Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, Wired Ear Buds for iPhone with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume vs Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110

Price and Value Comparison

The Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones are priced at $14.88, making them about 7% cheaper than the Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, which sell for $15.98. Over the past 30 days, the Sony model has averaged $14.53, while the Apple version has hovered near $15.97, indicating a consistent price advantage for Sony. Despite this slight discount, both products remain in the budget segment of their respective categories, with the Apple option commanding a premium due to brand ecosystem integration.

Design and Comfort

The Apple EarPods feature a design shaped around the natural geometry of the ear, promising superior comfort for more users compared to traditional circular earbuds. Their lightweight, in-ear form factor is ideal for extended wear and active use. In contrast, the Sony ZX Series uses a closed-back, on-ear design with cushioned earpads that provide an enfolding seal, enhancing sound isolation and comfort during long listening sessions. The swiveling earcups on the Sony model also improve portability and storage convenience, especially when traveling.

Audio Performance

Both headphones deliver high-quality audio, but through different approaches. The Apple EarPods are engineered to maximize sound output and minimize loss, ensuring clear, balanced audio across frequencies. The Sony ZX Series features neodymium dynamic drivers that produce a punchy, rhythmic response, particularly effective for bass-heavy tracks. With a wide frequency range spanning 12 Hz to 22 kHz, the Sony model offers deep bass, rich midrange, and soaring highs—ideal for music enthusiasts seeking dynamic sound reproduction.

Built-in Controls and Functionality

The Apple EarPods include a built-in remote on the cord, allowing users to control volume, play/pause music and video, and answer or end phone calls with a simple pinch. This functionality is seamlessly integrated into iOS devices, offering full compatibility with iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and iPadOS systems. The Sony ZX Series, however, lacks any built-in controls or microphone. It relies solely on passive audio playback via a standard 3.5mm plug, meaning no media control or call management directly from the headphones—making it less convenient for smartphone users who value hands-free operation.

Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration

The Apple EarPods are designed exclusively for devices with a Lightning connector and require iOS 10 or later. They work flawlessly with iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and compatible iPadOS devices, offering seamless integration with Siri, FaceTime, and native iOS audio controls. The Sony ZX Series, by comparison, uses a standard L-shaped stereo mini plug (3.5mm), making it universally compatible with any device featuring a headphone jack—including older smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles—without requiring special software or adapters.

Portability and Use Case Suitability

The Sony ZX Series excels in portability thanks to its swiveling earcup design, which allows the headphones to fold flat for easy storage in a bag or pocket. This makes them particularly well-suited for travel and on-the-go use. The Apple EarPods, while compact and lightweight, are designed as in-ear buds, which may be more prone to falling out during movement. However, their small size and low profile make them highly portable and ideal for workouts or commuting where minimal bulk is preferred.

Which should you buy?

If your priority is cost savings, ease of use with Apple devices, and built-in controls for music and calls, the Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector at $15.98 are worth the extra dollar over the Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones priced at $14.88. The Apple model offers superior ecosystem integration, a functional remote, and better comfort for most users due to its anatomical fit. However, if you need universal compatibility with non-Apple devices, prefer a closed-back design for better sound isolation, and don’t require inline controls, the Sony ZX Series provides excellent audio performance and portability at a lower price point. For iPhone users who want full control without fumbling for their phone, the Apple EarPods are the smarter choice. For travelers or those using multiple devices, the Sony ZX Series delivers more versatility.