The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless freedom, exercise usability, and have a midrange budget, the Beats Powerbeats Pro with their secure ear hooks, sweatproof certification, and dynamic sound are suitable for active users. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly wired option and don't mind compromising on sound quality and comfort, the Sony MDR-ZX110 might be adequate. The Powerbeats Pro excel in calls and music listening, especially for Apple device users due to the H1 chip, but they're not ideal for TV and gaming due to latency issues. Conversely, the Sony headphones are more affordable but offer lower overall performance and lack wireless capabilities. 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 Powerbeats Pro
Good for phone calls
Good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
Good for music
Key differences
Music
6.5/10
7.6/10
The Sony MDR-ZX110 is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.0/10
3.0/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2/10
4.3/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7/10
6.9/10
The Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6/10
5.3/10
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Battery
10.0 Hours
N/A
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony MDR-ZX110 does not have a battery.
Cost
$124
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
8.8/10
6.0/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
"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 Powerbeats Pro 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,600
Recommendations made
19,290
Consumer hours saved
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.