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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize portability, wireless convenience, and features like ear detection and spatial audio, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would suit you, especially if you have Apple devices for an optimized experience. However, they come with a higher price and are less ideal for noisy environments because they lack active noise canceling. The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones offer a budget-friendly option with good sound for music and a foldable design. They are wired, so no charging is needed, but they aren’t as comfortable, lack wireless features, and their noise isolation is poor. Choose the AirPods for a premium, feature-rich experience or the Sony for a basic, more affordable option without the frills. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.6
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
3.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
6.9
The Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony MDR-ZX110 does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
9.0
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.9
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 3.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Sony MDR-ZX110
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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 (3rd 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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