Claims: Sony’s latest in-ear model is designed to deliver extra bass thanks to the Power Bass Duct and 12mm driver unit. It comes with a built-in microphone and a tangle-free cord for comfortable anytime, anywhere use. Friendly with both iPhone and Android.    

The pros

• Classy design
• The flat cord carries enough weight to make it truly tangle-free.
• The silicone earbuds are a great fit, making for good noise cancelation.
• Clear sound separation lets you really feel the bass of your music.

The cons

• Quite a heavy body that’s a bit tough to use at the gym.
• The extra bass detracts somewhat from high-pitched sounds.

The verdict

The Sony MDR-XB70AP is a solid choice for a new pair of earphones that won’t break the bank, with its sophisticated sound separation and great bass. It’s quite heavy, though, so we wouldn’t recommend it for the gym or long periods traveling. There’s also no remote control for on-the-go use, perhaps troublesome if you listen to songs that cover a range of volumes. But if your favorite music is pop, hip-hop or dubstep, it’s not a bad choice at all.

Available in gold and black for $109 at Sony Stores, see the Sony website for more details.