OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Sony MDR ZX100 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Sony MDR ZX100 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

4.6

Poor

9.1

Exceptional

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.6
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.6
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#60 in Best Sony Headphones
#233 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The Sony MDR-ZX100 is a lightweight, on-ear wired headphone featuring 30mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets and a frequency response of 12Hz to 22,000Hz. These closed-back headphones offer a 24-ohm impedance and 100dB/mW sensitivity, delivering a balanced sound profile with clear highs and decent bass for their compact size. Key pros include a highly portable, swivel-folding design, soft pressure-relieving cushions for initial comfort, and a durable 1.2m flat Y-type cable designed to resist tangling. However, potential drawbacks include a predominantly plastic construction that may feel flimsy over time, lack of an integrated microphone or remote for calls, and on-ear pressure that can cause discomfort during extended listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR ZX100

Overall score

5.5

Show more

Hide

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

4.8

Show more

Hide

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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

1.1

Show more

Hide

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: MEDIUM

N/A

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: MEDIUM

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

N/A

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

N/A

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

4.1

Show more

Hide

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

N/A

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

N/A

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: LOW

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

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

N/A

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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

7.0

Show more

Hide

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: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

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

Importance: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

?

Show more

Sony MDR ZX100 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR ZX100 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

45% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX100 is lighter than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Sony MDR ZX100 is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR ZX100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% 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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR ZX100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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 MDR ZX100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
4.5x cheaper
Sony MDR ZX100 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
Sony MDR ZX100 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
13.5% higher user score
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.08 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 MDR ZX100 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.08 vs 8.000).9.08 vs 8
20 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.130 dB vs 110 dB
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
45% lower weight
Sony MDR ZX100 is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR ZX100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10x higher input power handling
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
20 dB higher max SPL
Sony MDR ZX100 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR ZX100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Sony MDR ZX100 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Sony MDR ZX100 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR ZX100 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR ZX100 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR ZX100 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
Sony MDR ZX100 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR ZX100 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
4 years older release date
Sony MDR ZX100 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2013
10 mm smaller driver size
Sony MDR ZX100 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX100 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Sony MDR ZX100 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX100 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Sony MDR ZX100 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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: MEDIUM
Sony MDR ZX100 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR ZX100 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Sony MDR ZX100 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
No travel bag
Sony MDR ZX100 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% 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 MDR ZX100 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR ZX100 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Sony MDR ZX100 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
4 years older release date
Sony MDR ZX100 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Sony MDR ZX100 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR ZX100 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR ZX100?

Outstanding value for the price (often found under $20)
Lightweight and portable design with swivel earcups for easy storage
Balanced sound profile with clear mids and decent treble for budget audio
Sturdy construction for the price, often recommended for children and students
Comfortable soft ear cushions suitable for moderate listening sessions
Tangle-resistant flat ribbon cable design

What customers dislike about Sony MDR ZX100?

Lacks deep or powerful bass compared to more expensive models
On-ear (supra-aural) design can cause ear fatigue after several hours
Short cord length may be inconvenient for some setups
Limited passive noise isolation; sound can be heard by others at high volumes
Primarily plastic build can feel flimsy and may break over time
No built-in microphone or inline remote for phone calls

Expert reviews

computerbild.de

31/03/2014

Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones Review", "Sony MDR-ZX100 Review: Testing the Headphones

The COMPUTER BILD review of the Sony MDR-ZX100 awards the budget classic an overall score of 3.4 (satisfactory), highlighting it as an affordable, basic replacement for stock smartphone earbuds. Priced at around twelve euros, this lightweight 139-gram headband model comes in black, white, and pink, and features flat-folding earcups along with a distinct red ring to mark the right...Read more

tecnovortex.com

29/04/2013

Sony ZX100 headphones and another highly subjective opinion

The Tecnovortex review characterizes the Sony MDR-ZX100 as budget-friendly, lightweight headphones suitable for activity, highlighting their secure fit, punchy bass, and minimal cable tangling. Despite the low price, the unit offers decent sound quality and portability, though it lacks any accompanying accessories. Conversely, the analysis notes significant comfort issues due to a...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Sony MDR ZX100 with

Compare