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What we think
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
7.6
The Koss KSC75 is very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Gaming
6.4
5.9
The Koss KSC75 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
3.0
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
4.3
The Koss KSC75 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
6.9
The Koss KSC75 is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
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.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
5.6
6.0
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.
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How the Koss KSC75 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss KSC75 | Sony MDR-ZX110 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $10 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2005 | July 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.5/10 | 5.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 5.7/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 45.3 Grams | 119.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Koss KSC75
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Dig into reviews and images
InEar Fidelity
Crinacle | June 2022
"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."
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 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.
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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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