I have the Xperia Tablet Z2, with Verizon 4G LTE, and bought the noise-cancelling in-ear headphones, the MDR-NC31EM. I did not get them free, as the first 1000 Verizon customers did. I was too late, but I bought them online anyway.
In short, they are surprisingly good.
I usually use Denon noise-cancelling headphones, AH-NC800s and when I travel light, the AH-NC732s. And I was prepared to find the Denons were totally superior in every way. But...the Sonys held their own.
Two quick areas of discussion: facts, and opinions:
Facts:
The Sonys are as small as earbuds. No batteries, no big zippered case, no big over-ear cups. Tiny. Light. The noise cancelling circuitry is handled by the tablet, so the headphones are light and easy to carry.
Most full-size noise cancelling headphones are big. My Denons are big. They do a great job, powered by one AAA battery, and carried in a nice, large, zippered custom case, with an internal pouch for cords, batteries, airplane adapters, 1/4" adapters, etc.
The Denons work with any audio source, with an 1/8" output, or using the adapter, a 1/4" output. They will give you excellent sound with anything you have. Phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, home theater, headphone amps, even airplane audio. Not many airlines still use the double-plug audio jacks anymore, but Denon includes the adapter anyway.
However, the Sonys only work with Sony tablets and phones that have the proprietary noise-cancelling circuits. The headphone plug itself has five metal bands - one or two must power the noise cancelling. That's awesome, but only Xperia products will have a headphone jack that accommodates that array of bands. Use them with anything else? No noise cancelling. no bass, no real tone, not really usable at all. Because again, they are not made for all types of products; they were created for just the latest-generation of Xperia phones and tablets.
The Denons are $300 - $400. The Sonys around $60.
OK, that's that.
Now my subjective opinions:
The Sonys do provide noise cancelling. You hear it when you plug them in. The roar of daily life is quickly muted, substantially. Of course, so do the Denons. But on my condo balcony, the Sonys blocked the sound of passing cars better than the Denons. I was very impressed.
Using the Sonys, I hear my breathing, like Darth Vader. Because they're in-ear? Also, I can hear cord movement. None of that happens with the Denons.
Using the Denons, I hear the plastic frames creak when I turn my head. I don't with the Sonys. Plus, with the Denon 800s, if I lean my head against an airplane headrest, they cause a roaring sound...I shift position and it goes away. Not with the Sonys.
Both have nice bottom end. I hear low, low bass hits on both. Neither gives me the hits a nice subwoofer would, obviously, but for headphones both give plenty of bass, even the very low end.
Overall, I find the soundstage, the tone and the dynamic range of the Denons is better. They produce vibrant sound, but it's quite smooth and enjoyable. The Sonys produce very clear, detailed sound, but I would not call it smooth. Rather, very defined, bright with lots of bass.
For me? The Sonys are great, and they will be my first choice when I'm traveling light. When I travel with only the Xperia tablet Z2, they'll be a fantastic addition. They're great. And I would even buy a second pair, one at home, one to travel with.
But when I have the Xperia tablet Z2, and a laptop, and room in my bag, I will bring the big Denons. They are comfortable, and have great sound. And they'll work with all my audio sources.
So, the Xperia noise cancelling headphones are not a replacement; they are an addition. They help me expand my options, which as a regular traveler is something I greatly appreciate.
Hope this helps.
