Sony MDREX15AP Review
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Sony MDREX15AP | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Most Listeners |  Favorite for Better Sound | |||
| Price | $25 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $22 List Check Price at Amazon | $20.00 List Check Price at Amazon/a> | $51 List Check Price at Amazon | $18.00 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Lackluster earbuds with louder cable sounds than most, and disappointing sound | Trades wireless ease for great sound, comfort, and a pleasantly low price | A good-sounding pair of cheap buds for stationary tasks, as the wire rub sound is off-putting | A nice pair of headphones, but they don't perform that much better than their cheaper brother | Forgoing flash for a great fit and impressive sound at a great price, these wired earbuds are hard to argue with |
| Rating Categories | Sony MDREX15AP | Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X | JBL Endurance Run 2 | Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro | UliX Rider - 3.5mm |
| Sound Quality (45%) | |||||
| Comfort & Fit (25%) | |||||
| Passive Noise Isolation (15%) | |||||
| Call Quality (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Sony MDREX15AP | Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X | JBL Endurance Run 2 | Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro | UliX Rider - 3.5mm |
| Available Jack Type | 3.5mm | 3.5mm | 3.5mm | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Call Mic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Tip Sizes | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Passive Isolation | 16.4 dB | 19.1 dB | 17.6 dB | 16.3 dB | 2.6 dB |
| Detachable cable | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Ear Magnets | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cable Length | 48 in | 46 in | 50 in | 46 in | 49 in |
| Measured Weight | 12.2 g | 30.1 g | 16.9 g | 31.1 g | 17.6 g |
| IPX Rating | N/A | N/A | IPX5 | N/A | N/A |
Our Analysis and Test Results
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
—Rachael Lamore and Wendy Schmitz
