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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer earbuds that are lightweight and offer good microphone quality for calls, the Apple EarPods are a solid choice; they are also well-optimized for Apple devices. However, keep in mind that they don't block out much noise and aren't suitable for exercise or air travel. On the other hand, the Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones provide a closed design which can help with noise isolation, but they are bulkier and offer less microphone quality. They might be less comfortable for long sessions, and their sound may be less suitable for critical listening, but they could save you money if you're on a budget. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
5.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
3.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.3
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$10
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
7.6
6.0
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.6
The Apple Earpods and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.4
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 3.9/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Sony MDR-ZX110
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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 Earpods 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.
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.
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