Sony MDR-ZX110NC
Active noise-canceling technology in a lightweight on-ear design reduces ambient sound for focused listening, though wired connectivity limits versatility. The bundle adds JBL T110 in-ear headphones and a fitness software suite, creating a practical multi-device package for basic needs. This set is best for students or remote workers needing affordable, no-fuss audio for calls and casual music on a single device.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Sony MDR-ZX110NC nails the two things that matter most for a budget travel headphone: 80-hour battery life and surprisingly strong ANC. But the on-ear comfort is rough and the build feels cheap. Worth it if you need long-lasting noise cancelling on a tight budget.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 80-hour battery life is basically unheard of 95th
- ANC performance is shockingly good for the price 90th
- Clear, balanced sound with decent bass
- Folds up small for travel
Cons
- On-ear pads get uncomfortable fast
- Wired-only connection feels limiting
- Build quality is plasticky and creaky
- 349g is heavy for an on-ear design
The proof
Performance
The noise cancelling is the star here. Our database puts it in the 90th percentile for ANC, which is wild for a headphone in this price range. It won't silence a jet engine, but it takes the edge off office chatter and bus rumble nicely. Sound quality lands right around average, with the 30mm drivers delivering clear mids and decent bass but nothing that'll make you rediscover your music library. The mic is serviceable for calls. Battery life is best-in-class at 80 hours, though you'll need to keep a AAA battery handy since these are wired and the ANC runs on its own power. Build quality is a weak spot, with the plastic frame feeling creaky and the on-ear pads getting uncomfortable after an hour or so.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | on-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.8 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 |
| Freq Min | 10 |
| Freq Max | 22000 |
| Impedance | 220 |
| Sensitivity | 115 |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
| ANC Type | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | No |
| Cable Length | 1.19 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 80 |
| Charging | proprietary |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
vs Competition
Against the JBL Tune 670NC, the Sony wins on battery life but loses badly on comfort and connectivity. The TOZO HT3 offers wireless and better build quality for similar money, though its ANC isn't as strong. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is in a completely different league on sound and comfort, but costs several times more. The Beyerdynamic Aventho and Skullcandy Aviator both offer better build quality, but neither matches the Sony's battery endurance. For pure noise cancelling per dollar, the Sony is hard to beat. For everything else, the competition catches up fast.
| Spec | Sony MDR-ZX110NC | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 | Soundcore Life Q20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | on-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 42 | 40 | 32 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 220 | 480 | - | 32 | 16 | 16 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | 80 | 60 | 30 | 70 | 90 | 60 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony MDR-ZX110NC | 89.8 | 64.1 | 33.7 | 59 | 94.9 | 14.9 | 18.9 | 22 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.7 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.5 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.5 | 52 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.1 | 75.7 | 84.9 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 99.2 | 98.6 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 52 | 96.8 | 95.1 |
| Soundcore Life Q20 Compare | 94.2 | 82.7 | 90.8 | 100 | 91.3 | 87.1 | 95.9 | 89.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $57-60, the MDR-ZX110NC is a weird value proposition. You're getting top-tier battery life and genuinely good ANC for less than a tank of gas. But you're also getting mediocre comfort, a flimsy build, and no Bluetooth. If you just need something cheap to block out noise on a long flight or in a cubicle, this is a solid buy. If you want something you'll actually enjoy wearing for hours, save up a bit more.
Read more
Overview
The Sony MDR-ZX110NC is a budget on-ear headphone with active noise cancelling that punches way above its price in a couple of key areas. The ANC is genuinely good for this class, and the 80-hour battery life is absurd. You'll forget where you put the charger before these die. But the comfort and build quality are rough, and the wired-only connection feels dated in 2024.
Common Questions
Q: Does the noise cancelling work without music playing?
Yes, the ANC runs independently of the audio signal, so you can use it just to reduce ambient noise. Just remember it needs battery power to work.
Q: Can I use these with my phone?
Yes, as long as your phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack or you have a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. The included cable connects directly to any standard audio port.
Q: How long do the batteries actually last?
Sony rates the ANC battery at 80 hours, which is among the best in our database. Real-world usage should get you close to that, though heavy ANC use in noisy environments may drain it slightly faster.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you wear headphones for more than an hour at a time. The on-ear pads get uncomfortable quickly, and the 349g weight doesn't help. Also skip if you need wireless, since these are wired-only. And if build quality matters to you, the creaky plastic frame will drive you nuts.
Verdict
The Sony MDR-ZX110NC is for people who prioritize battery life and noise cancelling above all else and don't mind a wired connection. It's a great travel companion for long flights or a cheap office headphone that'll last weeks between battery changes. Just don't expect luxury comfort or premium build quality.
