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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If sound quality is a priority, the Audio Technica ATH M40X offers "very good" overall performance and a "very good" soundstage, suitable for a more immersive music and TV experience, with a sturdy build but at a higher price. However, its poor performance for calls and lack of wireless capabilities make it less versatile. The Sony MDR-ZX110, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly with "fair" sound quality, which may suffice for casual listening. Its smaller and lighter design could be more convenient for portable use, but it offers no noise isolation and is rated poorly for comfort. Neither model is suitable for exercise or prolonged wear. Sony's lower cost reflects its lower performance range across most categories compared to the Audio Technica. 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 M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very 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 M40X.
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
5.9
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Cost
$99
$5
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $5.
Build Quality
8.2
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
7.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Phone Calls
3.3
3.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $5 | ||
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 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
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 Audio Technica ATH M40X 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
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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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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