Distinctions - While fairly barebones, the MDR-ZX110 arrives with an adjustable band and audio quality that is at least competent. Coupled with a folding design, and a slightly more expensive version that packs an in-line microphone, Sony’s cheapest pair of on-ear headphones is a package with the basics and zero fat.

Criticisms - Obviously the MDR-ZX110 is not a powerhouse by any means. Audio quality is at best, tinny, and at worst, extremely distorted at higher volumes or with songs that have thicker and more pronounced bass. At lower or medium volume settings, the MDR-ZX110 is listenable, but lacks dynamic range or particularly distinct clarity. The $9.99 model arrives with no in-line microphone, which is under featured for even some of the weaker competitors. Similarly, to avoid additional cost, the MDR-ZX110 is also devoid of a hard-case of any kind, which is a necessity for those looking to use on the go, as a weaker build and sizable flex issues present the MDR-ZX110 with vulnerabilities, especially in high-traffic lifestyles.

Distinctions - For the price, Sony does not disappoint. The MDR-ZX110 is easily leagues more solid than other peers for a similar price, including smaller earbud-esque peers. High-stress areas like folding-elements and the ear cups are more solid and resilient than many competitors that cost three or more times the price.

Criticisms - The caveat, of course, is that on its own the MDR-ZX110 is nothing to write home about. While for the price it is a very good offering, on its own the material choice and resilience of the design is lacking. Plastic, while heftier and more sizable than other peers in the price bracket, is still very brittle and can be broken with little torsion. And that plastic is everywhere; couplings, pivots, adjustable band are all relatively low-grade plastic, with some glossy accents. The y-wire design is a way to save money over adding bluetooth and charging functionality, but the wire gauge and rubber coating chosen are extremely easy to damage unintentionally, with the connection points being the largest vulnerabilities.

Distinctions - Simplicity reigns supreme with smooth rounded design with confident and continuous curves all across the MDR-ZX110. Despite monochromic color palettes on two of the three offered color choices, Sony accomplishes a degree of sophisticated design language with no excess, making the MDR-ZX110 appear more premium than its price and peers would suggest.

Criticisms - Sun-fading is a serious issue across two of the three color ways, with the third, white, suffering from gradual yellowing with age. While this is somewhat to be expected with a lower cost set of materials, it nonetheless is readily apparent with regular use. Pink, the third, less advertised color choice, is somewhat garish, especially when coupled with the leather bus seat-grey that the pads for the ears are. Cheap materials and lack of recoloring or coatings are abundantly obvious in certain lights across all colors, while the thin cable cover and associated tangling make the user look constantly frazzled.

Distinctions - Most of the chassis for the Sony MDR-ZX110 is entirely plastic, so removing electronic internals to recycle the rest is easy; we did it in under two minutes.

Criticisms - A cheap price tag and low intrinsic value, as well as delicate build quality all contribute to a relatively breakable product that has no second-hand used market. Some third -parties may have donation or recycling programs that can extend the lifespan or reduce the footprint, but all in all the likely end of the MDR-ZX110 will be a landfill, and probably faster than we’d like.

Distinctions - For cost, the MDR-ZX110s cannot be beaten in raw quality, longevity and design. With the over-saturated cheap headphone market problematically omnipresent even in gas stations and thrift stores, the MDR-ZX110’s sub-20 and even sometimes sub-10 dollar (USD) price tag is a welcome alternative that provides far more than any of its peers.

Criticisms - There are far better choices for audio quality from Sony and other manufacturers, but all cost a little bit more. For those looking for headphones that will go the distance and provide average or better sound, choosing an alternative to the MDR-ZX110, albeit definitely at a higher price point, will be the best move possible.