06 Aug
Blog

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: The Best Headphones Get Even Better

“Same price, even better functions. With the WH-1000XM4 from Sony it looks perfect. "

  • Very convenient

  • Outstanding sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Very good call quality

  • Very good battery life

  • Bluetooth pairing of multiple devices

  • Handy, customizable functions

When Sony launched its latest flagship wireless noise canceling headphones in 2018, which got the uncomfortable name WH-1000XM3 in true Sony fashion, they were at the top of our list of the best headphones. One of our reviewers even called it his gadget of the decade.

If you are curious as to why, I recommend that you read our in-depth review before reading this review as I will be referring to it a lot.

Convenience, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life … the $ 350 XM3 simply destroyed the competition. Almost two years later, we have yet to find another wireless headphone that we prefer overall.

But resting on your laurels is a recipe for disaster, especially in the ultra-competitive personal audio space. That's why Sony is back with the successor to the XM3, the WH-1000XM4 for $ 350 (you guessed it).

How can you improve near perfection without increasing the price? Let's go into that.

What's in the box?

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Your first clue that Sony has decided not to gamble big with its time-tested formula comes when you open the box. Inside you will find exactly the same hard-shell carrying bag as the WH-1000XM3 – right down to the elastic mesh pocket on the back and the copper-colored zipper.

Open the case and the topic continues. The XM4 are arranged in exactly the same semi-folded layout and are accompanied by the same three accessories: a very short USB-C charging cable, an analog cable for headphone connections and an airplane travel adapter.

I wish the USB-C cable was longer, but that's exactly what Amazon is for.

design

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00001-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00002-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

If you were a fan of the XM3's understated yet sleek design, you'll be glad to know that the WH-1000XM4 are so similar that it's impossible to tell them apart at a glance.

The XM4 offers the same level of comfort and stability as the XM3 while putting a little less pressure on your head.

Not that Sony hasn't made a few changes here and there, but they're all small improvements. After all "if it is not broken …"

These improvements aim to further improve the comfort of an already exceptionally comfortable shape. The bow of the headband has been further refined and the top pillow is a little thinner. And although it's not recognizable without a ruler and magnifying glass, Sony claims that the ear pads now have a 10% larger contact area with the sides of your head.

The proof is in the carry. The XM4 offers the same level of comfort and stability as the XM3 while putting a little less pressure on your head. They're just more convenient.

They feel lighter somehow, although I know there is no way I can feel that the XM4 weighs a tiny gram less than the XM3.

There are also tiny cosmetic changes.

The finish Sony has chosen for the XM4 is a bit more matte and borders on rubber. The result is a reduction in gloss, so fingerprints are slightly more visible on the black version. This is less of a concern with the Tan model.

The NFC logo on the left ear cup is now embossed instead of printed, and the model number on the headband caps is more reserved.

Battery life

The XM4's battery life and charging remain unchanged – a surprise given the huge performance improvements Sony has made with its true wireless WF-SP800N over a similar period of time.

You get 30 hours of life with noise canceling enabled and 38 hours with the device off, which is still very good for wireless headphones – significantly better than the XM4's main competitor, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, which only die 20 hours after that.

Ten minutes of plug time gives you an additional five hours.

What remains is the inability to use the XM4's powered features like ANC or wireless audio while charging – although the analog cable will also work for unpowered audio.

Smarter controls

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Music and calls are controlled on the WH-1000XM4 using the touch-sensitive pad on the right ear cup with a series of swiping and finger tips – just like the XM3. But now the headphones are smarter. Instead of removing them from your head or pausing the music and switching to ambient mode to have a conversation, you can just start speaking.

The biggest improvement that Sony has added for everyday comfort is a wear sensor.

Sony calls it Speak-to-Chat, and the XM4's built-in sensors automatically detect that you're trying to speak to someone and respond by simultaneously inserting sound and pausing your media.

You can double tap the right ear cup to resume playback immediately, or you can just wait. 30 seconds after the headphones determine that you are done with the Yakken, the tunes will crank again.

It's extremely effective, and I've found that if Sensitivity was turned on, even Sneezing would trigger the feature. Fortunately, the headphone app offers a variety of customizations, including a high / low sensitivity switch and a focus-to-speech mode, designed to allow only nearby voices to be admitted without background noise in the Surrounding area.

But perhaps the biggest improvement Sony has added for everyday comfort is a wear sensor located in the left ear cup. Now when you remove the XM4 from your head, your tunes can automatically pause. This has become a standard feature on high-end wireless headphones and true wireless earbuds, and it's nice to see Sony hasn't ignored it.

I noticed some cases where my music started all by itself while the headphones were wrapped around my neck, but for the most part, the function works well and responds very quickly when you put the XM4 on or off.

Bluetooth multipoint

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

When we tested the WH-1000XM3, the only real criticism we could make of these headphones was the lack of Bluetooth multipoint pairing. In other words, you can only pair them with one device at a time.

For those of us who live their lives on a variety of machines, the XM4 is worth the upgrade just because of the Bluetooth multipoint.

The XM4 resolves this criticism and you can now set it up so that it can be paired with your phone and laptop at the same time or your phone and a Bluetooth device such as a television.

You activate the function via the Sony Headphones app (deactivated by default).

Once you've paired the XM4 with a range of Bluetooth sources, simply pause the sound on one device and then start playing on the other device. In my tests between an iPhone 11 and an iMac, the transition was almost instantaneous. If I heard the Mac when a call came in on the iPhone, I could answer the call and then return to the Mac without ever touching the phone or desktop.

Even better, the headphones app remembers all previously paired devices, so you can quickly swap the two devices you want to use at the same time through a single interface.

For those of us who live our lives on a wide variety of machines, with this feature the XM4 is well worth the upgrade.

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Given the good sound quality of the WH-1000XM3, it is unlikely to be realistic to expect a significant increase in audio quality from the XM4, which does not mean that Sony will stop in this department.

The XM4 features the latest and greatest in Sony's digital music upscaling technology, DSEE Extreme. The goal of DSEE technology is to partially compensate for the loss of quality that occurs when music is heavily compressed using lossy codecs like MP3 or AAC.

Being able to extract musicality from the low end of a song is, in my opinion, the XM4's greatest strength.

Sony claims that DSEE Extreme – which uses artificial intelligence on board – is trained to analyze music in real time through a partnership with the company's SonyMusic department. In practice it is said to be better to restore certain frequencies like the tsss-tsss-tsss of high-hat cymbals than its predecessor. You can tell with scientific instruments, but to my ears it made no significant difference.

But in the end it doesn't matter. The XM4 has such a good balance between the various frequencies – accompanied by a wonderfully wide and well-defined soundstage – that it is excellent to have a rich and satisfying listening experience no matter which genre you choose.

The XM4 continues the XM3's tradition of presenting bass as more than just a low-end boom. On tracks like Hans Zimmer Time, which use complex low-frequency instruments, the XM4 creates a deep floor that spans the boundary between hearing and feeling. But it can also cover this floor with many layers of recognizable bass notes that provide both warmth and precision.

Mids and highs aren't any less fun, but the ability to bring musicality out of the low end of a song is the XM4's greatest strength in my opinion.

There is one limitation to the sound quality of the XM4, but it mainly affects Android users: Sony has stopped supporting the aptX and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs that were included in the XM3 and now only supports SBC, AAC and the own Sony LDAC.

Is it important? I do not believe that. As of Android 8.0 Oreo, LDAC is a codec that phone manufacturers are free to incorporate, and the vast majority have chosen to do so. LDAC is also one of only two Bluetooth codecs that have been certified as Hi-Res compatible – even aptX HD cannot make this claim.

I'm sorry to support aptX, but it's definitely not a deal breaker.

Noise cancellation

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

The best ANC (Active Noise Canceling) technology from Sony can be seen again in the WH-1000XM4. This time around, the company claims to have improved both the software algorithms and hardware to achieve even better performance than the XM3.

Some low-frequency noise, such as an aircraft engine drone, fan, and some traffic noise, can be almost completely canceled out by ANC, while medium- to high-frequency noise, such as human conversation, is reduced. According to Sony, the XM4 does a better job with this latter group of sounds. In theory, you should be less aware of your surroundings when you are sitting in your local cafe or in a busy office.

I didn't know of any significant difference in my time with the XM4, but our pandemic-based lifestyle didn't offer many options for busy environments. DT Senior Editor Caleb Denison tried it too and saw only minor improvements. If you're wondering if they're better than Bose's superb Noise Canceling Headphones 700, it's really too close to call.

Another small improvement: you can now enable Sony's personalized ANC calibration on the headphones themselves by long-pressing the Custom button instead of relying on the headphones app.

Call quality

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Overall call quality is another strength for Sony products, and the WH-1000XM4 is no exception. The calls were consistently very good under different conditions, even when I passed an extremely loud construction site.

I was apparently more aware of the noise than my caller, which seems to prove that Sony's claim that the XM4's improved call quality due to improved noise reduction is more than just marketing.

Our opinion

For the same price as its previous flagship, Sony has made small but very useful improvements to the WH-1000XM4 that are enough to crown it as the new king of personal audio.

Is there a better alternative?

No That is what happens when you are the best. However, if you're looking to save some cash, you can bet that the older WH-1000XM3 will have some special offers until Sony cleans up the remaining inventory. If you are content to do without a wear sensor and Bluetooth multipoint and can get the XM3 for $ 50 to $ 100 below the regular price, I think you should do so.

How long will they last?

The WH-1000XM4 comes with a one-year warranty from Sony. The build quality is excellent, and Sony headphones have a reputation for reliability. Battery life will decrease over time, but you can expect to use it for many years before it becomes a serious problem. You can assume that the ear pads will need to be replaced occasionally throughout the life of the headphones. These can easily be bought online.

Should you buy them

Absolutely. While not exactly affordable, the WH-1000XM4 is at the top of the wireless headphone market and worth every penny.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

Grado Hemp Headphones Review: An Audio High You Won’t Forget

Grado Labs Hemp Headphones Rating 1

Hemp headphones from Grado Labs

"It's hard to imagine that headphones look better or sound better."

  • Amazingly detailed sound

  • Precise and clear compensation

  • Nice wood design

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions

  • Strong quality control

  • Some rough surfaces

  • Open design limits usability

  • Restrained bass reproduction

Grado Labs made headlines with its affordable hemp headphones for $ 420. When John Grado explained to me why hemp is an excellent material for making headphones, I was curious to hear the results for myself.

Now that I have done it, I am beginning to understand the complex tone of coziness and seriousness that I heard from Grado during this interview. Hemp may seem like a gimmick, but the performance of these cans is no joke.

No frills, classic design

There is not much to consider with the functions of the Grado Hemp headphones. They are refreshingly simple. Plug them in and they work. The hemp headphones come in a discreet white box with a letter from the Grado family.

These open-ended wired monitors consist of only two parts – the headphones themselves and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, which I immediately detached from the end of the cable and placed in a drawer because I didn't have any Playing the electric guitar or not recording in the studio.

After using over-ears with a single cable that ran from one side for years, it initially felt strange to put on the hemp headphones. They throw you back to a time when cables were king and every headset needed them.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of cables, the cables are particularly thick with the hemp headphones. Compared to my Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors, they are about twice the size and not wrapped. If I don't wind the cable, I won't get it nearly as much as my MDRs, but the cable is incredibly long.

I understand why Grado contains so much wire, but there is a lot of cable to find a place and it usually ends up in my lap. Plus, the added cable has a certain weight, and although it's not that much of a nuisance, I've definitely noticed it compared to other wired headphones.

The ear cups are simple. Nowadays, you generally see some kind of leather or leather-like material wrapped around memory foam, but Grado chooses a material that they have chosen specifically because it works with the drivers to produce sound. In this case it is a simple, classic foam. It feels a little rough, but the headphones breathe well and are good for long listening sessions, provided you don't move them a lot.

I do not recommend exchanging them, although you can. I switched it to the "more typical" leather foam as a test, and the audio quality dropped dramatically. Grado knows what it does when it selects materials.

The details

The outstanding feature of the hemp headphones is of course the hemp. Because of the way they had to mix it to make the material work like normal wood, the grain of each headset appears unique. The two-tone circular wooden swirls are beautiful from afar and up close. The ear cups attract your eyes and keep them there.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

This is good because other parts of the headset are not quite as sophisticated. The joints that connect the hemp and maple earphones to the headband are made of plastic and are not completely smooth. If you've ever designed a model that requires you to pull the parts out of a plastic sheet, you know what I mean when I say that there are edges and slight bumps that you can feel when you run your finger over them .

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In addition, the mesh that separates the driver from your ear is somewhat frayed and imperfect.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In short, it looks like this headset was assembled by hand. What it was. I can't blame them too much for that, but since the hemp headphones cost $ 420, I should mention that most of that cost doesn't apply to some of the non-audio parts.

That doesn't mean they're overpriced. No, they are worth every penny.

An incomparable listening experience

I've always been a headphone junkie, so I have a lot of experience of how music sounds from a variety of sources. Despite this experience, I wasn't prepared for what the hemp headphones sounded like.

I sat motionless for about 15 minutes when I let Tidal play a series of songs based on an artist I like (The Decemberists, for those who are wondering). While it was run by artists I didn't know and tracks I had never heard, it didn't matter. I feel with these Grado headphones.

I heard the nuances of the vocals, the melody, every single instrument and the nice mix of everyone who came together. The reproduction is both different and mixed. It's a beautiful audio paradox that I'm still trying to turn my head around.

But I can hear everything and it almost brought me to tears. I heard not only with my ears, but also with my heart.

I feel with these Grado headphones.

With the Grado I have the feeling that at a concert I pressed my ear to each Soundstage speaker at the same time, but without being limited to my unique physical existence (and blowing out my hearing). I played drums in a band and this music makes me feel like I'm back on the top of the stage.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of volume, these can be loud. Given the fact that the hemp headphones really produce excellent audio, it can be tempting to really increase this volume, which seems to improve in quality when I press it up. Keep in mind that if you press it too loudly for too long, you can really damage your hearing.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance. I claim that music in highs, mids or lows shouldn't be too strong. Sure, booming bass may sound good, but too much bass overwhelms other frequencies and hides too much of the nuance of the music. These hemp headphones are like studio monitors on steroids because they are superbly balanced, offer neutral reproduction and at the same time offer a really outstanding clarity. My Sony MDR-7506 monitors are also balanced, but don't offer the level of detail that the hemp headphones offer.

If you turn my arm, I admit that the Grado's bass isn't quite as strong as I would like it to be, but it could also be because most people are used to overblowing the bass. To be completely honest, I prefer the detail and precision that can be found here.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance.

The hemp headphones have an open style that is praised for their sound quality but not for their sound isolation. To enjoy them to the fullest, you need a quiet room in which you can be alone with your music. Open backs also tend to let out as much sound as they let in. Therefore, they are not suitable for an office environment (not that this will be a big problem in 2020).

Our opinion

The swirling hemp looks beautiful and its implementation in headphones from Grado sounds so good here that it makes your heart beat faster. This is a masterful combination of visual and auditory beauty. The details of the build are not perfect, but it doesn't matter. You will find it hard to find this type of music experience anywhere else, and almost certainly not at a lower price.

Is there a better alternative?

"Better" is subjective here, but there are alternatives. The V-Moda M200 Studio reference monitors are a little cheaper and offer a similar EQ experience, but they don't offer the same expansive sound that we praise Grado for. For much less, the Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors offer the same neutral sound, albeit an overall flatter audio expression in comparison. They honestly don't consider a candle to be audio for hemp headphones, but they are the industry standard, so this has some weight.

How long will they last?

Grado offers a one-year warranty on the hemp headphones, which is pretty standard. Open-back headphones are inherently more fragile than their closed-back brothers. Therefore, treat them with caution. If you do this, they should take a long time.

Should you buy them

Yes. The Grado hemp headphones are absolutely worth the price just for their sound reproduction, and you get the added benefit of a unique hemp wood pattern.

Editor's recommendations




26 Jun
Blog

JBL Club One Review: Heavyweight Headphones Pack A Punch

JBL Club One ANC headphones

"Built for those who love club sound, they're a bit expensive for what you get."

  • Powerful, precise sound

  • Outstanding workmanship

  • Easy to use controls

  • Very good call quality

  • Excellent battery life without ANC

  • Heavy

  • Lack of low-end depth and warmth

  • Earcups may not be sealed to all users

  • Only one ANC mode is available at a time

Top tier over-the-ear active noise canceling (ANC) headphones already have an impressive number of competitors, including the $ 700 Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones, the $ 350 Sony WH-1000XM3 that $ 400 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 and the Sennheiser & # 39; s $ 400 Momentum 3 Wireless.

But there's still room for one and JBL hopes that the new Club One worth $ 350 will earn a place at the table. Do you succeed? Check out our full review.

Design and materials

Swivel JBL Club One ANC headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Take the JBL Club One and you immediately know that JBL is not playing around. Everything about these headphones says premium. There is high-quality information everywhere, from the heavy metal slides, hinges and ear cup cones to the deeply padded (and magnetically attached) ear pads to the full leather headband.

Regardless of how heavy they are, they are remarkably well balanced once you put them upside down.

This build quality has its price: the Club Ones weigh a whopping 13.3 ounces. To put that in perspective: The PX7 weighs 10.7 ounces and the WH-1000XM3 weighs just under 8.9 ounces.

Amazingly, despite their weight, once you put them upside down they are remarkably well balanced. The combination of headband padding and clamping pressure helps Club Ones feel lighter than their numbers suggest.

However, the comfortable, tight fit may not be for everyone. With ear cups with smaller openings than some competitors, those with large ears may feel somewhat claustrophobic. I noticed that the ear cup cones also had difficulty keeping the pads flush with the sides of my head, and I often left a small gap near the bottom.

Overall, the design of the Club One is reminiscent of a top-class luxury coupé with subtle matt surfaces and only a hint of chrome trim that surrounds the outer surface of the ear cups. I'm not quite sure what to make of the exposed braided audio cables. Depending on your point of view, they add a touch of retro coolness or interrupt the otherwise clean and simple design.

The Club One headphones come with their own hard case carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, an airplane travel adapter, a 6.3 mm plug adapter and two types of analog cables, one of which has an inline remote control and a microphone disposes.

Control and ease of use

JBL Club One ANC headphone controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

As the name suggests, Club One headphones are inspired by DJs, according to JBL. That certainly happens in the JBL headphones companion app (more on that later), but not so much in the way the club ones are physically structured. The rotating swivel joints under the hinge of the headband and the pivot points of the ear cup don't let an ear cup turn around for comfortable use in a one-handed DJ style.

This limitation also means that the auricles don't lie flat when you lie around your neck. It's not a deal-breaker, but if you've ever worn full-size headphones while sitting on the plane for hours, you'll appreciate this added flexibility.

Most of the controls on the Club One are very familiar: Play / pause and volume are integrated into an easy-to-find and use three-way control on the right ear cup, while the buttons for power supply, Bluetooth and ANC are equally accessible on the left. The oversized "Action" button, which takes up the entire outer surface of the left can, is a surprise. It is used to summon the Google Assistant or Alexa of your choice, though strangely not Siri.

I like the massive physical button, but it would be nice if I could switch the voice assistant feature to ANC mode, as this is a feature I've used more often.

Another surprise is the double set of inputs for the set of analog cables that come with the Club Ones. Unlike virtually all wireless headphones we've seen, Club Ones give you a choice of which ear cup the cable will go to when you want to be wired, and the connectors use a twist-lock design for added security – another one Rarity in the wireless world.

Sound quality

JBL Club One ANC headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The club ones sound great, but not what I expected. For me, “DJ-inspired” suggests a bass-forward signature that reflects the throbbing beat of the club floor, but the EQ is actually much milder. Instead of a deep boom, the club ones are turning towards the energetic mids and highs – the elements that puncture an EDM track through the build just before the beat drops.

The result is a sound that creates crystal clear and precise upper registers – almost painful – that really complement the EDM genre.

They convey neither warmth nor expansion nor some of the other headphones in this category

I think that shouldn't come as a surprise. In the JBL Headphones app you will find a special area for EQ adjustments that were developed by world-famous DJs such as Armin van Buren, Sunnery James and Tigerlily – as if Club One's claim to DJ culture was not clear enough.

JBL Club One ANC headphone appTapping these DJ presets will give you a variety of sound switches. You can also just switch to the custom EQ section and program your own with a very versatile graphic slider.

If the sound of Club One has a disadvantage, they don't convey the warmth or expansion of a sound stage, as well as some other headphones in that category.

Sony's excellent WH-1000XM3 can't keep up with Club Ones in terms of pure energy, but it does better swing low-end basses through your whole body. If the Sonys are the Boom Boom Pow of the Black Eyed Peas, then the JBLs are David Guettas Titanium.

In an ideal world, all headphones would be equally comfortable to play all kinds of music, but the club ones have clearly set their sights on the genres you are most likely to hear … in the club.

Some people are very picky about Bluetooth audio codecs. If that sounds like you, you should know that the Club One only supports SBC and AAC Bluetooth connections despite the high end price – not aptX, aptX HD or LDAC. If you want a higher quality level, you must either use the digital T0-to-analog converter (DAC) of your phone or your own DAC and one of the supplied analog cables. JBL claims that when used with these cables, Club One's frequency response jumps to high-definition audio.

I used the Tidal HiFi Masters catalog and put the Club Ones to the test. There is no doubt: they sounded even better with this source, but their extremely powerful EQ remained something I thought genres like jazz, classical and blues didn't do.

Noise cancellation

JBL Club One ANC headphone hingeSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

It takes a hell of a lot of effort to beat Sony and Bose at the ANC game, and although the Club Ones do their best – they eliminate a lot of external sounds – it is not their killer function.

Part of the problem is the design of the headphones themselves. Without a perfect seal around the ear cups, noise cancellation can never be as effective as with tightly closed things. JBL claims that True Adaptive Noise Canceling responds to the environment and changes in real time to adjust by compensating for sound leaks caused by factors such as hair, glasses and head movements. In practice, however, it could not rule out any booming noises such as bathroom fans, dehumidifiers and hair dryers, as well as the Sony WH-1000XM3.

However, it is not a big gap. I would say the club ones are about 85% as effective as the Sonys, but there is something to keep in mind if ANC is a big item on your headphone wish list.

I was also confused about Club One's ANC-related features. The ANC button has two modes: Ambient Aware, which allows you to switch between full ANC and the possibility of outside noise, and TalkThru, which allows you to switch between full ANC and a volume at a reduced volume to conduct a call. For some reason, you can only use Ambient Aware or TalkThru, not both. You use the headphone app to decide which one to control with the ANC button. However, you decide which one is really difficult – both are useful at different times.

The Club Ones also lack any kind of adjustment to the ANC intensity, in contrast to the Sonys with their app-adjustable ANC and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 with their fantastic ANC function with rotary knob.

There's a clever "Silent Now" feature that allows you to activate ANC without turning on the club ones completely and wasting battery for Bluetooth or amplification. This is something more ANC headphones should offer.

Battery life

JBL takes 45 hours of playback time for the club ones without using ANC, which is very good. However, when the ANC is switched on, this number is only 23 hours. They're certainly better than some noise-canceling headphones like the Momentum 3 Wireless, which only offer 17 hours, but after 30 hours, they're not as brave as the Sony WH-1000XM3.

In less than two hours, they have a quicker turnaround time between uses than the Sonys.

Call quality

JBL Club One ANC headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Overall, JBL has a winner here for calls in noisy environments.

In my experience, wireless headphones and real wireless earbuds can either suppress unwanted noise during a call or provide very clear call quality. If you ever find one that can do both, keep it! The Club Ones fall into the first category and do an excellent job of suppressing the sounds that compete with your voice. I was standing right next to a loud dehumidifier and my caller said she was not aware of it at all. Of course, less consistent sounds like traffic or construction are not canceled as effectively, but still it's pretty impressive.

The downside is that my voice apparently did the wobbly thing that I associated with powerful noise canceling microphones.

Overall, JBL has a winner here for calls in noisy environments.

Our opinion

JBL rated the Club One headphones in a highly competitive area at $ 350. And while their build quality and materials are sure to match the competition and call quality is very good, their average and sometimes uncomfortable ANC performance and EDM-oriented acoustics make it difficult to give them an unconditional recommendation for everyone.

Is there a better alternative?

For the same price (and sometimes just $ 280), the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers lower weight, better ANC performance, and longer battery life when the ANC is on. We believe that their sound signature will appeal to a wider audience. There's a reason why they're still our number one.

How long will they last?

A standard one-year guarantee applies to the JBL Club One headphones. However, the build quality of these headphones is excellent and I suspect they will last for many years as long as you don't abuse them. The magnetic ear pads can be easily replaced when worn, as long as JBL continues to sell replacements.

Should you buy them

Yes – if your sound quality preferences match Club One's strengths, that is performance and precision focusing on the higher registers, for an energetic audio experience and you don't mind the extra bulk, these headphones deliver the goods.

Editor's recommendations




03 Jun
Blog

Adidas RPT-01 Sport Headphones Review: Fitness Functionality

Adidas RPT-01

"The Adidas RPT-01 are almost exclusively dedicated to fitness lovers."

  • 40 hours of battery life

  • IPX4 waterproof

  • Built to last

  • Easy to use controls

  • Instructions for conflicting setup

  • Tight fit

  • Narrow audio range

The $ 169 RPT-01 Sport on-ear headphones from Adidas differ in several ways from the competition, from their functionality to the fabric in which they are wrapped. Sometimes these differences help and sometimes they hurt. It depends on who is wearing them. Athletes may love what these fitness-oriented headphones have to offer, but the occasional listener may not be as receptive.

Out of the box

The headphones are carefully shipped in a black Adidas box. Except for a USB-C charging cable and the standard manufacturer documentation, nothing else is included. The RPT-01 headphones come without a carrying case or carrying case, which is disappointing.

Adidas RPT-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The setup was a bit strange. The quick start guide tells you to hold down the Control Jog button (on the right ear cup – and yes, that's the official name that Adidas used for it) for 2 seconds to turn the headphones on and put them on in pairing mode. Mode. I haven't been able to put these headphones into pairing mode for my whole life – at least not at first.

After downloading the Adidas headphone app, I was shown slightly changed pairing instructions. The app prompts you to hold the button for 4 seconds, not 2 seconds, to activate the Bluetooth pairing. It's a fraction of a difference, but apparently an important one.

The RPT-01 has built-in Bluetooth 5 technology, and under normal circumstances the connection was solid. Unfortunately, the connection range was average at best. While jogging with my fiancé, she wore the headphones that were connected to my phone and that I carried in a belt pouch.

With most of the earphones I've tested, it can leave me in the dust and still maintain a tight connection. With these, she would be about 15 to 20 feet away before encountering connection problems. This is surprising since we were without obstacles outside.

design

Design is what distinguishes these cans. They do not use plastic or silicone material for their outer cup or ribbon as you would expect. Instead, the headphones are covered with a mesh fabric, with the exception of the inner band. The fabric is not the softest material out there and doesn't provide the most aesthetic look.

Adidas RPT-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

However, it is well suited for the RPT-01 target group: athletes. The ear cushions and the inner band are washable, which can prove helpful after more intensive training sessions. While these headphones are not soft, they feel durable and give the impression that they can easily cope with countless hours in the gym.

Thanks to the guidelines on social distancing, I still haven't returned to the Eisenkirche, so I can't say how well the RPT-01 does when lifting. In the few runs I brought them with, they did well. They are of course heavier than a real wireless earphone alternative, but at 209 grams they are not heavy enough to significantly impair your cardio session. As a reference, one of the most comparable alternatives, the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train, weighs considerably more at 240 grams.

However, I felt that they were aggressive on my admittedly big head. It's better than being too loose, but if I didn't use them primarily for sports, the pressure would eventually become a nuisance.

properties

I am convinced that all headphones and earphones should have a certain water resistance, as they are more and more connected to our everyday life. This applies twice to products that are intended for exercise. Thankfully, the RPT-01 does not disappoint with an IPX4 rating that provides welding and splash protection. The JBL counterpart has the same degree of protection.

Adidas RPT-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The RPT-01's battery life is impressive, and according to Adidas it offers 40 hours of playback time. If you've only used it for exercise and haven't spent an eternity in the Dwayne Johnson weight room, you may want to top it up about once a month.

Of course, at this price, you probably want to get your money's worth and wear it when you're not pumped up. I had almost a week's work with the RPT-01 and I still have to join for a fee. That's some firm juice for the cost. In particular, both the JBL Train and the more expensive Train Project Rock only offer 16 hours of playback between charges.

I enjoyed the functionality of the "Control Jog" button on the right cup of the RPT-01, which allowed me to pause and resume the music by pressing it regularly. I could skip tracks by switching to the right or left, and switching up and down provided volume. In a world where we too often succumbed to the confusion of multi-pressure functions, this was an easy-to-use breath of fresh air.

Speaking of multiple presses: there is an action button on the left cup. Your preferred voice assistant is called up by pressing once. To my understanding, these can be Google Assistant, Apple's Siri, and Amazon Alexa. Using the Adidas app, which I found surprisingly useful overall, you can program double tap and triple tap functions to access specific playlists, artists or albums via Spotify. This is a nice feature as long as you are a subscriber.

Audio quality

The RPT-01 is primarily a fitness headphone. When it comes to training, it's typical to hear something positive with generous portions of low-end sound.

Adidas RPT-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Adidas seems to know its audience, because this is where the RPT-01 feels most comfortable. Scrolling through most of the popular Workify workout playlists has shown this, with highlights like Migos & # 39; Walk It Talk It highlighted. The RPT-01 have an abundance of bass and are not afraid to share them.

However, if you move away from the workout playlists, some sound flaws will become apparent. They are still reasonably clear and casual listeners shouldn't have any problems with the audio, but all of these bass-heavy choices hide an average midrange that leaves much to be desired when trying a wider range of music. Overall, these headphones sound good, but they may not be able to satisfy those who are looking for really great sound in different genres.

The app has an equalizer function with various presets to fix the problem, as well as a custom preset that allows you to adjust the frequencies to your liking. I also felt that the built-in microphone did its job well enough when I answered calls. Active noise cancellation would have been desirable at this price, but it is not a requirement.

Our opinion

The Adidas RPT-01 are exactly what I thought – headphones that are almost exclusively dedicated to the gymnastics rats of the world and offer the ideal functions. They just don't pile up very well outside the practice room.

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 160 JBL UA Sport Wireless Train comes closest to Adidas in price and design, but doesn't have the RPT-01's battery power and only has built-in Bluetooth 4.1 technology. If you don't need headphones to break a sweat, both the $ 200 Razer Opus and the Sony WH-CH710N for $ 199 would be compelling options.

How long will they last?

Adidas built these headphones to accommodate everything fitness enthusiasts can throw at them. So expect them to have some stamina.

Should you buy them

Yes. The design and audio quality may not be translated outside of training, but they are not designed for that. The RPT-01 Sport are headphones for fitness and fit well in this shape.

Editor's recommendations




19 May
Blog

Razer Opus Wireless Headphones Review: Valuable Sound

Razer Opus

Razer Opus Wireless Headphones Review: A Budget ANC Champion

"Outstanding sound quality and an effective $ 200 ANC make Razer & # 39; s Opus great value for money."

  • Comfortable design

  • First class appearance

  • Awesome ANC

  • Great sound quality

  • Standard battery life

  • Outdated Bluetooth technology

Razer has become a household name in the gaming world. Headphones and other products complement this experience. However, it has not ventured into the area of ​​lifestyle audio.

This is now changing with the release of the Razer Opus wireless headphones by the company. At $ 200, the Opus offers a surprisingly wide range of features for its price, including active noise cancellation and THX-certified audio quality. To see if the Razer Opus did justice to its technical sheet, I looked over the page and brought these new headphones to the right level.

Out of the box

It may not seem like the most important part of a headphone, but the packaging is your first experience with a new product. In other words, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Razer Opus headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Razer Opus doesn't wear a three-piece suit, but it's adorned with a sharp shirt with a collar, and that's more than fine for me. Under the lid of the box there is a rounded carrying case with headphones, USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm analog cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter and airline headphone adapter.

The Razer Opus setup follows the regular pairing protocol. Turn on the headphones and they will respond by automatically switching to Bluetooth pairing mode. Then you have to find the sockets in the Bluetooth settings of your device and establish the connection.

I will anticipate this criticism by saying the following: I have had no specific problems with my connection to the Razer Opus, and the range of these headphones is reasonable. Unfortunately, unlike the more advanced Bluetooth 5 technology, the Opus only supports Bluetooth 4.2. I know that some cost-saving measures may have to be taken to make these headphones what they are, but the latest Bluetooth technology seems to be a priority.

design

The Razer Opus may be positioned closer to the budget side of headphones, but its design exudes a premium presence. They are an elegant midnight blue – a black version will follow later – with Razer logos on each side of the headband and a THX logo on each ear cup. Razer is excited about this THX certification if you haven't noticed it yet.

Razer OpusNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Both the ear cups and the headband are covered with a soft synthetic leather foam, which creates a comfort that I thought would be held fairly well over long listening times. The headphones have a circumaural design, ie the ear cups fit around the ear and weigh 265 grams. They are neither excessively heavy nor incredibly light, but they distribute the weight of the product well.

The opus doesn't have a large selection of buttons, and that's a good thing. There is an on / off switch and a button for operating the active noise reduction functions on the left auricle and volume controls / action buttons on the right auricle. Basically, it has the buttons you need to effectively control your listening experience, not just one button.

The included carrying case feels robust and can protect the headphones when not in use. I can't help feeling that they resemble an old (classic?) CD case, although this says more about my age than the design quality of this case.

properties

Most of the main functions of the Razer Opus are geared towards audio. So later in this review, I'll go into things like THX certification and active noise cancellation. But that doesn't mean that we don't have a few things to discuss in the meantime.

Razer OpusNick Woodard / Digital Trends

For example, battery life is an interesting area. A month or two ago, I might have been thrilled with the battery life the Opus offers for its price – up to 25 hours of playback with the ANC on. It's a better battery than the recently released Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 for $ 50 less.

However, the fact is that it is an ever-changing ecosystem of wireless audio products. In terms of battery life, Sony Razer struck with the recent release of the WH-CH710N. These headphones, whose price is almost identical to that of the Opus, offer 35 hours of playback with noise reduction turned on and 45 hours without.

In my experience, Razer's estimated battery performance was as expected. For most people, 25 hours of playback at the same time is more than enough, but there are better values ​​for the price.

The Opus has an auto pause / play feature that pauses and resumes audio when the headphones are removed or replaced. This is always a subtle but appreciated feature. However, if this isn't a preferred feature, you can disable it in the associated Razer Opus app (available for iOS and Android). You can also customize the headphone's auto power off feature and access an equalizer to customize the sound to your liking.

Audio quality

There is a reason why Razer employees are proud of the Opus' THX certification, and this is justified. The Razer design team told me that if they wanted to make lifestyle headphones, they wanted to do it right, which meant doing everything they could to create a comfortable listening experience – and that started with THX.

Razer Opus headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Opus has passed the three-stage THX certification process using 40mm drivers, a frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz and support for audio codecs like AAC and aptX. This is all well and good, although specifications are not always translated well. How do these headphones sound?

Strikingly precise in two words. Razer has created a Spotify playlist to test the audio quality of the opus, which consists of a diverse mix of music. Tracy Chapman's Fast Car showed the vocal clarity of the cans, while the opus drivers never missed a beat with a tight bass track like Billie Eilish's Bad Guy. And if you fancy a real adventure for your ears, try Alma Brasileira from Heitor-Villa-Lobos and Yo-Yo Ma. No need to thank me.

For the cost, I think these headphones produce excellent sound quality for most people. You won't beat the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sennheiser Momentum 3 in the world, but they come impressively close to this upper level.

Active noise cancellation

The Razer Opus have a lot to do when it comes to noise cancellation. First, they offer passive noise isolation with these soft foam ear cups, which commendably even excludes noise.

Razer Opus headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Then there is the Opus' active noise cancellation, which uses a hybrid design that consists of two external and two internal microphones on each ear cup. This is about fighting a wider frequency range of unwanted noise on multiple fronts, with the external microphones picking up external frequencies such as human speech or traffic, and the internal microphones analyzing and optimizing the sound that gets into your ears.

As I found in my last reviews – and probably for my next ones too – testing ANC with public travel was not an option. Razer offers a YouTube video that goes through these types of sounds. However, it does contain instructions on how to play the sounds through a 5.1 system and to switch between the different ANC modes to assess the cancellation.

My review is in and I'm in awe. These aren't the best noise canceling headphones – the Sony WH-1000XM3 is still the best choice in this category. However, the Opus has remarkably effective active noise cancellation at a price that makes it an enticing value.

If I had a complaint with the opus' ANC functions, this is the headphone's ambient awareness function. It is not the actual function that is effective in introducing outside noise, but rather that Razer's method of turning the function on involves pressing and holding the ANC button for the duration of its use. This can be cumbersome the longer you have to hear outside noise.

Our opinion

The Razer Opus are not without shortcomings – but they are minor, and the affordable audio quality and active noise cancellation in these headphones far outweigh these problems.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Sony WH-CH710N is priced at $ 199, better battery life, and more advanced Bluetooth technology. However, I would choose the opus when it comes to sound quality and ANC. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are another option with great sound and solid ANC, but have a shorter battery life of $ 250.

How long will they last?

With a two-year warranty, Razer appears to be ready to stand by its new product. Bluetooth support is a concern, but expect the headphones to last a long time.

Should you buy it

Yes. Razer has made affordable headphones with great sound and excellent active noise cancellation while limiting its shortcomings. Overall, the wireless Opus headphones are a value that won't disappoint.

Editor's recommendations




13 May
Blog

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review: Less Is More

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

"The Surface Headphones 2 offer all-day comfort and intuitive controls to stand out from the crowd."

  • Inexpensive

  • good sound

  • Excellent control

  • Good noise cancellation

  • Disappointing battery life

  • Distortion at higher volumes

Microsoft's original Surface headphones were surprisingly good since the company had never made noise canceling headphones before. They brought solid noise cancellation, respectable sound quality and were very comfortable. In addition, the intuitive controls were top notch.

However, they were slowed down by poor battery life, a lack of high quality Bluetooth codecs, and no real way to optimize settings like the EQ. They were expensive too. At $ 350, they went head-to-toe with Sony's incredibly good WH-1000XM3. Microsoft had little hope of winning this fight.

Microsoft's second attempt, the Surface Headphones 2, is less like a new version than a confirmation that too much was charged for the first Surface Headphones. With a price tag of $ 250 and some small improvements, the Surface Headphones 2 are looking for a niche.

Now at a cheaper price

It may seem strange to start a headphone review by talking about money, but in this case it is justified. The biggest change Microsoft made to the Surface Headphones 2 is the price. At $ 250, they're $ 100 less than the original Surface headphones. It makes a big difference. Not only are they cheaper, they are also cheaper because they also contain some extras.

design

If you place the Microsoft Surface Headphones and the Surface Headphones 2 side by side, you will hardly notice any differences … unless you choose the matt black option, which connects the previous light gray.

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The new model has an identical design with the same minimalist aesthetics. The seamless headband, the one-sided swivel arms for the ear cup and the subtle Windows logo are copies of the first generation. Fortunately, these are also the particularly comfortable ear cushions and the characteristic knob controls for volume and active noise suppression.

The large touchpads on each ear cup are easy to use and react very quickly to knocking.

At $ 250, they're $ 100 less than the original Surface headphones, and that makes a big difference.

A small change is the ability to freely rotate each ear cup 180 degrees so that you can wear the Surface Headphones 2 more comfortably around your neck when you're not using them. You can also perform DJ-style one-ear monitoring when using the analog cable.

In short, Microsoft made the wise decision to keep all of the physical traits that helped the first generation stand out.

Comfort still stands out the most. I wore these headphones for a full 9-to-5 working day when I got myself into this rating, and apart from sweaty ears (an inevitable consequence of closed headphones), I never felt a hint of discomfort. It is remarkable.

Still, I don't think they'll be the best companion in the gym. Stationary bikes, ellipticals, and free weights shouldn't be a problem, but bumpy activities like running or skipping rope can cause the headphones to move slightly. In this case, greater comfort goes hand in hand with a loose fit, making the Surface Headphones 2 more suitable for long sessions at the desk than for long trips in the city.

Cortana and language support

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

A hands-free voice assistant is a great convenience – one of the things I like most about products like AirPods Pro from Apple, Pixel Buds 2 from Google and Echo Buds from Amazon. And although Cortana hasn't won as many hearts and minds as Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, it was a cool feature of the first-generation Surface headphones to be able to talk to her without pressing a button.

Unfortunately, Cortana has almost given up the second-generation Surface cans. You can still access your voice commands. To do this, however, you need Microsoft apps such as Outlook Mobile. Once it's set up (a complicated process), you can call Cortana hands-free, for example to read your email. Only certain types of email accounts are supported. You can only use this if you are in the United States.

I suspect most people – unless they're hardcore Office 365 fans – will ignore this feature and simply use the device's built-in wizard, which you can run by long-pressing the touchpad on one of the ear cups.

In its briefing with journalists, Microsoft promoted the fact that both the Surface Headphones 2 and the new Surface Buds can perform subtitles and translations in real time in Microsoft apps such as PowerPoint. It's definitely a solid tool, but I can't see too many business people standing in front of a boardroom with meeting attendees with full-sized headphones. The Surface Earbuds are a different story.

Battery life

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The original Surface headphones suffered from poor battery life. With just 15 hours (or 18 hours if you turned off Cortana's voice activation feature) between charges, they fell significantly behind noise-canceling headphones at the same price – many of which can last twice as long. We are used to spending 25 to 30 hours or more on premium noise canceling headphones.

Microsoft has made some profits in this department, but frankly not as much as I would like. The battery life is said to be 20 hours when the ANC is turned on, which is better, but still a long way from cheap ANC headphones like these Taotronics.

After five minutes of quick charging, you get an additional hour of play, which is also not exactly convincing. With the WH-1000XM3 from Sony you get five hours after 10 minutes of charging.

Audio quality

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Like their predecessors, the Surface Headphones 2 deliver a strong sound. Microsoft calls it Omnisonic sound, but you can calculate that down to marketing language. In practice, these headphones deliver a rich, full sound that can be extensively optimized using the new Surface Audio app for iOS and Android (which you can also use with the first generation Surface Headphones).

Rock, jazz, classical and pop presets have expanded these genres, which presets don't always do right.

With the factory settings, you hear a very flat response that audio purists look for in their speakers and headphones. Highs, lows and mids are all well balanced, and the bass response is just so clear that your favorite songs have a real presence. These cans don't offer the precision, clarity, and depth of the soundstage you get with high-end headphones, but given their new, cheaper price, they're no longer a deal-breaker.

If you jump into the EQ settings of the app, you can move this bass from benign to bombastic in one fell swoop. Can you find a combination of settings that you like? You can save them with your own labels – a huge improvement over the first pass. I found that the rock, jazz, classical and pop presets built into the app actually improved these genres, which isn't always right with presets.

Although the overall sound quality remains unchanged from the first version, Microsoft has added support for the aptX Bluetooth codec, which is said to improve sound quality when used with devices that support it. However, my iPhone 11 doesn't support this, so I couldn't test it.

With moderate traffic noise and peaceful interiors, the calls were clear and the noise was reduced to a minimum.

As good as their sound is, I've found a significant disadvantage. If you set the volume to 9, 10 or 11, distortion can creep in. I first noticed them on Death Cab For Cuties To the Ground's snare drum beats. A quick review of other tracks like my favorite low-end bass shaker Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas confirmed that bass drums can do the same thing.

Everything north of Volume 8 is almost painfully loud and I can't imagine that you want to expose yourself to these levels for a very long time. However, it is surprising that Microsoft did not tune the Surface Headphones 2 to the distortion.

Call quality

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offer excellent call quality. With moderate traffic noise and peaceful interiors, the calls were clear and the noise was reduced to a minimum.

The only minor problem was the ANC function. You can usually choose between 13 noise reduction levels and two pass-through modes with the left ear cup wheel: normal pass-through and ambient gain.

Passthrough is ideal for calls because it allows you to hear your own voice naturally. However, during a call – and sometimes at other times – pass-through mode will switch back to the lowest ANC setting, usually accompanied by an audible click.

I contacted Microsoft to see if the Surface team knew why this was happening, but I had no response at the time of publication.

Noise canceling quality

I have to say that after using many different ANC headphones, I like the Microsoft noise cancellation system the most. That doesn't mean that the Surface Headphones 2 at ANC are better than the Sony WH-1000XM3 or the Bose Noise Canceling 700 – they are not. However, their dial-controlled intensity is impressive and intuitive.

It hasn't changed since the first generation cans, but it's still worth pointing out. It's a far better way to adjust the amount of outside noise you want to let in than using app-based presets. This is usually done this way.

The ANC itself is not bad either. There is a very small hiss when you are not playing music and it does not provide complete silence, but it does reduce slightly loud roaring noises like bathroom fans or vacuum cleaners to an acceptably quiet level.

Our opinion

The Microsoft Surface Headphones were surpassed by their competitors at $ 350. With a price tag of $ 250 and a slight increase in battery life, the Surface Headphones deserve 2 serious considerations.

Is there a better alternative?

You can usually find Jabra's Elite 85H for around $ 250. With a better battery life, slightly better sound quality and water resistance, they are an excellent alternative to the Surface Headphones 2.

However, they don't have Surface's excellent dial-based controls, which makes the most accessed functions much easier and more user-friendly.

How long will they last?

Microsoft grants a one-year warranty on the Surface Headphones 2, which is common for headphones. Their build quality looks better than average and I think that with reasonable care they should last for many years.

Should you buy them

Yes. The price of the Surface Headphone 2 is the biggest improvement and does what was once an overpriced product at a very good price. They have a shorter battery life than the competition, but with great sound, comfort and ANC, as well as some of the best controls on all headphones, they have definitely found their niche.

Editor's recommendations




23 Apr
Blog

Sony WH-CH710N Headphones Review: A True Wireless Value

Sony WH-CH710N headphones

"Sony's WH-CH710N wireless headphones are great at being good."

  • Excellent battery life

  • Comfortable design

  • Integration of the stellar voice assistant

  • Inconspicuous noise cancellation

The Sony WH-CH710N is the middle ground in the extensive range of wireless headphones from Sony. They have more premium features than Sony's entry-level models, without the premium price of flagship models like the WH-1000XM3.

Without question, some corners had to be cut to achieve this. However, the $ 200 Sony WH-CH710N, which will be available for pre-sale this month, offers more than enough features to make it fascinating – and an important addition to the Sony roster.

Out of the box

Corner No. 1: The box in which the WH-CH710N is delivered is just a box. I will of course not hold that against Sony. If you save price, you will lose some pomp and that is understandable.

Sony WH-CH710N headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Likewise, the WH-CH710N does not include a carrying case. A USB-C charging cable and a headphone cable are also included, as is a picture book that is displayed as a user guide. I found Sony's online help much more useful.

The Bluetooth setup was routine and simple. The WH-CH710N also supports Near Field Communication (NFC), where compatible devices can be paired with the headphones by touching the left ear cup. It was also a breeze. After a week of intensive listening with these headphones paired with a Google Pixel 2, I had no noteworthy connection problems. I also found the range of these Bluetooth 5-supported headphones to be exceptional.

design

I was surprised at the smaller footprint of the WH-CH710N, at least compared to other headphones I've tested recently. They are not exactly light, but for me they were of a good size and weight for longer listening times.

Sony WH-CH710N headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The oval ear pads were soft, but not as soft as you would expect from higher quality products. The headband also felt a little stiffer than I would have liked. These are mostly minor annoyances that have not affected my overall experience.

A total of five buttons are integrated in the WH-CH710N. There is an on / off switch on the left auricle, three buttons for volume and action commands aligned in a row on the right auricle, and a button to toggle between noise canceling and ambient sounds located on the same right auricle. A little learning curve was required to get used to the different buttons, but I was able to use each functionally in no time.

properties

On paper, there seems to be a lot to like about the features of the Sony WH-CH710N. These include the battery life and the compatibility of the voice assistant.

Sony WH-CH710N headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The WH-CH710N offers an estimated playback time of 35 hours with noise reduction activated and 45 hours without noise reduction. This is better than the WH-1000XM3's 30-hour battery life and is enough to take a week's commute without needing to recharge.

For obvious reasons, I didn't commute when I used these headphones. But they survived me with fairly constant use all week, so I can vouch for the longevity of these headphones. It takes approximately seven hours to fully charge the WH-CH710N. However, after 10 minutes of charging, you can play for an hour. It's not quite as fast as the WH-1000XM3, but it's still decent.

My beef mentioned above with the physical instruction manual is about activating voice assistants with the headphones. Based on the physical instructions, it is difficult to set up your preferred voice assistant. However, the online guide contains detailed instructions and quickly guided me through choosing my preferred assistant from the settings on my phone.

I chose Amazon Alexa as my assistant and by long pressing this action button I was able to do everything that I normally use with my Alexa devices, from setting the timer when cooking to controlling light bulbs and other smart home products . It may not be a big deal for everyone, but for a person who often uses smart assistants, flawless integration was a solid benefit.

Audio quality

I'm just going to get this out of the way now: The WH-CH710N won't sound as good as the WH-1000XM3 or other high-end alternatives. You just can't keep up with the clarity and audio quality of these premium wireless headphones.

Sony WH-CH710N headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

This is frankly not a big deal. They shouldn't be able to compete with high quality products in terms of sound, and they didn't have a price for it. What the Sony WH-CH710N had to do sounded good because if they weren't, they'd be a waste of great features.

I have good news. Equipped with 30 mm drivers and a frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz, the WH-CH710N offers what I can best describe as reliable audio quality. Even though I couldn't find a track that blew me away musically, it was difficult for me to come across a song that was misrepresented by the criminal.

If you're looking for high-fidelity sound for a fraction of the price, you'll be disappointed with the WH-CH710N, especially the limited codec support that includes SBC and AAC. But with realistic expectations, I think most people would enjoy how they sound.

Noise cancellation

The WH-CH710N is advertised as noise canceling headphones, but is not an active noise canceling headphones. Instead, Sony implemented a technology called AINC (Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation), which is designed to adapt continuously to the environment in order to create the most effective mode for noise suppression.

To support this, the headphones in each ear cup have a pair of microphones, one forward and one rear, to pick up as much ambient noise as possible. They also have an ambient sound mode to turn on outside noise without having to remove the headphones, and an option to turn off noise cancellation and ambient mode altogether.

In my experience, the AINC included in the WH-CH710N works … to a certain extent. At normal listening volume, some lower frequencies are filtered out well. But some annoying noises still found their way into my listening experience. Such as the neighbors' power tools during a weekend project. The noise canceling has muffled that noise to some extent, but it was nothing more than what I am used to with more premium headphones.

Our opinion

For the right person, the Sony WH-CH710N offers excellent value for money. It has a number of features for its cost if you're okay with sacrificing sound quality and noise canceling ability to keep on budget.

Are there any better alternatives?

It depends on what concessions you want to make. The WH-1000XM3 has dropped significantly in price, but they still cost almost $ 80 more than the $ 199 WH-CH710N. The previous model in the range, the Sony WH-CH700N, has dropped to $ 129 and has similar features, namely an identical battery life. However, the latest model has new components and technologies, which may make the additional costs worthwhile.

How long will they last?

The Sony WH-CH710N headband is rigid, but feels durable just like the rest of the product. As long as they are not misused, they should be your daily doses for the foreseeable future.

Should you buy it

Yes. They are not their more expensive, popular older siblings. Ultimately, the WH-CH710N offers excellent battery life and reasonable sound at a manageable price. They're not the best, but they're great at being good.

Editor's recommendations




13 Apr
Blog

Shure Aonic 50 Headphones Review: Uncompromising Audio

Shure Aonic 50 headphones

"Shures Aonic 50 are some of the better sounding headphones, but they're expensive."

  • Excellent sound

  • Effective noise cancellation

  • Comfortable

Shure has built a reputation for making studio headphones that stand out from the crowd. We have said this over the years based on our experience with products such as the SRH1540 and the SRH750DJ.

With the release of the $ 400 wireless Aonic 50 headphones, Shure has taken on a new challenge: Finding a solid footing in an area already populated by outstanding products. With the Aonic 50, Shure relied on what he knows best – incredible-sounding headphones – and is satisfied with other functions. The result is a product that may not distance itself completely from the competition, but it has certainly created some freedom.

Out of the box

I have been using these headphones for conference calls since many people around the world work from home. When it was time to check it out, I had to rummage through my home work area to find the box for the Aonic 50, as I couldn't remember what it looked like.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

What I found was a round package with the headphones and their carrying case that were stuck inside. The cans, which are available in black or brown bezels, include a 3.5mm audio cable, quick start guide and manual, and a USB-C charging cable. Standard accessories, clear, but still important.

In both cases, it's easy to connect (and stay connected). The included audio cable allows you to connect to a laptop or one of the remaining devices that still have a headphone jack and listen passively without turning on the headphones.

Bluetooth is similarly simple because the Aonic 50 automatically switches to pairing mode when you press the power button at the bottom of the right headphone cup. The Aonic 50 has Bluetooth 5 technology – with support for codecs like aptX, AAC and SBC – and I can guarantee that the connection was not a problem during the more than 30 hours of wireless listening that I spent with the audition .

design

Appearance. I don't have to tell you that earphones are often a better option when it comes to being easy to wear and travel-friendly. Headphones are objectively heavier, bigger and more difficult to transport.

Disclaimer out of the way, the Aonic 50 are a set of perfectly portable headphones. Shure has managed to find a cross between durable, flexible and comfortable in the design of these cans. Although they are not indestructible, they feel sturdy. Although they are not weightless, their size feels good across the entire fit. Although the cups are not fully foldable, they can be tilted 90 degrees to fit the headphones flat in their carry case.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

The ear cushions and memory foam with which they are outlined provide the comfort you hope for from a $ 400 headphone, and the controls on the right cup were easy to use once I got their exact positions along the cup had set in memory. I still don't know if I would pick them up over a set of earphones to take them for daily commuting, but they were very convenient for long walks with the dog and for weekend tasks.

characteristics

Even for a brand that is so highly praised for its audio quality, it is no longer enough today to rely on solid sound only. Unlike the Aonic 215, Shure's wireless headphones that were introduced alongside the Aonic 50, these headphones have features that justify the retail price. You can still get similar or better features for the money you would spend, but these headphones prove they belong to the table.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Shure takes up to 20 hours of battery life, with the "up to" part of this sentence depending on how loud you adjust the volume and how much noise you eliminate. I had to charge it exactly once in the time I used it, and when I did that, an hour plugged in gave me an 88 percent battery life. This would take you through several working days or overland flights without hiccups.

As mentioned earlier, Shure has built most of the controls into the right headphone cup. Side buttons adjust the volume, and a middle button offers a variety of uses, including title mixing, answering calls, and activating a voice assistant. There's also a switch that allows you to navigate between Shure's environmental mode, neutral mode, and active noise cancellation. Everything is there and they are easy to use.

The problem Shure encounters – actually through no fault of my own – is that I am obliged to measure the Aonic 50 against our reigning champions in not one but three headphone categories. The Sony WH-1000XM3 are our preferred noise canceling sockets, wireless headphones and headphones in general. If you start putting the $ 400 Shure headphones next to the Sony, which was retailed for $ 350 but is currently available for $ 300, the Aonic 50 looks less like a bargain.

The Sony model offers a battery life of 30 hours on a single charge, which significantly disadvantages Shure despite the more expensive model. In addition, although I liked using Shure's included controls, Sony had several models to refine its commands, and it shows.

This is all to be said, if you look at the Shures, it is not because of their functions. Honestly, they're good, but for a price that should at least hit birdies, of course. When you pay for the Aonic 50, you pay for the sound quality.

Audio quality

I can talk about the battery life and control of the Aonic 50 until the cows come home, but at its core the sound is Shures bread and butter. Your cost will cause most to charge a lot for the audio quality of these cans, and rest assured they will deliver.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

I had the opportunity to test the Aonic 215 earphones before moving on to these headphones, and the biggest flaw I found in its sound was the lack of adequate bass. While it is at least partially a personal preference, it is difficult to replicate a track as it should sound without filling the entire range.

The Aonic 50 with its 50 mm drivers and a frequency range from 20,000 Hz to 22,000 Hz took care of that. The lower end doesn't overwhelm you. it hits the sweet spot where the bass makes its presence distortion-free. Rum from Brothers Osborne had the authority that I had previously missed. Heavier tracks like Post Malones Enemies never missed a beat.

Of course, it's not just about the bass. Songs like Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel showed masterful stereo images. And yes, I also can't hear this song without thinking about Reservoir Dogs.

Other selections, such as an acoustic version of Peter Frampton's baby, I Love Your Way, were an haunting journey that really sounded like Frampton strapping and plucking myself in my living room. If the picture is not clear enough, these things sound fantastic.

Noise canceling function

The active noise cancellation and features included in the Aonic 50 are solid, but may not be as effective as you would expect from premium headphones. With the corresponding switches of the switch on the right cup, you can choose between three modes. Ambient mode pipes in noise from your surroundings; The neutral mode represents the middle ground and is based on the natural noise isolation capabilities of the headphones. and active noise cancellation doesn't need much explanation.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

I found the ANC effective. I was able to drown out barking dogs for the most part at work, and when I stepped into my garden to get some fresh air, the neighbor who was mowing the lawn next door was just a low growl in the background. There is an appearance of white noise when the ANC is on, although I only noticed it in quieter settings.

Shure's free ShurePlus Play app gives you the ability to customize both ambient mode and active noise cancellation, depending on what you're using. The app also has an equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound of the headphones. However, if you ask me, the Aonic 50 has an ideal sound signature as it is.
The only problem I can address with the Aonic 50's noise canceling features is that they are just nothing special. And if you want to compete against excellent noise canceling headphones like the Bose 700, you have to be special to stand out.

Our opinion

Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are some of the better sounding cans you can find, and there's nothing objectively to complain about the features on offer. But they're expensive, and even though they're fine noise-canceling units, they're not as good as a $ 400 price suggests.

Are there any better alternatives?

It would be difficult to find something in this price range that sounds much better. However, in terms of features and active noise cancellation, you can spend $ 100 less with the Sony WH-1000XM3 and not miss much. Or pay the same price and forego sound quality for an improved ANC with the Bose 700.

How long it will take?

The Aonic 50 feel quite durable and are backed by a brand that's been around for almost a century. These headphones will last a long time.

Should you buy it

If the sound quality is of the utmost importance to you and factors such as functions and noise suppression take a back seat, yes. Buy the Shure Aonic 50 – you won't regret it. When a cheaper, more rounded product approaches your cup of tea, buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 and don't look back.

Editor's recommendations




03 Mar
Blog

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Review | Built for business

Headphones with Bose Noise Canceling 700

"The new Noise Canceling Headphones 700 from Bose offer an unbelievable demand for business class pleasure."

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Very convenient

  • Remarkable speech intelligibility for calls and voice assistants

  • Connect to multiple devices at the same time.

  • USB-C offers convenient quick charging

  • Boost to Lower Treble is tough

  • Requires the Bose Music app to control many functions

This review was last updated on February 19th, 2019 by Nick Woodard, employee of Digital Trends.

Since Sony defeated Bose in its own game with its WH-1000XM3, I've been looking forward to an update of the Bose QC 35 II. Now it has arrived.

With the Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (hereinafter referred to as "Bose 700”) Announced, Bose played better speech intelligibility for phone calls and interactions with voice assistants like Alexa from Amazon and Google Assistant. The company made no mention of changes in sound quality, but it turned out to be updated as well, and even a quick look reveals a new physical design. However, it's not immediately apparent that Bose's new Bose Music app offers additional touch controls and features.

As it turns out, there is something new about the Bose 700. But are they a smart buy for $ 400, especially when the award-winning QC 35 II is still available for at least $ 50 less? We dug deep to find out who wanted the Bose 700 and who could stick to the tried and tested QC 35 II or other items like the popular Sony 1000XM3.

Out of the box

You can immediately see that Bose has made some design changes. The Bose 700 case is much flatter than most of the competition, which makes it easier to slide the case into airline seat bags for in-flight storage.

The slim form factor is thanks to a somewhat wider housing, in which the headphones can be simply flipped in and out by simply turning the ear cups – no complex folding technique required. There is a hidden compartment in the protective cover, which is closed with a magnetic flap. Lift the flap and you will find a headphone cable and a short USB-C charging cable. Bose has digthe increasingly unnecessary airline adapter for this iteration.

The Bose 700 takes a different design approach, which is characterized in particular by the way the ear cups are attached to the headband. Instead of continuing the yoke-like bracket that allowed earlier models to swivel and tilt generously, the 700 are attached directly to the inner band of the headband on the outside of the ear cup. There is less adjustment potential, but I've found that this doesn't pose a problem for my head size or shape – the Bose 700 feels great to me.

The comfort factor seems to be a kind of debate among the reviewers. I've seen others claim that the Bose 700 isn't as light or comfortable as the Bose QC 35 II, but by numbers they're actually 2 ounces lighter (8.9 to 10.9 ounces). You put onYou also don't need a scale to feel lighter. Take a pair with each hand and you can feel the difference.

You don't need a scale to feel lighter.

The weight difference is less pronounced when worn, but comfort has always been heavily dependent on the weight distribution. If the right balance of clamping force meets a sufficiently wide and well-padded headband, a slightly heavier headphone can actually feel more comfortable than a slightly lighter option. As I mentioned before, the 700 are indeed lighter and in my opinion offer the perfect weight distribution. The headband is a bit muddy – if not covered with luxurious fabric – and the ear cups have a slightly larger circumference, which means that the clamping force is well placed around the ears and not on them.

Of course this is only a description of my Experience. Different head sizes and shapes as well as different ear sizes play a role in the feeling of the headphones. So my suggestion is that you try the headphones yourself and see if they feel like an improvement in comfort or a step backwards.

Features and other extras

Along with changes to the physical design, Bose integrated new controls for the 700. The controls for play / pause, title advance / rewind and volume are managed via a touchpad on the right ear cup. Only three physical buttons are found. With a button on the left you can adjust the intensity of the noise suppression at levels 0, 5 and 10. You can also turn off noise cancellation while pausing the music. Two buttons on the right offer controls for pairing power / Bluetooth and calling the voice assistant of your choice, including Alexa, Google Assistant and even Cortana on Windows computers.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 reviewJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Then there's the new Bose Music app. I usually don't care about companion apps because they rarely add value to the experience. In this case, however, I recommend anyone who buys the Bose 700 to download the app that is available for iOS and Android, The Bose Music app allows users to pair the headphones with their phone (which is possible without the app), rename their headphones as they wish (the names suggested by Bose are hilarious. Thunder Flash, anyone?) And detailed control over them Exercise effectiveness of 0-10 noise reduction and paired device management.

The app also lets you manage all of your music services from one place, and save preferred playlists as convenient presets for one-touch access. If you own other connected Bose products, you can use this app to manage music playback through sound bars and wireless speakers individually or in groups.

There is no better headset for answering calls.

Like the Bose QC 35 II and Bose Frames Alto, The Bose 700 work with Bose AR, an interesting audio-based version of augmented reality. If you're using certain AR-enabled apps and an iOS device with location data enabled, users can enjoy experiences like advanced instructions in the Walc app. Instead of asking you to turn right in 0.2 miles, you may be asked to turn right on the walgreens. Or if you're looking for an amusing adventure on your way to work or home, try Komrad AR, a game that turns you into a secret agent standing in the way of an evil computer striving for global dominance. It sounds a bit tricky, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to trying Bose AR.

Finally, a word about battery performance. With fast charge, the Bose 700 can play for 2 to 2.5 hours on a 15-minute charge. The total playing time with noise cancellation activated is approximately 20 hours. Without activated noise cancellation, this number increases to 40.

Noise Reduction Performance

As you'd expect, the Bose 700 are excellent noise cancelers. However, what you may not expect is that the noise canceling effectiveness may differ slightly from that of the QC 35 II. What I noticed is that the 700 seems to suppress more static high-frequency noise than previous models. I can see this works well for air travel as it picks up more hiss you hear from an aircraft's ventilation system.

However, I also noticed that more center frequencies went through than I am used to with Bose noise canceling headphones. I haven't had a chance to test the 700 on a flight yet – I had to use a noise machine and real sounds for this review – but I'm getting on a plane soon and will update this review accordingly. Right now I'm ready to say that the 700 will improve the already impressive noise cancellation technology for air travel, but for everyday use in the office or when commuting on a bus or train, I would prefer the QC 35 II.

S.quality

I honestly didn't expect the changes Bose had made here. The 700 have a very significant boost in the upper middle and lower treble range, which makes them sound very detailed with more relaxed tracks, but if you get a few cymbals or brass players going, they become a little aggressive – some even say hard. I want to point out that the 700 feels more spacious and sophisticated when it comes to audio placement – watching movies with these headphones is a blast – but the audiophile in me can't ignore that the 700 isn't nearly as good for everyday use sounds good as Sony WH-1000XM3 or Bose QC 35 II.

After all, I suspect that the Bose 700 will sound great on a flight. The forward-looking presentation in the high-end area helps to avoid noises that the cans cannot suppress and gives clarity to the dialogue in films, instruments and vocals in music. The more I listen to these headphones, the more I am convinced that they have been optimized for air traffic.

Voice / call quality

Simply put, there is no better headphone to take calls or interact with digital voice assistants. Bose microphone technology makes a remarkable contribution to suppressing background noise to provide clean, clear, and very good-sounding voice quality to those on the other end of the call. In fact, there's a good chance the Bose 700 will sound better than your phone's built-in microphone.

For anyone who answers a lot of calls on their phone, this single feature should be convincing enough to require a purchase.

warranty information

Bose offers a standard 1-year warranty on the Noise Canceling Headphones 700. However, this can vary depending on the product and region. Visit this page to learn more about Bose's warranty on a product and regional basis.

Our opinion

Is there a better alternative?

For audiophiles who need the best possible sound in noisy environments, I prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3. Overall, they offer superior audio quality. The 700 is the way to go for the most effective noise cancellation while flying and for anyone who appreciates headphones for phone calls and works with voice assistants beyond all other considerations.

The Bose QC 35 II are still a good choice and are now sometimes available for less than $ 300. That's a lot, although the Bose 700 upgrades are worth paying extra if you make it.

How long it will take?

Time will tell, but the Bose 700 seems to be built just as well as all of the company's earlier headphones. So far, they have held up well under my stress tests, which leads me to believe that these headphones last as long as the battery.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you're an entrepreneur who takes a lot of calls with headphones turned on and / or travels a lot by plane, be sure to buy the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 – they're worth the $ 50 upgrade.

Editor's recommendations




01 Mar
Blog

Sennheiser HD 450BT Headphones Review: Affordable Cans

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones

Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones Review: Good value for money, with some limitations

"Impressive features, style, and noise cancellation are an affordable option for price-conscious buyers."

  • Sleek, understated style

  • Excellent battery life

  • Good build quality

  • Solid noise cancellation

  • Smooth, clean bass reproduction

  • Inconsistent tone signature

  • No automatic pause or ambient noise mode

  • App / EQ not useful

High-end travel cans like the indelible WH-1000XM3 from Sony are becoming an essential necessity for commuters and travelers. But if you can't spit out $ 300 to $ 400 (or can't find a good sale), it's possible to purchase a pair of wireless cans that offer the same benefits – from active noise canceling to deadly battery life and sound – , for less?

Headphones like the Sennheiser HD 450BT hope to make the argument that you can spend less and still get a lot. And on paper, the latest iteration is a good case. The magic value of $ 200 (450 BT) offers noise reduction, a full 30 hours of battery life and many other functions with a capital letter "V". However, before you click the "Buy" button, you want to know exactly where the rubber for these middle-class cans meets the proverbial road.

The look (and feel) of luxury

If there's one thing you can clearly say about the HD 450BT, it's that it looks like this. The 450BT is in matt black and has soft silver accents to break up the monotony. It makes the "business traveler" look cold and offers just enough style points to keep you from falling asleep. In other words, their aesthetics match most of the flagship headphones, including the Sony pair mentioned above.

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones Riley Young / Digital Trends

In addition, the matt plastic ear cups and headband of the 450BT feel just like the comfortable ear cushions, which are wrapped in inviting synthetic leather. The only limitation is the padding on the underside of the headband, which feels much less comfortable when touched than you would like for a long flight or constant commuting. That said, although the band didn't rock my head in pillow-like goodness, it never felt uncomfortable even after I had worn them for a few hours. The only little problem I am going to offer is that I wish the ear pads were only a shade wider, but it didn't bother me.

Keys on keys

Instead of adding expensive touch controls, the HD 450BT uses an all-button control system. Overall, it works relatively well, but there is a real learning curve. Technically speaking, there are only four buttons on the right auricle. However, this includes three multipurpose buttons, including a power / ANC button, a volume rocker, and a multi-button that does everything from answering calls to skipping tracks.

It is this last key that turns out to be the most annoying as you move through the sequence. Not only is it a bit of a hassle when skipping songs (I found that a quick flick of the thumb works best), skipping backwards from what is logical. If you move the key forward – towards your face – you actually jump back and vice versa. After more than a week I usually don't have it anymore, but I still mix it occasionally.

The voice assistant feature is a great addition, but there is something strange to keep in mind. I'm actually glad Sennheiser made this the only single-function key, but it seems to happen to do two things. When you tap for voice support, the headphones also pass on ambient noise. The strange part, however, is that there doesn't seem to be any other way to do this, which means you have to take off your headphones if you want to hear things like train or flight attendant announcements. I hope this is something that Sennheiser addresses in a firmware update.

The entire range of functions would have been reserved for first-class headphones just recently.

Even without transparent sound, a number of features are impressive, including instant access to the voice assistant, battery life for a longer flight (and more expensive headphones like the 700 from Bose), solid noise cancellation, aptX support for compatible devices and much more , Such a range of extras would have been reserved for top-of-the-range headphones recently.

What you don't get

While the HD 450BT is above its weight in the feature section, there are some useful ones that you will definitely miss. First, there is no automatic pause that is useful for quickly pausing music when you remove an ear cup, and you can also thoughtlessly turn off the headphones without worrying about battery drain.

After getting used to this feature from the WH-1000XM3 to Apple's AirPods, I had to keep reminding myself to pause the music.

In addition, the Sennheiser Smart Control app is pretty useless for these headphones anyway. The only real function is an EQ, but I'll give you my audio engineer certificate (I have it somewhere, I think) if you can figure out how to use it. As an esoterically shining band, it is not manageable to properly tune the sound. How about a basic parametric or graphic EQ, folks?

A mixture of passive and active noise reduction keeps outside interference out.

noise control

Although I couldn't use the HD 450BT for the traveling Holy Grail – a long flight – I can report that they do a solid job in a variety of settings to keep unwanted noise away. This seems to be due to a clever combination of passive isolation and active noise cancellation, which keeps your listening sessions unrestricted and outside annoyances at bay.

Sennheiser HD 450BT ANC headphones Riley Young / Digital Trends

The comfortable cushions in themselves block a lot of unwanted hustle and bustle, while noise cancellation adds an extra layer to fairly effectively suppress engine humming and other booming noises. While they're not a replacement for the WH-1000XM3 – which even offers additional pressure control for extra points – or one of Bose's top picks in the genre, the 700 or the QC35 II, the HD 450BT is sure to give your trips some peace and quiet ,

Decent (albeit inconsistent) sound

Since these are Sennheiser headphones, the strangest part of my HD 450BT experience was the inconsistent sound quality that I experienced during my listening sessions. First of all, let me say that the headphones offer a balanced, relatively detailed sound and also present instruments without "masking" well, which means that instruments are rarely lost in the mix.

I particularly like the bass reproduction of the 450BT. For someone who hates bass-heavy cans, they are perfectly reserved, yet present the tone and color from kick drums to bass guitar with power and clarity. Paul McCartney's exquisite bass tone on Something shows itself in all its soft, chocolatey splendor. And while the bass never gets overwhelming, it hits hard where it is needed for hip-hop and electronic tracks.

The presence that I expect from Sennheiser in the medium and high range is missing here.

The strangest thing about the 450BT is the mixture of a bright shimmer on acoustic instruments and vocals and a lack of presence in the middle range. The combination gives some recordings too much tinsel (and too little body) in instruments and vocals, while others are draped with a foggy taste.

While the lighter color affected most of the tracks, a prime example of the latter can be heard in Vampire Weekends Married in a Gold Rush. Danielle Haim's voice is depressed in the mix, while her first appearance sounds much more like "Fshared a moment in a cafe" than "Shared".

Riley Young / Digital Trends

This was also not always the case. Some songs were played so clearly that I had to pause over my previous grades. But overall, the presence that I expect from Sennheiser in the middle and high range is missing, as is the reddish warmth of the lower mids, which is something of a Sennheiser specialty.

You could say that I find the sound quality of the HD 450BT hard for its price, and if so, I'll take the heat. In fact, you can often buy a pair of our favorite wireless cans in-store right now, the WH-1000XM3, which rightly sneaks into this test over and over again for just $ 250. And frankly, they outperform the HD 450BT in terms of clarity, instrumental definition, soundstage and level of detail.

For most titles, the HD 450BT does a good (if limited) job of delivering the goods, and less picky listeners are likely to be happy.

warranty

Sennheiser grants a generous two-year warranty on most products, including the HD 450BT. More information is available on the Sennheiser website.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser HD 450BT isn't the best value in the industry, but at just $ 200, the impressive features, stylish look, and solid noise cancellation are a good option for those in high-end travel cans want to dive in without high end price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you can look for a business, yes. Whether it is the WH-1000XM3 or the QC35 II, it is the aging guild of travel boxes that offers the best value for money these days. Is that Sennheiser's fault? I would say no, and every new pair of cans will charge a premium for headphones that have been in the tooth for a long time. With a 30 hour battery and plenty of style and comfort, the HD 450BT is worth considering.

However, if you want to make a splash in this highly competitive segment, you have to give people every reason to throw the flagships away, and the HD 450BT isn't quite there.

Should you buy them

If $ 200 is your ultimate budget cutoff (or even a stretch), yes. Their noise cancellation and extra long battery alone are enough to get them talking. However, if you can sneak a little higher, it is worth looking for a sale of the flagship models, as this is where the serious value lies. At least until the next models arrive and they are discontinued.

Editor's recommendations




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