Detailed review of Sony MDR-ZX110NC on-ear noise cancelling headphones with 80-hour battery life

Description

Sleek Design and Portability

From the moment I picked up the Sony MDR-ZX110NC On-Ear Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones, I noticed how lightweight and portable they felt. The swivel, folding design is an absolute game-changer for someone like me who’s always on the go. Whether I’m commuting or packing them into an already stuffed backpack, they fold down compactly and slip in without taking up too much space. The headphones are primarily made from plastic, which keeps them lightweight at just 9.2 ounces. While the material doesn’t scream “premium,” it holds up well for regular use. Plus, the circular earpiece shape sits comfortably on my ears, even during extended listening sessions.

Noise Cancelling: The Star Feature

I was genuinely impressed with the active noise cancellation (ANC) these headphones offer. Sony claims it reduces up to 95% of ambient noise, and while I can’t scientifically measure that, I can say they do an excellent job at muting the hum of a train or chatter in a café. The noise cancelling works best in environments with consistent background sounds, such as airplane engines or office air conditioning. That said, it’s not perfect—sudden noises or high-pitched sounds still creep in a bit. What really stood out to me was that the headphones still function in passive mode when the battery runs out. No need to panic if you forget to pack an extra AAA battery, which is a thoughtful touch.

Performance and Audio Quality

The 30mm dynamic driver unit delivers a surprisingly clear and rich sound. I tested these headphones across various genres—pop, classical, and even some bass-heavy EDM tracks. The sound quality is great for casual listening, with decent bass and crisp mids. However, audiophiles might find the highs slightly lacking in detail. The frequency range of 20Hz – 20,000Hz covers all the basics, ensuring a balanced listening experience for most users. I wouldn’t recommend these for professional sound mixing, but for everyday use, they’re more than capable.

The wired connectivity via the 3.5mm jack ensures there’s no latency, and they’re compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and even smart speakers. This versatility makes them a solid choice for someone like me who switches between devices throughout the day.

Battery Life That Keeps Going

Battery life is often a sore spot for noise-cancelling headphones, but these surprised me. With 80 hours of battery life on a single AAA battery, I didn’t have to worry about constant recharging. It’s a relief not having to deal with proprietary charging cables or ports. The best part? Even when the battery is depleted, the headphones don’t become useless thanks to the passive operation mode. It’s a simple yet effective feature that adds a layer of convenience.

Good Aspects

• Excellent portability with a lightweight and foldable design.
• Impressive noise cancellation, especially in consistent noise environments.
• Long battery life of 80 hours with a single AAA battery.
• Versatile compatibility with various devices, thanks to the 3.5mm jack.
• Clear and rich sound for casual listening across multiple genres.

Shortcomings

• Build quality feels slightly cheap due to the plastic material.
• Noise cancellation struggles with sudden or high-pitched sounds.
• The high frequencies could be more detailed for discerning listeners.

Market Rivals

When comparing these headphones to Bose QuietComfort 25, the Sony MDR-ZX110NC holds its own in terms of price and portability. The Bose model offers superior noise cancellation and a more premium build, but it’s significantly more expensive. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B delivers better sound clarity and a more robust design, yet they’re bulkier and less convenient to carry around.

For those on a budget, the Sony headphones shine as a cost-effective option. They may not have the finesse of higher-end competitors, but the value they provide for the price is undeniable. It’s a trade-off between premium features and affordability, and for casual users, the Sony product strikes a good balance.

Money’s Worth

Considering the features packed into these headphones, they offer impressive value for money. The combination of active noise cancellation, long battery life, and decent sound quality at this price point is hard to beat. While the build quality and sound may not rival premium models, you’re getting a reliable, functional, and versatile pair of headphones without breaking the bank. For anyone looking for a solid entry-level noise-cancelling option, these headphones are worth considering.

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