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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.6 update for Headphones! Read the Latency R&D Article to learn more.

Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.5
Review updated Mar 04, 2021 at 01:36 pm
Latest change: Retest May 16, 2023 at 12:46 pm
Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Picture
7.0
Neutral Sound
7.0
Commute/Travel
7.0
Sports/Fitness
6.9
Office
5.8
Wireless Gaming
7.4
Wired Gaming
6.6
Phone Calls
These headphones were replaced by the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless

The Sony WH-XB900N Wireless are fairly versatile headphones and are a more affordable alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. While they feel more plasticky than the higher-end model and their ANC is just okay overall, they offer over 38 hours of continuous battery life, even though they take longer to recharge and have a comfortable fit. Although some users may find their bass-heavy sound profile a little overwhelming, it can be tweaked to your liking via the companion app's graphic EQ and presets.

Our Verdict

7.0 Neutral Sound

The Sony WH-XB900N are okay for neutral sound. These headphones have a bass-heavy sound profile, which is better-suited for genres like EDM, dubstep, and hip-hop than for more neutral audio reproduction. Luckily, you can tweak their sound to your liking via their graphic EQ and presets. Also, they're quite comfortable for long listening sessions.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great app support with customization options.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • Sub-par passive soundstage.
7.0 Commute/Travel

The Sony WH-XB900N are satisfactory for commute and travel. These headphones have outstandingly long-lasting battery life and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. While they aren’t the most portable option and lack come with a hard case, they're easy to use, and their ANC can help reduce some ambient noise around you. However, they don’t perform too well in the bass range, so you hear the rumble of bus and plane engines.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great app support with customization options.
  • Over 38-hour continuous battery life.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • ANC struggles to cut down bus and plane engine noise.
  • Not very breathable.
7.0 Sports/Fitness

The Sony WH-XB900N are satisfactory for sports and fitness. They should be stable enough for a light jog but won’t be the best option for more intense physical exercise. They aren’t that stable and can move on your head. Their over-ear design also traps heat inside the ear cups, which can make you sweat more than usual. On the upside, their bass-heavy sound profile can be good for keeping you pumped up during your workouts.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Over 38-hour continuous battery life.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • Not very breathable.
6.9 Office

The Sony WH-XB900N are alright for office use. They have over 38 hours of continuous playback time, they're comfortable enough for long hours at the office, and their ANC feature blocks a good amount of work environment noises like ambient chatter and A/C noise. However, they leak a bit of audio at high volumes.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Over 38-hour continuous battery life.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • No multi-device pairing.
5.8 Wireless Gaming

The Sony WH-XB900N aren't compatible with Xbox or PS consoles. While you can use them with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, their latency is likely too high to be suitable for gaming.

7.4 Wired Gaming

The Sony WH-XB900N are decent for wired gaming. They can be connected to PC, PS4, and Xbox One consoles via their 1/8" TRS cable. However, you can only receive audio, and you won't be able to use the mic. That said, they have a comfortable fit and a customizable sound profile.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great app support with customization options.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • Can only receive audio when using their TRS cable.
6.6 Phone Calls

The Sony WH-XB900N aren't bad for phone calls. Their integrated microphone does an alright job of recording your voice, although it sounds thin, muffled, and lacking in detail. It struggles to separate your voice from ambient noise around you, so you may need to take calls in more quiet environments. These headphones also have an ANC feature, but it doesn't reduce a lot of bass-range noise like bus engines.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
Cons
  • Very long recharge time.
  • 7.0 Neutral Sound
  • 7.0 Commute/Travel
  • 7.0 Sports/Fitness
  • 6.9 Office
  • 5.8 Wireless Gaming
  • 7.4 Wired Gaming
  • 6.6 Phone Calls
  1. Updated May 16, 2023: We incorrectly reported that these headphones had a TRRS cable. However, they have a TRS cable, and we have updated PC Compatibility and PlayStation Compatibility.
  2. Updated Feb 25, 2022: Added Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature to Virtual Soundstage.
  3. Updated Jul 07, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  4. Updated Mar 04, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  5. Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
  6. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
  7. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
  8. Updated Aug 06, 2019: We've retested the Breathability score as it was rather high and measured with another equipment. The new results still show poor breathability but are more accurate.
  9. Updated Aug 02, 2019: We've updated the Power saving feature score as it turns out the auto-off timer of these headphones is only triggered when they are disconnected from their source rather than when being inactive for a while.
  10. Updated Jul 11, 2019: Review published.
  11. Updated Jul 09, 2019: Early access published.
  12. Updated Jul 08, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
  13. Updated Jul 07, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  14. Updated Jul 02, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Sony WH-XB900N come in three color variants: 'Black', 'Blue', and 'Gray'. We tested the Black variant, but expect all color variants to perform similarly to our unit.

If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Headphones

The Sony WH-XB900N are decent headphones that are fairly versatile. However, their ANC performance is quite disappointing and their overall value might not be worth it, which still make the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless the better option. See our recommendations for the best headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best over-ear headphones.

Sony WH-XB910N Wireless

The Sony WH-XB910N Wireless are the next generation of the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The XB910N are similarly comfortable and well-built as their predecessor. However, they come with a hard case to help protect them when you're on the go, they have a more bass-heavy sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC offers better overall performance. They also have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when you're not using them, and they support multi-device pairing. However, the XB900 support NFC pairing, which some users may prefer.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are better over-ear headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. Although both headphones are comfortable and can be customized using the Sony | Headphones Connect app, the WH-1000XM4 feel better built and come with a hard case to help protect the headphones when you're on the go. They have a slightly more neutral sound profile out of the box and a more consistent bass and treble delivery, and their ANC is able to reduce more ambient noise around you. Their continuous battery life is longer-lasting too. However, the WH-XB900N's integrated mic offers a better recording quality performance.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless

The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The WH-1000XM3 feel like more premium headphones and most importantly, their ANC feature is way better, which makes them more versatile and a better option for commuting. Their sound profile is also less bass-heavy, but you can EQ both headphones in their app to make them sound more like you prefer. On the other hand, the XB900N have a longer-lasting battery life. They are overall very similar headphones, but the XM3 offer better value.

Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless

The Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless and the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless are similarly performing headphones, but the Sennheiser have a slight edge. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile, their ANC feature can isolate more bass noise, and their leakage performance is better. They also charge in less time, even if their battery life doesn't last as long as the Sony, and they can be paired with up to two devices at a time. The Sony, on the other hand, feel better built, their controls are easier-to-use, and their companion app is better. They also have a better performing integrated microphone, and some users may prefer their bass-heavy sound.

Sony WH-CH710N Wireless

The Sony WH-XB900N Wireless are better headphones for most uses than the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless. The WH-XB900N are better-built, more comfortable, have a longer continuous battery life, and block out more background noise. However, as part of Sony's Extra Bass series, they have a much more bass-heavy sound profile than the WH-CH710N. You can customize their sound using the graphic EQ and presets in the companion app, which the WH-CH710N lack. That said, the WH-CH710N leak less sound.

Sony WH-CH700N Wireless

The Sony WH-CH700N Wireless is a better option for people who want a neutral sound, while the Sony WH-XB900N is a better choice for people who prefer bass-heavy music. The XB900N has a better noise isolation performance thanks to their ANC feature. They're also more comfortable and slightly better-built.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far, thanks to their padding and very lightweight build. Their sound profile is better-balanced, and their ANC is much better than the Sony. On the other hand, the Sony offers a higher continuous battery life and their app offers an EQ, which Bose is lacking. The Sony also support the aptX codec, which the Bose don’t.

Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless

The Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless are better for mixed usage than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The H910N deliver a more consistent, better-balanced default sound profile, last much longer off of a single charge, and leak less audio. They also have a better noise isolation performance. That said, the XB900N are more comfortable, and have a few more features in the Sony| Headphones Connect app, including surround sound support and room effects. The XB900N also have a unique advantage in the form of aptX compatibility.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are better than the Sony WH-XB900N for most purposes. The Anker have a much better noise isolation performance, a longer continuous battery life, and support multi-device pairing. However, the Sony have a much more comfortable and stable fit.

Sony WH-XB700 Wireless

The Sony WH-XB900N Wireless are more versatile wireless headphones than the Sony WH-XB700 Wireless. The WH-XB900N have an over-ear ear design which is much more comfortable, and they're easy-to-use as well as better-built. They also have an active noise cancelling feature that helps them isolate more noise than the WH-XB700. Their battery life is better, but they also take a lot longer to charge.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016 are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N. They both have a bump in low-bass, which is great for bass-heavy genres, but the rest of the Plantronics’ response is more neutral, which some users may prefer. The Plantronic's noise isolation performance is also slightly better, including in the bass range, making them a better option for commuting than the WH-XB900N. Both offer about over 30 hours of battery life, but the BackBeat Pro 2 take way less time to charge. They also support the aptX-LL codec for minimal delay. On the other hand, the Sony are more comfortable, and their app offers better customization options.

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC are marginally better than the Sony WH-XB900N. They have a more neutral sound profile, but the XB900N are more comfortable and have a better control scheme. The Sennheisers can be connected to two devices simultaneously and have a better ANC feature as well. On the other hand, the Sonys feel slightly better made and have a dedicated companion app with access to a graphic EQ.

Sony WH-H900N/h.ear on 2 Wireless

The Sony WH-H900N/h.ear on 2 Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless.The WH-H900N/h.ear have a better-balanced sound profile that some users may prefer over the bass-heavy XB900N. While they don’t have as long of a battery life as the XB900N, they have a power-saving mode, so they might be a better option for those who forget to turn their headset off when taking it off. The XB900N is also a better choice if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music genres. They also have noticeably better wireless range.

Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile that some users may prefer. While they don’t offer as much battery life as the WH-XB900N, they take noticeably less time to charge, which might be worth it for some. The Sennheiser Smart Control app also offers a full parametric EQ, and the PXC 550 can be connected to two devices simultaneously. On the other hand, the Sony WH-XB900N have better wireless range and are more comfortable than the PXC 550. They’ll also be better-suited for bass-heavy genres than the PXC 550.

Beats Solo Pro Wireless

The Beats Solo Pro Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The Beats are better-built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC can significantly block out more ambient noise. However, the Sony are more comfortable, you can customize their sound profile using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets, and you can use them wired.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic

The Sony WH-XB900N look like a less premium version of the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. They're made out of plastic, which doesn’t look as good as the material used for the XM3s. They also don’t have the same elegant vents with copper accents. Instead, under the hinges, you can see wide vents with glossy-finish plastic that looks cheaply made. They come in a sleek all-black design, a slightly flashier blue color, or in gray.

8.0
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.56 lbs
Clamping Force
1.1 lbs

The Sony WH-XB900N are very comfortable headphones and feel quite like the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless and Sony WH-XB910N Wireless. The cups are deep and the padding is thick and plushy, which make them comfortable to wear for a while without feeling too much fatigue. The headband is also well-designed and distributes the weight of the headphones well. While they feel slightly heavier than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, the difference is fairly minimal.

7.7
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use Good
Feedback Good
Call/Music Control Yes
Volume Control Yes
Microphone Control No
Channel Mixing
No
Noise Cancelling Control On/Off
Talk-Through
On/Off
Additional Controls Voice Assistant

The Sony WH-XB900N have good controls. Just like the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless, they have a touch-sensitive control scheme on the right earcup. You can swipe up and down to control volume, swipe left or right to skip tracks, and double-tap the surface to play/pause your music as well as manage calls. There's also a 'CUSTOM' button that lets you cycle between ANC on, ambient mode, or a mode where both features are disabled. You can map that button to directly trigger your voice assistant or turn this feature on by tapping and holding the touch-sensitive surface. Additionally, putting your palm on the right ear cup activates the talk-through mode, which lowers your music and enhances ambient noise.

The touch surface is easy to use. However, there are reports online that the XM3’s touch-sensitive surface can’t work properly in colder climates. We will monitor online reviews until we can test this ourselves to confirm if this issue also happens with these headphones. We will adjust the review if needed.

5.9
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference 7.3 °C

The Sony WH-XB900N aren't very breathable headphones. It shouldn’t be an issue for casual use, but these headphones won’t be suited for more intense physical activity as they can trap in heat, causing you to sweat more than usual.

5.8
Design
Portability
L 5.5" (14.0 cm)
W 6.6" (16.8 cm)
H 3.5" (8.9 cm)
Volume 127.00 in³ (2,081.15 cm³)
Transmitter Required No

Like most over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-XB900N are quite bulky and aren't easy to carry around. However, they can fold in a more compact form, and their cups swivel to lay flat, which makes it easier to carry them around your neck or to slide in a bag. They also come with a small pouch, which doesn’t add too much bulk to their design but doesn’t protect the headphones when you’re on-the-go either.

5.5
Design
Case
Type Pouch
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A

The Sony WH-XB900N come with a soft pouch. It can protect the headphones against light scratches but isn't ideal for protection against water exposure or physical damage from falls. On the upside, it doesn’t take much extra space like a case would and is easy to store in a bag.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Sony WH-XB900N are well-built headphones but don’t feel as premium as the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. Instead, their build material feels more similar to that of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. They still seem durable, but since they're made of plastic, some users may find them to feel a bit cheap. The padding is comfortable and plushy and the cups are dense, which shouldn’t break with normal usage. The headband is reinforced by a thin metal sheet as well. The yokes are very similar to other models like the XM3, which are also prone to cracking like the original Sony MDR-1000X Wireless.

7.0
Design
Stability

The Sony WH-XB900N are decently stable. Their wireless design and slightly better fit make them feel a bit more stable than the Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless. However, since the ear cups are moderately heavy and stick out a bit, they can sway a lot depending on the intensity of your workout routine. On the upside, since they're wireless, you don't have to worry about the cable getting caught on something and snagging the headphones off your head.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Sony WH-XB900N headphones
  • USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • 1/8" TRS audio cable
  • Carrying pouch
  • Manuals

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
5.31 dB
Treble Amount
-1.76 dB

The Sony HW-XB900N have a bass-heavy sound profile. They pack a lot of thump, punch, and kick, which fans of EDM and hip-hop should enjoy. However, some users may find this sound profile a bit overwhelming and intense. Luckily, the companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help tweak their sound to your liking.

5.9
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.97 dB

The Sony XB900N's frequency response consistency is sub-par. These headphones are prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery. Users who have thick hair or wear glasses may especially notice a drop in bass. Treble delivery is also dependant on the headphones' fit and positioning on your head.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
5.7
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
7.21 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
10 Hz
Low-Bass
8.74 dB
Mid-Bass
8.78 dB
High-Bass
6.32 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N's bass accuracy is poor. It's overemphasized across the range, resulting in intense thump, punch, and boom. However, some users may find this sound overwhelming. That said, bass delivery can vary depending on fit, seal, and positioning. This response represents the average, and your experience may vary.

8.6
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.81 dB
Low-Mid
0.22 dB
Mid-Mid
-0.48 dB
High-Mid
1.56 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N have excellent mid accuracy. The range is mostly flat and neutral, resulting in present vocals and lead instruments. The small bump in the high-mid adds a bit of intensity to vocals and lead instruments.

7.6
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
3.65 dB
Low-Treble
-0.24 dB
Mid-Treble
2.31 dB
High-Treble
-6.92 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N's treble accuracy is decent. The low-treble is fairly neutral so the upper harmonics of vocals and lead instruments sound detailed and articulated. However, the mid-treble is overemphasized, which makes sibilants like S and T sounds piercing. Note that treble delivery varies across users, and your experience may vary. If you want headphones that follow our target curve more accurately, especially in the treble range, check out the JBL TUNE 750BTNC Wireless.

7.1
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.87 dB
Dips
1.63 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N's peaks and dips performance is satisfactory. There's a dip on the low-mids, which thins out vocals and lead instruments. A peak in between the high-mid and low-treble makes the upper harmonics of these instruments harsh while the following dip in the low-treble veils their detail. Another peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants like cymbals piercing.

8.6
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.34
Weighted Phase Mismatch
3.78
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.48
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.8

The Sony WH-XB900N have excellent imaging. Their weighted group delay falls entirely beneath the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are also well-matched in regards to phase, frequency, and amplitude response, meaning that objects like voices and footsteps are accurately placed within the stereo image. That said, these results are only valid for our test unit, and your own experience may vary.

5.5
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
3.2 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
7.41 dB
PRTF Distance
12.46 dB
Openness
3.9
Acoustic Space Excitation
3.7

The Sony WH-XB900N have a sub-par passive soundstage. The soundstage is perceived as large, but it feels a bit unnatural and as if coming from inside your head rather than if coming from speakers all around you. Their closed-back design also makes their soundstage seem less spacious than open-back headphones.

6.4
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
On/Off
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
Room Ambience
Presets
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
360 Reality Audio

Update 02/25/2022: These headphones are compatible with Virtualphones Technology (VPT) as well as Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature, which can offer better sound quality. However, you need to subscribe to services that support the 360 Reality Audio feature and use compatible files. The review has been updated to reflect these changes.

These headphones are compatible with Virtualphones Technology (VPT). You can control this feature in the app, and it lets you adjust the sound position and use speaker modeling. They're also compatible with 360 Reality Audio, which the manufacturer advertises to give you better audio quality. However, this feature only works with compatible subscription services and files.

7.5
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.247
WHD @ 100
0.197

The Sony WH-XB900N's weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. There are a couple of peaks at a normal listening volume in the treble range, but this can be hard to hear with real-life content. All the ranges otherwise fall under good limits at high listening volumes, ensuring clean and pure audio reproduction.

Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
1.0.2
Power
On
Connection
Bluetooth 4.0
Codec
aptX, 16-bit, 48kHz
EQ
Off
ANC
On
Tip/Pad
Default
Microphone
Integrated

These are the settings used to test these headphones and our results are only valid when used in this configuration.

Isolation
6.0
Isolation
Noise Isolation
Isolation Audio
Overall Attenuation
-16.74 dB
Noise Cancelling Yes
Bass
-5.39 dB
Mid
-14.48 dB
Treble
-31.12 dB

The Sony XB900N's noise isolation performance is just okay. They have an ANC feature, but unlike the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless, it struggles to cut down bass-range noise like bus and plane rumbles. It does better with mid-range sounds like ambient chatter, and it can cut down a large amount of high-pitched noise like the hum of an AC unit.

6.8
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
40.81 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N have a passable leakage performance. A significant portion of their leakage is spread over the mid and treble ranges, resulting in a leakage that's fuller-sounding compared to that of in-ears and earbuds. The overall level of the leakage is relatively low, and you shouldn't disturb people around you if you're listening to your audio at a high volume. That said, if you want headphones that leak less noise, consider the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
Yes
In-Line
No
Boom
No
Detachable Boom
No
Mic Yes
6.7
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
LFE
219.83 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
2.58 dB
HFE
2,915.3 Hz
Weighted THD
2.513
Gain
41.48 dB

The Sony WH-XB900N's integrated microphone has an okay recording quality. Your voice sounds a little thin, noticeably muffled, and lacking in detail. This is a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, and a performance like this is expected on Bluetooth microphones.

6.9
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
15.79 dB
Noise Gate
Always On
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
6.5
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
7.5
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

The microphone is mediocre at noise handling. It struggles to fully separate speech from ambient noise in moderately loud places, like a busy street.

Active Features
7.3
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
38.3 hrs
Additional Charges
0.0
Total Battery Life
38.3 hrs
Charge Time
5.9 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
No
Audio While Charging
No
Passive Playback
Yes
Charging Port USB-C

The Sony WH-XB900N have decent battery performance. Although they're advertised to last 30 hours with their ANC on, we measured over 38 hours, which is outstanding. However, they take quite a long time to charge up again, and you can't use them while charging. Battery life also varies according to use, so your real-life experience may differ. On the upside, you can still use them passively if you run out of battery. They also have an auto-off timer, but this feature is only trigged when they're disconnected from their audio source. We don't consider this to be a feature that prolongs battery life, as you could still be connected to your PC or phone without audio playing, and this could still drain the battery.

8.0
Active Features
App Support
App Name Sony| Headphones Connect
iOS Yes
Android Yes
macOS No
Windows No
Equalizer
Graphic + Presets
ANC Control
On/Off
Mic Control No
Room Effects
Yes
Playback Control
Yes
Button Mapping Yes
Surround Support
Yes

These headphones have great app support. They're compatible with the Sony|Headphones Connect app and have most of the same features as the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. There's a great graphic EQ with presets and an in-app media player, as well as room effects and sound position options. They also provide a customizable auto-off timer for when the headphones are disconnected from a Bluetooth source. The main difference is when it comes to ANC control, as you won't be able to adjust the level of noise cancelling. You can still control the amount of ambient noise being fed in.

Connectivity
7.4
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
4.2
Multi-Device Pairing
No
NFC Pairing
Yes
Line Of Sight Range
196.00 ft (59.74 m)
PC Latency (SBC)
254 ms
PC Latency (aptX)
162 ms
PC Latency (aptX HD)
N/A
PC Latency (aptX-LL)
N/A
iOS Latency
157 ms
Android Latency
125 ms

The Sony WH-XB900N have decent Bluetooth connectivity. They support NFC pairing, so it's very easy to link them to NFC-compatible devices. Unfortunately, unlike the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless, they can’t be paired with multiple devices simultaneously. They also have high latency on PC and iOS, which isn't ideal for streaming video. Their latency on Android is much lower, and they also support aptX codec, which helps reduce their latency. That said, some devices and apps compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary.

0
Connectivity
Non-Bluetooth Wireless
Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Non-BT Latency
N/A
9.5
Connectivity
Wired
Analog Audio
Yes
USB Audio
No
Detachable Yes
Length 4.10 ft (1.25 m)
Connection
1/8" TRS
Analog/USB Audio Latency
0 ms

The Sony WH-XB900N can be used passively with an audio cable, which is included in the box. This 1/8” TRS cable doesn’t have an in-line microphone and only allows you to receive audio. On the upside, you can use them passively even if their battery is dead. These headphones also come with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging the headphones.

Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio Only
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
No

These headphones can connect to Bluetooth-enabled PCs with full audio and mic compatibility. However, they can only receive audio if you want to use them via analog.

Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio Only
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
PS5 Analog
Audio Only
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
No

These headphones only support audio via analog on PlayStation consoles.

Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio Only
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio Only
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No

The Sony WH-XB900N are only compatible with the Xbox One when using their analog cable. You can only receive audio with this connection, and you won't be able to use their mic.

0
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
No Base/Dock
USB Input
No
Line In
No
Line Out
No
Optical Input
No
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
No
Power Supply
No Base/Dock