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Sony MDR-NC22 vs MDR-NC33 Model Review
Reviews of Sony's MDR-NC22 noise cancelling headphones or their new MDR-NC33 model don't often give you a good idea of how the two models compare. Here we'll cover the biggest differences between the two, show you some side-by-side pictures so you can see what both look like and tell you which we prefer. In our opinion, both models of headphones are very good. They are light-weight, provide a high level of noise cancellation, are well-made and provide good value for money compared to other brands.
Performance
One of the largest differences between the two models is that the new model can provide up to 90% noise cancellation while the MDR-NC22 provides 75% noise cancallation. This difference is noticeable and is one very good reason to choose the newer model. If you are looking at getting noise cancelling headphones then this should be one of the first things you look at. If you are unfamiliar with how noise cancelling headphones work you'll find the explanation at our "how noise cancelling headphones work" page very useful.
Another thing to be aware of is that some noise cancelling headphones will have a hissing sound when switched on. This is noticeable for the MDR-NC22 model when no music is being played and can be off-putting to some (if you've read some reviews for these headphones you'll know what we mean). Sony appears to have solved this for the MDR-NC33 model though, as there is very little to no hissing even when you aren't playing any music.
Battery life is another factor that people are often concerned about. Afterall, who wants to spend money having to buy AAA batteries all the time? You can rest assured knowing that the MDR-NC33 has an advertised running time of 100 hours, double-that of the MDR-NC22 model.
Appearance
From the top both the MDR-NC22 and MDR-NC33 are a similar size and weight. The shape of the MDR-NC33 has changed slightly and is a little sleeker than before. The black model has a metallic finish rather than being mat black. The MDR-NC33 comes in 4 different colours, black, red, white and violet. The MDR-NC22 is available in pink, white, and black.
Looking at the side you can see that the MDR-NC33 has retained the monitoring function which is a great move and this button is a little less prominant than before. The power switch is very similar between the two and hasn't changed substantially.
As for the ear buds (MDR-NC33 on the right) you can see that the shape has changed from the MDR-NC22 model. I've found the new shape to be a little more comfortable than before but it will come down to personal preference. Both earbuds have retained the L and R markings and the length of the cable from the "Y" point is the same.
Summary
To summarise, the new MDR-NC33 model is a definite improvement over the MDR-NC22 model with better noise cancellation and battery life being two of the main benefits. The basic design and functionality has remainded unchanged so if you like the MDR-NC22 you'll love the brand new MDR-NC33 model.
