Sony MDR-ZX310 Foldable On Ear Headphone (MDRZX310 MDR ZX310)

Sony MDR-ZX310 Foldable On Ear Headphone (MDRZX310 MDR ZX310)

Sony MDR-ZX310 – Design and Comfort
The Sony MDR-ZX310 are on-ear headphones, the same style as the Beats Solo 2. This is often the best kind to go for if you want portable headphones, but don’t want in-ear ones that dig into your ear canal.

They’re relatively petite, and will attract a good deal less attention than giant over-ear headphones. We think as far as on-ear headphones go, the Sony MDR-ZX310 look pretty good too.

While all-plastic, the back of the ear cups are finished with a shiny (but low-key) concentric circles design, and they have a dose of classic Sony style. Upon more critical inspection the dark blue on black two-tone design of our review pair doesn’t entirely work, but you wouldn’t instantly assume the MDR-ZX310 are as cheap as they actually are.

Sony MDR-ZX310 vs ZX300
The Sony MDR-ZX310 take over from the long-standing ZX300 model, which has proved extremely popular. Mostly because of the price.

The difference between the old ZX300 and new ZX310 is that this pair has a fold-up design. The cups fold up with a hinge that sits right by where the cups meet the headband. It makes them a fair bit smaller to store – perfect for stashing in a bag. It’s a great feature to have in on-ear headphones like this, though if you consider headphones to be a form of neck jewellery when not in use this may not be a concern.

Sony MDR-ZX310 – Sound Quality
Other than this design change, we wouldn’t be surprised if Sony hasn’t significantly changed the sound signature since the MDR-ZX300. There’s still a meaty bass skew, but the sound is thankfully not completely murky as it is in some real entry-level headphones.

The Sony MDR-ZX310 do not set a new standard at the price. However, we still think these headphones are a good solution for those who want a second pair to use for less demanding listening, or to accompany a set you really don’t want to damage. While not the last word in sound quality, they’re cheap, fairly good-looking and practical