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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and use mainly for music and TV in a stable setting, the Audio-Technica ATH M30X is better, despite being more expensive, with its very good overall sound and closed, over-ear design offering an immersive experience. However, if budget is a concern and you need something for casual, less demanding listening, the Sony MDR-ZX110 offers decent performance at a significantly lower price. Neither of these options support wireless listening and are not ideal for exercise or travel due to their size and lack of noise isolation and active noise canceling. 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M30X.
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
5.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Cost
$89
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
7.2
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.6
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 3.9/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Sony MDR-ZX110
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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