Sony MDR-J10 h.ear Headphones with Non-Slip Design (Black) Reviews

• About what you'd expect

  
  By AFD8SIKXNGXHK on 2004-01-04
  I was looking for some small, lightweight headphones that I could wear while running and working out. Ruled out, of course, were the normal earbuds, which have a tendency to fall out at the gentlest breeze, or at least at the slightest tug or jar. So, to that end, I picked up a pair of Sony MDR-J10 h.ear clips.

  First, the good. They're very light and reasonably comfortable for something that's sticking just into your ear. No problem. The clips work very well -- no matter how hard I work I can't get them to fall off. It might help that they tend to get tangled in my hair. I personally prefer the clip style to a headband -- this way, there's absolutely nothing to bounce around while you're running. I should also mention that they look very sleek worn.

  The cable features an adjustable restraint, above the normal fixed thing that marks the beginning of the dual cord, so you'll never have too much cord flying around your neck.

  Second, the bad. The cord is a bit shorter than I'm used to, but hey, no problem. The sound from these features a whole lot of midrange without a lot of bass or even treble definition. You have to remember, however, that the drivers in these things measure in at like thirteen millimeters, so if you're expecting Sennheiser clarity, you're looking at the wrong headphones.

  Overall, these earclips are quite satisfactory. They do what they need to do: They stay on no matter what, and they transmit music from your walkman/discman/MP3 player to your ears. If you're looking for headphones to wear while doing active things, then these are great. It needs to be mentioned that, with music playing all up in your eardrums, these things do a startling job at blocking out other noises, so be careful not to jog into a moving van or anything. Safety first!
  
  

• great headphones

  
  By A3GQKB1KF0CRPE on 2005-01-12
  They have a very sharp, clear sound. I used them to edit my writing on computer, using a program called ReadPlease. It's a great program that reads text back to you. With the earphones, I can work no matter what is going around around me.
  
  The wire is very limber, with a rubbery coating instead of more plastic. I have had two pair built along these lines, but the wires are wrapped in plastics covers which made then less flexible, causing them to kink. This soft rubber coating, left you move around without worrying about bending or kinks in the line that could ruin them. The rubber cover wire is virtually tangle free.
  
  The ear wrap is very comfortable. On the other two pair, I was aware of their pressure and after long hours of working my ears would be slightly sore. I barely notice these and have not had any lingers soreness as I did with the other two.
  
  So for comfort, easy use and prices, this is a good buy.
  
  

• Buy a CD instead.

  
  By A6FIAB28IS79 on 2006-10-08
  These looked cool for those walks around the block, and the price was right. But that's as good as it gets. They may not bring down the neighborhood, but they bring down the once-proud name of Sony. Not only is the sound of music sharp, tinny, and bass-deprived, but the pin never seems to lodge securely in my player, leading to distortion and the cutting out of sound in one of the headphones.
  
  My wife recently purchased a comparable pair of Brookstones at the airport. They cost three times more, but they sound at least three times better.
  
  

• You get what you pay for

  
  By A3B49FJN0UQNCW on 2004-01-03
  I needed to replace my iPod earbuds - I'm one of those people who can't keep buds in their ears. I was willing to pay for a headband or clip model with good sound, but everything for sport use seems to be in the $10-$20 range. I tried these and compared them to the Apple earbuds and to an old Sony headband that came with a cheap Sony Walkman radio. Of the 3 sets, the best was my old Sony headband model MDR-W10. Second best were the stock Apple earbuds, and a way distant third was the Sony MDR-J10. The sound was terrible, very tinny. While they will stay on your ears because they clip on, they only fit right if your ear is the size Sony thinks it ought to be. Don't buy these. Whatever you've already got is better.
  
  

• great for running

  
  By A20IPAO5JKZYWV on 2007-01-09
  I also have small ears and all the other earplugs would pop out. However, this model actually is great. I do all sorts of activities without them coming out.
  
  
• Disappointing sound quality and design...
  By A325IP5L2BC0QO on 2005-07-20
  As a person who uses a portable MP3 player for both everyday activities and for aerobic activities, I have gone through my fair share of headphones over the years -- with most of the wear-and-tear due to exercising. I've worn down the padding of two behind-the-head headphones, and so I decided to opt for a new model to use during exercise, the new in-the-ear design. My hope was that this new design would be able to withstand the vigors of running and using cardio machines at the gym better than the behind-the-head headphones did.
  
  Unfortunately, I cannot endorse the use of this product. I first experimented with these headphones on a long car ride. The first thing I noticed was that these headphones are remarkably loud. Since my anticipated use was in a physical fitness setting, I considered this feature to be advantageous. The second thing I noticed was the poor bass reproduction. Even after adjusting equalization levels, the bass was disappointingly weak. However, since my intended use in an exercise setting did not demand perfect audio fidelity -- I have a pair of higher-end headphones for normal use -- I was able to accept this limitation.
  
  A few days later I put these headphones to the ultimate test: a vigorous run which included hills, changing speeds, and occassional sprints. I am writing this review because of the headphone's poor performance during this test. While I didn't notice any problems with the headphone design during my car ride test, the design flaws were exposed in all their glory during the run. Even at a quick jog pace, these headphones did not feel secure on my ears. When I encountered a dirt road and increased my speed (and after accumulating a certain level of perspiration), the left headphone fell from my ear. I don't consider my ears to be anormal in size (I am a 22-year old male 6' tall). For the remainder of the run, I could not secure the headphones, and while they did not fall off, the left headphone kept bouncing as I ran.
  
  Finally, when I ended my run with a sprint, the final verdict came in on these headphones. I began to sprint and first the left headphone fell from my ear; shortly thereafter, the right headphone fell from my other ear. I simply finished the sprint holding my headphones, frustrated at the poor design.
  
  I am unable to see a suitable use for this product. If your intended goal is audio quality, there are superior headphones out there. If your intended goal is a headphone which can be used while exercising (such was mine), these headphones are fatally flawed. Not once in my many years of running have I ever had a behind-the-head pair fall from my ears. I cannot envision ever using these headphones again for exercise, which unfortunately means I cannot envision ever using these headphones ever again for any purpose. **
  
  
• THESE HEADPHONES ROCK!!!
  By on 2004-11-05
  I have no idea why everyone else hates these headphones so much because I love them! They stay on your ears even when you are exercising and they are so comfortable you forget that they're there. Also, when I put my volume on what would be normal on an MP3 player using normal headphones, the sound is fine and I can't increase volume by much. When I plug in my Sony's at that same volume level, they roar! Also, even if the sound is high, you can't hear anything when you remove them making them a great set of headphones to use in quiet places. Buy these headphones, and you will never want another pair again!
  
  
• your better-than-average headphones
  By A2T5MPUYGME7FK on 2004-11-17
  I got these headphones to replace the ones that came with my iPod mini; those were very uncomfortable. I wanted a small, comfortable, unobtrusive pair that wouldn't leak any sound and bother my fellow commuters (or at least advertise to them what I like to listen to!). I almost didn't buy them because all I saw in the store was orange, which sort of defeats the "unobtrusive" idea, at least for me. But I found them and bought them in basic black.
  
  They are definitely small, and I like the design. They hook completely over your ears, and the ear piece goes inside your ear. Once I figured out how to slip them on, they stay on, no falling off or sliding around. But they're not so tight that they give me a headache or hurt my ears, thankfully. The earbuds are fairly comfortable- some days they need adjusting, other days not.
  
  These headphones leak hardly any sound! I've performed a bunch of tests with friends, with me asking "can you hear anything now?" I wasn't anywhere nears as cool as the guy in the cell phone commercials, but everyone I asked did assure me they couldn't hear my music, even when I played it pretty loud.
  
  They have one neat little feature I didn't consider when buying but certainly appreciate- the "tangle-free cord." Most headphones are made up of one cord which splits at a fixed point. However, that point, or junction, is not fixed on these, which means you can pull up the little piece of plastic to join the two loose strings for easy storage. Or, split the cord entirely, all the way down to the jack, and give an earphone to somebody else.
  
  These fit the bill if you're looking for a comfortable, cheap, easy-to-store pair of headphones, and even though they're not quite the perfect ones for me, they're a solid buy.
  
  
• good sound but...
  By A3L22M35GSDIQM on 2005-02-17
  I must admit, these headphones are very comfortable and have terrific sound for the price. My problem with these is a big one. I live in minnesota and in the winter the air is very dry. In the wintern these headphones will shock you. They will literally zap the inside of your ear. This is annoying and slightly painful. The even bigger problem is that when they shock you the electricity goes into your music player. These headphones caused by 250$ mp3 player to freeze. If your willing to risk it than go ahead but i feel people should be warned.
  
  
• Great Replacement Headphones
  By A2LC3XQB3WKTO6 on 2003-06-07
  I bought these cause I lost the paddy things for my iPod's headphones, so they no longer felt comfortable. Not only are these much more comfy than those, but they have better bass and louder volume. They're great, it doesn't even feel like they're on your ears. Just keep in mind that if you wear glasses it might interfere with them. They kinda get in the way of my plastic frames, but someone with thin metal frames might not have a problem.
  
  
• OK
  By AS6ALMG3PNKWJ on 2005-04-08
  These earphones have good sound quality for the price, I've heard better and I've heard much worse. They will never fall off or slip out because of the clip-on style. Although they do not fall off any size ears, they only fit larger ears well. They look and feel rather awkward on someone with smaller ears.
  
  
• headphones for serious runners
  By A3CV2N4PZHESA2 on 2005-10-17
  I have tried a wide range of headphones over the past year in an effort to find some that I can live with when running (I clock 20-30 miles a week), using an elliptical trainer, and/or weight lifting (10+ h a week). I wear eye glasses and have had a hard time with ear buds (either too large for my ears or too small and ill fitting so they fall out) or traditional over-the-head headphones (slide off when running). I found out about the Sony MDR-J10 headphones through the reviews posted here on Amazon and decided to give them a try.
  I won't tell you that these are going to give you awesome sound. The sound is tinny as other reviewers have already noted so if you want true symphonic sound keep on looking. However, if you want a set of headphones that fit, won't hurt your ears (either inside or outside) even if you wear them for hours, and won't fall off your head, these are the headphones for you! Well worth the $10 investment.
  
  Update: I have now used these headphones for about six months. They have really stood up well to daily use. Best investment I ever made in headphones!
  
  
• Bad headphones
  By A18TBB6FC3973Z on 2006-03-19
  Think twice before you buy these non-slip headphones. I was very disappointed with the fit of these headphones. They are design for specific type of ears and if you don't have those ears, forget it! How do you know if you have the right size ears? You just don't know until you try them on and realize they don't fit. They are truly uncomfortable and not very flexible. Save your money and find something else. Don't buy them because of the low price. There is a reason for the low price. Who wants them!
  
  
  
  
• Comfortable, Dependable and Reliable
  By A371B3Z09W4GT5 on 2007-06-10
  I have been using these earphones for a few years now, and they seem to last and take the abuse that I give them. They have a nice sound, and they are super comfortable to wear. They don't jostle around in my ear forcing me to constantly have to readjust them. Besides, they are super affordable too. I tried some of the more expensive stick in the ear kind (with the rubber ends for comfort), and they keep wanting to fall out when I turn my head. I felt like a robot. Not so with these. Good luck.
  
  
• Uncomfortable/Very bad design
  By A37EJIH33322CS on 2004-08-09
  After wearing them for 3 days I finally put them on trash (because they are not enough expensive to send em back). These headphones are for the very big ear persons only. They simply will not fit on any person who has small to middle size ear. They leak too much sound out. If you press them to your ear canal their sound is ok, but under normal wearing conditions you could not get the whole sound in your ear. The plastic used on this earphone is not soft, shapable and comfortable as well. This product has very big design problems.
  
  
• I don't know about jogging but all else...
  By A1Z2D1Q5NVWKOX on 2005-10-24
  I don't jog but I do use these while on cardio machines and lifting.
  Even when doing situps these stay right where I want them to. I would highly suggest them for the price.
  The only down side I've seen so far is that if you sweat a lot, it can block some of the sound when sweat gets into the speaker.
  The same thing should happen for any set you put into your ears though.
  
  
• Yet another pair of headphones that don't fit my head
  By A2M10XV8UKH0LQ on 2006-08-12
  I bought these because I believed in them. "THESE are the headphones for ME!", I said triumphantly in the store, raising them above my head as a shaft of light shone down on me from the heavens. For the record, I'm a normal sized woman, 5'5" with a head that is smaller than most, but certainly not abnormally small. Not freakish or anything. So anyway.
  
  I usually have problems with headphones. Either the buds fall right out because they're too big, or the ones with the bar over the head, for some unknown reason, are never allowed to get small enough so that both phones fit in my ears.
  
  Surely you can imagine my surprise to see these sitting in the store looking like they will solve both of my problems. I buy them and I'm happy. Elated. I get back to my office and put them on and guess what - these are made for, like Giant's ears or something. They. Don't. Stay. On. My. Ears At. All. If I move my head they fall off.
  
  AUGHH!!! Why does the universe mock me so??? All I want is to sit hear (har) and listen to some Steve Kimock or something. *Sigh* Sony b@$t@rd$.
  
  
• All-day comfort
  By A26B27AJGMIJKH on 2006-11-18
  I listen to books on tape 10 or 12 hours a day while working at physical tasks. So I don't need symphonic sound quality, but I do need headphones that will stay on even during strenuous physical activity, allow me to hear ambient noise (like the phone ringing), do not make my ears sore after the first couple of hours, and are loud enough to be heard over various types of machinery noise. These are perfect for those needs, and I can take them on and off without having to adjust them every time the way you have to do with over-the-ear headphones that are malleable. Do not buy these headphones if you are looking for a sublime musical experience or if you expect your headphones to last a lifetime. But if you want headphones that are comfortable enough to wear all your waking hours and cheap enough to lose or break, then these are great. I've owned 8 or 10 pairs, and I hope they never quit making them.
  
  
• Horrid Sound Quality
  By A2QUK79K7IH3U7 on 2006-12-05
  They are comfortable and cheap, but the sound coming out of these pathetic headphones is as tinny as an old transistor radio.
  
  
• good for a while
  By A1E4G2ZIZXBCPQ on 2007-01-15
  I've owned 3 pairs of these headphones or the equivalent earlier models. Primarily I used them with an ipod on the treadmill. The sound is great for the price, and they stay in place on my ears even when I'm sprinting, which most bud-like earphone do not. They were also comfortable enough to wear studying etc. But these are primarily for working out so audiophiles no need to bash their sound quality.
  
  The only problem I've had is after about 6-8 months one side ceases to work, so just a warning that they might not last too long for you (a problem among most cheap earphone). I still feel like I got my nine dollars worth!
  
  
• Not a good fit when your trying to get fit.
  By A35UUQKA76R8QI on 2007-08-01
  If you're reading this, than you are searching for a pair of in-ear headphones that are perfect for working out and running.
  
  Well, as other reviewers have pointed out, unless you have the Spock-like ears that these things were designed to fit, you'll be sorely disappointed. You can give'em a try since they're so cheap, but don't say I didn't warn you.
  
  I got them specifically to make my runs less bulky. Previously I ran with a 30g Ipod in-hand while wearing ear-muffle style Sharper Image Noise Cancelling Headphones. So, I downsized and bought these and an Ipod shuffle and armband. The Ipod shuffle is great, unfortunately, these headphones suck.
  
  Actually, the quality seems fine. It's the fit that sucks. After 2 days of running with these, I give up. They just won't stay securely wrapped around my ears.
  
  The faster I run, the more they slip out. The more sweat drips down my head and into my ears, the more they slip out. I'm in humid Tampa, FL where you can't help but sweat heavily when running no matter what time of day. These might be better for folks in arid climates like Phoenix, AZ.
  
  The sound is good, but only if they stay on your ears. Since they don't fit snug, they allow you to still hear traffic and others around you. I was hoping I wouldn't have to run with ear-muff style headphones, but at least they don't fall off and I can hear the music with out sweat clogging my ear canal. I would love for a company to design a pair of in-ear, wireless, fits-all, great sounding headphones.
  
  For those who wear glasses, I should note that running with my sun-glasses (which hug the head snuggly) somewhat helped to keep these things from slipping off, but only temporarily. Without the sun glasses, they didn't stay on at all unless I was walking.
  
  I give these 1 star only because they actually work--that is, they relay sound from your mp3-player to the ear buds. Otherwise, they fit weird and are terrible for high-tempo activity. These are best for less mobile folks (say sitting on an airplane) or those whose ears fit the mold.
  
  
• I Like It!
  By A2V0D4S0Z2P993 on 2003-09-17
  I like these earphones, they're great and easy fit in the ears. The reason I gave four star to this item is becouse when I put these on I don't feel that much comfortable. These don't have those soft things and I would like to fell comfortable with those. But the quality is pretty good and it's even better than last set that I had.(Rio)
  I use MP3 Player and I think the sounds quality is great. Oh I forgat to tell you this it is not great for musics with high bass you know what am I talking about, the quality is not good for musics with high bass!
  
  
• not good for folks with little ears
  By on 2004-03-17
  The sound was okay but I couldn't keep the things on my ears! They clear the top of my ear by nearly a half inch and keep falling off. I won't skimp on headphones next time...
  
  
• Good product for the cost range
  By A20KUKK3MNHAAE on 2005-01-09
  I bought these headphones to replace earbuds that refused to stay in my ears, so the biggest draw for me was the clip. As some of the other have said, the clip works well - I haven't been able to make them fall out yet. Since everyone's ear is shaped differently, they may not be comfortable for everyone, but the plastic seems flexible enough to accomodate a range of ears.
  
  Other observations:
  - Neodymium magnet to improve low range.
  - Rated for appropriate frequency range 18-22000 kHz - covers full range of most humans' hearing - some of the more expensive products (and most of the cheaper ones) don't cover the full range.
  - No, bass response is not earth-shattering, but (A) quality bass response requires sensation of barely audible and inaudible vibrations conducted both through the bony components of the ear and the body as a whole - no earphone alone will give you that, and (B) c'mon, they're ten bucks.
  - Isolation is okay - outside noise is rarely intrusive.
  - Overall fidelity is good.
  - Warranty period (as for nearly all Sony products) is worse than many competitors' - only 90 days.
  
  Bottom line: These are good headphones for listening while you're walking, working out, etc. They are priced well and should generally satisfy appropriate expectations, e.g. not looking for intestine-shaking bass. If you're an audiophile looking for an immersive sensory cocoon...why are you still reading this?
  
  
• Awesome
  By A1YJVIC7DBCPOD on 2005-01-10
  These headphones are great. I found them to be very comfortable and also portable. They don't slip and the sound quality is loud and clear. The bass leaves something to be desired, but that is normal for headphones in this price range. They still have the best bass of all similar headphones I've tried. They can go very loud without leakage and are great for almost any purpose.
  
  
• Great earbuds (w/a clip) for the price!!!
  By A11D1KHM7DVOQK on 2005-03-14
  I went to my friend's house and to notice, he had purchased a 20GB Ipod. I asked him if I could try it out. I noticed that the Ipod earbuds were not pluged in. Instead, were the Sony H.EAR headphones. I thought, why not rate these headphones on amazon.com? I already looked at them and knew they were gonna be bad. They were cheap earbuds that had a hook on them. Of course, the sound is going to be trebly and they will be uncomfortable.
  
  ... Not so.
  
  The sound quality, I thought, was excellent. The bass was kinda deep, but not as good as overhead headphones or the closed-ear kind. The trebles were very clear. For sound quality, especially for earbuds, was amazing.
  
  Actually, the first thing I thought when I put these on was "These are very comfortable, and fit just right." Unlike other clip-style headphones. The plastic isn't adjustable, but it is bendable so it stays on your ear in a comfortable manner.
  
  These are obviously portable, due to the fact they're small earbuds with a hook on the end of them. They each are about a size of an overhead headphone speaker.
  
  The cost is about right. I don't think they are an extreme deal or anything, but $10 for these is quite right.
  
  I think I'm going to buy these soon. Ok, if you've read my other reviews, I also own the HL150, MDR101LP, and MDRG42LP. Well, I don't use the MDRG42LP because the are so uncomfortable. And, the MDR101LP I can probably sell to oneo f my friends for maybe $1.
  
  Anyway, you could carless about that. So, these headphones are great for the price. But warning, do not buy if you have extremely big ears, they will likely keep falling off. Look at the amazon.com image first too. But, I think these headphones will fit almost everyone, and that shouldn't be too much of a deal.
  
  P.S. I also found it interesting that the warranty doesn't cover acts of God, accident, misuse, or abuse. WTH? That basically elimanates the warranty right there. Is there any other way these things can break?
  
  
• Never. EVER
  By ATO8KOV6PGQUC on 2005-06-07
  LISTEN!
  DONT EVER EVER BUY THESE.
  I dont care how cheap SONY offers them for -- i have bought 2 pairs of these to wear while at work -- and in both instances, used or new --- the headphones send shocks into your ear lobes randomly.
  these are VERY DANGEROUS. SONY has refused to respond to my complaints for them.
  Do Not. Buy.
  
  
  
  
• Great sound, good looks.
  By AY10NZKLXR3C0 on 2005-08-10
  They're great in terms of listening, but they don't look as cool as earbuds. They stick out a little, so if you're really into how you look at the gym, get earbuds. Theses stay in your ears better but don't look as good. Better than headphones, but not as good as earbuds.
  
  
• one ear does not = "stereo..."
  By A2JNPDV7ZY1SOD on 2005-10-24
  I was monumentally disappointed with these earphones. They're so stinking HUGE, I can't get them to stay on my ears, and my ears are really big!
  
  I'm actually considering dipping the hooks in boiling water to soften the plastic and try to get them to harden in a different shape, they're so useless right now. The right one won't stay in even when I'm sitting absolutely still - sometimes it just falls off. They both hang so loose, I don't get any bass or full volume. If I hold them in, the sound is good, though. I'd definitely test-drive a pair before buying these.
  
  Oh, and the rubber-coated, "tangle-free" cord is anything but! Hard plastic is much more tangle-free! The rubber just sticks to itself, and it's like trying to untangle hot, cooked spaghetti. :/
  
  I would also like these a lot more if they had a volume control. Come on, Sony, you cheap-Os...
  
  
• I love my new earbuds!
  By AM1T23LHDSYA0 on 2006-02-21
  I have no idea why there are complaints about this model. These earbuds are of equal quality as the ones than I receive with my Nano. The sound quality from Nano's earbuds are fantasic, but I could not keep them in my ears to save my life! I desperatly needed a new pair, so I bought Sony's MDR-Q22LP with ear headphones with interchangeable headphone caps. First of all they hurt my ears and, second, they do not firmly press against my ears. As a result, I would get leakage from annoying street noise. Also, it emphasizes too much on the base line. Then, I took a chance and purchased the less expensive MDR-J10 and I immediately fell in love with them. I gives me the same high sound quality as the original Nano earbuds, plus they won't fall off my ears and the ear loops are very comfortable. Further, there isn't an annoying third cord that loops around the back of the neck and connect to the two earbuds. I highly recommend this type of earbuds. Not very expensive. I say you don't need to spend a lot of money to get quality. If you're one of those audiophiles, who love to listen to techno, heavy metal or rap and enjoy hearing a pounding baseline; Then these earbuds are not for you. Earbuds designed to emphasize baseline, tend to drown out or over power other instruments. This model provides clean, crisp musical lines. I love to hear the subtle nuance of a piano, the crisp sound of an acoustic guitar, the soothig tones of a violin, the clear, elequent diction of the human voice, or a soulful saxaphone solo. Therefore, if this is your taste in music, then these earbuds are for you.
  
  

• Xtreme TB264DKO 264-Disc CD/DVD Case

• Philips SHS3200/37 Flexible Earhook with Bud (Black)
• Sony MDR-J10 h.ear Headphones with Non-Slip Design (Orange)
• Sony MDR-J10 h.Ear Headphones with Non-Slip Design (Blue)
• Sony MDR-J11G h.ear Sports Headphones
• Sony MDR-J10 Clip-on Style Stereo Headphones (White)