If you want wireless listening, long battery life, and simple call controls for kids, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need a wired pair that plugs into a 3.5 mm headphone jack, choose Sony Sony mdrzx110. For kids wireless, the JBL is the clear fit because the Sony is wired.
JBL Tune 510BT vs Sony Sony mdrzx110 at a Glance
• JBL Tune 510BT: Bluetooth listening, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a built-in microphone; its trade-off is that it must be charged and has no headphone jack.
• Sony Sony mdrzx110: Wired listening through a 3.5 mm jack, with no battery to recharge; its trade-off is that a cable tethers the listener to the connected device.
• JBL is for: Kids or adults who want wireless listening, on-headphone call controls, and long stretches between charges.
• Sony is for: Someone who prefers a direct wired connection and whose listening device has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The JBL Tune 510BT is the more practical choice when wireless use is the priority. It connects by Bluetooth and can switch between two devices, which could help a student move from a tablet video to a phone call without handling the headphones. Its on-ear buttons manage sound and calls, and a microphone supports hands-free calling. The model can also activate Siri or Google Assistant through a button.
Battery life is its strongest everyday advantage: JBL specifies up to 40 hours of wireless listening. A full recharge takes about two hours, and a five-minute charge is specified to add two hours of listening. That makes it a useful option for long school days or travel, provided someone remembers to recharge it. The foldable design and soft ear cushions with a padded headband also make it easier to put away between uses.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I’d consider the Tune 510BT for a child who wants to listen without a cable and whose devices support Bluetooth. Its adjustable headband is intended to fit a range of head sizes, but fit still matters: this is an on-ear model, and the available product information notes that some users may find it tight. I’d skip it if you need a wired connection, a headphone jack, or headphones that work without charging. It also has no listed noise control, so don’t choose it expecting active noise cancellation or a stated noise-isolating feature.
The Sony MDR-ZX110 takes the simpler wired route. It connects through a 3.5 mm jack, so it doesn’t rely on Bluetooth or a rechargeable battery. That can suit a child using a compatible laptop, tablet, or other device with a headphone jack, especially when the goal is just to plug in and listen.
I’d choose the MDR-ZX110 for someone who prefers a wired connection and has a device with the right port. I would not choose it for a child who specifically needs wireless listening: the cable remains part of the setup and can limit how far the listener moves from the device. If the device lacks a 3.5 mm jack, check compatibility before choosing this pair.
• Best for wireless listening → JBL Tune 510BT. It connects over Bluetooth; the Sony uses a cable.
• Best for long stretches between charges → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL specifies up to 40 hours per charge, though actual listening time can vary.
• Best for a child who wants to move around without a headphone cable → JBL Tune 510BT. That freedom comes with the need to keep the battery charged.
• Best for a direct 3.5 mm connection → Sony Sony mdrzx110. Choose it only if the listening device has a compatible headphone jack.
• Best for switching between a tablet and a phone → JBL Tune 510BT. Its Bluetooth connection can switch between two devices.
• Best for on-headphone call controls → JBL Tune 510BT. It has an ear-cup microphone and buttons for managing calls and sound.
• Best for listening without battery upkeep → Sony Sony mdrzx110. Its wired design needs no headphone charging, but the connected device must stay within cable reach.
• Best for a child who needs a wireless pair for school → JBL Tune 510BT. The Sony is not wireless, regardless of how long it can be used without charging.
For schoolwork, neither set is a specialized study tool based on the listed features. If you’re searching for the best earphones for study, these are headphones rather than earphones, and the more important choice here is whether Bluetooth or a cable suits the student’s routine. The JBL’s battery life and device switching may help with wireless study sessions; the Sony avoids charging if a compatible jack is available.
My Verdict
I’d buy the JBL Tune 510BT for kids wireless because Bluetooth, device switching, call controls, and up to 40 hours of battery life fit that use better. Its charging requirement and on-ear fit are real trade-offs, so I’d make sure the child is comfortable with the design. I’d choose the Sony only when a wired 3.5 mm connection is the priority.
For a child who needs wireless listening, I’d choose the JBL: it uses Bluetooth and has up to 40 hours of stated battery life. The Sony is the better fit when a wired 3.5 mm connection is preferred.
The JBL Tune 510BT has a stated battery life of up to 40 hours per charge. The Sony MDR-ZX110 is wired, so it has no headphone battery to recharge; it depends on a compatible connected device.
Neither product’s listed features specify active noise cancellation. JBL lists no noise control, while Sony lists sound isolation; that label does not tell us how much outside sound will be reduced.
The JBL is the straightforward choice if the tablet supports Bluetooth. The Sony requires a 3.5 mm headphone jack, so confirm the device’s connection options before choosing it.
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