A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're after wireless convenience and better integration with Apple devices, Apple AirPods (2nd generation) would be the choice, especially since they offer very good sound quality for music and are optimized for both Android and Apple. They are also more portable with a charging case that supports wireless charging, and they feature a stem design that supports touch controls. However, if budget is a concern, Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones offer a wired solution at a much lower cost. They have good sound quality for music too but are less suitable for exercise or travel due to their on-ear, foldable design and lack of active noise cancelling, which the AirPods also lack but make up for with better portability and battery life. The Sony's don't have an app for equalizer or control customization whereas the AirPods do, but the AirPods have lower sound isolation. If phone calls, gaming, and use during exercise are less important, and if cost is a key factor, the Sony option could be preferable. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- Good for music
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.6
The Sony MDR-ZX110 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.9
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
3.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
6.9
The Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony MDR-ZX110 does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
7.6
6.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 3.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sony MDR-ZX110
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Audio.org
Audio.org | December 2022
"My opinion about Sony MDR ZX110 is they are the best budget headphones of Sony with top-class sound. Clear vocals, great bass, and balanced sound with low sound distortion. The treble could be sharper, but it's ok. 30 mm neodymium dynamic drivers give clear and precise audio, and an inline remote with a mic give decent call quality. Closed-Back Design also helps to improve sound performance."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sony MDR-ZX110
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Audio Technica ATH M30X
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. HyperX Cloud II
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
VS
Compare Sony MDR-ZX110 vs. Skullcandy Dime
VS
Compare Sony MDR-ZX110 vs. Koss KSC75
VS
Compare Sony MDR-ZX110 vs. Apple Earpods
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
94,700
Recommendations made
14,205
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
Featured in
