Audio T Verdict
The Sony MDR-ZX310 are straightforward wired headphones built around simplicity, portability and value. There is no Bluetooth connection to configure, no battery to charge and no companion app to install. Connect them to a compatible headphone socket and they are ready to use.
The 30mm ferrite drivers are designed to deliver powerful, balanced sound, while the closed on-ear construction provides a more focused listening experience than open headphones. A 10Hz to 24kHz frequency response, 24-ohm impedance and 98dB/mW sensitivity make them a practical choice for everyday music, television, laptop use and compatible portable equipment.
At approximately 125g without the cable, the MDR-ZX310 are light enough to carry easily. The folding design takes up less room in a bag, while padded earcups make them more comfortable for everyday listening than basic unpadded headphones.
This Is the Standard MDR-ZX310
This page is for the standard Sony MDR-ZX310 with a conventional gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. It is not the Android-labelled MDR-ZX310AP version and does not include an inline microphone or smartphone remote.
Sony MDR-ZX310 Wired On-Ear Headphones
The Sony MDR-ZX310 are lightweight wired on-ear headphones designed for straightforward everyday listening at home or on the move.
A pair of 30mm dynamic dome drivers covers a specified frequency range of 10Hz to 24kHz. The closed acoustic structure helps contain the sound around the listener, while padded earcups rest directly against the outer ears.
The folding design allows the earcups to rotate into a more compact position for storage. Connection is made through a 1.2m Y-type cable fitted with a gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
- Standard Sony MDR-ZX310 model
- Wired on-ear headphones
- Closed acoustic design
- 30mm dynamic dome drivers
- Ferrite driver magnets
- 10Hz to 24kHz frequency response
- 24-ohm impedance at 1kHz
- 98dB/mW sensitivity
- 1000mW power-handling capacity
- Lightweight folding design
- Approximately 125g without cable
- Padded earcups
- Adjustable headband
- 1.2m Y-type cable
- Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
- No battery or charging required
- No Bluetooth pairing required
- Black, White, Blue and Red finishes
30mm Dynamic Dome Drivers
Each earcup contains a 30mm dynamic dome driver using a ferrite magnet.
Sony describes the driver system as delivering powerful, balanced sound. The compact driver size also helps keep the headphones light and allows the earcups to fold into a smaller shape for transport and storage.
The final sound will depend on the connected equipment, recording quality, listening volume, earcup position and how securely the headphones rest against the ears.
10Hz to 24kHz Frequency Response
Sony specifies a frequency response extending from 10Hz to 24kHz.
A published frequency range describes the limits covered by the driver system, but does not by itself explain the overall tonal balance or how the headphones will sound to an individual listener.
Fit, driver positioning, source quality and personal hearing all influence the listening experience.
Closed On-Ear Design
The MDR-ZX310 use a closed on-ear construction. The earcups rest against the outer ears rather than surrounding them completely.
This approach keeps the headphones smaller and lighter than many over-ear designs. The closed earcups also help contain more of the sound around the listener than an open-back headphone.
On-Ear or Over-Ear?
On-ear headphones rest against the outer ears, while over-ear headphones use larger cushions designed to surround them. On-ear models are generally lighter and easier to carry, while over-ear designs may provide greater isolation and distribute pressure differently.
Lightweight 125g Construction
The MDR-ZX310 weigh approximately 125g without the cable.
Keeping the weight low makes them easy to carry and reduces the amount of mass supported by the headband during use.
Comfort remains personal, particularly with an on-ear design. Headband adjustment, earcup position and the pressure against the ears should all be considered during longer listening sessions.
Padded Earcups
The earcups include cushioning between the headphone structure and the listener's ears.
The pads are designed to make the on-ear fit more comfortable while helping the earcups sit consistently against the ears.
As with any on-ear headphones, taking an occasional break can improve comfort during extended listening.
Compact Folding Design
The earcups can be folded into a flatter and more compact position when the headphones are not being worn.
This makes the MDR-ZX310 easier to store inside a drawer, backpack, travel bag or laptop case than a fixed full-size headphone design.
Protect the Cable When Folding
Make sure the cable is free from the folding mechanism before storing the headphones. Avoid wrapping it tightly around the headband, as repeated sharp bends can place unnecessary strain on the cable and plug.
Simple Wired Connection
The MDR-ZX310 use a conventional wired connection and do not require Bluetooth pairing, batteries, charging or software.
This makes them useful with compatible equipment including:
- Portable music players
- CD players with headphone outputs
- Radios and compact music systems
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Tablets with compatible headphone sockets
- Smartphones with compatible headphone sockets
- Televisions with conventional headphone outputs
- Electronic keyboards and digital pianos
- Games controllers with compatible headphone connections
Compatibility depends on the socket fitted to the source equipment. Devices without a conventional stereo mini headphone output may require a suitable adaptor.
1.2m Y-Type Cable
A fixed 1.2m cable runs separately to the left and right earcups in a Y-type arrangement.
The length is intended for personal listening where the connected phone, player, computer or other source is relatively close to the listener.
It may be too short for listening at a substantial distance from a television, amplifier or desktop computer. A suitable headphone extension cable can be used where additional reach is required.
Gold-Plated L-Shaped Stereo Mini Plug
The cable terminates in a gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
The right-angled design allows the cable to run closer to the body of a compatible phone, music player or laptop than a long straight connector.
Gold plating is used on the contact surface to help provide a reliable electrical connection when used with a compatible socket.
No Battery or Charging Required
Because the MDR-ZX310 are passive wired headphones, there is no internal rechargeable battery.
They can be used whenever a compatible headphone output is available, without waiting for the headphones to charge or managing another battery.
This also makes them useful as a simple backup pair of headphones for travel, work or home listening.
No Bluetooth Pairing
The wired connection avoids Bluetooth pairing menus, wireless dropouts, codec selection and compatibility issues associated with wireless audio.
Once connected to a suitable headphone socket, playback and volume are controlled from the source equipment.
24-Ohm Impedance
Sony specifies an impedance of 24 ohms at 1kHz.
The MDR-ZX310 are intended for use with everyday portable and domestic equipment rather than requiring a dedicated high-powered headphone amplifier.
Available volume will still depend on the output capability of the connected device and the level of the recording.
98dB/mW Sensitivity
The specified sensitivity is 98dB/mW.
Sensitivity indicates how efficiently the headphones convert electrical input into sound output. It should be considered alongside impedance and the output capability of the connected equipment.
Protect Your Hearing
Listening at excessive volume can damage hearing. Start at a low level before putting the headphones on and increase the volume only as far as required for comfortable listening.
1000mW Power-Handling Capacity
Sony specifies a maximum power-handling capacity of 1000mW.
This is an electrical limit rather than a recommended everyday listening level. It should not be used as a target for amplifier output or volume.
Normal listening should always be kept at a safe and comfortable level.
Four Colour Options
The standard Sony MDR-ZX310 are available in Black, White, Blue and Red finishes.
Technical performance remains the same across the different colour options.
Standard MDR-ZX310 or Android MDR-ZX310AP?
MDR-ZX310 Standard
- Standard version featured on this page
- Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
- No inline microphone
- No smartphone remote
- Designed for straightforward stereo listening
MDR-ZX310AP Android Version
- Separate Android-labelled version
- Four-conductor L-shaped stereo mini plug
- Different connection arrangement
- Not the version described or supplied on this page
Check the Model Before Ordering
Sony places the MDR-ZX310 and MDR-ZX310AP on the same manufacturer product page, but they are separate versions. This Audio T listing is specifically for the standard MDR-ZX310.
Who Are the Sony MDR-ZX310 For?
The MDR-ZX310 are particularly well suited to listeners looking for:
- Affordable wired headphones
- A simple alternative to Bluetooth
- Headphones that do not require charging
- Lightweight everyday listening
- A compact folding design
- Headphones for a laptop or desktop computer
- Private television listening at close range
- Use with a portable music player
- A spare or backup pair of headphones
- A choice of different colours
Who Might Need a Different Model?
The MDR-ZX310 may not be the right choice if you need wireless listening, active noise cancellation, an inline microphone, smartphone call controls or a cable longer than 1.2m.
Listeners who dislike pressure directly against the outer ears may also prefer a larger over-ear design with cushions that surround the ears.
Key Features
- Standard MDR-ZX310 version
- Wired connection
- Closed acoustic design
- On-ear wearing style
- 30mm dynamic drivers
- Dome-type diaphragms
- Ferrite magnets
- 10Hz to 24kHz frequency response
- 24-ohm impedance
- 98dB/mW sensitivity
- 1000mW power handling
- Folding earcups
- Padded earcups
- Adjustable headband
- Approximately 125g weight
- 1.2m fixed cable
- Y-type cable arrangement
- Gold-plated stereo mini plug
- L-shaped plug design
- No battery required
- No Bluetooth pairing
- No inline microphone
- No smartphone remote
- Black finish available
- White finish available
- Blue finish available
- Red finish available
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sony MDR-ZX310?
The Sony MDR-ZX310 are lightweight wired on-ear headphones with 30mm dynamic drivers, padded earcups and a folding design.
Is this the standard MDR-ZX310?
Yes. This page is specifically for the standard Sony MDR-ZX310 with a conventional gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
Is this the Android MDR-ZX310AP version?
No. The Android-labelled MDR-ZX310AP is a separate version with a four-conductor plug and is not the model described on this page.
Do the Sony MDR-ZX310 have a microphone?
No. The standard MDR-ZX310 do not include an inline microphone.
Do the MDR-ZX310 have an inline remote?
No. Music playback and volume are controlled from the connected phone, player, computer or other source equipment.
Are the Sony MDR-ZX310 wireless?
No. The MDR-ZX310 are wired headphones and connect through their fixed 1.2m cable.
Do the Sony MDR-ZX310 use Bluetooth?
No. They do not include Bluetooth and do not require wireless pairing.
Do the Sony MDR-ZX310 need charging?
No. The MDR-ZX310 are passive wired headphones with no internal rechargeable battery.
What size drivers do the Sony MDR-ZX310 use?
Each earcup contains a 30mm dynamic dome driver using a ferrite magnet.
What is the frequency response of the MDR-ZX310?
Sony specifies a frequency response of 10Hz to 24kHz.
Are the Sony MDR-ZX310 on-ear or over-ear?
The MDR-ZX310 are on-ear headphones. Their padded earcups rest against the outer ears rather than surrounding them completely.
Are the Sony MDR-ZX310 closed-back?
Yes. Sony specifies a closed acoustic design.
Do the Sony MDR-ZX310 have noise cancellation?
No. The MDR-ZX310 do not include active noise cancellation.
How much do the Sony MDR-ZX310 weigh?
The headphones weigh approximately 125g without the cable.
Can the Sony MDR-ZX310 be folded?
Yes. The earcups fold into a more compact position for storage and transport.
How long is the MDR-ZX310 cable?
The fixed Y-type cable measures approximately 1.2m.
Which plug do the Sony MDR-ZX310 use?
The standard MDR-ZX310 use a gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
Can the Sony MDR-ZX310 connect to a smartphone?
They can connect to a compatible smartphone with a conventional stereo mini headphone socket. A suitable adaptor may be required for phones that only provide USB-C or Lightning connections.
Can the Sony MDR-ZX310 connect to a laptop?
Yes, provided the laptop has a compatible stereo headphone output or is used with a suitable adaptor.
Can the Sony MDR-ZX310 be used with a television?
Yes, if the television has a compatible headphone output and the 1.2m cable provides sufficient reach. A headphone extension cable may be required.
Can the MDR-ZX310 be used with a digital piano or keyboard?
They can be used with compatible equipment offering a suitable stereo headphone connection. A plug adaptor may be required where the instrument uses a larger headphone socket.
What is the impedance of the Sony MDR-ZX310?
Sony specifies an impedance of 24 ohms at 1kHz.
What is the sensitivity of the Sony MDR-ZX310?
The specified sensitivity is 98dB/mW.
Which colours are available?
The standard Sony MDR-ZX310 are available in Black, White, Blue and Red finishes.
What is included with the Sony MDR-ZX310?
Sony lists the headphones, operating instructions and warranty card as included items.
Related Sony Products and Audio T Pages
Why Buy the Sony MDR-ZX310 From Audio T?
Choosing headphones involves more than looking at driver size and frequency response. Comfort, fit, cable length, source compatibility and whether you prefer an on-ear or over-ear design can all affect which pair is right for you.
Audio T can help confirm whether the standard MDR-ZX310 will connect to your equipment, explain the differences between wired and wireless headphones and help you explore alternatives if you need different features.
- Friendly and straightforward headphone advice
- Standard MDR-ZX310 model confirmation
- Wired headphone comparisons
- On-ear and over-ear guidance
- Headphone socket compatibility checks
- Phone and tablet connection advice
- Laptop and computer compatibility guidance
- Television headphone connection advice
- Digital piano and keyboard compatibility checks
- Headphone extension cable guidance
- Plug adaptor advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help deciding whether the standard Sony MDR-ZX310 are the right wired headphones for you.