Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass Wireless Earbuds Review

Wireless technology keeps getting better; cleaner sound and longer battery life at more affordable prices. The Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass earbuds are a good example of this fortunate fact. For 60 bucks, what can we expect? Let’s take a look in this Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass Wireless Earbuds Review.

Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass Wireless Earbuds Review

IN the BOX

FIT

Minimalist design, snug seal and a decent level of sound isolation. The earpieces are very light, and if you’re used to using the ol’ Apple earbuds, you’ll find the fit more comfortable as well.

DESIGN

Controls and Functionality

You can expect all the standard functionality, using the 3-button remote and mic on the cable. The controls allow you to play/pause, skip tracks, answer/end calls and adjust volume. You can also activate your voice assistant.

Call Clarity

No problems in this department. I called my psychiatrist, and he said that all my voices sounded crystal clear. And the crackling noises from his pipe were audible as well. Sony boasts HD Voice technology, and it shows.

Battery Life and Charging

The WI-XB400 excels in this department, offering 15 hours of playtime. This beats the even pricier wireless earbuds, which usually only provide only 6 to 10 hours of use.

The other nice feature is that Sony has employed a USB-C connection for charging. USB-C is slowly phasing out Micro-USB connections, as they’re sturdier and easier to plug in. And according to my colleagues, they’ve proven to charge faster as well.

Extra Features

The WI-XB400 employ a flat cable, which minimizes tangles. And another nice feature is that the earpiece are magnetic, helping you keep them secure around your neck when you’re not using them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped my wireless buds in the can. By the way, the WI-XB400 is not water-resistant. But thankfully, Sony has included a jar of rice in the box.

SOUND

Lows

Yes, there’s extra bass here. Powerful and very forward leaning, there’s definitely some meat in this low-end. But for an “extra bass” headphone, I think it avoids overkill. You don’t need to be a bass-head to appreciate these earbuds. In fact, extreme bass-heads may feel that it’s not bassy enough. But personally, I think Sony hit the sweet spot. Pop music gets just the right amount of punch and rock tracks have plenty of warmth, but the low frequencies doesn’t steal the whole show. That is, until you play some hip-hop tracks. And then your ass starts vibrating. The bass is also pretty tight and controlled for a pair of earbuds this affordable. And in terms of detail, the WI-XB400 is impressive as well. String instruments have a wealth of texture and grip in this range. So, no complaints.

Mids

The low mids come out to play a little and the upper mids avoid too much emphasis. The result is a really full-bodied and fleshy rock and pop-rock track. Still, female vocals shine through the mix a little, so you will get somewhat of a dynamic feel when listening to pop. But more important, these buds are pretty clean for 60 bucks. Listening to acoustic guitars, the separation in strums is great, while the layering of instruments in heavy arrangements is nice and tidy.

Highs

Thanks to the high frequencies, the WI-XB400 delivers a snappy sound. Percussion is crisp and sparkly, lending plenty of funk to lively tracks. But the sound signature avoids any uncomfortable brightness, so you can listen for long periods without tiring your ears. And transparency remains fantastic in this range as well. You’ll hear all the sexy cracks in Rihanna’s voice, while strings have ample substance and nuance.

Soundstage

The WI-XB400 delivers a pretty spacious soundstage for this price point. Though you won’t hear a ton of depth, you’ll get a good feeling of height, and instrument placement along this axis feel relatively precise. So, though it’s not a thoroughly holographic listening experience, the soundscape does have some dimension.

SUMMARY

No complaints equals a boring review but a good product. A well-balanced signature that will suit both, bass-heads and normal people. Punchy enough for pop, subby enough for hip-hop and warm enough for a fleshy rock track. And given how clean and detailed the WI-XB400 is, the sound profile is suitable for acoustic genres as well. Add to that some decent call clarity, long battery life, and you’ve got a solid pair of wireless earbuds for your daily commute. The price isn’t crazy either.

You can find the the Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass in-ear headphones for the best price here:

Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass In-Ear Headphones at Audio 46

Sony Wi-XB400 Extra Bass In-Ear Headphones on Amazon

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