Sony ZX Series MDRZX110/WHI Review

For about $15, you get basic Sony-branded sound that ranks in the bottom 36th percentile. The microphone is practically useless, scoring in the 17th percentile. Only buy these if your budget is rigid and your expectations are subterranean.

The Sony ZX Series headphones are a $15 proposition. That's the main number that matters here. They're wired, on-ear headphones with a lightweight 119g build and a 3.9-foot cord, which puts them squarely in the budget accessory category. Their overall score in our database is a 20.6 out of 100, landing them in the bottom quartile for this type of product. They're not built to compete with modern wireless models, but as a simple, physical backup pair, they have a role to play.

Performance is where the budget nature shows. Sound quality sits in the 36th percentile, which means most headphones in our tests sound better. The 30mm drivers and Acoustic Bass Booster do push out audio, but it's not particularly detailed or balanced. The microphone performance is a real weak point at the 17th percentile, so these are a terrible choice for calls. On the plus side, being wired means you get a consistent connection, though our connectivity score factors in modern features like Bluetooth, so it's ranked low at the 10th percentile. Build quality is at the 33rd percentile, so they feel a bit plasticky, but that's how they hit that 119g weight.

The value argument is simple: they cost about as much as a cheap lunch. At $13 to $15, you're not buying high-fidelity audio, you're buying a functional backup. The price-per-performance ratio is actually decent if your performance bar is 'makes sound.' But the moment you need a microphone or care about audio quality, the value evaporates. You're paying for the Sony logo and basic functionality, not for any standout engineering.

Comparing these to the listed 'competitors' like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra is almost funny—it's like comparing a skateboard to a sports car. Those are premium, wireless, noise-canceling champions. A more apt comparison is against other sub-$20 wired headphones. Against those, the ZX Series holds its own on price and basic function, but its low sound (36th percentile) and mic (17th percentile) scores mean you can likely find a better-sounding budget pair if you look, even if it's not from a major brand. They trade any performance ambition for the absolute lowest cost.

Skip these if you care about audio quality, need a reliable microphone, or want any modern features. Their sound (36th percentile) and mic (17th percentile) scores are clear deal-breakers for serious listeners, remote workers, or commuters. Also, avoid them if you dislike the on-ear fit, as over-ear or in-ear options in this price range might be more comfortable for you.

We can only recommend the Sony ZX Series in one very specific scenario: you need the absolute cheapest, name-brand headphones possible for occasional, non-critical listening. The data is clear—they score poorly in almost every performance category. If you have more than $15 to spend, literally any increase in budget will get you a dramatically better product. These are for emergencies, kids, or as a disposable travel pair you won't cry over if they break.