Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX-310 Series Headphones

Audio & Gear

Sony ZX Series Headphones

A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice — and Where to Go Next

3

Models Reviewed

$10

Starting Price

2.5+

Years of Use

30mm

Drivers (all models)

If you're on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup — the ZX-100, ZX-110, and ZX-310 — and have put all three through enough real-world use to have opinions on each.

 

Table of Contents

① Build Quality

② Cost Comparison

③ Specifications

④ Sound Quality

⑤ Overall Value

⑥ Upgrade Path

Build Quality

ZX-310 Takes the Lead

The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads.

Over time, the earpads on the ZX-100 and ZX-110 disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310 comes with upgraded earpads that don't suffer from this problem — a clear win in the build department.

Cost Comparison

ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability

While the ZX-310 costs about twice as much as the ZX-100/110, you can still find it for around $18 at discount retailers. The ZX-110 usually goes for about $10, making it a very budget-friendly option.

Specifications

Side by Side

Model	Driver	Frequency Range	Plug	Price
ZX-100	30mm	12 – 22,000 Hz	Standard 1/8"	~$10
ZX-110	30mm	12 – 22,000 Hz	Standard 1/8"	~$10
ZX-310	30mm	10 – 24,000 Hz	Gold-plated 1/8"	~$18

Sound Quality

Surprisingly, ZX-100 Wins

Sound preferences are subjective, but I find the ZX-100 to have the best sound signature among the three. It produces a balanced output that resembles a stock car audio system, with slightly enhanced treble and restrained bass. This results in clear and natural vocals, which I prefer over the newer models.

The ZX-310, while offering a "richer" soundstage, tends to emphasize the bass and mids a bit too much, which can overshadow the treble and vocals. This may improve with extended burn-in, but for now, the ZX-100 remains the top pick for sound quality.

Overall Value

Hard to Beat at $10–$20

In terms of value, the Sony ZX series stands out against competitors like Audio-Technica's WM series. My ATH-WM77 headphones, while stylish, cost over $40 and already needed repairs within a year.

For $10–$20, the ZX-100 and ZX-310 make fantastic spare headphones. They won't replace high-end options for serious listening, but they're reliable, affordable, and hard to beat for everyday use.

Where the ZX Series Tops Out

The ZX series maxes out in value at the ZX-310 level, especially if you can find them for under $20. The ZX600 — at $60–$80 with only modest spec bumps (40mm drivers, 6–25,000 Hz) — doesn't justify the price jump. Skip it entirely.

Upgrade Path

Skip the ZX600 — Go Here Instead

Once you're in the $60–$80 range, some iconic Sony options open up that offer substantially better performance and justify the price point.

• → Sony MDR-V6 — A classic with rich sound quality, durable construction, and a long-standing reputation among audiophiles
• → Sony MDR-7506 — Similar to the V6, widely used in professional settings for excellent sound clarity
• → Sony MDR-10R — A modern option with 40mm drivers and an extended frequency range up to 40,000 Hz

Update (11/1/2018): My ZX-310 headphones have finally started to show signs of wear after extended use. The ear padding has begun to flake — a common issue with these types of headphones over time. They held up well, but it's a reminder that all headphone padding eventually deteriorates.

3 models · ZX-100 wins on sound · ZX-310 wins on build — and at $10–$20, either beats anything else at the price.