All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Sony IER-EX15C review: Wired earbuds are back
Mar 28, 2026 — 6:30 AM ET
Sony IER-EX15C
The new Sony IER-EX15C are wired earbuds that cost less than $30. But that doesn’t mean they don’t sound great. After all, we’ve known for a while that price isn’t a factor in how good audio can sound. I tried them for the past few days, and I have to say, I was impressed. If you find the Sony IER-EX15C in your local grocery store or airport terminal, you may want to pick them up. Here’s why.
This Sony IER-EX15C review was published on March 28, 2026, and this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Sony IER-EX15C?
The build of the Sony IER-EX15C feels cheap, but not enough that I thought it would break just by looking at it. The wire does twist on itself, but it never ties itself into a knot. One slightly annoying aspect is that it’s impossible to tell which earbud is left or right at a glance. I had to look closely to find the “L” and “R” indicators, though the inline mic on the left earbud helps identify them.
The inline microphone includes a volume rocker and playback controls. The volume rocker is satisfyingly tactile and clicky, while the playback button is really stiff. However, I didn’t have any issues identifying the controls by touch. I did find that the cable is prone to microphonics, where even wind or my shirt rubbing against it is audible. This isn’t a problem sitting at a computer, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a run outside.
I found the fit good, though it will depend on the shape of your ear canals, as it relies on the included silicone tips to stay secure. Despite that, I wore it for over 8 hours without issue. Where I did find an issue is that the passive isolation isn’t great. The silicone tips muffle noise without a huge drop in volume, the screeching of trains is dulled, and the murmuring of the crowd waiting for the next train turns into a loud whisper. If you’re looking to block out noise, many other earbuds can do the trick.
How does the Sony IER-EX15C connect?
The Sony IER-EX15C are wired earbuds that connect over USB-C or 3.5mm AUX, depending on which version you buy. Either way, that’s good because it avoids any perceived latency. It works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, with no drivers to get up and running. The downside is that the cable is not replaceable unless you know how to solder. Given the price, it would have been nice to have a replaceable cable, as even inexpensive IEMs have replaceable cables.
Plugging it should work just fine. It’s a wired product that comes with a DAC/AMP combo built in. However, if you have issues getting audio out, first unplug the unit and follow the steps below:
- Unlock your device.
- Plug in USB-C
- Look for a window that is requesting access to a USB device.
- Let the USB device have access.
Once permission is granted, it should be saved so you don’t have to do this repeatedly.
How do the Sony IER-EX15C sound?
Despite the price, the Sony IER-EX15C sounds good. But does have a slight underemphasis in parts of the treble, which could result in volume pumping when in noisy environments.
Reviewer’s notes
Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.
Can you use the Sony IER-EX15C for phone calls?
The Sony IER-EX15C is decent for phone calls, but has some issues with microphonics and handling noise. It’s not the worst thing, but depending on how it rubs against your clothing, it can get annoying over long periods.
Sony IER-EX15C microphone sample (Ideal conditions):
Sony IER-EX15C microphone with microphonics sample:
While lightly walking, there’s a scratching sound in the background. However, holding the microphone closer to my mouth exacerbates the microphonic rubbing sound.
Should you buy the Sony IER-EX15C?
The Sony IER-EX15C are a cheap pair of earbuds that sound good. It’s great for listening to music and podcasts, and it also does a decent job for gaming.
However, unlike most IEMs, such as the Moondrop Chu II at $17.99, the IER-EX15C’s cable is not replaceable, and it doesn’t have any earhooks. If you aren’t a fan of the silicone eartips, the Apple EarPods USB-C have a better-sounding microphone and a different unsealed design.
Sony IER-EX15C price history
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.