Sony MDR-ZX110 On-Ear Headphones: Affordable and Portable Audio Experience
Published on May 2, 2023, 7:39 p.m.
The Sony MDR-ZX110 are a budget-friendly pair of wired over-ear headphones aimed at casual music listeners. Offering decent sound quality and comfort at an affordable price point, these headphones provide good value for money. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the design, features, sound quality, comfort, and overall performance of the MDR-ZX110 headphones to see how they stack up.
Overview
The Sony MDR-ZX110 are fairly lightweight and compact over-ear headphones with a folding and swiveling design for portability. They have 30mm neodymium drivers, a frequency response range of 12-22,000 Hz, and a 1.2m tangle-free cable with an in-line remote and mic. Key features include closed-back design, soft cushioned earpads, and an adjustable headband.
Highlights
- 30mm neodymium drivers
- 12Hz - 22kHz frequency response
- Foldable and swiveling design
- Inline remote and microphone
- Closed-back design
Design and Build
The MDR-ZX110 have a simple and straightforward design with an all-plastic construction that feels a bit cheap but keeps the weight down. The headband is thin with no padding but has a self-adjusting mechanism that provides a secure fit. The earcups swivel flat for easy portability and storage. The padded ear cushions are comfortable but clamp a little tightly. Overall, the build quality is decent for the price but they may not withstand rough use.
Comfort
The cushioned earpads and self-adjusting headband provide a reasonable level of comfort for short listening sessions. The tight clamping force and lack of headband padding means they can feel slightly uncomfortable over longer periods of wear. The closed-back over-ear design helps block out some environmental noise. Overall, the MDR-ZX110 are fairly comfortable for casual listening but lack the plushness required for all-day wear.
Sound Quality
Considering the budget-friendly price, the MDR-ZX110 deliver surprisingly good audio performance. The 30mm drivers produce a relatively balanced sound profile with punchy bass, clear mids, and decent highs. The sound has good clarity and definition across genres like pop, rock, and EDM. Bass has decent depth but lacks sub-bass rumble. The closed-back design provides good noise isolation. On the downside, the soundstage feels narrow and congested. But overall, the lively sound makes these great headphones for casual everyday listening.
Performance and Connectivity
The MDR-ZX110 have a standard wired connectivity with a 1.2m cable that terminates in a 3.5mm plug. The in-line remote and mic allow for basic playback control and hands-free calling. The headphones are fairly easy to drive from portable devices but lack the power handling for high volumes. For wireless connectivity, a Bluetooth adapter can be used.
Use Cases
The MDR-ZX110 are ideal for:
- Casual listening at home
- Commuting and travel
- Office use
- Gym/exercise
- Students and teenagers
User Feedback & Analysis
The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones have garnered predominantly positive reviews from customers. On online retailer sites like Amazon, these headphones hold an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 75% of reviews rating them at 4 stars or higher.
In their reviews, buyers highly praise the MDR-ZX110 for their surprising sound quality given the budget-friendly price tag. Many users mention the bass has a satisfying punch and depth that brings music to life. The overall sound signature is described as lively, balanced and crisp across the frequency range, with clear and detailed mids and highs. For casual listening, the sound quality exceeds expectations.
Several users point out how the MDR-ZX110 provide good value for money in terms of performance. At around $20, the sound is comparable to more expensive headphones up to the $50 price range. Buyers feel these headphones provide extremely good bang for your buck.
However, some owners have reported build quality issues after a few months of use, like joint pieces becoming loose or drivers failing in one ear cup. While a minority have faced these problems, it suggests durability could be better. A few users also find the earpads clamp down too tightly, making them uncomfortable for long listening sessions. But overall, users agree that for the affordable price, these are great entry-level headphones for everyday music listening.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value for money
- Surprisingly good sound
- Lightweight and portable
- Effective noise isolation
Cons
- Tight clamping force
- Materials feel cheap
- Durability issues over time
- Lackluster comfort for long sessions
Value for Money
Retailing at approximately $20, the Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones offer superb value for money. In this ultra-low budget range, it is rare to find over-ear style headphones with solid audio performance. While the materials and build quality reflect the price, the MDR-ZX110 punch well above their class in terms of sound.
For casual listeners looking for their first decent pair of headphones on a shoestring budget, the MDR-ZX110 provide amazing performance without breaking the bank. Audiophiles may be left wanting more refinement and detail. However, if your priority is getting the most bang for your buck, these Sony headphones deliver impressive quality for the price.
Verdict
Overall, the Sony MDR-ZX110 are a great budget option for casual listeners looking for decent wired over-ear headphones under $20. Though the plastics feel cheap, they are lightweight and provide reasonable comfort. Where these headphones shine is sound - they deliver lively and balanced audio that belies their low price. With good portability and inline controls added, the MDR-ZX110 make for great entry-level headphones for everyday use.
Specifications
- Driver diameter: 30mm
- Impedance: 24 ohms
- Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
- Frequency response: 12Hz - 22,000Hz
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Weight: 181g
Box Contents
The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones come with:
- Headphones
- 3.5mm audio cable
- Airplane adapter
- Carrying pouch
- Warranty card
- Instruction manual
How to Use
- Connect the 3.5mm plug to your audio source - phone, tablet, laptop etc.
- Wear the earcups over your ears with the headband resting comfortably on your head.
- Adjust the extenders on each side to get a secure yet comfortable fit.
- Use the inline remote to control music playback and volume.
- Fold the earcups flat when not in use for easy storage.
