Sony ZX Series MDRZX110/BLK Review

The Sony ZX Series are ultra-budget wired on-ear headphones. For about $15, you get basic sound and a lightweight build, but don't expect great audio quality or features. They're best as a disposable backup pair.

If you're looking for a cheap pair of wired headphones to get the job done, the Sony ZX Series is a classic choice you'll find everywhere. These on-ear headphones are about as basic as it gets, with a lightweight build, a tangle-free cord, and a price tag that's usually under $15. They're the kind of headphones you buy for a kid, keep in a drawer as a backup, or use at a shared computer where you don't want to risk anything nicer. They're not fancy, but they're cheap and they work, which is exactly what a lot of people are searching for.

Performance-wise, these are exactly what you'd expect for the price. In our database, their sound quality lands in the 36th percentile, which means they're fine for podcasts, YouTube videos, and casual music listening, but they're not going to wow anyone. The Acoustic Bass Booster does add a bit of thump, but it's not particularly clean or detailed. The microphone is in the 17th percentile, so calls are a weak spot—people will hear you, but it won't be crystal clear. For basic audio output, they get the job done without any fuss.

At around $13 to $15, the value proposition is simple: they're cheap. You're not paying for great sound, noise cancellation, or a good microphone. You're paying for a functional pair of headphones that won't break the bank. If that's all you need, the price is right. If you can stretch your budget even to $25-$30, you'll find significantly better options that don't feel quite as disposable.

It's almost unfair to compare these directly to top competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro, as those are wireless, noise-cancelling champions that cost over ten times as much. A more relevant comparison is against other budget wired options. The Sony ZX often goes head-to-head with models like the Panasonic RP-HT161. The Panasonic might have a slightly different sound signature, but honestly, at this price, they're all in the same ballpark of 'good enough.' The real choice is between spending $15 on these or saving up a bit more for a noticeable upgrade.

Skip these if you care about sound quality, need a reliable microphone for calls or gaming, or want something durable for daily use. They're also not for you if you hate wires—this is a strictly wired experience. For those use cases, consider spending a bit more on a better-built wired option like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or a budget wireless model.

Should you buy the Sony ZX Series headphones? Only if your budget is absolutely rock-bottom and you just need sound to come out of a pair of headphones. They're a utilitarian solution for a very specific, low-stakes need. We wouldn't recommend them as anyone's primary, daily headphones. But as a backup pair, a set for a guest, or something for a young child who might break them, they make perfect sense. Just know exactly what you're getting.