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

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.

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.

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.

Noise Cancellation

As its name implies, active noise cancellation is the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones’s superpower. Flip the switch and it practically eliminates ambient noise, reducing distractions by 95% for immersive listening. Reviewers say it works magic against airplane rumble and other loud environments.

Battery Life

Sony packs an impressive 80 hours of battery life into the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones, letting you enjoy noise-free playback for days on end. Charge once or twice per week and you’ll rarely experience the headphones going dead, even on long trips.

Connectivity

The Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones connects via a 3.94 foot wired cable with 3.5mm plug, allowing both analog and digital audio sources to play music without batteries. The wired design avoids Bluetooth pairing headaches.

Controls

On-earcup controls let you adjust volume, play/pause music, answer calls and activate noise cancellation. The simple tactile buttons are easy to locate by touch.

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.

User Feedback Analysis

Most users praise the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones’s effective noise cancelling ability and clear, dynamic audio performance, especially considering the budget price point. Many reported the Sony cans worked extremely well at eliminating ambient noise on airplanes. Some users found the on-ear pads slightly uncomfortable for extended use and wished for larger earcups. A few reviewers reported mediocre noise reduction performance but they appear to be outliers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Great audio quality for the price
- Lightweight and portable design
- 80 hours of battery life

Cons:
- Earcups run small
- Fit may be uncomfortable for some users
- Lacks premium build quality

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.

Specifications

• Driver: 1.18” dynamic driver units
• Frequency response: 12Hz - 22,000Hz
• Noise cancellation: Active, up to 95% reduction
• Battery life: 80 hours
• Impedance: unknown
• Weight: 4 oz
• Cord length: 3.94 ft Y-shaped cord
• Connectivity: Wired

Box Contents

The Sony ZX110NC comes with:

• Sony ZX110NC headset
• User manual
• Unknown accessories

Usage

Using the Sony ZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is simple. Make sure the AAA battery is installed and charged. Connect the 3.5mm plug to your audio source. Fit the earcups over your ears and adjust the headband for a secure yet comfortable fit. Flip the switch on the earcup to turn on noise cancellation and enjoy your music free of ambient distractions. Take occasional breaks if the earpads cause discomfort over long listening sessions.