In case you’ve been keeping a watch on the whole Noise Cancelling headphones scene, you’ve probably heard the news — Sony makes some of the best Noise Cancelling headphones in the business.
Nowadays if you ask most tech people — what’s a good pair of noise canceling headphones? The answer will almost always be — The Bose Quiet Comfort series or, more recently, the Sony 1000XM3.
Now, the 1000XM series are Sony’s flagship noise canceling headphones. And flagship headphones tend to cost a premium, which they’re totally worth for sure, but not everyone can afford super premium headphones!
That’s why I was happy to see Sony announce the new XB-900N recently. The Sony XB-900N, or the 900N as we’ll call it for the rest of this review, are a much more approachable pair of noise canceling headphones.
So while they probably won’t have the same level of noise-canceling power as the 1000XM3, there’s still a lot to like here, especially at this price point.
Expensive looking without being THAT expensive
The 900N shares a lot of design similarities as the more premium XM3, which is a good thing because that means these headphones look expensive.
The exterior is mostly hard plastic, and the headband has a nice foam padding on the underside. There’s also a tiny NFC logo on the left side which you can just tap a compatible Android phone against, to pair it with these headphones, which is super convenient.
Apart from that, there’s Sony branding on both earcups as well, and you’ll notice bass vents present which look pretty cool.
On the left earcup, you’ll find two buttons and ports present, along with one of the two microphones. One button is for power and the other button can be set to trigger your phone’s voice assistant but I’ll talk about that a bit later.
On the right earcup you’ll see the second microphone, along with an entire flat surface which is touch-sensitive.
Just like the XM3, the flat outside of the right earcup has touch-enabled pads. It’s one large solid piece though, so there’s no separate sections with different features like on the XM3.
Easy navigation and control
You can swipe up or down vertically to increase or decrease your audio volume. Swipe sideways to skip tracks, and double tap in the center to pause music. You can also tap the center of the earcups to answer or end a phone call.
But my favorite feature has to be the “quick attention mode.” It automatically and instantly lowers the volume of whatever you’re listening to, in case you need to speak to someone in front of you, or listen to something going on around you. All you have to do is cover the right earcup with the palm of your hand.
This feature is really handy, especially if you’re like me and like to wear your headphones in the office, or in a cafe, and some random human comes up to you and says something.
These gestures take a little getting used to, and you’ll either find them super useful or super frustrating. Either way it’s still cool to have.
Support for a virtual assistant
Speaking of frustrating, like I mentioned earlier, Sony allows you to choose between Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa for a dedicated button on the 900N. But if you choose to have a digital assistant then you’ll lose the ability to use that button to cycle between noise canceling modes.
Not that there’s too many Noise cancellation modes on the 900N, there’s two – an ambient mode where the noise cancellation is less aggressive and you can hear what’s happening around you, or the full-on noise cancellation mode.
Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of digital assistants on phones. I use Google Assistant all the time on my Google Home, likewise for Alexa on my Echo, but on my phone I just never find them quick enough. So while I might not find this particular feature very useful, I understand that some of y’all out there might really like it, so here you go.
Just FYI, you can turn off the noise cancelling on these phones as well, but I’m not entirely sure why you’d want to, since it doesn’t really affect the audio quality TOO much. And while these are primarily marketed as wireless headphones, you can use them wired as well. Which will help get even more battery life out of these headphones, if necessary.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the headphones also fold up for easy storage when not in use. It comes with a nice carrying case too which makes it much easier to carry around when you’re not using it.
Something you can wear for hours
Sony has done SUCH a great job on nailing comfort on the XB900N. Just like the more premium 1000XM3, there’s a cushy headband (with very prominent Sony branding), and super soft, sturdy earpads that have an around-the-ear fit.
The headband in particular has a good enough tension with the headphones feeling nice and secure around your ears. This helps give a good amount of noise isolation to help with the noise cancellation.
The headphones weigh a very light 254 grams so even after wearing them straight for a few hours, I never felt like it was pinching my brain too much.
That being said, I will mention though, that it’s been a little too humid where I live for the last few weeks and as a result if you’re in a really humid environment, there can be quite a bit of moisture built up between your eyes and the earpads so you’d want to take a break every hour or so.
But essentially the Sony XB900N is meant to be used for travel. Your daily commute to work, or a flight, or long bus or subway ride, and in these scenarios you could comfortably wear these headphones for hours.
More codec options for a better listening experience
The Sony WH-XB900N headphones are powered by 40mm dynamic drivers, with a frequency response range of 20-40,000Hz when used with Sony’s own high-quality LDAC codec at 990kbps.
They connect over Bluetooth 4.2, but there’s also support for a whole bunch of bluetooth codecs, which is something Sony does that most other headphone companies do not. There’s support for AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC codecs.
If you’re only going to use these headphones with an iPhone or an iPad, then it’ll stick to the AAC codec.
BUT if you’re using it with an Android phone, or anything with better source equipment, you’ll get to try out the additional codec support which definitely helps with a better listening experience.
Like for example, if you’re using it with the OnePlus 7 Pro, you’ll be able to use the LDAC or aptX HD codecs.
But let’s talk about how good the noise cancellation is.
No QN1 chip but still gets the job done
The Sony XB900N does not have their new QN1 noise-cancelling chip that’s used on the flagship XM3. Like most other headphones, the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) has to handle noise cancellation duties as well. It won’t be as impressive as the XM3, which also customizes the ANC for atmospheric pressure when you’re on a plane, but it still does a really good job.
Once you switch on that noise cancellation, all those annoying sounds in the background around you just fade away. Granted it’s not as silencing as the XM3, but it’s definitely one of the best at this price range.
All about that bass
Now I’m not sure if you noticed this, but the “XB” in “XB900N” stands for “Extra Bass.” The very prominent branding on the box mentally prepares you for this. As a result, the XB900N is more suited for bass-heavy music styles that have a lot more thump. If you’re a fan of EDM, Hip-hop, or bass heavy POP tracks then you’ll love the audio quality.
But if you don’t listen to a lot of bass-pounding tracks then you might find the audio quality a little exhausting. Thankfully, in this case, you can use Sony’s “Headphones Connect” app to change the default, bass heavy equalizer to a different soundstage.
The Sony Headphones Connect app also allows you to tweak more settings for the headphones, including the equalizer I mentioned, adaptive sound control, ambient sound control, Sony’s DSEE sound enhancement system, and more. You can also use them to answer phone calls, and the microphone quality is superb.
Overall though, I’m quite a fan of the audio tuning, but then I’m all about that bass. Vocals are crisp, and that thumpy bass is tight, and resonates inside those earcups. There’s clear, clean audio coming through across the frequency range. And for softer, instrumental, or acoustic genres of music, you could just tweak things in Sony’s headphones app.
Superb battery life
The Sony XB900N boasts 30 hours of battery life with Noise Cancellation switched on. Not only is this just like the more expensive 1000XM3, but it’s pretty much very accurate.
I used these during writing and video editing sessions in cafes for about three to four hours each day for about an entire week before I even got a low battery alert. That’s just freakin’ awesome.
When it comes to charging the headphones, the first positive surprise is that it charges over a USB Type-C port!
It’s really great to see Sony adopt this incredibly convenient standard, especially if you only have type-c cables around like I do.
I mean come on, it’s 2019.
Coming to charging specifically, a ten minute charge will give you about an hour worth of battery life, but a full charge can take about three to four hours depending on the charger you’re using. It’s not great but it’s not too bad either considering the kind of battery life you’re getting.
Is the Sony XB900N your GadgetMatch?
At US$ 250, the Sony XB900N is worth every penny.
It has sound quality that rivals headphones that cost a lot more. That, combined with the solid noise cancellation, make it a really great buy at the price point.
Now, remember, the audio tuning tends to be a little bass-heavy so if you like that you’re set, but if you don’t then you will have to make equalizer tweaks to handle that. But then again if you want THE BEST audio, you’ll have to spend a bit more and get the Sony WH-1000XM3.
But at the price point it sells at, there’s just no beating the Sony XB900N as an all-around package. There’s great battery life, good audio drivers and, support for a whole bunch of bluetooth audio codecs. Sony has another winner on their hands.
Definitely recommended. This is going to be THE pair of headphones I recommend in this price range for a while.
SEE ALSO: Sony WF-1000XM3: Masterclass in noise cancellation
Accessories
Making the case for sophisticated protection
Why settle for survival when you can have style?
Protection is a baseline, but sophistication is a choice.
We’ve moved past the era of chunky, industrial shells that make your phone look like it’s prepared for a lunar landing. This season, we’re embracing accessories that complements the lifestyle you’ve curated.
Confidence in minimalism
The RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black is the choice for those who appreciate the architecture of their device. In the dappled sunlight of a garden or resting against the weathered grain of a vintage wooden wheel, the Air X feels right at home.
It offers a translucent window into the tech you’ve invested in, framed by a silhouette so slim it feels like a second skin.
The MagSafe ring on the back acts as a focal point; a piece of geometric art that doubles as a functional powerhouse. It’s designed for the person who values a seamless flow, snapping onto chargers and accessories with a satisfying click that echoes its precision.
Because it retains the phone’s original profile while providing world-class impact resistance, the “cost-per-wear” logic applies here perfectly.
A bold declaration
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is the case that stands out among the bougainvillea and the golden hour glow. The deep, saturated blue is a mood. A rich hue that holds its own against the most vibrant summer palette.
Holding the Solid X feels premium; its matte texture provides a secure, tactile grip that defies the humidity of a tropical afternoon.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that feels entirely indulgent. By absorbing the shocks of an active life without sacrificing its sophisticated edge, it pays for itself the first time your phone meets the pavement instead of the repair shop.
READ MORE: 11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
Accessories
11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
What to pack for your next vacation!
Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.
It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.
But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.
After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)
Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.
For the high-octane adventurer
If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.
While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.
Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.
For the unstoppable power player
For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.
But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.
When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.
For the hands-free curator
Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.
These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.
They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.
The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.
This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.
For the seamless traveler
Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.
The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.
You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.
For the sophisticated urbanite
As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.
Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.
But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.
Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.
For the beach club connoisseur
No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.
The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.
For the private villa host
One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.
It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.
The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.
For the street-style visionary
For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.
Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.
For the globetrotter
If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.
This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.
It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)
For the high-society ironist
When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.
Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”
It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.
For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist
Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.
There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.
A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.
Accessories
Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Better Android lens support
Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support
Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.
The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.
Android finally gets full lens access
One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.
This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.
The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.
Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing
The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.
Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.
Dual View adds more angles in one take
Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.
This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.
Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting
For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.
Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.
Smarter tracking and remote control tools
The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.
AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.
There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.
Availability
The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.
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