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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality, comfort, and build quality, the Audio Technica M50x is the better option, with a reputation for good soundstage and music playback, but they are more expensive and lack wireless capability. They're suited for critical listening but are not optimal for exercise or calls, as they don't have a mic. The Sony MDR-ZX110 is a more budget-friendly choice and more portable, but they compromise on sound quality, comfort, and build quality. They have a shorter cable and are not as durable. Neither model has active noise cancelling or wireless features, which could be a drawback if you're looking for those functionalities. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.6
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Phone Calls
4.4
3.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.3
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
6.9
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Cost
$149
$5
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $5.
Build Quality
8.5
6.0
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
5.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $5 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 M50x 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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