The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're on a budget and need headphones for general use, Sony MDR-ZX110 is the more affordable option with closed-back design, providing some passive noise isolation. For an immersive music experience, the Koss KSC75 with its open-back design offers better sound quality and soundstage, but lacks in noise isolation and isn't suitable for noisy environments. Neither model supports wireless connectivity, and they both have poor mic quality, so they're not ideal for calls. The Koss is lighter and clip-on, which might be more comfortable for long sessions, whereas the Sony headphones are foldable, slightly enhancing their portability. Both are straightforward, wired options with dynamic drivers meant for basic listening needs. If active noise cancelling, durability, and call quality are important to you, you may want to consider investing in a different pair altogether. 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 Koss KSC75
Very good for music
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 Koss KSC75.
Key differences
Music
8.3/10
7.6/10
The Koss KSC75 is very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Gaming
6.4/10
5.9/10
The Koss KSC75 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8/10
3.0/10
The Koss KSC75 and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Koss KSC75 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.5/10
4.3/10
The Koss KSC75 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7/10
6.9/10
The Koss KSC75 is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Koss KSC75 are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony MDR-ZX110 is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$10
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Koss KSC75 has a price of $20 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony MDR-ZX110 to have only fair build quality, while the Koss KSC75 has poor build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Koss KSC75 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Let’s not insult the KSC75 by saying that it’s simply good for the price… because it’s far more than that. It basically has a monopoly at its asking price, and could still give modern budget headphones a run for their money 15 years after its release. The KSC75 is the world’s best not-headphone."
"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 Koss KSC75 or the Sony MDR-ZX110
About Koss
Koss is an American headphone manufacturer established in 1953. In 1958, they created the first set of stereophones, that is headphones with stereo sound, and in 1984 they released the world-famous Porta Pro, a set of on-ear headphones that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 30 years and that is still made, sold and loved by many audio enthusiasts around the world today.
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
91,100
Recommendations made
13,665
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.