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Sony Dr ZX302vp Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£25
Avg. price in US: ~$20
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony Dr ZX302vp review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.7

Good

7.1

Very good

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony DR-ZX302VP is a lightweight, closed-back on-ear headset weighing just 120g, designed for use with smartphones and portable audio devices. It features 30mm dynamic dome-type driver units with powerful neodymium magnets, delivering a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 24,000Hz, a sensitivity of 102 dB/mW, and a low 24-ohm impedance that allows for easy driving at high volumes. Key advantages include its portable swivel-fold design, a 1.2m Y-shaped cord equipped with an in-line microphone and remote for hands-free calls, and a gold-plated four-conductor mini plug. However, it lacks advanced features such as active noise cancellation, a detachable cable, or an included carrying pouch.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony Dr ZX302vp

Overall score

6.0

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

6.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: HIGH

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.6

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: LOW

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: LOW

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

5.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: LOW

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Features

4.0

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

4.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: LOW

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Sony

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: LOW

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: LOW

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

?

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Sony Dr ZX302vp vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sony Dr ZX302vp better than the average pair of headphones?

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LDAC support
Sony Dr ZX302vp supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
What it is: Supports Sony LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless audio
When it matters: When you stream high-bitrate audio from compatible Android devices.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
45% lower weight
Sony Dr ZX302vp is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Sony Dr ZX302vp is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Wind noise reduction
Sony Dr ZX302vp reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
45% lower weight
Sony Dr ZX302vp is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
22 dB higher max SPL
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
10x higher input power handling
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
LDAC support
Sony Dr ZX302vp supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sony Dr ZX302vp includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sony Dr ZX302vp reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony Dr ZX302vp worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Fixed cable
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Sony Dr ZX302vp uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony Dr ZX302vp has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
No battery indicator
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
No voice assistant support
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 older release date
Sony Dr ZX302vp was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
December 2012
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony Dr ZX302vp has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: HIGH
Sony Dr ZX302vp has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No battery indicator
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
13% lower user score
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.08 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Sony Dr ZX302vp has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.08 vs 8.000).7.08 vs 8
Tangle-prone cable
Sony Dr ZX302vp uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sony Dr ZX302vp does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
2.76x less popular
Sony Dr ZX302vp is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.13 vs 5.869).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Sony Dr ZX302vp is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.13 vs 5.869).2.13 vs 5.87

Graphic comparison of Sony Dr ZX302vp and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony Dr ZX302vp?

Exceptional value for money, often priced under $20
Balanced sound profile with surprisingly good bass and clear mids
Extremely lightweight and portable design with swivel earcups
Comfortable fit for most users, including children and those with larger head sizes
Versatile for various uses including commuting, gaming, and remote work
Built-in microphone for hands-free smartphone calls and video conferencing

What customers dislike about Sony Dr ZX302vp?

Cheap plastic construction that can be prone to creaking
Thin ear cushion padding may flatten or flake (vinyl breakdown) over time
Headband lacks padding, which can cause discomfort during long sessions
Bass can become muddy or distorted at maximum volume levels
Limited noise isolation since they sit on the ear rather than over it
Overall material durability is not intended for long-term (multi-year) heavy use

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

11/04/2010

Summary of the review

Headphone Notes - Head-Fi (Reviewer "Joe Presto")

The Head-Fi thread "Headphone Notes" provides detailed, comparative listening impressions of various headphones, including the Philips SBC-HP1000 and AKG K240 DF, focusing on technical capability, amplification synergy, and genre-specific performance. Strengths highlighted include the precise, balanced sound of the 10R model and high-transparency, intimate soundstages found in top-tier selections, which effectively analyze complex recordings. Conversely, the logs document significant drawbacks, primarily extreme power requirements for 600-ohm and vintage models, with many units demanding heavy amplification to avoid a tame sound. Physical limitations are also noted as major cons, citing high clamping force and discomfort, alongside sonic issues like cold tonality and harsh, unforgiving treble.

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