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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional sound quality and an immersive listening experience for music at home, especially from high-quality audio sources, the Focal Elex would be the better choice, albeit at a higher price. They are open-back headphones, offering a wider soundstage, but they don't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for noisy environments or commuting. Conversely, the Sony MDR-ZX110 is more budget-friendly, providing fair sound and better portability due to their foldable design. However, their on-ear, closed-back design won't deliver as detailed or expansive a listening experience as the Focal Elex and might not be as comfortable for long sessions. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
- The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Focal Elex.
Key differences
Gaming
6.9
5.9
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.0
The Focal Elex and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
4.3
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
6.9
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Cost
$749
$10
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
9.0
6.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.6
The Focal Elex and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both good for music.
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How the Focal Elex and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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 Focal Elex or the Sony MDR-ZX110
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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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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