Before we go any further with our review of the Sony MDR-NC200D, we’re just going to go ahead and say it: These headphones are in no way the Bose QuitComfort at a bargain price we were hoping for. That being said, considering those Bose headphones cost upwards of $300, getting the MDR-NC200D for about $200 is quite an attractive bargain. However, with less than stellar audio performance, somewhat bland packaging, and overall paler experience, we’re left wondering if the average consumer will be willing to shell out another Benjamin for something truly special. No matter our concerns, though, you can still check below the break for our full review and thoughts on this set of on-ear headphones!
Design and Comfort Rating: 
Sony MDR-NC200D
Let’s be fair: Sony is not known for turning heads on street corners. But though the MDR-NC200Ds are no Beats by Dre —to some, that might even be a good thing—they’re at least rugged and good-looking enough to peak our interests. The headband is soft and cushy, as are the actual on-ear caps. We had no problem fitting the phones to our head, and we liked the comfortably snug fit once the MDR-NC200Ds were in place on our noggin. In terms of design, the set even come with a few important extras, such as an Artificial Intelligence switch in the left earcup that allows us to hear what’s going on outside our own, padded world. Of course, once could always just drape the cans around their neck to achieve the same results, but hey, who’s counting? Likewise, the MDR-NC200D comes with added ability to listen to your tunes without noise-cancelation engaged. So if the batteries were to die, your tunes won’t, unlike the aforementioned models by Bose.
Sound Quality and Performance Rating:
Overall, we were largely impressed with the sound quality the MDR-NC200D was capable of producing, though sadly we tended to enjoy the experience more with the noise-cancelation switched off. We found the noise-canceling functionality itself spot-on, as the headphones come stock with three unique settings, one of which always managed to get the job done for our ears. However, with these settings engaged, we often felt the bass was simply too muddled, and the highs too over-pumped. In a way, it’s as if the MDR-NC200Ds are trying too hard to make up for the canceled noise, adding additional EQ settings to the mix that we didn’t appreciate at all. To make matters worse, there’s also a faint hiss that comes through the phones when noise-cancelation is engaged.
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Overall Value Rating:
All in all, with poor sound performance and a less than chic design, the MDR-NC200D is one hard sell. Granted, they are $100 cheaper than any other comparable model, but in this case, you really are getting what you pay for: And what you’re paying for is convenience, not performance.
