Sony WH-XB910N Review

Sony WH-XB910N Review

Written by Deepak Bhagat, In Headset, Updated On
November 18th, 2023
, 464 Views

Sony’s Extra Bass headphonSony WH-XB910N Reviews have been a staple for almost a decade, and the company usually delivers on its promise of delivering a lot of basses. The bass community will love this, but what about the rest of us? We put the Sony WH-XB910N through a two-week performance test to see how it stacks up, and it has a lot going for it. With the correct equalization, this active noise canceling (ANC) headset might be a huge success.

Sony WH-XB910N Specification

Release DateSeptember 30, 2021
DimensionCable: 1.2m

Ear pad internal: 65 x 40 mm

Weight252g
WaterproofNO
TypeOver-ear
Case TypeHard case
Frequency Rate20 Hz–20,000 Hz
BatteryApprox. 3.5 hrs
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth Specification Version 5.2
Price$248 USD

PROS

  • The sound that is loud and lively
  • Long times playing
  • Great background music mode
  • 360-degree sound and support for DSEE
  • Have a lot of connections

CONS

  • Horrible merging of voice assistants
  • Some songs have too much bass

Price

Sony WH-XB910N calls

Sony WH-XB910N headphones were initially priced at $249 but have since been discounted to $150 and are now available at major online stores, including Amazon(opens in new tab) and Best Buy(opens in new tab). There are three options to choose from black, blue, and grey. The package includes:

  • A storage pouch.
  • An AC adapter.
  • A USB-C charging cable.
  • A user manual.
  • A quick reference guide.
  • A warranty card.

The Clear Enduro ANC ($129) is our current mid-range favorite, although these headphones are more costly than the Bose 700 ($379) and the Sony WH-1000XM4 ($349). Take a look at our top-rated noise-canceling earbuds if you’re considering going completely wireless.

Design

Sony WH-XB910N

The WH-XB910N’s design is a dead ringer for the Mark series, which means it looks sleek and understated. They appear great from a distance and complement other high-end products. However, the all-plastic construction makes them feel flimsy and inexpensive. These cans also have a noticeable lack of detail. The WH-1000XM4 has refined thanks to its attention to detail, slender buttons, and rose gold accents. Large buttons and an embossed light grey logo are the WH-XB910N’s only redeeming features.

The WH-XB910N is also lightweight, coming in at 8.8 ounces compared to 8.9 ounces for the WH-1000XM4. You may wear them around your neck or head without worrying about extra weight. The soft cushioning on the headband and ear cups is relaxing. The headphones conform to the shape of the skull, and the extenders offer several length options, so comfort is not an issue regardless of head size.

Battery Life

Sony WH-XB910N

With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the WH-XB910N lasted for 37 hours and 9 minutes in our lab tests. This is an excellent performance, and Sony claims that with ANC turned off, the headset may last for up to 50 hours. It can be charged over USB-C, but if your headphones suddenly stop working, you can use the port to plug in a new pair.

Controls

Sony WH-XB910N

Sony designed an intuitive control system that is simple to learn and uses various media functions. Playback, call management, and volume adjustments can all be handled using swipes and several taps on the right ear cup. The touch panel’s precise input recognition makes it a joy to use gestures like swiping left and right to skip tracks or adjust the volume. The power/pairing and listening mode buttons are on the left earcup. Each one provides reliable tactile feedback to guarantee a proper response to user input.

I wish I had the same positive experience with a voice assistant. It’s been a nightmare, to put it mildly. Despite my best efforts, I could not get Alexa and Google Assistant to function together. The digital assistant requires a native configuration in the companion app and manual activation (tap and hold on the right ear cup) before it can be used. When it’s functioning, voice commands for Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, and Bixby are often understood and carried out adequately by the microphones.

Noise Cancellation

Sony WH-XB910N

Not Sony’s best effort in noise cancellation. These headphones can’t compare to the Mark series’ noise isolation, let alone those of the Bose 700 or the cutting-edge Shure Aonic 40. Depending on your location, you may have some peace and quiet. I could hear the rest of the house from my home office, including the toddler’s tantrums. External noises, such as doorbells, further confirmed the WH-XB910N’s difficulty with mid and high frequencies, and my mother-in-law’s iPhone speakerphone talks were audible at a rather loud volume.

Outdoors, ANC performs better. In the pavilion, I was able to tune out the sounds of the world, including cars pulling into the driveway and planes passing overhead. The headphones’ resistance to wind may be their most impressive hidden quality. If you experience whisking due to strong winds or fast-moving vehicles, you can disable this effect by activating a setting within the app. While it won’t eliminate all the background noise, it certainly helps.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
1. Extra Bass Feature: The “XB” in the model name suggests a focus on enhanced bass, which can be a pro for users who enjoy deep, powerful bass.1. Price: High-end features may come with a higher price tag, and this could be a potential con for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Active Noise Cancellation: If the WH-XB910N supports ANC, it can provide an immersive listening experience by reducing ambient noise.2. Weight: Depending on the design, over-ear headphones can be heavy, and some users may find them less comfortable for extended use.
3. Wireless Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth connectivity allows for convenient use without the hassle of cables.3. Battery Life: If the battery life is not sufficient for the user’s needs, it could be a drawback, especially for frequent travelers.
4. Built-in Microphone: Suitable for hands-free calling, voice commands, or online meetings.4. Compatibility: Limited compatibility with non-Bluetooth devices could be a drawback for users who prefer wired connections.
5. Comfortable Design: If the headphones have a comfortable and ergonomic design, users can enjoy long listening sessions without discomfort.5. Firmware Updates: If firmware updates are not available, users may miss out on potential improvements or new features.
6. Stylish Aesthetics: Sleek and modern design can be appealing to users who value aesthetics.6. Learning Curve: Some users may find it challenging to navigate through advanced features, especially if the controls are not intuitive.
7. Customization Options: Features like customizable EQ settings can enhance the user’s audio experience.7. Durability: The build quality and durability of the headphones should be considered, especially if they are frequently transported.
8. Portable Design: A foldable or collapsible design can enhance portability and make it easy to carry the headphones on the go.8. Limited Color Options: Limited color choices may be a con for users who prefer a variety of options to match their style.

Verdict

You may thank Sony for being so generous. Since the WH-1000XM4 is practically perfect and well worth the asking price, it didn’t have to release a cheaper version of its flagship ANC headphones. However, we were given the WH-XB910N, a model with many of the strengths and weaknesses of the brand’s other offerings. The benefits far exceed the drawbacks, and at only $150, you can’t beat the value of such high-quality audio. If that doesn’t cut it for you, the cheaper and more feature-packed Enduro ANC is worth looking into.

FAQS

What is the WH-XB910N model known for?

The XB in the model name usually indicates “Extra Bass,” suggesting that these headphones may emphasize a powerful bass response.

Do the WH-XB910N headphones support noise cancellation?

If these headphones are part of Sony’s noise-canceling lineup, they should feature active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC helps reduce ambient noise for a better listening experience.

What is the battery life of the WH-XB910N headphones?

Battery life can vary, but wireless headphones typically offer a range of playtime on a single charge. Check the product specifications or manual for detailed information on battery life.

Can I use the WH-XB910N headphones for phone calls?

Most modern headphones include a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Verify whether the WH-XB910N supports this feature.

How do I pair the WH-XB910N with my device?

Generally, Bluetooth headphones can be paired with devices by putting them in pairing mode and selecting them from the Bluetooth menu on your device. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.

Is the firmware upgradable?

Some headphones allow firmware updates to enhance performance or add new features. Check if the WH-XB910N headphones support firmware updates.

Are replacement ear cushions available?

Over time, ear cushions can wear out. Check if Sony provides replacement parts, and if so, how they can be obtained.

What audio codecs do the WH-XB910N headphones support?

Knowing the supported audio codecs is important for understanding the audio quality and compatibility with different devices. Common codecs include SBC, AAC, and aptX.

Do the headphones come with a carrying case?

A carrying case is often included to protect the headphones during transport. Check if the WH-XB910N comes with a case.

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