OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR ZX300 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR ZX300 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR ZX300
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

5.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of headphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.9

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 73%
5.5

User score

User score
5.5/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

3.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 99%
  • sony-mdr-zx300
sony-mdr-zx300
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR ZX300

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.9

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
5.5/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

3.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.5
Popularity
Popularity
3.3/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR ZX300 has a popularity score of 3.3 points, which is lower than that of 69.1% of products in this category.
3.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
120 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 120 g, lighter than 75.6% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR ZX300 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 45% lower weight
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones 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.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony MDR ZX300 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 22 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones 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.
    132 dB vs 110 dB
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones 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.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony MDR ZX300 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 45% lower weight
    This pair of headphones 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
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones 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.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 22 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones 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.
    132 dB vs 110 dB
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones 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.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 46.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.5/ 10
    ✕
    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.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR ZX300
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR ZX300 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.46 vs 8).
    5.46 vs 8
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 46.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.5/ 10
    ✕
    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.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR ZX300
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR ZX300 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.46 vs 8).
    5.46 vs 8
  • 6.1% worse value for money
    Sony MDR ZX300 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.85 vs 7.3).
    6.85 vs 7.27
  • 80.6% less popular
    Sony MDR ZX300 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.25 vs 5.9).
    3.25 vs 5.87
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Elite Sim
≈ estimated
03/09/2014
Hands-on review · comfort, build and sound tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 is not the best option at this price, but one of the better ones, with clear comfort weaknesses.
7.0
TheReviewArtist
✓ explicit
03/04/2014
Long-term review · two years of use, compared with Beats
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 offers good sound and a sturdy build for the price, best for casual listening rather than serious audio.
8.5
Rueben McBurrows
✓ explicit
11/08/2012
Hands-on review · two weeks of use, sound and design
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 is sturdy, well designed and good value, with strong sound and versatility, though comfort may not suit everyone.
5.0
Hal Zeke
≈ estimated
12/05/2012
Long-term review · a week of use, design and sound
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 looks good but lets down on sound and ear cups, so it is only worth buying for the style.
8.0
iReviewer
≈ estimated
03/06/2013
Hands-on review · build, sound and comfort
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 is recommended as a good-value pair, though its bass needs EQ and comfort is only fair.
9.0
iReviewer
≈ estimated
03/06/2013
Stress test · bend and drop checks
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 is very durable under bending and drop tests.
9.0
Galacticboy2009
≈ estimated
12/10/2012
First impressions · wear and sound in the car
Verdict
Sony MDR-ZX300 offers clear, powerful sound and is comfortable for long wear.
Overview video

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony MDR ZX300

  • Excellent value for the price, often performing above its budget entry-level tier
  • Lightweight and compact design makes them highly portable for commuting and travel
  • Good overall sound quality with surprisingly clear mids and deep, warm bass for the price
  • Thick, flat cable design that is highly resistant to tangling
  • Stylish aesthetic with a metallic finish on the earcups and multiple color options

What customers don't like about Sony MDR ZX300

  • Compact earpads can become uncomfortable or cause ear fatigue after extended use (typically 2-4 hours)
  • Thin, plastic construction can feel flimsy or 'cheap' and may be prone to scratching
  • Poor passive noise isolation and significant sound leakage due to thin padding
  • Lack of cushioning on the headband can cause discomfort on the top of the head
  • Bass may feel underwhelming or muffled to some users compared to higher-end models

Verdict

The Sony MDR-ZX300 is a lightweight (120g), supra-aural on-ear headphone featuring 30mm dome-type driver units with neodymium magnets and a wide frequency response of 10–24,000 Hz. These wired headphones utilize a closed-back, dynamic design to provide sound isolation and deep bass performance, supported by a 24-ohm impedance and 102 dB/mW sensitivity. Key pros include its high power handling capacity (1,000mW), highly portable swivelling earcups for flat storage, and a tangle-resistant 1.2m Y-type serrated cord with a gold-plated L-shaped mini plug. However, potential cons include the primarily plastic construction which some users find thin or 'plasticky,' and pressure-relieving earpads that may become uncomfortable during long listening sessions for some users.

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