Sony MDR-EX55LP High Performance Earbuds (black)
Starting at: $39.30
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Sony MDR-EX55LP headphones are inexpensive and offer a good step up from stock buds in both comfort and sound quality. They offer some passive sound isolation. Audio is clear and balanced.
The bad: The Sony MDR-EX55LP headphones suffer from a cheap, plastic design and the cable is thin and tangle-prone. Similarly priced earbuds from Sony offer more features and deeper bass.
The bottom line: There may be better options in this price range, but the Sony MDR-EX55LP earbuds are still a good step up from stock for listeners who like balanced audio across a variety of genres.
When you've just dropped a wad of your hard-earned cash on a new MP3 player, purchasing an accessory to help make the most of it may seem counterintuitive, but that's exactly what you should do: upgrade those headphones. You needn't spend a lot to get a pair that's undeniably better than the stock set that came with your device. Case in point: the Sony MDR-EX55LP Stereo Headphones. These earphones will set you back about $30 only, and they offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality and comfort.
As you might expect of ... Expand full review
When you've just dropped a wad of your hard-earned cash on a new MP3 player, purchasing an accessory to help make the most of it may seem counterintuitive, but that's exactly what you should do: upgrade those headphones. You needn't spend a lot to get a pair that's undeniably better than the stock set that came with your device. Case in point: the Sony MDR-EX55LP Stereo Headphones. These earphones will set you back about $30 only, and they offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality and comfort.
As you might expect of earphones in this price range, the Sony MDR-EX55LP earbuds are constructed of plastic and feel pretty cheap. However, you do get to choose from four color accents--black, blue, white, or pink--and the arm that feeds the cable into the earpiece has a metallic sheen that offers a glimmer of style. Also, the 'buds are wrapped in a rubberized coating to help ensure comfort. This, combined with their small, round shape and Sony's inclusion of three sets of silicone sleeves (S, M, and L), helps with fit. We had no problems achieving a seal and wore the earphones comfortably for several hours. The package also contains a soft travel pouch, though you won't find the cable wrap that comes with the earphones' similarly priced sibling, the Sony MDR-EX36V.
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Compare selectedSince 2003, Jasmine France has worked at CNET covering everything from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices to MP3 players. She currently cohosts the Crave podcast and spends the majority of her time testing headphones, music software, and mobile apps.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 3 reviews
"Extr. Satisfied w/ built qlty & Surprised w/ Sound qlty" By dunefreezer
Pros: -Built Quality is great, I look upon the beautiful reflective material all the time.
Sound quality and Bass are definitely satisfying if not jaw dropping.
-Very comfortable because of sexy latest design.
Cons: Could have had a Volume control in the wire, rather than using the device to control the volume.
Summary: For 30$, it will definitely satisfy you, but don't expect a 150$ earphone quality which has its own problems, the lifespan sucks for expensive earphones like Bose, etc. That's why getting a 30$ earphones with satisfying experience is the best option.
"Terrible quality" By irishlad1994
Pros: absolutely nothing
Cons: terrible sound, uncomfortable
Summary: i bought these because i didnt want to spend $90 for bose ones. i thought these might be somewhat better than the standard apple ipod earphones. the REALLY suck. absolutely no bass, really tin canny, and uncomfortable. i returned them the next day and bought the bose ones. as the ... Expand full review
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphones - Binaural
- Product type: Headphones
- Design: In-ear ear-bud
