and sweat-proof; the housing can be rinsed under running water
  • Detailed, high-quality audio performance with notable vocal clarity due to Balanced Armature technology
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear during activities
  • Effective passive noise isolation provided by a tight acoustic seal
  • Tangle-free serrated cable design

What customers dislike about Sony XBA S65?

  • Bass response may feel weak or lacking impact for those seeking 'thumping' motivation for workouts
  • No built-in phone controls (no microphone or volume/track remote)
  • Cable length is considered too long by some, especially when used with armbands
  • Thin cable and plastic pivot points have raised durability concerns in some long-term reviews
  • Adjustable loop mechanism can be 'fiddly' to set up perfectly at first

Expert reviews

H
hardwarezone.com.sg
09/02/2012
Hands-on: Balanced Armature Experience with Sony's New XBA Headphones

The Sony XBA in-ear headphone lineup introduces proprietary balanced armature technology to Singapore, moving away from traditional dynamic drivers to deliver enhanced sensitivity, high resolution, and significantly lighter individual driver units. The flagship four-driver XBA-4 (S$529) and the three-driver XBA-3 (S$419) provide an exceptionally natural tone, an expansive vertical...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/07/2012
Sony XBA-S65, XBA-1 and XBA-2 Review - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review of the Sony XBA-S65, XBA-1, and XBA-2 highlights distinct performance characteristics, with the sports-focused XBA-S65 offering a secure, comfortable fit with detailed, fast, but thin bass. A significant drawback for the XBA-S65 is its lack of sub-bass extension and unrefined treble. The XBA-1 and XBA-2, featuring a straight cable-down design, introduce a...Read more

P
pcmag.com
09/02/2012
Sony XBA-S65 Review - PCMag

The $89.99 Sony XBA-S65 earphones earn an Editors' Choice award for their secure, washable, sweat-proof design and accurate, distortion-free audio performance, making them an excellent choice for athletes. They provide a stable fit via adjustable ear loops and deliver a balanced sound signature, with bright highs and controlled bass that outperforms many higher-priced competitors....Read more

L
lydogbilde.no
27/06/2013
REVIEW: Sony XBA-S65 - Sound & Vision

The Sony XBA-S65 is a pair of moisture-resistant, futuristic sports headphones specifically praised for their secure fit and impressive noise isolation during workouts. A key highlight of the review is the ingenious adjustable ear-loop system that wraps over the ear and tightens by pulling the cord slightly, ensuring the earbuds stay anchored even during intense movement....Read more

(Translated)Show original

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