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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're seeking better overall sound quality and build, the Beats EP may suit you, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is much less expensive but offers fair sound quality and build. The Beats EP shines in music listening with very good performance, but is not ideal for calls and meetings due to poor mic quality. Neither headphone is wireless, and both lack active noise cancelling, so they may not be the best for noisy environments. If budget is a major concern, the Sony MDR-ZX110 will be gentler on your wallet, but if you're willing to invest in higher sound and build quality for music experience, the Beats EP could be a better choice. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Beats EP.
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.2
3.0
The Beats EP and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
4.3
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
6.9
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Cost
$100
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
8.0
6.0
The Beats EP 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 Beats EP to be very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Gaming
6.3
5.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to be only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats EP and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Beats EP and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | 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 | 4.3/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the Sony MDR-ZX110
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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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