REASONS TO BUY
Small ear friendly
Ok noise blocking
Average call capability
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud wire noise
Subpar sound
Sony MDREX15AP Review
Average pair of buds with uninspired sound and annoying wire rub sounds
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Rachael Lamore ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ May 1, 2026
Contributions From: Wendy Schmitz
RELATED: The Best Wired Earbuds
Our Verdict
The Sony MDREX15AP list price and brand name made us hopeful they'd be a real contender for an inexpensive pair of beloved wired earbuds. Alas, it wasn't to be. These earbuds don't do anything particularly well, and even though they are usually on sale for half the list price, we still don't think the value is there compared to other options we've used. They have a nice fit for smaller ear canals and do an adequate job of passively blocking outside sound when you get the fit right, but the sound quality is better suited to streaming shows and audiobooks than to listening to your favorite songs. Even if your goal is primarily chatting or attending a meeting, they do their best work in quiet spaces, making them less ideal for commuting or busy coffee shops. In the end, there is little they do really well, and several options do it better with a similar list price that won't break the bank.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Sony MDREX15AP are largely disappointing, even for the lower price. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our Experience
It is hard not to expect more from a Sony product, even when the price is fairly low. Their reputation indicates a quality product that, at the very least, meets the basic requirements for the product type. With a price that is often half off, coming in closer to $13, we had high hopes for the Sony, but were somewhat disappointed.
There isn't much to brag about with these buds, and given their lackluster sound quality test results, we suspect they are better suited for podcasts and streaming shows than they are for enjoying music. The wire rubs against the cord, making it frustrating to use during intense movement like running or working out.
While the fit is better than some, the buds are pretty tiny and could be a problem for those with more spacious ear canals. They are also quiet, and we had to turn the volume up almost twice the level we normally listen to to hear everything.
Overall, their best attribute is their better-than-average noise-blocking ability, but it isn't much to write home about, and we think there are others that do a better job at a similar list price. However, if your goals are to sit and listen to audiobooks or watch movies on a plane, we think they can meet those needs without causing frustration.
The 3 silicone tips that come with the Sony are likely to provide a good fit for most. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Likes
The perks of the Sony are few and are more about its structure than its performance. We like the in-line microphone for phone calls and meetings, plus the longer cord length and 3 sizes of silicone tips for finding a comfortable fit. It does a better-than-average job at blocking ambient sounds, but it still isn't impressive enough to brag about. The spoken word sounds good enough for listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or streaming.
The sound quality of the Sonys is disappointing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Dislikes
Most earbud users want to hear their favorite songs at least part of the time, and Sony's sound quality is lackluster and disappointing. It doesn't even live in the same city as the wireless earbuds Sony makes, with a cluttered soundstage, bloated bass, and muddied midranges.
The voice heard through the Sony wired earbuds is clear in quiet conditions, making them suitable for spaces with no competing sounds. Credit: Rachael Lamore
The call quality and comfort are a little better than some competitors', but still below average for the group, making them an uninspired option even if your main goal is making calls and engaging in meetings.
The Microphone on the Sony earbuds has a useful tactile button to connect. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Sony MDREX15AP?
We think most people should skip these buds. While we understand the appeal of the Sony brand and their standout wireless earbuds and headphones speak for themselves, these cheap wired earbuds just don't impress. While the price is appealing, they block an adequate amount of background noise, and the mic works well enough, they can't compare to the competition, especially those with a similar price.
What Other Earbuds Should You Consider?
If this is your price range, our favorites are the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X. These reasonably priced buds are comfortable, create beautiful sound, block more noise, and make better calls. For a lower list price than Sony's, it's a no-brainer. If your budget is somewhat smaller and you aren't worried about noise blocking as much, we also like the UliX Rider - 3.5mm, and they are more comfortable than both. If you want the best music in the bunch and your budget is bigger, the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro is the best, but its calls and comfort can't match those of its brother.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Sony MDREX15AP versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $25 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Average pair of buds with uninspired sound and annoying wire rub sounds |
| Pros | Small ear friendly, ok noise blocking, average call capability |
| Cons | Loud wire noise, subpar sound |
| Rating Categories | Sony MDREX15AP |
| Sound Quality (45%) | |
| Comfort & Fit (25%) | |
| Passive Noise Isolation (15%) | |
| Call Quality (15%) | |
| Specifications | Sony MDREX15AP |
| Available Jack Type | 3.5mm |
| Call Mic | Yes |
| Ear Tip Sizes | 3 |
| Passive Isolation | 16.4 dB |
| Detachable cable | No |
| Ear Magnets | No |
| Cable Length | 48 in |
| Measured Weight | 12.2 g |
| IPX Rating | N/A |
—Rachael Lamore and Wendy Schmitz
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