Headphones With The Best Battery Life

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 – £89.99

Combining 100 hours of battery life with advanced ANC and featuring all the modern bells and whistles expected in a wireless headphone, the SonoFlow HQ51 is a standout for it’s quality, longevity and price. It’s a great alternative to high-end models from Sony or Bose.

• Key Features: Advanced ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, and 12 EQ modes.
• Why It’s Great: Offers incredible versatility and sound quality at an unbeatable price.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions without recharging.
• Extra Detail: Comfortable enough for marathon use, thanks to its lightweight design and plush ear pads.
• Battery Life: 70-100 hours

Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell reigns as the ultimate gaming headset, combining uncompromising planar magnetic audio, ultra-low latency, an epic 80-hour battery life, and unmatched comfort for gamers and audiophiles alike. – Full Review

• Key Features: Class-leading wireless performance, ultra-low latency, and studio-grade sound.
• Why It’s Great: Engineered for gamers, the Maxwell offers unmatched audio clarity and robust build quality.
• Why You Want It: Take gaming audio to the next level with premium sound and durability for all-day sessions.
• Extra Detail: Customizable EQ presets. Includes advanced spatial audio for pinpoint sound accuracy, enhancing your competitive edge.
• Battery Life: 80 hours.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds combine immersive Dolby Atmos sound, a secure fit, and a total 50-hour battery with its sleek touchscreen charging case. They are the perfect blend of style, safety, and practicality for those who want earphones to use on the go.

• Key Features: Open-ear design, Dolby Atmos optimization, secure fit for active lifestyles.
• Why It’s Great: The open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Why You Want It: Enjoy an immersive audio experience without sacrificing safety while on the move.
• Extra Detail: The innovative touch-screen charging case doubles as a mirror for convenience on the go.
• Battery Life: 10 hours – 50 hours with the charging case.

Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

The Final Audio UX3000 delivers smooth sound, effective ANC that works even when powered off, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, foldable for easy transport/storage and has a 35 hour battery life. Paired with fantastic mic quality for calls it offers exceptional value all the way from Japan.

• Key Features: Effective ANC, carrying bag, and smooth, balanced sound.
• Why It’s Great: Delivers premium features at an accessible price, making it a standout in its category.
• Why You Want It: A perfect mix of comfort, portability, and high-quality sound for everyday use.
• Extra Detail: Comes with updated Bluetooth codecs for seamless connectivity.
• Battery Life: 35 hours.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is a lightweight, wireless on-ear headphone with impressive battery life of up to 60 hours, delivering warm, balanced sound and the versatility of a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear calls.

• Key Features: Foldable design, boom mic for calls, and warm, full sound signature.
• Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly choice that punches well above its weight in both audio and features.
• Why You Want It: Ideal for travel, these lightweight headphones are easy to pack and comfortable to wear.
• Extra Detail: The boom mic ensures crystal-clear communication for work or gaming on the go.
• Battery Life: 60 hours.

Best Portable Wireless DAC/AMP

iFi Audio GO blu– £199.00

An audiophile’s pocket companion, the iFi GO blu combines compact portability with impressive sound quality. This device allows you to make your wired in-ears or headphones “wireless” from the source device. With dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), seamless Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-hour battery life, this little pocket rocket helps deliver high-performance audio on the go.

• Key Features: Hi-res audio support, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs.
• Why It’s Great: Combines portability with premium sound to elevate any headphones you pair with it.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for those who want powerful sound amplification in a pocket-sized device.
• Extra Detail: Features a balanced output for added clarity and depth in your audio.
• Battery Life: 8-10 hours.

With all these options, you’re bound to find the perfect product for your needs. Whether you prioritize battery life, sound quality, or comfort, each product in this guide offers a standout experience for those who take the plunge.

What is your favourite headphone with a long battery life? Let us know in the comments below.

For more buying tips, check out our best of guides here

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BEST AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS HEADPHONES

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR GAMING

Audeze Maxwell Playstation/Xbox Wireless Gaming Headphones – £319.00/£349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is quite literally a masterpiece. After years of relentless innovation building first class gaming headsets, Audeze has finally released the successor to the Penrose, The Maxwell. This is a serious piece of kit for serious gamers (and us casuals too!). An upgrade to the Penrose in every conceivable way, the Maxwells sound quality, wireless performance & battery life (80 Hours!!!) have all been pushed to the limits of possibility. After 1.5 years being on the market it is still easily sthe best wireless gaming headset out there today.

What Our Customers Say:

I loved my Penrose headset and have had the Maxwell for just over a week. It is an upgrade in every single way. I am so happy I pre-ordered it back in December and it really does live up to the hype. The new chassis is really sturdy and has a premium feel to it. The sound is even better than the Penrose, no issue whatsoever with the wireless connections. I am so chuffed and will be using this for years to come. Great job Audeze

Josh Adams 5* Review www.Hifiheadphones.co.uk

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR BATTERY LIFE & ANC

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

BEST TWS FOR AUDIOBOOKS AND TV

final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – £70.00

Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable. Read our review here: final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – Review

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1MORE SonoFlow SE HQ30 Portable Wireless Headphones – £55.00

The SonoFlow SE HQ30 offers powerful ANC, exceptional call quality, and a staggering battery life that outlasts pricier models like Bose. For its price, it delivers unbeatable value with premium features where it counts.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR SPORT / RUNNING

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £229

Following the runaway success of Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc 3 has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The Cleer ARC 3 surpasses the ARC II with cutting-edge enhancements in sound quality, including Dolby Atmos and head tracking technology, delivering immersive 360-degree surround sound. Under the hood is an advanced Qualcomm S5 platform, upgraded dynamic drivers, and a refined bass technology that redfines open-ear audio standards. Enhanced AI features like two-way noise reduction, adaptive sound balancing, and voice control bring a more intelligent earphone and allows for a seamless experience in terms of usability, especially while on a run. The redesigned, stretchable ear hook allows for a better, customized fit and the charging case has had a complete overhaul.

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS EARPHONES FOR SOUND QUALITY

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table—something usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

BEST TWS FOR USING AS A SLEEP AID

1MORE SleepBuds Z30 – £89.99

The 1MORE Sleepbuds Z30 are designed specifically for restful sleep, with their feather-light 2.7g build and compact size making them perfect for side sleepers. Their snug fit ensures comfort throughout the night without causing discomfort, even when lying on your side.

BEST TWS FOR BRAND MERCH

Final x Ultra Seven ZE3000 Ultra Guard TWS – £139.00

Final Audio’s Ultra Seven inspired earphones look and sound the part! They are essentially a re-skinned ZE3000 with a motif of Ultra guard from Ultra Seven. Part of the Ultraman umbrella, this series was first released as a live action television series in 1967! As you can see, the earphone body, charging case, and packaging of these earbuds are designed in the image of the uniform and helmet of the Ultra Guard paying homage and celebrating the 55th anniversary of Ultra Seven. A perfect piece of kit if you are into Japanese culture and want to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

BONUS ROUND – BEST WIRELESS SPEAKER FOR YOUR DESKTOP

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

Not technically a headphone but this is one for those who love Sci-fi. The Mars Pro V2 is a Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Wireless Headphones 2024: On-Ear, ANC, Earbuds, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Custom-Designed Drivers for Rich, Full-Bodied Sound

The SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC comes equipped with custom-designed drivers that deliver an immersive audio experience. The headphones feature a large neodymium iron boron magnet and precision-engineered magnetic components, providing a wide dynamic range and exceptional transient response. The composite vibrating diaphragm ensures crystal-clear reproduction of voices and high frequencies, free from distortion or fatigue.

60 Hours of Playtime and Superior Comfort

With up to 60 hours of playtime, the P58BT ANC offers unparalleled battery life for long listening sessions. The oval-shaped earcups and soft silicone earpads ensure lasting comfort, while enhancing the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing, the P58BT ANC delivers a consistently comfortable and immersive listening experience.

Low-Latency Gaming Mode for Seamless Performance

Gamers and Film enthusiasts will appreciate the P58BT ANC’s Gaming Mode, which minimizes latency for a seamless, lag-free experience. This feature makes the headphones ideal for on the move entertainment, instantly providing a smooth transition between audio powerhouse and gaming/video streaming companion.

A New Addition to the Award-Winning SoundMAGIC Family

The P58BT ANC joins SoundMAGIC’s renowned lineup of audio products, including the E11c wired earphones and the E80D USB-C earphones. A new torchbearer, the P58BT ANC combines premium sound quality, advanced features and unbeatable value. Making it a standout choice for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts looking for a new pair or wireless headphones.

Key Features

• Hybrid active noise cancellation with dual-feed microphones for noise reduction, ambient transparency, and Bluetooth modes
• 40mm neodymium drivers for powerful bass, detailed midrange, and delicate treble
• Up to 60 hours with an 800mAh battery
• Bluetooth 5.3, multi-device connectivity, and wired options
• CVC noise cancelling for clear calls, low latency game mode
• Ergonomic design and easy touch controls
• Silicone ear pads and headband are sweat-proof, water-resistant, makeup-proof
• Ultra low-latency gaming mode for synchronized audio and video for perfect gaming

SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Specifications

• Bluetooth: Version 5.3
• DAC: SBC, AAC
• Transmission Range: up to 15 m
• Playtime with ANC: up to 35h
• Playtime without ANC: up to 60h
• Talk time with ANC: up to 45h
• Talk time without ANC: 65h
• Driver: 40mm, Dynamic, Neodymium
• Driver Sensitivity: 115dB
• Impedance: 38 ohm
• Mic Sensitivity: 42dB
• Weight: 305g
• Battery: 800mAh, Li-ion polymer

Release Date and Pricing

The SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC is available now for £79.99!

Interested in SoundMAGIC? Read more news and reviews here!

The post SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Now Live! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

About Final

Established in 2007, Final’s first earphones were released onto the market in 2009 and their first Final branded headphone was released in 2013. They are a very modern company, making use of high precision Japanese engineering and adopting cutting edge technology such as 3D printing. This in turn aids their now famous and unrivalled focus on finesse and accuracy. 

A name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years

This company wide attention to detail, alongside their stylistic minimalist approach to their products has resulted in Final carving a name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years. In addition to this, further recognition amongst the general consumer market, most recently with their “Best Most Affordable Wireless Headphone 2022” award from TechRadar for their UX3000 has further enhanced the brands image in the western world’s mainstream.

They are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve in this general consumer space. This is because their products in all price categories from £19.99 to £4000+ fulfil their mission to provide the highest quality of audio design. That “Final magic” reviewers often write about is something very real, and it would be remiss to not try out what they offer.

Collaboration series

As Final gained more renown worldwide and a reputation for producing great audio devices, they have begun to collaborate with other Japanese cultural exports to create unique products. Without a doubt, these are as collectable as they come and they are great “Final” products themselves. For example, the collaboration between Final and the anime show Evangelion uses the characters Mechas as a motif. So each model (there are now 6 in the wild!) are totally unique with the earphone chassis and case. Not only can people get something that reflects their favourite character, the voice signals in each device, such as “power on” are also recorded by the actors that play the characters these devices represent.

Final have taken this approach further with a recent collaboration with Ultraman and in the coming months, there is sure to be even more collaborations with other Japanese cultural icons that are already popular culture in the western world. As big as Naruto or Pokémon? Hold your breath, because it is going to blow your mind.

Fun FACT

Final has a state-of-the-art “Final STORE” located in Kawasaki, Japan. This is open to all music lovers and audio enthusiasts to come in and experience Final’s range of headphones & earphones. You can even reserve a table or even a soundproof room to try out their products. In addition to this, they offer on the spot, repair / support consultations on your Final products.

Furthermore, they offer various events such as limited edition sales or “The MAKE series tuning experience”. The MAKE series is a DIY earphone kit that allows you to find “your own sound” by changing the internal tuning with the included kit. As well as the option to be able to purchase the kit on the spot, the experience includes staff recommended tunings and advice on how to get the earphone to create more of the sound you desire. Worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Tokyo, Japan!

Ethos

Final strongly believe in creating products that are highly revered by people. They design and build their products with the intention for the customer to have an affinity towards them and continue to use in the same way as for example with mechanical wristwatches; The kind of products that will continue to be valued and seen as antiques in the future.

Final aspire to make their name synonymous with Earphones/Headphones. Much like the countries Switzerland being famous for wristwatches or Germany for their cars. To that end, Final embody the design of their products with their core values and mission, unrivalled craftsmanship precision and accuracy.

Milestones

• 2007: Founded.
• 2009: The manufacture and sales of earphones under the Final audio design brand began in conjunction with the beginning of an earphone. / headphone OEM / ODM business.
• 2011: Sales of Final audio design branded products began overseas focused in Europe and Asia.
• 2013: The first headphones under the Final brand were released onto the market.
• 2014: The brand name was standardized to “final”, and the company logo was revamped. Joint development of LAB I, the first earphones with a titanium housing created using a 3D printer.
• 2015: The company’s head office expanded and relocated from Shinagawa, Tokyo to Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
• 2016: LAB II, earphones with a titanium housing, were developed in collaboration with NTT Data Engineering Systems using a 3D metal printer.
• 2017: Released the bestseller the E3000, the result of research on the correlation between hearing and physical characteristics. The D8000 planar magnetic headphone is also released.
• 2018: Scaled down ODM and OEM businesses in line with the growth of the Final brand.
• 2019: Created the ag brand that handles wireless products and opened a directly managed Final store
• 2020: Name changed from S’NEXT Co., Ltd. to Final Co., Ltd.
• 2021: Head office and directly managed Final store expanded and relocated to Nakasaiwai-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki.
• 2022: Released Final wireless range the UX3000 and ZE3000 to critical success. Major review platforms such as Trusted Reviews, T3 Magazine, Techradar and Hi-Fi Choice chose the UX3000 as one of the best affordable headphones 2022.
• Late 2022: A limited edition of the D8000 pro is released.

Our Top 5 Final Product Picks

1. Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119.00

Final have really worked their “magic” here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The Final UX3000 can be recommended to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. You will only see smiles on their faces.

2. Final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1,999.00

With the A8000, Final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

3. Final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spatial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers. They give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

4. Final VR3000 – £69.98

Final VR3000 gaming earphones enable complete immersion into the VR and gaming world by reproducing the acoustic spatial sound as intended by the game creator. Most earphones for games and 3D sounds are made with exaggerated low and high frequencies, emphasising the surprise when you listen to them. VR3000 is very different.

5. Final D8000 Pro Limited Edition Planar Magnetic Headphones – £4,789.00

Final have released a Limited Model of the flagship D8000 Pro Edition headphones, with a new stylish finishing concept and further upgrades. A luxurious and authentic matte black finish is applied throughout, and dry gold-plated perforated metal is used for the AFDS driver. The structural and acoustic design of the driver, and dedicated housing construction which optimizes sound, have been retained.

Latest Final Updates and News:

Final ZE3000 SV Out Now!

February 27, 2025

Looking for premium sound without the premium price tag? Final, known for its meticulous approach to audio engineering, has just unveiled the ZE3000 SV. True wireless earbuds designed to deliver high-end sound quality with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). Inspired by years of research and crafted with precision, these earbuds channel…

Best Wireless Headphones 2024: On-Ear, ANC, Earbuds, Audiophile

December 2, 2024

Our breakdown of the very best wireless headphones and earbuds, full size and gaming to buy for home, portable and travel use.

Christmas Gift Guide 2024

December 1, 2024

We’re sure there will be something for every headphone aficionado in this gift guide. We have True Wireless earphones, Gaming headphones, DACS, AMPs, Speakers, even the perfect Running earphones & more! Check our Christmas 2024 Gift Guide out below:

HiFiHeadphones Best Buy list

November 29, 2024

Take a look at our list of best products in different categories and price points. This is our Best Buy List for 2024!

Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

November 26, 2024

We often feature high end equipment on our blog, but there are plenty of excellent products to be had for under £100. Today share our top 5 sub £100 picks for 2024!

The post Brand Story: Final appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Compact and Comfortable for listening all day

The Cleer Enduro ANC has enough clamp force to sit tightly on your head without being uncomfortable. they would stay on during moderate exercise which is good too.

Cleer’s Enduro ANC is a compact headphone, and they don’t sacrifice the comfort. Whilst wearing the Enduro ANC, I noticed that the earpads are deep enough that my ears are were pressed against the driver. They are soft enough to be comfortable over long periods of time. I really liked the headband, as it is well padded and the weight distributed evenly.

How good are the features?

The Cleer Enduro ANC is a wireless headphone that is compatible with most Bluetooth devices. Cleer has made an app for them too which allows you to fine tune the ANC and Ambient noise control. There is also an EQ in the app along with a battery percentage indicator. The app is available from Google Play and the App Store so both Android and Apple devices are supported.

Call quality is a standout feature here, whether it’s a zoom call whilst working from home, or a phone call when out and about. The microphone quality is superb. I tested it a few times, and the other person could always hear every word with clarity. Another impressive feature for the price.

Huge battery life!

They have a stated battery life of 60hrs with noise cancelling on. This will vary depending on the volume you listen at, but you can expect excellent battery life from them. They have Active Noise Cancelling which works well in environments where you have a constant background noise (like public transport).

They are also closed back, so the passive isolation is already very impressive. Unlike many ANC headphones, the ANC on these doesn’t seem to affect the sound quality. This is quite surprising and very impressive.

The Enduro ANC also has Ambient Noise Control. This allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. This works really well if you need to listen out for announcements on public transport or planes, and don’t want to take the headphones off. It could also come in handy for active use where you want to be semi-aware of what’s around you.

The Cleer Enduro ANC come with an Aux to USB-C cable for when you need to use them with a wired device, which is really handy. Overall Cleer have packed a lot in to these headphones. Do they impress when it comes to the actual sound quality?

How do they sound? (the important bit)

Bass

Plenty of punch and extension. There is a definite lift in the bass compared to a neutral tuned headphone, which is ideal for a portable headphone. These are engaging and fun to listen to. You will never lose track of the beat. Yet at the same time it’s not overly emphasised so as to drown out the mids and highs. I really enjoy how full and punchy the low end is, without being bloated. Not something that’s easy to get right in my opinion.

Midrange

Vocals and guitars still cut through the mix. They are slightly recessed overall, with a mild U shaped sound signature. There is enough detail to keep you focussed on the music, and they don’t have a single hint of harshness or peaks in the midrange that could cause fatigue. They are energetic and smooth at the same time, with fun being the best way to describe their presentation. The Enduro ANC has been tuned for you to enjoy the music.

Treble

These don’t do the typical lower treble boost to introduce a false sense of sparkle and energy. They are smooth in their transition from the upper midrange into the treble region. They instead boost it a little farther up the frequency range, which means there is still a great sense of air. Cymbals have good presence, without any fatigue inducing properties. They might roll off slightly early, but the treble presentation is very well done with without any harshness.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Cleer Enduro ANC handles most genres well. Engaging enough for rock, yet punchy and full enough for modern pop and hip-hop. They sound best with genres that are more up-beat.

Soundstaging is average, which is not a problem. They have a more direct and punchy delivery, you don’t need concert hall width for that.

The post Cleer Enduro ANC Wireless Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Cleer Ally Plus II – Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earphones

An update to the previous Ally Plus, the Cleer Ally Plus II has a planned release for March 2021, and they come with some impressive specs and features.

• 10mm Graphene Drivers
• 11+22 Hours Battery Life
• Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Feed Forward & Feed Backward Technology
• Custom EQ and ANC Control via Cleer+ App
• Wireless Charging
• IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance
• SRP: £129.99

Cleer Roam NC – Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earphones

This is a brand new model for 2021. The Cleer Roam NC will be Cleer’s entry level noise cancelling true wireless earphone model. With a planned release in April, and and SRP of only £59.99 – this is definitely a release to look out for.

• 5.8mm Custom Dynamic Drivers
• 5+10 Hours Battery Life
• Noise Cancelling Technology – blocks up to 25db
• Custom EQ and ANC Control via Cleer+ App
• IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance
• SRP: £59.99

Cleer Enduro ANC – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Packed with impressive features, the new Cleer Enduro ANC wireless noise cancelling headphones look to be a winning combination of price and performance. Release planned for February 2021.

• 40mm Ironless Drivers
• 60 Hours Battery Life
• Active Noise Cancelling + Ambient Mode
• Custom EQ and ANC Control via Cleer+ App
• New Qualcomm QCC5126 Chip
• SRP: £149.99

Cleer Crescent – Smart Audio Speaker

We are very excited about this one. The award winning Cleer Crescent smart speaker looks stunning, and with features including Google Assistant, unique room settings and a dynamic listening experience thanks to the 10 speaker drivers – the Crescent looks to revolutionise the smart speaker. Planned to be released January 2021.

• Unique 8 Linear Array Full-Range 40mm Drivers
• plus 2 Back Firing 3.3″ Woofers
• High-Res Audio Streaming
• Unique Room DSPs – Stereo Widening, 3D and Room Fill
• Google Assistant
• SRP: £699.99

The post Cleer announce new headphone and speaker releases at CES 2021 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Design and Functionality

The MW200 is a neckband Bluetooth cable that allows you to convert your MMCX earphones into a Bluetooth set. It’s a flexible rubber neckband with solid plastic end parts that house the electronics and controls, these are finished with a tempered glass faceplate. It’s a well built, and good looking neckband that is also comfortable in use. The cable sections I feel are a little too long though, and could have about 3-4cm cut off without hindering the fit. The cable section has moulded ear hooks so it is for use with earphones that fit over-ear rather than straight down.

Feature wise you get full controls on the left side of the MW200, with volume controls (these are separate from the sources volume), play/pause and on/off. You can also use the play/pause to skip tracks, and there is a microphone on the unit for calls. The MW200 supports all the latest Bluetooth codecs for the highest quality Bluetooth playback (Aptx and LDAC etc…). The MW200 paired easily and the range seems very good, battery life is also great at up to 11hrs in LDAC mode and 14 in SBC. There is plenty of volume to power most IEM’s currently on the market too.

Sound

I’ve mainly been using the MW200 with Final’s flagship IEM the A8000, because they really are ruthlessly revealing of the source material and also enjoy a bit of power behind them. I’m glad to report that the MW200 doesn’t have any problems with noise, and there isn’t any noticeable hiss when using it. I will mention that I have also been using it with LDAC from my Pixel 3a using Qobuz streaming.

The MW200 has good power and volume, there is plenty of detail and an overall crisp and clean sound. Of course, Bluetooth is still limited and there was a drop in resolution over playing the A8000 out of a high-end DAP. However when out and about this drop is not as noticeable as when critically listening, and the MW200 does a truly great job at decoding and amplifying the signal. I was really testing the limits of the MW200 by using it with the A8000, but pair it with something a bit more affordable like the Oriveti OH300 and you get a superb sounding wireless setup for under £500. Much better than any current wireless offering on the market at least.

The MW200 really doesn’t impart much of it’s own sound on to the IEM’s of choice, which is great in my opinion, you can get the Shanling app though which includes an EQ. This EQ does not work when using LDAC codec though. If you are used to using your IEM’s with an excellent source, please remember there will be slightly lower resolution, mostly in the treble region, again this is more a limitation of Bluetooth and not necessarily the MW200’s fault.

The post Shanling MW200 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. Lypertek are new on the scene, and they have arrived with a bang! Their latest model is the PurePlay Z3: True Wireless earphones that look and feel as good as some of the pricier models out there. These are going for £99 so could be quite the steal! Let’s find out.

BUILD

On opening the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, the first thing that strikes me is the supplied charging case; it doesn’t look like your usual £99 product. The case actually reminds me of Sennheiser’s £250 True Wireless model… just saying. The material outer coating feels great to touch and shows that they mean business. There’s nothing cheap about the build here! The case opens and closes with a solid feel, and the battery level lights add to the sleek design. Then there’s the earphones themselves. Lypertek has gone for a simple design that looks attractive and very well built; they have a minimal look that’s been finished nicely.

COMFORT

The PurePlay Z3 sits very comfortably in my ear, they have managed to angle the sound tube perfectly to give a secure and solid fit. Supplied with the earphones are a selection of eartips, including Lypertek’s own Flexifit foam tips. For me, the foam tips provided the best fit in terms of comfort and sound. When trying the PurePlay Z3 yourself make sure to try all of the supplied tips in order to achieve the best fit for you.

FEATURES (size, isolation, accessories)

Lots of features have been packed into the PurePlay Z3. In terms of controls, you can play/pause, skip tracks, increase/decrease volume, take calls and enable your voice assistant all from the buttons on the side of the earphones. I really like the way the buttons have been placed, they are easy to press and do not cause any discomfort when used. Pairing is very easy with the PurePlay Z3. The earphones turn on as soon as they are removed from the case, then with two button presses on either earpiece, the PurePlay Z3 goes into pairing mode, then you can find them on your device. Whether you pair to the right or left earpiece doesn’t matter: once you connect to one of them, the earphones are ready to use.

SPECS

The PurePlay Z3 uses the latest wireless technology, supporting Bluetooth 5.0 as well as aptX and AAC audio codecs. Battery life is very impressive. You get up to 10 hours of use when the earphones are fully charged, and then with a fully charged case you can get a total of up to 70 hours while out and about! This is one of the highest ratings I have come across. You also get an IPX7 waterproof rating which will protect the PurePlay Z3 from sweat and rain, ideal for those long gym sessions or a run in the rain.

SOUND QUALITY

Listening to the PurePlay Z3, I would never have associated this level of sound quality with a sub £100 True Wireless earphone. These instantly grabbed my attention with their crisp and dynamic sound. Lypertek have tuned the Graphene coated 6mm driver extremely well.

Bass Response

Bass comes across well controlled and punchy. There’s power here without getting bloated and I never get the feeling of too much bass. The PurePlay Z3 goes low and provides weight while allowing the mids to breathe.

Midrange (Instrumental/Vocals)

Midrange is crisp and cuts through without being too forward for my tastes. Vocals and snares sit nicely in the mix without getting lost, and whether listening to intricate jazz rock, pop or ambient electronic, the PurePlay Z3 handles different genres well without ever sounding muddled.

Treble (Extension)

Up top, the PurePlay Z3 provides definition and space without harshness or the risk of fatigue. Treble has a smooth edge, which delivers a focused and engaging sound. While they don’t have the widest sound, soundstage provides depth and the level of separation will allow you to pick out where sounds are coming from.

Microphone

Call quality is very impressive with the PurePlay Z3. The microphone does a great job of picking out speech, providing clear call quality.

CONCLUSION

In terms of build and sound quality, I’d say that the PurePlay Z3 definitely competes with the big (and pricier) brands such as Sennheiser, RHA, Samsung, Apple and Jabra. Then when you factor in the £99 price tag, the PurePlay Z3 becomes serious True Wireless competition. In my opinion, the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a no brainer for those looking for a new True Wireless earphone.

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphones Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. We’re all moving into a wire free world. You can get a wireless version of most gadgets now, and to make things confusing, you can even choose whether you want wireless or true wireless. What’ll be next… really true wireless? Or the truest wireless? Anyway, we’re going to explain the differences between wireless and true wireless.

The term wireless, when it comes to headphones, has been around since the late 60’s. Back then, wireless headphones needed their own transmitter in order to get a wire free signal to them. These transmitters used radio frequencies and were mainly used to watch TV with. Earphones were also used in this way but were not very common. The early wireless earphones had a stethoscope design and were mainly used for those who were hard of hearing and needed some assistance, again mainly to watch TV with or listen to the radio.

Then something amazing happened. Bluetooth. This technology named after the 10^th century king of Denmark (King Harald Bluetooth) changed the world of wireless listening, and opened it up to everyone to be used anywhere.

With the help of Bluetooth, wireless earphones have become extremely popular. Now the name would suggest that there are no wires, but this is not the case. Wireless earphones can connect to your device wirelessly, however there is always a wire that connects the two ear pieces together.

Wireless Earphones

There are three main design choices for wireless earphones. Possibly the most common type is where the wire is designed to fall behind the back of the head, with a cable tightener used to fit the wire as tight as you like. This design is very good for active users, as the tight fit means there is less chance of the wire moving around while in use, and helps provide a secure fit of the earphones.

Another style of wireless earphone is where the cable is designed to rest along the back of the neck, using a longer wire with a looser fit. This design is potentially more comfortable as you don’t have a wire tight behind your head, it does however move around more as there is nothing securing it in place.

Lastly and recently gaining popularity is the neckband design. Similar to the previous, but these earphones have a solid neck band which holds the wire in place, achieving the best of both worlds. Having the wire secure around the neck is also useful when not in use, as you can just let the earphones dangle without the risk of losing them.

Having a wire between the earphones not only allows them to connect to each other, it also provides space for a microphone, controls and batteries to be placed. This means that the ear pieces can be smaller, controls are easy to use, call quality is very good due to the microphone being placed close to your mouth and battery life is very impressive, with some models achieving up to 30 hours from a single charge.

Now, how do you get more wireless than wireless? You go true wireless.

True Wireless

With true wireless earphones, not only do they connect wirelessly to your device, the ear pieces themselves connect wirelessly to each other. So, no wires at all.

It’s obvious why true wireless earphones have become so popular, as there are many benefits. The main one being: no wires. You get complete freedom. This makes true wireless earphones ideal for active use, as much as general portable use; they can do it all. Having no wires makes them extremely comfortable, so much so that sometimes it’s easy to forget they’re in your ears. No wires also means that there is nothing to get tangled. Hurrah!

True wireless earphones are supplied with their own carry case, which also acts as a portable charger. So when you’re done using them, not only will the case keep them safe, it will also charge the batteries up for when you next need them.

True wireless earphones aren’t all perfect though, there are a few compromises to be made for all of the practical benefits.

As there are no wires, everything needs to be packed into the ear pieces. Speaker driver, amp, DAC, battery, controls, microphone and all the other techy bits needed for them to work. This means that the ear pieces are bigger than normal wireless earphones and there isn’t much space. Batteries are smaller giving less usage time, with around 10 hours being the maximum on a single charge. The microphone is further away from your mouth, which effects call speech quality. Sound quality is compromised, as the drivers need to share space with everything else and there is less power to work with. They are also a lot easier to lose, being so small means they can easily be dropped or misplaced without being careful.

True wireless earphones are still new, and the quality, performance and value for money is constantly improving. So even though it is easy for me to pick at the problems. I can see why the benefits of convenience, comfort, functionality and style outweigh the negatives. Me personally, I’m still a wired earphone kinda guy. But with the rate at which the true wireless technology is advancing, that could one day change.

The post Video Review: The Difference Between Wireless and True Wireless appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The PurePlay Z3 (formerly known as TEVI) are a smooth and discreet, nothing really stands out on them with a small logo and silver trim ring on the faceplate. They smooth black finish looks great, there is a slight difference in colour between the 2 sections of the body but it doesn’t detract from the overall look.

Build quality is excellent, the joins in the housings are very smooth and they are finished to a high standard. The charging case is fabric coated and solid, and the buttons on the faceplates have a very positive click. Overall everything feels very well put together and durable for long term use. They are also IPX7 rated which means they are fine for your daily run and gym use.

Features:

The PurePlay Z3 use the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology along with support for aptX, AAC and SBC codecs. Pair them with an aptX compatible device and you’ll get slightly better sound quality of course, but AAC also sounds very good.

The controls are easy to learn and intuitive, two click on the right to increase volume, two on the left to decrease. Three clicks on the right to skip track forward, three on the left to skip backwards. Single tap on either will pause the music, and a 2s press on the left will bring up Siri/Google assistant. You can also pick up calls and there are built in microphones that work very well.

Battery is rated at 10hrs per charge (SBC 50% volume), and I would say that figure is quite accurate from testing, using aptX will decrease this slightly but the increase in sound quality is worth the trade-off. The charging case supports another 6 whole charges, making these very impressive compared to the current competition.

Connectivity and signal stability are excellent, they pair easily and only cut out if you go out of range or add objects within the transmitting path (walls etc..). Overall, they work as advertised and don’t cut out if your phone is in your pocket or within a reasonable distance.

Comfort and Isolation:

The shape of the PurePlay Z3 is ergonomic with soft rounded edges and the perfect angle nozzle to provide a comfortable and secure fit without sticking out too far. The housings are a little on the larger size, but they never feel cumbersome when in use.

Isolation is pretty good; they do a very reasonable job at muting outside noises and are perfect for daily use and commuting.

Sound:

Bass: The bass on the PurePlay Z3 is full yet well controlled, it has a way of adding body without becoming the centre of attention. In terms of presence they are slightly north of neutral but they always sound very well balanced. There is good extension and kicks are backed up with body. The lows really are impressive, preventing the PurePlay Z3 from sounding thin but without making them sound bloated. They handle most genres with ease and have good articulation, lacking only a little speed during complex mixes.

Midrange: The lows are slightly north of neutral in terms of presence, but this does not mask the midrange and make vocals sound pushed back or congested. The midrange is well separated, lower male vocals do have a tiny bit of added body, and female vocals cut through with a little more detail but the overall midrange performance is very well balanced. Most consumer true wireless models have a habit of boosting the bass and treble, whereas the PurePlay Z3 comes across a lot more even handed and more suitable for a wide range of genres. There is great separation and layering, yet the coherency between frequencies is also excellent.

Treble: The treble is slightly laid back but luckily there is enough presence to prevent the PurePlay Z3 from sounding overly dark. The thing about the treble is that the tonality is just right, they don’t sound splashy or metallic and have great extension and detail. They have good accuracy when it comes to imaging too and they fit well into the frequency range. I would never call these bright though, and the treble is smooth enough that even the most treble sensitive users won’t have any issues with fatigue.

Soundstaging is good, not huge but very acceptable as most TW earphones sound very closed in. The detail present here is excellent and the separation between instruments is great.

Conclusion:

The PurePlay Z3 are very impressive, especially considering their sub £100 price point. Offering up a smooth and detailed sound signature that is well balanced yet slightly full. Add to that great stability and functionality and you have a TW earphone that is so easy to recommend, go out and grab one now as they are a game changer in the TW market.

Sound: 5/5

Comfort:5/5

Features: 5/5

Value: 5/5

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

iFi Audio xCAN Portable Wireless Headphone Amplifier

Perfect for those travelers looking to get the best audio while on the move. The iFi Audio xCAN can wirelessly connect to your audio device via Bluetooth, whether you listen to music on your phone, laptop or tablet. The xCAN adds iFi Audio’s high quality amplifier expertise to your setup, able to power some of the more difficult to drive cans with no extra wires. Just plug your favourite earphones or headphones into the xCAN to get the very best out of them.

SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

Widely considered to be this year’s best wireless earphones for under £100, the SoundMAGIC E11BT brings years of budget perfection to a Bluetooth neckband design. We’re certain that the E11BT delivers the best sound quality at this price point, with top features like Bluetooth v5.0 technology, AAC audio compatibility and IPX4 water resistance. Then to top it all off, the E11BT has the most impressive battery life going. We’ve experienced over 30 hours of continuous playback from one full charge, which should cover most of your travel needs there and back.

Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Full Size Noise Cancelling Headphones

B&W’s PX Bluetooth headphone is still our favourite sounding wireless noise canceler out there. The classic design is tasteful and attractive, showing off the B&W heritage with a modern edge. The earpads are soft and comfortable. They fully enclose the ears and isolation is impressive, blocking out a lot of background noise passively. Then, when you need complete silence, the built-in noise cancelling does wonders. When used with the dedicated app, the PX can be customised to suit most environments. They do it all!

Shanling M0 Portable Wireless Hi Res Audio Player

If you fancy getting better sound on the move, but don’t want to add a large device to your setup, the Shanling M0 could be just what you’re looking for. This tiny player delivers top quality Hi-Res audio and can be used in two different ways. The SD card slot allows you to store your own library of tunes, from MP3 to DSD. It can handle it all. The M0 can also act as a Bluetooth amp and DAC for your headphones. So, if you prefer using Spotify or Tidal on your phone, then wirelessly connect to the M0 to boost the audio quality while using an interface you are comfortable with.

Sennheiser Momentum TW True Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

For those that value design and build quality along with great sound, then the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless earphones are worth checking out. Relatively expensive for a true wireless earphone, considering there are plenty of cheaper options available, we believe that the Momentum True Wireless is worth the money. From the supplied charging case, with its fabric outer coating, to the earphones themselves: attractive, stylish and extremely comfortable. Sennheiser have put a lot of work into their True Wireless flagship, and it has truly paid off.

Remember to subscribe to our channel for more weekly content and click the links for information on all of the products mentioned. Thanks for watching and happy sunny listening.

The post Summer Sounds Guide & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Since the invention of Bluetooth, it’s gone through many versions (well, 5 to be exact). But what do they all mean? Before a new version comes out and makes this video old news, here’s a rundown of what makes Bluetooth 5.0 so special.

To fully understand how far the technology has come, here’s a bit of a Bluetooth history lesson.

The History

Bluetooth 1.0

Bluetooth 1.0 was released back in 1999, and as you can imagine, it was pretty limited compared to what we are used to now. Back then, though, it was quite groundbreaking. The technology made it possible for compatible devices to transmit data wirelessly over short distances and using minimal power. It was first used in mobile phones and PC cards, allowing mobiles to connect to Bluetooth headsets for hands-free talking, and for PCs to communicate with wireless mice, keyboards, digital cameras and printers.

Bluetooth 2.0

For all its achievements, Bluetooth 1.0 was limited when it came to audio. Low data speeds meant that speech was just about the limit: transferring music required a higher data transfer speed. Skip to 2004, and we say hello to Bluetooth 2.0 and EDR, or Enhanced Data Rate. The big change here is increased data speeds, from 0.7Mbps to a whopping 3Mbps thanks to the EDR technology. Another improvement was to the maximum wireless range – this was increased from 10m to 30m. To this day, 3Mbps is the maximum connection speed. There have been other improvements over time, though.

Bluetooth 4.0

The next big jump was in 2010 with the release of Bluetooth 4.0, increasing the max range to 60m and introducing the use of Low Energy. This allowed for quick bursts of data transfers to be done with the use of even less power with relatively high data speeds of 1Mbps, opening the doors to Apple and Microsoft: bringing Bluetooth to the big leagues. Version 4.0 went through a few of its own updates, improving security, speed and efficiency until 2016 and the release of Bluetooth 5.0.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 shows how quickly this technology is advancing, with the max range being quadrupled to 240m and Low Energy data speeds doubling to 2Mbps. Boosting the range and reducing power usage has meant that Bluetooth can be used on a larger number of different devices, allowing them to transmit large amounts of data at high speeds with little power being used – and it’s only going to get better. Bluetooth 5.0 also enabled a new dual audio feature – allowing users to stream audio to two different devices at the same time from one source.

Backwards Compatibility

It’s amazing to see how much Bluetooth has improved in just 20 years, and even more impressive is that the smart brains behind it has managed to keep the technology backwards compatible. This means that no matter what version of Bluetooth your devices have – they will be able to communicate with each other. Just remember that being backwards compatible means that you will be getting the benefits of the lowest Bluetooth version – so it’s always worth making sure your devices have the most current version of Bluetooth to get the most out of the technology.

Summary

To summarise, the main improvements gained from Bluetooth 5.0 are:

• Longer transmission range – Increased to 240m from 60m.

• Higher data transfer speed – Bluetooth Low Energy speed doubled to 2Mbps, allowing all audio devices to communicate with reduced power usage.

• Dual Audio – Allowing you to play audio on two devices at the same time from one source.

The post Bluetooth 5.0 Explanation & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.

Here you can see the best of the best full size headphones to buy in 2019, 2020 and beyond.

BEST CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES

1. Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO – £125

The Beyerdynamic DT770 creates a spacial soundstage more akin to an open-back headphone, and delivers full bass with accurate highs and mids. What’s more, these are profoundly comfortable. 

BUY HERE: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Studio Headphones

2. Sennheiser HD820 – £1999

The HD820 is Sennheiser’s first closed back audiophile headphone release and it promises to be quite special. Based on the same design as the HD800S, the HD820 uses Gorilla Glass as its transducer cover and the curved shape of it allows the sound waves to reflect to an absorber – resulting in minimal resistance and creating an open sound that you would normally expect from an open backed headphone.

READ MORE: Sennheiser HD 820 Audiophile Headphone Review

3. Focal Stellia – £2799

Focal headphones are not only known for their excellent sound quality – they also look stunning. And the Stellia is no different. The finest materials have been used to create this closed back headphone, including a Beryllium dome electrodynamic driver. With a unique finish, inspired by the colours of cognac and mocha – the Focal Stellia looks as good as it sounds.

READ MORE: Focal Stellia Closed Back Headphone Review

BEST OPEN BACK HEADPHONES

4. MrSpeakers Ether 2 – £1900

The Ether 2 have a great sense of neutrality, at the same time they offer an enjoyable listening experience and they never sound analytical. There is a hint of added body that creates a smooth listening experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end. 

READ MORE: MrSpeakers Ether 2 Open Back Headphone Review

5. Meze Empyrean – £2699

The unique construction of the Empyrean was designed with the shape of the human ear in mind. As a result, they enjoy a greater degree of imaging than you’re likely to find anywhere else. Each Empyrean is hand crafted to exacting detail, and that level of precision is not only visible, but audible. 

READ MORE: Meze Empyrean Open Back Headphones Review

6. Final D8000 – £2999

The planar magnetic magnificence of the Final D8000 creates a listening experience without parallel. The unique construction, including a damping system (the same used in condenser microphones) allowing for a sound that surpasses the abilities of most planar magnetic and dynamic equipment. This requires a dedication to exacting detail you can only see in Final. 

BUY HERE: Final D8000 Audiophile Headphones

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

7. Bowers & Wilkins PX – £329

The B&W PX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.

BUY HERE: Bowers & Wilkins PX Bluetooth Headphones

8. Audeze Mobius 3D – £349

Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.

BUY HERE: Audeze Mobius Gaming Headphones

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Over Ear Headphones 2020: Open, Closed, Wireless, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.

So we’ve gathered our picks for the best of the best for active/sports headphones you can buy!

BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES UNDER £50

1. SoundMAGIC P22BT – £39.99

The SoundMAGIC P22BT is suspiciously low-priced for a bluetooth model, but exceeds all expectations. Watch out this summer however, as wearing these constantly may affect your suntan.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth Headphone Review

BEST SPORTS EARPHONES UNDER £100

2. SoundMAGIC E11BT – £69.99

The guts of the E11C paired with the power of Bluetooth 5.0 make this earphone a real contender for a budget price. Automatic smartphone controls give you even more freedom from your device while on the go. They claim an absolutely massive battery life as well. 

BUY HERE: SoundMAGIC E11BT Bluetooth Earphones

3. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 – £89.95

Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, however Optoma has gone one better with additional sweat and water resistance rated at IPX5 – this means that aside from general moisture resistance, we can have a musical duel with water pistols and suffer no lasting consequences.

READ MORE: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Bluetooth Earphone Review

4. Optoma NuForce BE Free5 – £99.99

Between their purported 16-hour battery life between charges (representing 4 hours of continuous play) and their ipx5 water resistance rating,  the Optoma NuForce BE Free5 is a steal at just under £100. Their graphene diaphragm drivers allow for less energy consumption, while their ergonomic design means they won’t fall out constantly while you’re on the move. 

BUY HERE: Optoma NuForce BE Free5 True Wireless Earbuds

BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES OVER £100

5. Sennheiser CX Sport – £119.99

Between Sennheiser sound and build quality, six hours of battery life, and the ability to quick charge, what more could you ask for in a sport headphone? Splash and sweat resistance, you say? Well, guess what? The CX Sport comes through once more. 

BUY HERE: Sennheiser CX SPORT Bluetooth Sports Earphones

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Sports Headphones 2020: Earbuds, On Ear, Wireless, True Wireless appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Earphone Review

The SoundMAGIC ST80 is the perfect companion for sports enthusiasts, with a big helping of bass, yet crisp and detailed mids and non-fatiguing highs they are sure to keep you motivated on the move.

Pros:

• Overall sound quality
• Fit
• Build quality

Cons:

• Possibly a bit too much bass for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The SoundMAGIC ST80 looks like most other earhook sports headphones, with a rotation behind the ear hook to securely hold them in place, and a small housing that goes into your ear. There is a battery pack on the cable, with a clip to clip it to your clothing, and a small remote. I think they look great for a sports headphone and do not stick out too much, I also like the black and red cable linking the headphones to the battery pack.

The build quality feels sturdy and these should hold up fine to daily sports activities very well, the cabling feels good, the headphones themselves are a mixture of metal and plastic. There is good strain relief on the connections and being Bluetooth means less cabling to fail, the cable is detachable though (screw on) and also included is a regular audio cable with controls.

Accessory wise you are spoilt for choice, with a nice clamshell carry case, 2 cables (one Bluetooth, one regular with mic and controls), an adaptor that splits the audio and microphone cable for use with computers, USB charging cable, phono adaptor that changes the pinout for apple/android, cable clip, S/M/L Comply foam tips, XS/S/M/L sports silicone tips, S/M/L regular silicone tips and also a pair of bi-flange tips. This amount of accessories and tips means you are guaranteed to find a secure fit, but also have something to store them in when not in use.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Ease of use:

The ST80 take a while to get used to fitting, once you get the hook behind your hear it is quite easy to get a good fit. The fit is nice and secure due to the earhooks keeping them in place, but the earhooks are soft enough to not cause discomfort. I find them to be very comfortable once you get a good fit and would not have problems wearing them for extended periods of time.

Isolation is good, not as good as fuly sealed units, but enough to block out most of the world around you when you are out jogging, just be careful when crossing the road or are around cycle paths. The good isolation also means they won’t leak sound outwards and annoy people near you.

Cable noise is very low on these, which is important for a sports headphone.

I found the ST80 paired over Bluetooth quickly and easily, I had no transmission issues and the remote was easy to use, if you long hold the volume up it changes track, instead of the usual double tap of the middle button. Something you will need to get used to, but nothing problematic; They charge easily via a microUSB port on the battery pack.

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READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E10BT Bluetooth Earphone Review

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Sound

• Bass

The low end is slightly boosted on the ST80, keeping an upbeat and always present bass line keeping you motivated when out at the gym. Luckily the bass is not a bloated mess, it can extend low and you can feel it as well as hear it, but it does not veil the mid range too much. I find the impact of kick drums to be very impressive, and bass guitars are also very articulate, the only thing they don’t do so well is fast paced heavy metal.

• Mids

The mids are slightly behind the bass in overall quantity, but they are still easily heard, female vocals sound a little better than male vocals. Overall though, the crunch from guitars is aggressive when called for, and there is a good amount of crisp detail. What is very good in the mid-range is the spacial cues and separation, being quite open and expansive.

• Treble

The treble is very well reproduced here, again it takes a slight back seat in the overall sound but it still retains good clarity and air. It does not sound up front, leaning towards a darker, bassier sound. These won’t be for those who want the clearest sound, but for those looking for a fun sound whilst out and about they are perfect.

The soundstage is intimate, but the separation is good.

Conclusion

The SoundMAGIC ST80 can compete with the big boys, like the Sennheiser HD1 in-ear wireless, the ST80 have a bass oriented sound signature but with good clarity overall. The bass is the driving force behind these, but the mids cut though the mix very well offering excellent detail retrieval. The highs are slightly dull which leads to an easier listening experience but not the best overall balance.

The design lends itself to sports use, and the sound for that use is perfect, a nice big bass beat to keep you motivated, but without masking the rest of the sound.

The post SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Sports Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Master & Dynamic MW60 Bluetooth Headphone Review

Since coming on the scene recently, Master & Dynamic has certainly made an impact with their simple designs and solid build quality. The Master & Dynamic MW60 fits right in then, being as nice to hold as it is to look at. But how nice is it to listen to? Being Bluetooth, the MW60 will be subject to the same limitations and design challenges as its competitors’ offerings, but how have Master & Dynamic coped with these?

Pros:

• Stunning looks
• Bulletproof build quality
• Intuitive controls

Cons:

• Bass a little out of place depending on genre
• Earpads can be dislodged
• Relatively hard to power in passive mode
• Non-removable internal battery

Design and Appearance

As mentioned in a previous review*, Master & Dynamic products have some lovely styling and have quite a theme running through their range. They’ve taken design cues from the first half of the 20th century and with the incorporated 21st century Bluetooth technology, we have the best of both worlds. Flash Gordon would have used these headphones.

If I was to mention that the Master & Dynamic MW60 is over engineered, I don’t mean that it’s heavy or clunky. Next to a lot of the competition though, it feels as though a lot has gone into this model in terms of the feel of it. It’s like the interior of a new Jaguar car. Plush upholstery contrasts with distinct metal features, making a strong impression of palatial swankiness.

Durability and Build Quality

It’s worth noting that when even the USB charge cable has a braided fabric covering, the standard is quite high! Similarly, there’s a cable for use with the MW60 when the battery is empty (or we just want to save power) with the same covering.

This reviewer tries to imagine what a year or two’s wear and tear is likely to do, but with the MW60 it’s tempting to imagine these after more like 50 years. The paint on the corners may rub off a bit and the earpads might bit a bit more shiny, but apart from any accidental damage, the build quality of the MW60 makes it easy to see them lasting forever.

Given that there’s a non-removeable battery however, it’s unlikely that the full wireless capability will last this long without servicing.

The earpads are firm and well upholstered; they are kept in place by magnets so care is needed when handling the headphones. They won’t fall off without help though!

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READ MORE: Meze Neo 99 Headphone Review

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Comfort

The earpads of the Master & Dynamic MW60 are excellent. Firm yet yielding, they give a great seal and there’s no hint of discomfort whilst wearing glasses either. The headband is quite narrow though; whilst it is padded, the padding could have done with being a bit thicker.

Sound Characteristics

The sound of the MW60 is fairly neutral for a wireless model; there’s a bit of a bass bump but not too much. It’s leaner than a majority of similar designs out there but the MW60 not bass light by any means. The overall tuning is warmish, but with enough presence up top to please sparkle junkies too. With the power off and the cable used instead, the Master & Dynamic MW60 is a little bit subdued but just fine if you’re in a low-power pinch. Some handsets may not have the power to get the MW60 to a decent volume level whilst in this passive mode however, especially if listening to classical music or acoustic genres with less dynamic compression than commercially produced tracks.

• Bass

There’s plenty of rumble and thump going on here; on certain tracks there can be a bit more presence here than intended though. Double bass gets picked up quite strongly for instance, and kick drums go low with power enough to give a feeling of pressure changes on the ears. With most modern genres this works very well and drives things along very nicely.

• Mids

The midrange on the MW60 is clear and maybe a little emphasised here and there; vocals appear quite prominent but there’s no obvious problem with sibilance. Depending on the genre, vocals can sound quite intimate and backing vocals have an impressive width.

• Treble

There’s a limit to the amount of detail which is possible through a wireless Bluetooth connection, so there is a bit of graininess here but the MW60 does a good job of it. Cymbals and hi-hats are there alright, and fit in with the rest of the sound but don’t expect a great amount of shimmer or airiness here.

• Soundstage and Separation

While there is a nice amount of width on display with bass and midrange frequencies, it’s tempting to think that some of it is due to an internal DSP (digital signal processing) function rather than the design of the headphones themselves. This is borne out by using the cable with the MW60 turned off; there is still a bit of width here but noticeably less. Separation is pretty good but sometimes there can be a bit of midrange congestion with a lot going on. Where treble is concerned, we aren’t in any doubt that these are closed-back headphones but they’re designed to be wireless so this is pretty standard stuff.

Music genres good for and why…

Whether in wireless or passive mode, the MW60 really works best with commercial genres such as rap, dance and pop etc. Acoustic genres and classical can be affected with bass frequencies being picked up a bit too much, and these quieter music types tend not to be very loud in passive mode with the cable.

Summary

If you want wireless but not tasteless, then the Master & Dynamic MW60 is a contender. Its build and styling belongs to another era, but it has 21st century technology under the hood and will please those who want classic good looks and no gimmicks.

The post Master & Dynamic MW60 Headphone Review – Bluetooth Beauties appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Sennheiser PXC550 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone Review

Sennheiser has certainly established itself within the wireless and noise cancellation markets in recent years with it’s ‘MM’ series and earlier models in the ‘PXC’ line, but the Sennheiser PXC550 promises to make things a little more swish with its swipeable control.

Since so many executives are zipping from airport to airport without even the chance to shave, the easy and intuitive operation of the PXC550 gives control of volume and a track skip feature too, freeing up time for more champers and hampers at 30,000 feet. So will Sennheiser eclipse the success of Bose and their popular models such as the QC35 in this field? The evidence is plane.

Pros:

• Great build quality
• Effective noise cancellation
• Fully featured ‘swipeable’ controls
• Cable included for wired/passive listening

Cons:

• Cannot be used when turned off (unless battery is empty)
• User needs to remember to fold down earcups to turn off
• Wearing around the neck is not that comfortable

Design and Appearance

The Sennheiser PXC550 is quite smart looking but not too flashy though; the PXC 550 means decorum, not decoration. This reviewer can be a little self-conscious when sporting such things in public, but the PXC 550 should feel right on any shrinking violet’s bonce. Bowers & Wilkins has had great success with its portable range such as with the P5 and the wireless P7, and the PXC 550 is similar in looks with its black and silver motif.

They’ve done away with the power button and the simple act of unfolding the earcups turns the PXC 550 on. Fold them down again to turn it off. It may be possible to wear the headphones around the neck between uses, but blood flow to the head may be restricted. If you’re in the habit of just removing headphones and putting them down, you’ll have a few flat battery moments until you lose that habit.

Functions are announced by a British female voice; Sennheiser has settled on one that’s not too prissy, but you get the feeling she won’t stand for too much nonsense so don’t press too many of the wrong buttons.

Durability and Build quality

The PXC550 is mainly constructed of high quality plastic with a metal-reinforced headband and some other brushed metal flourishes; the construction is what’s to be expected from Sennheiser at this price point. It’s very nice indeed. There is a cable for use with the headphones when the battery is empty but this could have been better implemented (we’ll come back to this).

Comfort

The Sennheiser PXC 550 sits nicely on the head and there’s no problem with fit, although the earcups are quite snug. Those with large ears may find an issue with this. They may be fine for mooching around in airport lounges and the like, but anything too active may lead to a bit of sweat being shed. This is a problem with any closed-back isolating model of course.

Suitability for intended application

The PXC 550 is a fully featured model; the manual runs to 50 pages and there’s all sorts of little things Sennheiser has thought of. For instance, the PA systems on flights may cut in if you’re listening to the aeroplane’s audio and sometimes this PA audio is a lot louder. The Sennheiser PXC550 knows about this and reduces the volume.

However, given the ‘fold-out’ method of turning the headphones on, there is no clear way of using the cable in order to conserve battery life. If you’re wearing the headphones, then they’re turned on.

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READ MORE: Bowers&Wilkins P7 Wireless Headphone Review

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Sound characteristics

Impressions are of the PXC550 in ‘active’ mode; a decent listen in passive mode will require the battery to be drained fully.

Overall, we have the typical Sennheiser sound but with perhaps a little more upper midrange presence; not a problem but vocals and some instruments can be a bit shouty at times.

The effect of the noise cancellation feature does mute the detail just a little bit when compared to when this feature is turned off, but it has its own benefits of course. The noise cancellation is actually very good indeed and should be quite adequate in many situations.

• Bass

Bass starts nice and low; it gives a very deep and wide sense of space if called upon, but stays out of the picture with genres which don’t need it so much. It’s well controlled and stays put; there’s good definition where it meets the midrange and these higher frequencies are unaffected by any bass bleed.

• Mids

Mids are slightly recessed against the bass, but again this is of no concern as the midrange is clear and uncluttered. However there is a little more presence in the high-mid area, which may give fricatives such as ‘s’ sounds a little more energetic when compared to some of Sennheiser’s wired models.

Vocals are clear and textured, with backing vocals being very good too; there’s a sense of a few singers spaced out nicely during parts with backing vocals.

• Treble

The Sennheiser PXC550 is not an especially airy or crisp-sounding model; but for a wireless closed-back headphone it does OK.

Treble stays faithful to the Sennheiser tradition; it doesn’t draw undue attention to itself but instead appears as an extension of the midrange. There is a seamless transition between the two making quite a neutral sound within the upper part of the PXC 550’s frequency range.

If you like to listen to saxophones but prefer not to hear every bit of spittle within the mouthpiece, then the PXC 550 may be for you.

• Soundstage and Separation

The sound of the Sennheiser PXC550 is good and wide from the rumble of certain bass notes right up to the lustre of hi-hats. It surrounds the listener very well. Instruments and voices are very clear and can be pictured within a 3D space quite plainly; this is one of those things that is affected by the noise cancellation however, but it’s par for the course.

Music genres good for and why

While all types of music will be acceptable the PXC550, it probably suits genres such as pop, rock, r&b; the commercial genres generally.

Summary

The Sennheiser PXC550 is excellent at noise cancellation; watch out Bose! Also the build quality is what we’d expect of a premium Sennheiser product; it’s light but solid. If you can get past the ‘fold-down’ means of turning the unit off, the PXC 550 is definitely a player in the contest for the ultimate wireless/noise cancellation model. It’s a great companion for long and short flights, and certainly beats solo air travel.

The post Sennheiser PXC550 Bluetooth Headphone Review – Welcome to the Fold appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Wireless Bluetooth headphones are getting ever more popular, and we’re worried that we’ll run out of titles. Never mind, as the convenience offered by Bluetooth earphones such as Deewear’s FlyOne Dark will give our wits a chance to catch up with the world of technology. Hopefully.

It’s no surprise that the FlyOne Dark is aimed at the sporty segment of the market, but to be fair it’s not bad when sitting still either.

When turning on, a female voice states ‘power on’ and ‘connected successfully’ when getting going. Since these earphones are from Italy it could be hoped that this would be more representative of that part of the world, but you can’t have everything.

Pros:

• Wireless convenience
• Good sound for exercising to
• Fits in ears firmly
• Sturdy build

Cons:

• Some may prefer a more refined sound
• Some signal issues (depending on handset)

Design and Appearance

The Deewear FlyOne Dark is perhaps designed with function in mind rather than looks, but it does a good job of fitting in with whatever the wearer is doing, whether it be exercise or something more sedate. The cable connecting the left and right earbuds of the FlyOne Dark has a light-reflecting coating on one side to help the wearer be seen during the hours of darkness, which is a nice thought.

Durability and Build quality

The earphones themselves have a strong and solid build, but retain a lightness which will certainly help them stay in the ear, along with the ‘shark’s fin’ attachment which holds things in place nicely. I imagine that any mishaps or falls will not put the FlyOne Dark out of action for long.

Comfort

Everyone’s experience will be different I’m sure, but the FlyOne Dark sits firmly in the ear and the supplied eartips form a good seal with no trouble. The earphones can be worn for extended periods with no discomfort.

Suitability for intended application

Volume can be adjusted and play/pause found easily, although this may require some practice when in the heat of battle. With the cable around the back of the neck, the mic and control is just behind the right ear. It does not seem to cause a problem with being heard if making a call indoors, but this may be different if out in a noisy environment or strong wind.

Battery life is good for an earphone of this type; it keeps on going beyond expectations and should certainly outlast the energy levels of the most enthused athletes. When the battery is reaching exhaustion, the music is interrupted now and again by our female MC stating ‘battery low’ which can be a little annoying but it’s not that often, and it’s probably less annoying that being faced with a flat battery the next day.

Recharging is done via a socket hidden on the back of one of the earpieces; a micro-USB cable is supplied for this purpose.

Sound isolation

Isolation is fair; it’s quite common for joggers to want a certain amount of situational awareness and this should suit them, but there’s also enough to drown out a decent amount of piped-in gym music, the scourge of many a gym-goer.

Sound characteristics

There were some interruptions to the audio in the form of very brief ‘hiccups’ when the signal was slightly broken; almost like pops on a record. This reviewer went shopping last night and the experience was good; when the mind is on other things, these issues are not bothersome. Handsets other than the cheap Android which was used for this review may transmit better, so take this with a grain of salt.

The sound of the earphones can be dramatically affected by the position of the eartips, so when trying them be prepared to get the angle and position right to ensure that they are sounding their best. The earfins will keep them in place once a decent sound is achieved.

Tuned for exercising, the FlyOne Dark gives a good amount of bass with quite a presence in the high-midrange region; good for bouncy genres like dance and pop. The volume control does not communicate with the phone; rather the earphones have their own volume scale so the level can potentially be made to be quite high with the handset volume already on maximum.

• Bass (e.g. punch, low extension)

Bass has a decent amount of body, but the FlyOne Dark is not bass heavy. Bass is fairly well controlled with a good amount of texture; the midrange is left uncluttered. Tracks which feature a low bass or a lot of it will be reproduced quite well.

• Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments)

There appears to be a slight increase in the high-mid presence when compared to low-mid, and some may think (perhaps ironically) that the FlyOne Dark is a little on the bright side here. It does however make the most of harmonics and vocals which may be a little blunted due to the sound quality limitations imposed by the Bluetooth transmission method. It’s not a bad thing but may be an area of sensitivity for some.

• Treble (e.g. high hats)

As above, the sound quality limitations of Bluetooth do affect higher frequencies more and there is some graininess when it comes to higher frequencies. The effect makes for a more ‘Rock n’ Roll’ sound which is not a problem but it is less refined than some may wish for.

Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage and imaging/separation are not as good as with a wired earphone but are still OK. The selling point of the Deewear FlyOne Dark is definitely the wireless aspect, and deeper aspects of the sound quality take a back seat which is going to be an acceptable trade-off for many.

Music genres good for and why

Anything with a driving beat such as pop, hip-hop and dance music will be best for the FlyOne Dark, with genres known for their subtlety and atmosphere not doing so well

Summary

Given that a lot of other wireless sporty earphones are twice the price of the FlyOne Dark, this represents quite a bargain and may encourage a lot of people to give wireless earphones a try, whether they are joggers, gym goers or casual users.

The post Deewear FlyOne Dark Wireless Earphone Review – More Sounds with No Strings appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Intro

Being New Year, resolutions abound; after Christmas we feel like losing the pounds we gained during the festivities and seek to turn over a new leaf. Cue the Jaybird X2 wireless, which is the perfect pacing partner and will still keep us entertained when we inevitably just take to sitting around the house eating pizza instead. Usually by February.

After the good intentions have become a distant memory however, the Jaybird X2 can still provide good and useful service as a decent wireless earphone when commuting or frying chips.

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The Jaybird X2 is sleek and discreet; its looks blend in with all types of lycra and the supplied earhooks help to keep the earphones in; whether running, jumping, or just bent over whilst gasping for breath. The X2 can be worn either with the cable going over the back of the ears or with the cable coming straight down.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials)

The X2 earphones are certainly built with an eye on the needs of exercise fans. They are rugged and will shrug off sweat, splashes of water and the odd impact like it’s a run in the park. The flat cable is well finished and the X2 even comes with some little parts to place on the cable and take up the slack when it’s worn. This cuts down on a lot of the ‘microphonics’, or audible vibrations which travel up the cable when it is in motion.

Comfort:

Certainly with the correct sized earfins, the X2 stays put so we can concentrate on our chosen exercise. There are Comply eartips included in the pack as well as the more familiar silicone ones, so a bit of experimenting gets a perfect fit.

Sound isolation (if applicable)

Isolation is very good, however there’s always a danger with earphones being too effective when we are out and about. The Jaybird X2 earphones hits the right balance between audio seclusion and being struck by a Mack truck. Most of what can safely be ignored will go unnoticed!

Sound characteristics:

The sound of the X2 is aimed at fans of most genres which get the blood pumping. The overall sound signature is comfortable and enjoyable; there is no chance of fatigue with the Jaybird X2 (well, listening fatigue anyway).

Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):

Bass starts low, and is slightly accentuated but has good amount of texture and leaves the midrange relatively uncluttered. Control could be better but is quite acceptable.

Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):

Vocals and acoustic tracks are warmed up slightly by the bass presence, but there is still a good deal of clarity here; harmonics and delays are noticeable but may be a little recessed for some tastes.

Treble (e.g. high hats):

Higher frequencies are on the gentle side and for a majority of users, this is preferable. Percussion and other high frequency sounds are there, but have no chance of hurting the ears and hindering concentration.

Soundstage & Separation:

Soundstage is fair, with separation of instruments OK too. The wireless nature of the headphones and the bluetooth transmission method does lead to some compromises when it comes to sound quality, and this impacts on clarity dependent attributes such as soundstage and imaging/separation.

Music genres good for and why:

Being aimed at exercise and training enthusiasts, the Jaybird X2 excels in training-montage friendly genres such as rock, dance, pop and rap. Anything which benefits from an increased bass response will be in the sweet spot and will help to not feel the burn.

Pros:

Perfect for keep fit folks
A good wireless option for general use
Nice selection of accessories

Cons:

Not for those who want a no-compromise sound –
Battery will need to be kept charged

Summary:

Wireless earphones are getting more and more popular, and the Jaybird brand has a good pedigree in this field. The Jaybird X2 earphone is a very neat and effective solution for those who want a wire-free earphone, whether exercise is intended or not!

The post Jaybird X2 Wireless earphones Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

In recent years, Sennheiser has introduced some wildly popular headphones for more portable uses; from the almost ubiquitous PX100 series to the larger closed back Momentum and Urbanite models, both full-size and on-ear.

And never one to sit still, Sennheiser has introduced another flavour for the similarly restless – the Urbanite XL Wireless.

Pros

Wireless operation and track/volume control
Amazing sound
Foldable for easy storage
Comfortable for long periods
Cable can be used to save battery power

Cons

Non-removeable battery
Supplied pouch could be more protective

Verdict

Overall, a very good quality headphone with versatility to match. Perfect for travel and for relaxing at home alike, the Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless presents the great Sennheiser sound which anyone can enjoy. A good all-rounder, with which any genre can be enjoyed.

Key Features

The main point of note is the wireless bluetooth feature of course, and there is an intuitive touch-sensitive panel on the right side by which the user can select tracks, alter volume and answer calls. There are no buttons, a more ‘swipey’ approach has been employed, so a tap pauses, a double tap skips to the next track and a swipe up or down changes the volume.

Should the battery become depleted, a universal cable is included with similar functionality so the music needn’t stop.

The battery can be recharged via the supplied Micro-B USB cable, and like its wired forebears the Urbanite XL Bluetooth can be folded up for easy storage.

An audio cable is also supplied to save on battery power or if it is exhausted, and a soft cloth pouch for storage.

First Impressions

Given that we’re no strangers to the previously released Urbanite XL model, the design and extras are no surprise. The stylish looks, solid build and comfortable fit are never a problem to experience again but even so, the extra Bluetooth functionality has stolen the show! With an Android handset playing on one side of the office here, the headphones made it all the way to the other side of the building (some 15 metres) and no drop-outs were encountered.

The control panel on the right side is a very slick feature; however there’s always a chance that a quick touch to adjust the position of the headphones might result in an unintentional track skip but with practice this can be avoided.

Sound Quality

It should go without saying that a certain amount of quality is lost within the Bluetooth transfer method, but the result is still very pleasing; also with the MP3 still being the king of formats for many, this is not a major concern.

The bass is very well controlled and clear with plenty of punch; the micro-velour type earpads may soak up a little of the lower sub-bass region but overall the bass impact is very impressive.

Midrange gives a wonderful sense of space and both male and female vocal are well complimented, with reverb/echo easily cutting through. There’s next to no clutter here and harmonics shine.

Treble is rolled off slightly; the Urbanite XL Wireless does not hold it back, but there are brighter-sounding headphones. As it is, there is enough treble to enhance details such as percussion, but without much chance of fatigue – it’s a good comfortable sound.

Separation and soundstage are excellent; individual instruments can be picked out with the soundstage extending beyond the physical confines of the headphones themselves.

Using the cable, maximum volume was lower although this of course depends on the maximum amplification of the smartphone being used. The Urbanite XL Wireless has an internal amp which only comes into play when used along with its wireless capability.

Isolation is fair, but you may be inadvertantly sharing your music with those nearby if listening at high volume levels.

Summary

It’s a time of year when we are all looking forward to the longer days and warmer temperatures promised by summer (at least in the northern hemisphere!) and we’re to be found making plans and dreaming about lazy days in the sunshine. Snag-free music seems like a great way to enhance that feeling of freedom and those carefree (cable-free?) moments out there. With the Urbanite XL Bluetooth being worn with it’s XL earpads, our ears might be in the dark but at the same time most enlightened!

The post Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.