Sony MDR-ZX110 Review: Simple Guide to Affordable Sound
Looking for good headphones that won't cost a lot? The Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110, are a popular choice. Many people like them because they're from a trusted brand like Sony, and they're very affordable. But are they really good for everyday listening? Let's take a closer look at the Sony MDR-ZX110 to see if they're the right headphones for you.
Design and How They're Built: Easy to Carry
The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones feature a simple design and are remarkably lightweight. They're mostly made of plastic, which helps keep them light (around 120 grams). This lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear for a long time. Even though they're made of plastic, which might feel a bit less strong, this is common for headphones in this price range.
A great feature is how they fold. The earcups can turn flat and fold inward, making the headphones very small. This means you can easily put them in your bag or backpack without them taking up much space. This is super helpful if you travel a lot or just carry your headphones with you daily.
The wire is about 1.2 meters (almost 4 feet) long and is designed to be tough and not get tangled easily. This is a nice bonus for such affordable headphones. The plug, which connects to your phone or computer, is L-shaped, which helps it last longer by preventing bends and breaks.
(Quick note: There's also a model called the MDR-ZX110AP. This one comes with a small remote and microphone on the wire, so you can take calls hands-free from your smartphone. The MDR-ZX110 doesn't have this feature.)
Sound Quality: Fun Bass for Listening on the Go
The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones use 30mm sound drivers and neodymium magnets to give you clear and balanced sound. Here's what you can expect from their sound:
Bass (Low Sounds): These headphones have a strong, "punchy" bass, especially for drum beats and low notes. This makes music like pop, hip-hop, and electronic songs sound lively and fun. Sometimes the bass can be a bit too strong or "boomy," but for casual listening, it adds excitement. Don't expect very deep, rumbling sub-bass from these.
Mids and Vocals (Voice Sounds): The sounds where voices are (mids) can sometimes feel a little crowded. This means voices might not always be super clear or detailed, and sometimes the bass can slightly cover them. If you're looking for every tiny detail in a singer's voice, these might not be the best. But for everyday listening, voices are generally clear enough.
Highs and Treble (High Sounds): The high-pitched sounds are a bit soft, or "dark." This is good because it stops the sound from being too sharp or harsh, even if you turn up the volume. However, it also means that very fine details in high notes might be missed, and the overall sound can sometimes feel a little less bright.
Frequency Range: These headphones can play sounds from very low (12 Hz) to quite high (22,000 Hz). This covers most of the sounds you hear in music, but they really focus more on the lower sounds.
Overall, considering their low price, the MDR-ZX110 gives a surprisingly full and good sound. They're not made for professional music listening, but they're excellent for enjoying music during your daily commute, while studying, or just relaxing.
Comfort: Light and Gentle on Your Ears
One of the best things about the Sony MDR-ZX110 is how comfortable they are. They have soft ear cushions that sit gently on your ears, giving you a comfy fit. The part that goes over your head isn't heavily padded, but because the headphones are so light, they don't press down too hard. Many users say they can wear these headphones for hours without their ears or head getting tired, which is great for long trips or listening sessions.
The headband adjusts easily, and the earcups can tilt, helping them fit well on different head sizes.
Value for Money: You Get a Lot for What You Pay
The most exciting part about the Sony MDR-ZX110 is how much you get for such a low price. They are very, very affordable. For this small cost, you get headphones from a well-known brand, decent sound for everyday use, they're super easy to carry, and they're comfortable. They often cost less than many in-ear earphones!
If you're a student, someone who listens to music casually, or just needs a reliable extra pair of headphones, the MDR-ZX110 is an amazing deal.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Look
Pros:
Very low price
Light and comfortable for long use
Easy to fold and carry
Bass sounds are strong and lively
Strong wire that resists tangling
Some models (MDR-ZX110AP) have a mic for calls
Good at blocking out some outside noise (passive isolation)
Cons:
Plastic feel can seem a bit weak
Mid and high sounds might not be very clear or detailed
Bass can sometimes be a bit too strong
Not for professional or very detailed music listening
No advanced noise-canceling features
