Sony MDR-ZX110 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones Black — main product image

Sony MDR-ZX110 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones Black

Sony

Sony MDR-ZX110 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones Black

Name: Sony MDR-ZX110 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones Black
Brand: Sony
SKU: MDR-ZX110

★★★★★4.5 (4722 reviews)

30mm neodymium drivers spanning 12Hz–22kHz deliver a full-range frequency response in a sub-$20 foldable package built for daily commuter use.

$14.99*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sony MDR-ZX110 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone built around 30mm neodymium magnet drivers with a published frequency response of 12Hz to 22kHz. In practical terms, the 30mm driver moves less air than the 40mm units found in mid-range headphones, which is directly perceptible as reduced bass weight on low-frequency-heavy content. The 22kHz upper limit ensures full high-frequency reproduction well beyond the 20kHz ceiling of human hearing. The closed-back earcup design provides light passive isolation from ambient noise — adequate for office use, insufficient for genuinely loud environments. The 3.5mm straight plug offers universal compatibility with smartphones, laptops, and portable audio players without an adapter.

This headphone is engineered for the commuter and casual listener who needs reliable daily-driver audio at a budget-accessible price point. The swivel-fold mechanism reduces packing volume for bag carry, and the lightweight construction keeps the headset comfortable across extended sessions without the ear fatigue associated with heavier audiophile units. At 1.2m, the Y-type cable is correctly proportioned for desk use and portable playback. The ZX110 fills the role of a no-fuss backup pair, a student's study headphone, or a first dedicated headphone for a listener stepping up from smartphone earbuds — it is not a reference monitor or a bass-forward lifestyle headphone.

Key Features

30mm drivers for rich, full frequency response

Lightweight and comfortable on-ear design

Swivel-design for portability

47.25-inch (1.2 m) tangle-free, Y-type cord

Specifications

Driver Size

30mm

Design

Over-Ear Stereo

Cord Length

47.25 inches (1.2 m)

Cord Type

Tangle-free, Y-type

Portability Feature

Swivel-design earcups

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

12Hz–22kHz frequency response covers the full audible spectrum, providing complete tonal range for music playback and video content
30mm neodymium drivers produce clear midrange and treble reproduction suitable for voice, podcasts, and pop/rock listening
47.25-inch Y-type cable provides adequate reach for desk and commute use without excessive slack
Swivel-fold earcups collapse to a flat profile for bag storage, reducing packing volume versus non-folding designs
Lightweight construction minimizes fatigue during extended listening sessions — measurably less clamping force than heavier audiophile headphones

👎 Cons

30mm driver diameter limits low-frequency extension and bass impact compared to 40mm+ driver competitors at similar price points
Foam earpads provide minimal passive noise isolation, making the ZX110 unsuitable for loud transit environments like subway platforms
No inline microphone or remote control means phone calls and media playback control require reaching for the source device
Plastic hinge construction on the swivel mechanism is a durability weak point under repeated folding and bag transport
3.5mm straight plug is prone to stress at the connector if the cable is regularly kinked at the entry point — a common failure mode for lightweight headphones in daily commuter use

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 30mm driver size mean for the MDR-ZX110's bass and treble performance?

30mm is a small driver diameter for over-ear headphones — it produces adequate mid and treble clarity but rolls off low-frequency extension compared to 40mm+ drivers common in higher-tier headphones. The published 12Hz–22kHz range reflects technical capability under optimal conditions; perceivable bass impact at the 12Hz extreme will be minimal on most consumer audio sources.

Are the MDR-ZX110 headphones compatible with smartphones via the 3.5mm plug?

The 3.5mm straight plug connects to any standard headphone jack. However, the ZX110 uses a two-conductor (OMTP or CTIA) audio-only plug — there is no inline microphone or call control button. Calls require using the phone's speaker or a separate headset.

Does the closed-back design provide meaningful passive noise isolation?

The closed-back earcups provide light passive isolation — sufficient to reduce ambient noise in a quiet office or on a bus. However, the lightweight plastic construction and foam earpads are not designed for audiophile-grade isolation; they will not meaningfully block loud environments like construction sites or aircraft cabins.

How does the swivel-folding design affect the MDR-ZX110's portability in a bag?

Each earcup rotates flat independently, allowing the headphones to fold into a compact profile that fits in the top pocket of a backpack or a medium-sized tote. There is no included carry case — loose transport in a bag will accumulate wear on the plastic hinges over time.

What is the cable length and construction, and does it tangle easily?

The cable measures 47.25 inches (1.2m), which is sufficient for seated desk or commute use but may be short for connecting to a home stereo receiver. Sony describes it as tangle-free with a Y-type configuration; in practice, the thin cable resists severe tangling but is not as tangle-resistant as a flat ribbon cable design.