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Ultra-budget wired headphones. The JLab Studio 2 at $25 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 at $15 are two of the cheapest headphones worth buying. A $10 difference that comes down to one key question: do you need a microphone?
Quick verdict
| JLab Studio 2 | Sony MDR-ZX110 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $14.88 |
| Driver | 40mm | 30mm |
| Frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz | 12Hz–22kHz |
| Microphone | Yes (inline) | No |
| Weight | ~175g | 120g |
| Best for | Casual listening + calls | Pure listening, lightest possible |
JLab Studio 2
Experience studio-quality sound with the Studio 2 Wireless Headphones. These sleek on-ear headphones seamlessly blend innovation and pure audio clarity, bringing your music to life with customizable EQ4 sound modes. Whether you're diving into your morning playlist or sharing your favorite tracks...
The 40mm drivers and built-in mic are the JLab’s advantages. Larger drivers mean more bass presence and fuller sound. The inline mic means you can take calls on your phone without switching to your phone’s speaker. For $25, these deliver solid casual listening performance.
Wins on: Sound fullness, built-in mic, driver size
Loses on: Price ($10 more), weight
Sony MDR-ZX110
Sony’s entry-level wired headphone: 120g, 30mm drivers, clean and accurate sound. The frequency response actually extends slightly wider than the JLab (12Hz–22kHz vs 20Hz–20kHz on paper, though both are effectively limited by driver quality in practice). No microphone — this is a pure listening device. At $15, it’s the cheapest Sony headphone worth considering.
Wins on: Price, lighter weight, Sony reliability
Loses on: No mic, smaller drivers, less bass
The real decision
This comparison is almost entirely about the microphone. If you take calls, watch videos with a headset, or participate in online meetings, the JLab Studio 2 at $25 is the practical choice. The mic alone is worth $10 more.
If you purely want headphones for listening — music, podcasts, videos — the Sony MDR-ZX110 at $15 delivers Sony’s characteristic clarity in a lighter, cheaper package. No mic to snag on things, less weight on your head.
Bottom line
Need a mic: JLab Studio 2. Don’t need a mic: Sony MDR-ZX110 and save $10. Both are solid, honest budget headphones from brands that don’t embarrass themselves at the low end.
FAQ
Does the Sony MDR-ZX110 have a microphone?
No. The MDR-ZX110 is a listen-only headphone. If you need a mic, the JLab Studio 2 is the better choice at this price point.
Are JLab Studio 2 headphones good for gaming?
For casual gaming at this price tier, yes. The built-in mic handles voice chat. Audio quality won’t match a dedicated gaming headset, but for $25 they’re a functional option.
