The Sony MDR ZX110 is among the cheapest headphones both in Sony’s lineup and the lineup of other over-the-ear headphones. And while its price even falls under many earbuds, it does provide considerably good performance for the price. With Active noise-canceling features, a strong bass, and more than durable cables, the Sony MDR ZX110 may just be one of the best over-ear headphones you can get. If you want to compare with another set of over-ear headphones, take a look at our Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones review to compare. But, do keep in mind that unlike slightly more costly products like the Mpow 059, the MDR ZX110 is not wireless. If you want buds instead of over-ear, take a look at our Teqa Fit Bluetooth Headphone review.
Related: If you don’t like these headphones, check the Sony MDR 1R Premium Headphones review.
Why We Like It – Sony MDR ZX110
Being one of the most affordable pairs of over-the-ear headphones out there, the Sony MDR ZX110 provides you with a bass central audio experience making listening to music ever the more enjoyable. Paired with its moderately comfortable build, a wide frequency response, and Active noise-cancelling, the Sony MDR ZX110 offers you almost everything you need for under $20. If you’ve got more money to spend, read our LSTN Cherrywod Troubadours Headphones review instead.
- Active Noise-canceling
- Wide frequency response
- Durable cables
- The sound tends to be mostly bass boosted
- Plastic build of the headphone isn’t very solid
Related: Also read our Stir It Up On-Ear Headphones review
Performance
Having a wide frequency response of 12 to 22000 kHz the Sony MDR-ZX110 offers you a bass-focused audio experience that will make listening to music enjoyable for many people out there. And coming in three different models with options for noise canceling and mic, you get a whole lot at a very affordable price. If you’re more interested in a way to listen to music while you’re skateboarding, check out our POC skateboard helmet with Dr. Dre headphones review too.
Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM3, the MDR ZX110 isn’t wireless. But considering the fact that the cables, which are Flat-Y Cables don’t tangle easily and also have a rugged more durable texture, the wires really aren’t that big a compromise. If you’re looking for a pair of budget wireless earphones the Mpow 059 or the Cowin E7 are both worth checking out.
On the other hand, while the sound quality of the Sony MDR-ZX110 isn’t necessarily that bad, it tends to be more bass boosted and boomy with a darker treble and high-end sounds. Now, this is a drawback, but if you’re someone who prefers to listen to bass-focused music with less attention to the high-end sounds, the Sony MDR ZX110 would still be one of the best options among other ZX series headphones. Alternatively, our review of the SMS audio sync 50 wireless Bluetooth headphones indicates a pair of nice cans that can do just as well as Sony.
Finally, MDR ZX110 comes with 30 mm drivers, and thanks to its active noise canceling feature, they don’t leak much sound either, retaining the peace of silence in your office or the library. The headphones also hold 87.9 hours of battery for noise-canceling thanks to a AAA battery which means you won’t need to replace it as often, and when you do it won’t be much of a hassle.
Design
Lacking padding on the headband, the Sony MDR-ZX110 may not be the most comfortable headphone out there, but weighing just 132g the headband won’t be causing much of a force on your head. And with earcups that have a decent amount of padding, you can wear them for a considerable amount of time before it gets weary.
Moreover, the Sony MDR ZX110 also allows you to fold the ear cups making them easier to store and carry. Paired with the availability of a slight swivel on the ear cups you can easily adjust them to make the headphone more comfortable. As for the build of the ZX110, you get a full plastic build which itself really isn’t that durable but is shiny on the backs of the ear cups giving a slight aesthetic look to the device. And when it comes to functionality, it doesn’t really offer much, with just a switch to activate the noise canceling and nothing more.
Value
Taking you only $14 to buy this, the Sony MDR ZX110 does indeed live up to its price, and maybe even surpasses one’s expectations. While you can get it on Amazon for almost $7, when buying this what you should be considering is whether or not you are okay with bass-boosted sound quality and if the wired design fits your needs. Apart from that, since its build is seemingly fragile as per the review Sony MDR ZX110 has received from the majority of people, you may need to keep track of where you take the headphones. And if you can get past all of that, the Sony MDR ZX110 is a great headphone with a whole lot of features at a great price.
Sony MDR ZX110 Wrap Up
While they may not have a design almost as solid as that of the Panasonic Headphones RP-HT161-K, or be wireless like the Mpow 059, the Sony MDR ZX110 offers you a great sound quality with a great amount of focus on bass packed into a build with durable wires and a pretty comfortable ear padding. And, so if you’ve just got a few bucks to spare and you need a headphone to just get by during your commute or you need a temporary urgently, the Sony MDR ZX110 should be your go-to at a price almost as low as $7.
