Sony MDR-ZX110AP review lightweight over-ear headphones with dynamic sound and built-in mic

Description

Lightweight Design for Daily Use

I tested the Sony MDR-ZX110AP headphones with an eager curiosity about their lightweight build and portability. These weigh a mere 4.2 ounces, and honestly, that was the first thing I noticed. Wearing them for extended periods during gaming and video calls felt almost effortless. The swiveling earcup design, which allows them to fold flat, made it super convenient to toss them into my backpack without fear of them breaking. While they are made of plastic, the material feels reasonably sturdy, though I wouldn’t call them indestructible.

The cushioned earpads deserve special mention—they added a layer of comfort that I didn’t expect at this price point. However, the padding might feel a little thin for some, especially for those with larger ears. It’s worth noting that these aren’t over-ear headphones; they’re on-ear. This means they don’t fully enclose your ears, which is great for portability but might not offer the same immersive experience as bulkier models.

Sound Quality: Punchy Yet Balanced

Listening to music and podcasts with these headphones was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The dynamic 1.38-inch neodymium drivers deliver a sound profile that’s punchy in the bass department without overwhelming the mids and highs. Tracks with heavy beats, like electronic or hip-hop, sounded vibrant and energetic. The frequency range of 12 Hz to 22 kHz ensures you don’t miss out on the details in your favorite tracks.

That said, audiophiles might notice that the soundstage isn’t as wide as what you’d expect from premium headphones. The sound isolation is decent but not exceptional—great for casual use but not ideal for noisy environments like crowded trains.

I tested these headphones during a gaming session, and while the audio was clear, there was a slight lack of depth in games that rely heavily on spatial sound. For music and movies, though, they hold up quite well.

Built-in Microphone and Controls

The inline remote and microphone on the cord made life a lot easier during hands-free calls. While connected to my phone, I could easily switch between music and calls without having to touch my device. The media control feature worked smoothly for pausing and skipping tracks.

The microphone quality is decent for casual conversations but might fall short for professional calls, especially in noisy settings. It picked up my voice clearly indoors, but outdoor use introduced a bit of background noise.

Positives

After using these for a while, certain key benefits stood out:

• Portability: The swiveling earcup design makes storage effortless.
• Lightweight Comfort: Perfect for extended wear without feeling cumbersome.
• Balanced Sound: The bass, mids, and highs are well-balanced for casual listening.
• Affordable Quality: Offers solid performance without breaking the bank.

Negatives

No product is perfect, and I did notice some less favorable aspects:

• Build Material: The plastic feels durable but not premium.
• Padding Thickness: The earpads could use more cushioning for extended use.
• Noise Isolation: Doesn’t block out as much ambient noise as higher-end models.

Market Rivals

When comparing these headphones to similar budget-friendly options, a few competitors come to mind. For example, the JBL Tune 500 offers slightly better build quality and a richer low-end sound but lacks the swiveling earcup design that makes the MDR-ZX110AP so portable. Another contender, the Philips SHL5005, competes with similar sound quality but falls short in comfort due to its tighter fit.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x delivers a more immersive sound experience and sturdier build but sacrifices portability and convenience. The Sony MDR-ZX110AP strikes a great balance for those who prioritize lightweight design and ease of use over premium materials.

Price Performance

Evaluating the price-to-quality ratio, these headphones deliver excellent value for their cost. While they may not boast premium features like noise cancellation or wireless connectivity, they excel in offering a solid audio experience for casual users. If you’re someone who needs a reliable set of headphones for everyday tasks—be it music, calls, or light gaming—these are definitely worth considering.

There you have it—Sony MDR-ZX110AP headphones provide a mix of comfort, portability, and sound quality that’s hard to beat in this price range. They aren’t perfect, but for the cost, they deliver more than you’d expect.

Additional information