If you want a wired in-ear fit with interchangeable tips and a one-button remote, choose Sennheiser CX 300S; if you need cushioned on-ear headphones with folding earcups, choose Sony ZX Series. For kids, the main difference is how each pair sits and what its cable controls offer—not wireless convenience, since both are wired.
The CX 300S is the more compact choice, while the ZX Series has cushioned pads and swiveling earcups that fold for storage. For a headphone for kids, comfort and fit should lead the decision: the Sennheiser includes four ear-tip sizes, whereas the Sony rests on the ears.
• Sennheiser CX 300S strength: In-ear design, four included tip sizes, and a one-button remote for music and calls. Trade-off: It is wired, and a secure, comfortable fit depends on choosing tips that suit the child’s ears.
• Sony ZX Series strength: Cushioned on-ear pads, swiveling earcups, and an inline remote with a built-in microphone. Trade-off: Its on-ear design may not suit someone who prefers earbuds or wants a more compact fit while listening.
• Choose the CX 300S for an in-ear fit with multiple tip options and sound isolation.
• Choose the ZX Series for cushioned earcups, a folding design, and cord-based hands-free calls with selected smartphones.
• For kids, match the wearing style to the child’s comfort: ear tips for an in-ear fit, or padded earcups that rest on the ears.
The CX 300S is a wired in-ear headphone with a 3.5 mm jack and a one-button inline remote. That button handles play, pause, and calls, so a listener can manage those basic tasks from the cable rather than reaching for a phone or tablet. Its compact earbud format may suit listening during a commute, while doing homework, or while seated with a compatible device nearby.
Fit is central to this model. Sennheiser includes silicone ear adapters in four sizes—XS, S, M, and L—so the listener can try to find a snug fit. The product information says the in-ear design helps reduce ambient noise; in practical terms, that makes the fit more than a comfort detail. If the tips do not seal well, the intended isolation and call performance may not be achieved. The listed frequency range is 17 Hz to 21,000 Hz, and the 18-ohm impedance indicates the product’s electrical specification for compatibility with devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-19 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The Sony ZX Series is a wired, on-ear headphone. Cushioned earpads rest against the ears, and the closed-back design is intended to keep sound enclosed. That format can be a better match for someone who does not want an earbud inserted into the ear canal. Its cable has an inline remote and built-in microphone for hands-free calls with selected smartphones, so it offers a call-control option similar in purpose to the Sennheiser’s remote, but in an on-ear design.
The earcups swivel to make the headphones easier to store and carry. Sony also describes them as folding, a useful design detail when they need to be put away between classes or packed for travel. The cable is 1.2 meters long and ends in an L-shaped 3.5 mm mini plug. The product sheet lists a 12 Hz to 22 kHz frequency range and 16-ohm impedance. Those figures describe the headphone’s audio specifications, but they do not by themselves establish that one model will sound better to a particular listener.
The Sony may be a sensible fit for a child who prefers padded earcups and wants a headphone that can fold for storage. Its on-ear placement is the key trade-off: it will not provide the same in-ear fit or included range of ear-tip sizes as the CX 300S. Who should skip it: someone who wants earbuds, a more compact in-ear design, or wireless headphones.
• Best for an in-ear fit → Sennheiser CX 300S. It sits in the ear and includes four silicone tip sizes, from XS through L.
• Best for cushioned earcups → Sony ZX Series. Its padded earpads rest on the ears rather than fitting inside them.
• Best for adjusting the ear-tip fit → Sennheiser CX 300S. The four included adapters give a listener several sizes to try.
• Best for folding storage → Sony ZX Series. Its earcups swivel and fold, making the design easier to put away or carry.
• Best for basic cable controls → Either, with a small distinction. Both have an inline remote; the Sennheiser’s single button manages play, pause, and calls.
• Best for a built-in microphone on the cord → Sony ZX Series. Its inline remote includes a microphone for calls with selected smartphones.
• Best for sound isolation through an in-ear design → Sennheiser CX 300S. Its in-ear construction is described as reducing ambient noise when the fit is right.
• Best for a child who dislikes earbuds → Sony ZX Series. Its on-ear pads offer a different wearing style, though comfort still depends on the individual.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d choose the Sennheiser CX 300S for kids if they are comfortable with earbuds and can find a secure fit among the four included tip sizes. The one-button remote and in-ear design make it a straightforward wired option for music and calls.
Both models use a 3.5 mm wired connection, so neither is a Bluetooth option. If you specifically need Bluetooth headband headphones for kids, these two do not match that requirement: the Sony is an on-ear wired headphone, and the Sennheiser is a wired in-ear model. Check that the child’s intended device has a compatible 3.5 mm connection.
Think about fit before focusing on audio specifications. The CX 300S comes with four tip sizes, but the child must be comfortable wearing an in-ear headphone and find a tip that fits securely. The Sony avoids ear tips, but its cushioned pads rest directly on the ears. A child’s preference between those two styles may matter more in daily use than the listed frequency ranges.
For calls, both have an inline control, but their details differ. The Sennheiser has a one-button remote for play, pause, and calls. The Sony’s inline remote includes a built-in microphone, with calls supported on selected smartphones. If calls are a priority, check compatibility with the specific phone rather than assuming every device will handle the controls identically.
Also consider where the headphones will be stored. The Sony’s swiveling, folding earcups are a practical design feature when packing the headphones away. The Sennheiser’s in-ear format is naturally a different kind of compact listening setup, but its main fit consideration is selecting the right ear adapter. Neither product’s listed features establish that it will be comfortable for every child, so wearing style and fit should guide the choice.
No. Both are wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connection. The Sony’s product information also identifies its connection as wired; neither model is described as Bluetooth.
Which is better for a child who dislikes earbuds?
The Sony ZX Series is the more natural option to consider because its cushioned pads rest on the ears. The CX 300S sits in the ears, although its four included tip sizes provide different fit options for someone who is comfortable with earbuds.
Both models include call-related features on the cable. The Sennheiser’s one-button remote can take calls, while the Sony’s inline remote has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls with selected smartphones.
The specifications do not establish that either model will deliver the “best crystal clear calls headphones for kids” experience. The Sennheiser’s fit guidance notes that ear-tip fit can affect call performance; the Sony lists a built-in microphone and specifies compatibility with selected smartphones.
• Xininyia 2-Pack vs SolidSS 2: Fast Charge Headphones
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.