Short answer: the Koss Porta Pro on measured sound quality, the Sony MDR-ZX110 on price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Koss Porta Pro ranks #428 of 481 over-ear headphones, rated 2.4/5, at $39.99. The Sony MDR-ZX110 ranks #444, rated 1.9/5, at $13, $26.99 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Superlux HD 660 Pro 150 Ohm instead, ranked #84 at $34.
The Koss Porta Pro is the better-sounding pick. A very cheap, lightweight open-back design dating from 1984. The catch: A 16.8 dB dip near 3.6 kHz hollows out vocals and instrument detail, and treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 6 dB low.
Why pick the Sony MDR-ZX110: Very inexpensive, wired and light at 0.3 lbs (120 g), with 24 ohms and 98 dB/mW so it plays loudly enough from a phone or laptop. Watch for: Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target by 40 Hz and 10 dB by 30 Hz, a 17 dB dip near 11.5 kHz removes air and an 8.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz adds sibilance, giving a preference score of only 35.
Buy the Koss Porta Pro when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Sony MDR-ZX110 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A very cheap, lightweight open-back design dating from 1984.
Amazon $39.99 eBay
Very inexpensive, wired and light at 120 g, with 24 ohms and 98 dB/mW so it plays loudly enough from a phone or laptop.
Amazon $13.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Koss Porta Pro | Sony MDR-ZX110 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $13.00 |
| Ranked | #428 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #444 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 46 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 35 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.55 dB standard deviation | 4.49 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.50 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 34 Hz (-7.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-10.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 60 ohms | 24 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/1mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 12Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 30mm dynamic |
| Weight | - | 0.3 lbs (120 g) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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