As an experienced audiophile, friends often ask me for affordable over-ear headphones I can recommend that don‘t skimp too much on sound. While you ultimately get what you pay for, some models manage impressive quality for budget buys under $100.
The Monoprice 110010s in particular punch above their ultra-low price point with decent audio reproduction and comfort catered toward casual listening. But how do they stack up to pricier models? And what are their best uses?
I wrote this review to breakdown how these bargain headphones perform across key criteria – and whether they warrant a spot on your shopping list.
How the Monoprice 110010 Headphones Compare to the Competition
Before diving into the 110010s, it‘s helpful to see how they compare to other popular sub-$100 over-ear headphones:
| Model | Price | Key Features | Noise Canceling? | Sound Quality | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monoprice 110010 | $50 | 40mm drivers, 20Hz-20kHz response, built-in mic | Feedforward ANC, 35db isolation | Very good for the cost | Decent comfort with padding |
| Audio Technica ATH-M20x | $59 | 40mm drivers, 15Hz-20kHz response | None | Slightly better clarity | Tighter fit |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q20 | $60 | 40mm Silk drivers, 16Hz-40kHz response, 60 hour battery | Hybrid ANC with 4 mics | More balanced signature | Lightweight with thick earcups |
As you can see, the 110010s largely keep pace by offering the lowest cost while maintaining capable audio hardware and noise canceling unique at this price. But the tighter frequency response of the Soundcore Life cans delivers better clarity – though some may prefer the 110010‘s extra bass.
Now let‘s analyze how the Monoprice option performs in depth across the characteristics that matter most.
Detailed Sound Quality and Performance
With 40mm drivers and a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, the 110010s can reproduce the full range of audible sound without lacking either thumping bass or shimmering highs.
Most listeners will perceive the audio as warm and vibrant – the boosted low end brings thump to hip hop and impact to movies and games. Upper mids have a slight forward presence for intimate vocals in pop songs and clearer dialogue in videos or podcasts.
However, at louder volumes the highs become more piercing, and bass-heavy tracks can reverberate in a muddy way audiophiles will quickly notice. You won‘t mistake these for a $400 set of studio monitor headphones. But played at 60-70% volume, few headphones can match the fun musicality of the 110010s at this price.
Noise Cancelation Capabilities
The feedforward active noise canceling (ANC) uses microphones on the earcups to counter ambient sound in real-time. In practice, this reduces background noise by roughly 15-20% – allowing you to pick out more details or avoid cranking the volume as high.
But with louder external sounds like airplane engines or chatter in an open office, the technology struggles to make a difference. Given ANC‘s added cost, audiophiles argue the money is better spent improving driver quality than lackluster canceling effects.
So don‘t expect the 110010s to hush noisy environments. Their strength lies in reproducing, not blocking out, quality audio.
Comfort for Extended Listening Sessions
The plush synthetic leather earpads avoid your ears getting too warm during longer use. And at 7.5 oz, the headphones feel relatively lightweight on the head thanks to the padded plastic build.
Reviews note the earcups fit comfortably over average-sized ears. But folks with wider heads may feel too much clamping pressure after an hour or more. Children and teens likely won‘t experience any comfort issues.
If you plan listening sessions over 4+ hours, I‘d recommend trying the headphones on first or seeking out designs with larger earcups overall.
Ideal Uses for the Average Listener
Given their audio capabilities and wearability, the Monoprice 110010 headphones work well in the following cases:
Casual Listening
For folks that enjoy vibrant sound with forward vocals, these headphones will make playlists, podcasts and audiobooks more engaging without fatiguing your ears – especially at moderate volumes.
Gaming & Movies
The expanded 20Hz-20kHz frequency range combined with stereo imaging provides a wider, more enveloping soundstage. So games with 3D audio cues come through clearly, while films have spacious atmosphere without losing dialogue audibility.
Voice Calls
The builtin mic captures voices closely with minimal background noise for clearly relaying messages to friends or taking personal calls.
Students Studying
The comfortable padding works for 1-2 hour library sessions. And the audio isolation allows you to drown out chatter to stay focused while reviewing notes.
The Bottom Line
The Monoprice 110010 headphones won‘t dethrone premium brands for accuracy and noise cancellation. However, their impressive musical sound signature stands out in the crowded under $100 market.
If you‘re seeking affordable over-ear headphones for casual use that maintains wearability and capable audio hardware, the 110010s deserve strong consideration. Their fun bass bump adds excitement for mixed-genre listening rather than technical perfection.
Given the low financial risk, I recommend giving these budget-friendly cans a listen to hear if they meet your needs before spending extra on high-end models. You may be surprised by how good $50 headphones can sound these days.
Have additional questions? Check the FAQ below with additional insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the build quality?
The aluminum earcup housing and steel headband feel study, avoiding the brittle plastic of the cheapest models. While not tank-like, they can withstand being tossed in bags without damage.
Do these headphones leak sound?
Minimal sound bleeds out thanks to the over-ear cup design fully enclosing your ears. At louder volumes some noise escapes, but at reasonable levels these work fine in public spaces or shared rooms.
What warranty is included?
Monoprice provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty. So if anything fails or breaks through normal use in the first 12 months, you can get free repairs or replacement parts by contacting their customer support.
Can these connect to phones with Bluetooth?
No, the Monoprice 110010 model lacks Bluetooth support. You‘ll need to use a wired connection via the standard 3.5mm audio jack. So they won‘t work wirelessly with phones that lack headphone ports.
I hope this guide helps you determine if the 110010s suit your personal listening needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.
