Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones: The Budget Noise-Cancelling Champ

Published on May 6, 2023, 5:21 p.m.

Looking for noise-cancelling headphones on a budget? The Sony ZX110NC should be on your radar. Released in August 2016, these surprisingly affordable cans from Sony provide effective noise reduction for immersive listening on the go. Let’s see if the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones punches above its lightweight 4oz frame.

Overview

The Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones sports a slick foldable design with 1.18” drivers capable of delivering detailed audio across an expansive 12Hz-22kHz frequency range. The adjustable headband and swiveling earcups aim for portability and flexibility. Battery life is a whopping 80 hours. But the true star is the active noise cancellation which can cut out up to 95% of ambient noise.

 Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones

Design

The Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones boasts a lightweight folding design for portability. The adjustable headband and swiveling earcups allow you to easily pack it in bags or use it in multiple wearing styles. While build quality doesn’t match premium headphones, the plastic construction keeps weight down to a travel-friendly 4oz.

Lightweight and Foldable Design

The ZX110NC’s lightweight and foldable design is a major advantage for those seeking portability and convenience. Weighing only 4 ounces, these headphones are incredibly light, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The foldable design allows the earcups to swivel and fold flat, making them easy to slip into a bag or backpack when not in use.

This portability factor is further enhanced by the wired connection, which eliminates the need to carry a charging case or worry about battery life when you’re on the go. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply moving around the house, the ZX110NC’s lightweight and foldable design ensures that you can take your music with you wherever you go.

Ease of Use

Operation is straightforward with easy Bluetooth pairing or wired plug-and-play connectivity. Music and call controls are located on the earcup for convenient access. The simple on/off switch instantly activates noise cancellation when needed.

Sound Quality

The Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones delivers impressive audio reproduction thanks to the large 1.18” drivers and neodymium magnets. Sound is dynamic and detailed across an expansive 12Hz-22kHz frequency range. Bass is deep and punchy while highs remain crisp without harshness. Many users praise the expansive soundstage and audio fidelity.

Microphone Quality

The microphone quality for calls is decent but unexceptional. Voices sound a bit muffled but still intelligible to recipients. The mic gets the job done for casual calls but don’t expect outstanding clarity.

95% Ambient Noise Reduction

While already discussed in the Active Noise Cancellation section, it’s worth reiterating that the ZX110NC’s noise reduction capabilities are impressive. By reducing up to 95% of ambient noise, these headphones create a peaceful oasis in even the most chaotic environments. This feature is not only beneficial for travel but also for everyday use, allowing you to focus on your music, podcasts, or work without distractions.

12Hz-22,000Hz Frequency Response

The ZX110NC boasts a wide frequency response of 12Hz-22,000Hz, covering the entire range of human hearing. This means that the headphones can accurately reproduce all the frequencies present in your audio, from the deepest bass notes to the highest treble. A wide frequency response is crucial for audio fidelity, ensuring that you hear the music as the artist intended.

In-flight Adaptor Compatibility

A unique feature of the ZX110NC is its compatibility with in-flight entertainment systems. The included adaptor allows you to plug the headphones directly into the airplane’s audio jack, enabling you to enjoy movies or music during your flight. This feature is particularly valuable for frequent travelers who want to use their own headphones instead of the often low-quality earbuds provided by airlines.

High-Energy Neodymium Magnets

The ZX110NC utilizes high-energy neodymium magnets in its driver units. Neodymium is a rare-earth metal known for its strong magnetic properties, which allows for efficient sound production with minimal distortion. The high-energy magnets in the ZX110NC contribute to the headphones’ ability to deliver powerful and dynamic sound, with punchy bass and clear highs. This results in a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience, especially for genres like electronic music, hip-hop, and rock.

Wired Connectivity

The ZX110NC features a wired connection via a 3.94ft Y-shaped cord with a 3.5mm plug. While some may prefer the convenience of wireless headphones, the wired design offers several advantages. First, it eliminates the need for charging, so you can listen to music for as long as you want without worrying about battery life. Second, wired connections tend to provide a more stable and reliable connection, especially in areas with potential wireless interference. Third, some audiophiles believe that wired connections offer superior sound quality compared to wireless options.

The ZX110NC’s wired connectivity makes it a versatile choice for use with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and MP3 players. The included 3.94ft cord provides ample length for comfortable listening, and the Y-shaped design ensures balanced audio delivery to both ears.

On-Ear Controls

The ZX110NC features convenient on-ear controls located on the right earcup. These controls allow you to adjust the volume, play/pause music, answer/end calls, and activate/deactivate the noise cancellation feature. The buttons are tactile and easy to locate by touch, making it simple to operate the headphones without having to take out your device.

While the controls are basic, they cover all the essential functions you need for everyday use. The ability to control noise cancellation directly from the headphones is particularly useful, as it allows you to quickly adapt to changing environments without interrupting your listening experience.

Long Battery Life

The ZX110NC boasts an impressive 80-hour battery life, which is significantly longer than many other noise-cancelling headphones in this price range. This extended battery life means you can enjoy uninterrupted music, podcasts, or audiobooks for days on end without needing to recharge. Even with active noise cancellation enabled, the battery life remains impressive, making these headphones an excellent choice for frequent travelers or those who simply want to avoid the hassle of frequent charging.

The long battery life also contributes to the headphones’ overall value proposition. You won’t need to invest in additional batteries or worry about running out of power during crucial moments. This feature alone makes the ZX110NC a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking long-lasting noise cancellation.

Water Resistance

The Sony ZX110NC headphones have no official water resistance rating. Keep them away from moisture to be safe.

Use Cases

The Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones excels in noisy environments like planes, trains, buses, offices and commutes. The powerful noise cancellation allows immersive listening despite loud backgrounds. Many reviewers reported the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones worked wonders during air travel. The headphones are also great for general music listening, movies and calls thanks to the expansive soundstage and detailed audio reproduction.

Value

At just $32.99, the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones delivers staggering value, providing comparable noise cancellation performance and audio quality to headphones 3x the price. If you want affordable noise-free listening on the go, the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is hard to beat.

With pleasing audio, a lightweight foldable design, and most importantly, class-leading noise reduction, the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones packs tremendous value. For an affordable escape from the world’s noise, these Sony cans deserve a spot on your shortlist.