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Meze Audio 105 AER open-backed headphones are a lesson to high-end audio brands: you can let us mere mortals in on it too
1:30 pm | February 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Meze Audio 105 AER: Two-minute review

Meze Audio doesn’t just stick to the super-high end with its headphone designs – it just seems that way sometimes, because its super-high end headphones are so very good. Mind you, its idea of what constitutes ‘entry level’ won’t chime with everyone – these 105 AER open-backed, wired, over-ears are $399 / £369 / AU$799 a pair.

That money does buy a nicely designed, beautifully finished pair of headphones, though certainly they’re a notch or two up from the equivalent Grados, say, where perceived value is concerned. And while the lack of a balanced cable option is a bit stingy, there’s no arguing with the lengths Meze Audio has gone to where the dynamic drivers that do the audio business are concerned.

And in pretty much every respect, there’s no arguing with the way they sound either. In every meaningful respect, the 105 AER get the job done in fine style: they’re an easy listen in the most positive way. Detail levels are high, soundstaging is solid, dynamic headroom is considerable, low-end presence is impressive... you name it, the Meze Audio understand it. Some of the best wired headphones money can buy then? Oh certainly, if you'll accept their open-backed nature.

If you’re in the market for wired, open-backed headphones – with all of the caveats those descriptions imply – and you have this sort of money to spend, it would be grossly negligent not to check the 105 AER out.

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a hi-fi testing room, on gray background

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Price & release date

  • Released December 1, 2024
  • Priced: $399 / £369 / AU$799

Meze Audio isn't often seen in the sub $400 space – see the $1,999 / £1,799 / AU$3,399 Meze Audio Liric for reference, (now into their second iteration), however, the company has dipped its toes into more consumer-accessible pools recently, perhaps most notably with its $159 Alba in-ears.

At this price, Meze knows it could turn some heads – most pertinently from music lovers used to seeing such fees from Bose (whose QuietComfort Ultra cans are just a bit pricier) and Sony's top-tier wireless designs. Will the bid win them over? It depends – wireless audio has, and will always have, its perks. But on audio quality alone, there really is no contest…

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a hi-fi testing room, on gray background

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Specs

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a testing room

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Features

  • 50mm full-range dynamic drivers
  • 5Hz - 30kHz frequency response
  • 112bB sensitivity, 42 ohms impedance

Just like every other pair of wired over-ear headphones, the Meze Audio 105 AER are not exactly overburdened with features. But just like every other pair of Meze Audio headphones I’ve tested, the 105 AER features are very thoroughly implemented.

Let’s be honest, though; when I talk about ‘features’, really I’m talking about the drivers that deliver sound to your ears. Everything else about the 105 AER is more correctly found in the ‘design’ section – so let’s talk about the drivers, shall we?

The ‘feature’ here is a 50mm full-range dynamic driver – or, more correctly, two of them. It’s closely based on the driver Meze Audio fits to its considerably more expensive models, with some minor adjustments to the frame and driver membrane to keep weight (and costs) down.

The ‘W’-shaped dome is made of a carbon-fibre/cellulose composite. Meze Audio prizes it for its durability and light weight, and reckons it rejects resonances more effectively than any alternative material. The torus – the ring that surrounds the dome – is made of semicrystalline polymer. It too is light and responsive, and its impressive damping characteristics keep vibrations and resonances to a minimum. Finally, there’s a copper/zinc alloy stabiliser around the outside of the membrane to further reduce distortion.

This arrangement results in a frequency response of 5Hz - 30kHz, manageable impedance of 42 ohms, and helpful 112dB sensitivity. So while the 105 AER are light on features, they are demonstrably fit for purpose.

  • Features score: 5/5

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a testing room

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Sound quality

  • Impressive powers of resolution
  • Big, unified and poised sound
  • Great insight and variation

One of the major benefits of the open-backed arrangement, in theory at least, is a spacious and open presentation of music. The Meze Audio 105 AER are one open-backed model that validate this theory.

A 2.8MHz DSD file of Radiohead’s Reckoner delivered by the 3.5mm output of a FiiO M15S digital audio player proves the point in some style. This is a complex, element-heavy recording that modulates through a number of dynamic variations, but throughout it the 105 AER maintain a big, well-defined and properly organised soundstage on which every individual element gets plenty of space in which to express itself. The resolution of the stage is straightforwardly impressive, and even though the Meze Audio offer plenty of separation they nonetheless present the record as a singular, unified whole. There’s a coherence to the way the song is delivered that makes it seem of a whole, like a performance.

Detail levels are high across the board. The 105 AER load on the information at every point, but are especially adept at offering lots of variation at the bottom of the frequency range. The top end is substantial and detailed, sure, and the midrange is articulate too… but where bass is concerned, the Meze Audio are able to offer a great deal of textural and tonal variety while still maintaining straight-edged control and ample weight.

The whole frequency range hangs together nicely, and there’s a smooth transition from top to bottom – the 105 AER play no favourites and transitions from lowest to highest frequencies evenly. The tonal balance is quite carefully neutral, which allows recordings to reveal their balance without the headphones sticking their oar in too obviously. So a 16bit/44.1kHz file of Aretha Franklin’s How I Got Over is as warm as an 18 tog duvet, while similarly sized file of Kraftwerk’s Europe Endless has just the right sort of austerity.

The Meze Audio handle the dynamics of harmonic variation with just as much confidence and positivity as they do the dynamic shifts in volume or intensity. They offer convincing rhythmic expression and a naturalistic way with tempo management. In fact, they have the sort of direct, unequivocal overall personality that makes every listen an event and makes every recording sound like it deserves your attention.

  • Sound quality score: 5/5

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a testing room

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Design

  • 1.8m detachable cable with 3.5mm termination
  • Self-adjusting headband
  • Detachable velour earpads

I’ve previously described the design of some of Meze Audio’s pricier over-ear headphones as ‘overwrought’ – and at the time I thought I was being quite kind. So it’s nice to be able to report that having to keep costs down has resulted in a design that makes the 105 AER look coherent, quite elegant, and definitely no more than ‘wrought’.

The detachable ear pads are of velour-covered memory foam. They feel nice, sit comfortably without warming your head too quickly, and can easily be cleaned. The almost-semicircular outer headband that connects the two earcups is of slender stamped magnesium and the inner headband that’s the actual contact point is self-adjusting and made of PU leather. The outer part of the earcups is an interestingly organic design and made from ABS-PC thermoplastic. The result is Meze Audio’s lightest over-ear headphone to date – a very manageable 336g.

Each earcup needs wiring, and the 105 AER are supplied with a 1.8m length of braided cable that has the necessary pair of 3.5mm connections at one end and a single 3.5mm connection at the other. There’s also a 6.3mm adapter included. It’s a pity there’s no option of a balanced cable, but perhaps if we all pester Meze Audio then something might be forthcoming.

The 105 AER are supplied with a hard, zip-fastening travel case that’s a cut or two above the alternatives supplied by rival brands with their $399-ish over-ear headphones. A little pouch inside keeps your cable tangle-free when the headphones are not in use – and there’s enough room in there for a second cable, no problem. Just saying…

  • Design score: 5/5

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a testing room

(Image credit: Future)

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Value

  • Accomplished audio performance
  • Convincing standard of build and finish
  • Comfortable fit, coherent looks

It’s not even a question of ‘value’, really – but about the only way the Meze Audio 105 AER don’t make a strong-going-on-compelling case for themselves concerns the way they fit. Or, more correctly, the number of people they will fit – because although that headband is self-adjusting, it has upper and lower limits, and the lower limit isn’t all that low. In every other respect, though, it’s hard to make a justifiable complaint about the value that’s on offer here.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Meze Audio 105 AER?

Meze Audio 105 AER headphones in a hi-fi testing room, on gray background

(Image credit: Future)

Buy them if...

You value balanced, insightful and organised sound
That description could conceivably be interpreted to mean the 105 AER are not much fun - but that’s not the case. It’s just that ‘fun’ isn’t all they are…

You do your listening alone
Open-backed headphones are quite anti-social at the best of times, and the 105 AER leak sound in the manner of a sonic colander

Your source(s) have unbalanced headphone sockets
A 3.5mm connection with a 6.3mm adapter is all well and good, but what about those of us whose source equipment has a balanced output too?

Don't buy them if...

You’re after outright low-frequency wallop
The 105 AER are a balanced and nicely poised listen - which means low frequencies are given the correct sort of emphasis rather than being overstated

Your head is on the small side
The headband is self-adjusting, sure - but only up to a point. The more petite-headed among us may find it tricky to get a satisfactory fit

Meze Audio 105 AER review: Also consider

Sennheiser HD-660S2
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 look pretty purposeful where the Meze Audio 105 AER look relatively dainty, but the sound they make is balanced, poised very carefully neutral – and they come with a 4.4mm cable.
Read our Sennheiser HD-660S2 review for more

Grado Hemp
Grado's Reference Series Hemp may cost a little more but they’re very accomplished performers, with a botanical point of difference – it doesn’t prevent them looking like something the rear gunner might have worn during a bombing raid in 1944, mind you…
See our Grado Hemp review for the full story

How I tested the Meze Audio 105 AER

  • Connected to an Apple MacBook Pro, a Naim Uniti Star and a FiiO M15S
  • With a whole lot of different styles of music in a number of different formats
  • Alone, because I’m not a barbarian

Because they’re open-backed, the 105 AER aren’t really candidates for mobile use. So all my listening took place either at my desk, connected to my laptop or to a digital audio player (the 4.4mm balanced output of which went sadly unused), or in my listening space connected to a Naim Uniti Streamer. At the desk, listening consisted of digital audio files of various types and sizes, while the connection to the Naim allowed for vinyl and CD content as well as network-attached stuff. And this happened, on and off, for well over a week…

I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones and the noise-cancelling is still flagship quality –but that’s not the full story
6:30 pm | January 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Bose QuietComfort headphones: One-minute review

The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones landed in September 2023. Although there’s now a (slightly) newer and more premium model from the brand on the market, the standard QuietComfort cans are still well worth considering. That’s because they present buyers with all of the basics, like great comfort levels, sound and ANC, done incredibly well with the Bose seal of approval.

Let’s get any confusion out of the way first. Where do these headphones sit in the Bose line-up? Rewind back to 2021 and the Bose Quietcomfort 45 over-ear headphones were released. The newer over-ear headphones we’re reviewing here, officially named just Bose QuietComfort, came out in September 2023 to replace them. Bose released the QuietComfort Ultra just a month later, in October 2023, but it's best to think of them as a solid step up from the QuietComfort headphones we’re reviewing here, making our best noise-cancelling headphones and best over-ear headphones guides.

But just because those top-tier cans have a bunch of upgrades, doesn’t mean the Ultras are for everyone, as we’ll get to soon. What we’ve got here is a high-end pair of headphones that perform well in every department, without overcomplicating things. These headphones feature Bose’s signature tech, and while it’s not especially groundbreaking in 2025, that’s part of the appeal. There’s nothing new to figure out or fuss over. Setup is a breeze, and the controls are refreshingly straightforward. Instead of fiddly touch panels, you get trusty manual buttons on the earcups. There’s also an app if you fancy more customization, but it’s optional, and the interface is clean with just a handful of modes to pick from – it just works (sorry Apple).

That’s why the Bose QuietComfort headphones might not be the absolute best on the market, but they strike a balance between quality audio, supreme comfort, and no-nonsense usability. For anyone looking for high-end Bose headphones in a sleek, slightly more affordable package, these could be the perfect fit.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Price and release date

Someone holding the Bose quietcomfort headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in late 2023
  • Priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95
  • Available in black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, sandstone

The Bose QuietComfort headphones were priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95 at launch. However, because they’re a little older you will find some discounts available now from both third-party retailers and even through Bose directly. For example, on the Bose Australia website, the headphones are currently discounted from AU$549.95 to AU$448.95.

How does that compare to the rest in the Bose lineup? It makes them almost the same price as the Bose QuietComfort 45 that came before them, which cost $329/£329/AU$499.95 at launch.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are currently $429/£449.95/AU$649, which is a big step up of nearly $100. Then again, if you’re splurging on headphones and want the most bang up to date features, you might want to consider the flagship version. But we’ll get into some of the key differences later.

How does this compare to similar noise-cancelling over-ears? Well, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still at the top of our best noise-cancelling headphones guide. At launch, they were $349/£349/AU$549, the exact same price. But now, you can find them for much cheaper, around $249/£199/AU$399. This makes sense, as they were released in 2020. But it does mean that if you’re hunting for older, still very capable headphones, the Sony might just be a better shout – especially if you’re a fan of Sony and its LDAC support.

When it comes to the broader market, there’s a lot of variation these days. If you wanted, for example, to prioritize good ANC, great specs, an energetic sound and excellent battery life, the Cambridge Melomania P100 over-ears would cost you considerably less, at $279/£229/AU$479. If you’re looking for similar features but don’t care so much about the Bose brand name or getting a high-end pair, you can easily get a decent pair of noise-cancelling over-ears for a mid-range price, like the excellent Sony WH-CH720N headphones, which cost $149/£99/AU$259.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Specs

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Features

The Bose QuietComfort headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 26 hours of battery
  • Excellent ANC
  • Simple buttons

The Bose QuietComfort headphones aren’t packed with the cutting-edge features that you’ll find from the latest over-ears, but that’s not the point here. They focus on doing the essentials really well. If you’re looking for reliability and ease of use, they’ll deliver without overcomplicating things.

Let’s start with the app. It’s slick, intuitive, and has that Apple-esque feel, by which I mean minimal, clean, and user-friendly. The best part? You don’t need the app to enjoy the headphones, but I’d recommend using it to explore customization options. For example, there’s an adjustable 3-band EQ. You can manually tweak bass, mids, and treble or select presets like Bass Boost or Treble Reduce. While the EQ options are more limited than some competitors, it gets the job done for those who want great audio without endless tinkering. Personally, I didn’t feel the need to touch the EQ at all.

You’ll also find different audio modes, like "Quiet" for noise cancellation and "Aware" for transparency. These can be toggled using the action button on the left earcup, and you can add two additional custom modes in the app for specific scenarios.

A standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which allows you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously. This is a standard on most high-end headphones these days, but it’s good to see it included in this pair – seamlessly switching between a laptop for work and a phone for music or calls is a must for me now.

The manual buttons on the earcups deserve praise, too. They’re tactile, easy to use, and customizable via the app. For those who prefer a wired option, Bose includes a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable with an in-line mic – a nice touch for versatility.

Bluetooth 5.1 powers the connectivity (so no scope for Auracast, which requires the newer 5.2 and beyond), with support for AAC and SBC codecs. While it doesn’t include advanced features like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound – the Ultras do have this, mind you – it’s solid enough for most users. Bose SimpleSync is also on board, letting you pair the headphones with compatible Bose soundbars and speakers to sync audio across devices, which is a great addition if you’re already in the Bose ecosystem.

Battery life is another area where these headphones hold their own but don’t lead the pack. Bose claims up to 24 hours of playback, and I managed to squeeze out closer to 26 hours during testing. They charge via USB-C, and a quick 15-minute boost gives you an additional 4 hours. While 24 hours isn’t bad, many competitors now exceed that. For instance, the Cambridge Melomania P100 headphones offer a huge 60 hours of playback with ANC on (and up to 100 hours without it). Even the QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer the same 24-hour battery life, so if longevity is a key priority, there’s little to separate them.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Sound quality

Bose QuietComfort headphones review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Great ANC
  • Sound is bassy, but brilliant
  • Could do with more EQ options

Let’s start with ANC. The Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation, though they’re not class-leading. The QuietComfort Ultra definitely perform better in this department, providing more silence more consistently. But compared to most other over-ear headphones in their class, the ANC here is still fantastic.

One standout factor is the fit. As I’ll explain in more detail in the next section, the snug design creates a great seal, which enhances the ANC performance. This means minimal noise seeps in, and there’s virtually no sound leakage out at all. While it doesn’t deliver total silence, it’s impressively close. I couldn’t hear a kettle boiling a few feet away, the low rumble of transport, or even chatter at the table next to me while working in a café.

That said, certain louder or higher-pitched sounds can break through. A barking dog and a fire alarm, for example, were audible – but muffled. Overall, while the ANC isn’t eerily silent or perfect, it’s more than good enough for most users and handles everyday environments brilliantly.

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023)

(Image credit: Future)

The audio quality on the Bose QuietComfort headphones is crisp, rich, and strikes a pleasing balance across frequencies. Straight out of the box, without needing to adjust anything, the sound is warm and powerful, with bass that packs a punch and natural, clear mids and highs.

The overall sound profile leans towards a neutral presentation. Vocals and instruments feel natural and lifelike, while the bass has a satisfying depth without overpowering the other ranges. Highs are bright and detailed, and the lows are rich, but there’s a slight bias towards the low end. This means mids can occasionally feel a bit… squashed? somehow. Though it’s rarely noticeable, and the EQ options can easily smooth things out if needed.

Tracks like Childish Gambino’s Heartbeat really shine on these headphones. The powerful bass thumps beautifully while melodic vocals remain sharp and clear, demonstrating how well they handle dynamic tracks.

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Design

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023) review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Light at 240g
  • Folding design

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are incredibly comfortable, with an understated design. The plush memory foam earcups, wrapped in soft vegan leather, feel like pillows on either side of my head. The headband is equally well-padded, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort. The clamping force is just right, too – secure but never too tight – making these some of the most comfortable over-ears I’ve ever worn.

I don’t always get along with over-ear headphones (thanks to a cartilage piercing that often causes issues), but I had no trouble here. Whether I wore them for hours at my desk, on a long walk, or even during an easy jog, they stayed comfortable and didn’t irritate me. That said, while they’re excellent for everyday use, they’re not recommended for sports or workouts. There’s no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance, so they’re best kept away from heavy gym sessions or outdoor walks if it looks like it might rain.

The QuietComfort headphones come in a range of colors, including black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, and sandstone. They maintain the classic Bose design aesthetic and look very similar to their predecessors, the QuietComfort 45. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones are similar too, but this newer version does have a sleeker and more refined vibe.

Despite their premium feel, these headphones are impressively lightweight at just 240g. Combined with the comfort-focused design, they’re perfect for long listening sessions. The carrying case is equally well thought out. It’s a sturdy, hard-shell case with a zip, designed to fold up the headphones neatly inside. Unlike some over-complicated cases (looking at you, Apple AirPods Max), this one gets it just right. It’s compact, practical, and includes internal pockets for the charging and audio cables.

  • Design score: 5/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: value

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023) review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Everything you need, but…
  • Competition at the level is fierce
  • Ultras might make more sense

At first glance, the Bose QuietComfort headphones might seem pricey, but when you consider the overall experience they offer, we’d argue they do deliver good value – especially if noise cancellation and a travel-friendly design are two priorities for you. They’re an amazing choice for anyone seeking comfort, reliable ANC, and simplicity.

That said, it’s important to view them in today’s context. For those willing to pay more, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones might be a better long-term investment, offering improved sound quality and support for higher-resolution audio codecs.

It's also worth mentioning they don't represent the best choice if you already own the QuietComfort 45. Yes, they're better. But not by enough to justify the upgrade.

You can also find great ANC headphones at a lower price point these days. Plenty of mid-range options provide good noise cancellation for much less. While they may not tick every box – comfort, battery life, or sound quality – in the same way, alternatives are worth considering if budget is your main concern. For example, the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones are cheaper, offering significantly better battery life but lacking the plush comfort (or let's face it, the iconic look) of the Bose.

If you’re someone who loves the latest tech, these probably won’t win you over. However, for those who appreciate simple, understated excellence and aren’t fussed about cutting-edge features, these headphones will make you very happy.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones?

Buy them if…

You like simple things that work well
You'll find flashy, more feature-filled headphones. But if the idea of keeping up with the latest tech gives you a headache, these are reliable and fuss-free.

Comfort is a top priority
Incredibly light with some of the comfiest, memory foam earpads I've ever tested. If you have any sensory sensitivities or just really value comfort, you won't be disappointed here.

You travel a lot
With top ANC and a very light, folding and portable design with a solid carrying case, they're going to be among the headphones I'll instantly recommend for regular travellers.

Don’t buy them if…

You can afford the Ultras
I've mentioned them non-stop, but the Ultras are just a bit better. If you can afford them, they do make more sense for most people.

You prioritize longevity
The battery life here isn't bad, but compared to rivals, it can certainly be bettered. Some other headphones boast nearly twice as much playback time these days.

You have a Sony phone
In that case, we'd recommend the XM4s or XM5s from Sony instead, or even the mid-range Sony WH-CH720N headphones.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Also consider

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
The alternative pick that makes the most sense, yes they're pricier, but they're a step up from the QC headphones we've reviewing here in almost every way (except for battery). Take a look at our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones review.

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
Because the battery life of the whole QC range is a bit disappointing, these over-ears from Cambridge Audio are a rival pick focused on all-day (and then some) wear. Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review.

How I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones

Becca wearing the Bose QuietComfort headphones next to greenery

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for three weeks
  • Tested at home, walks along the beach, working in a café and a library and more

I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones for two weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies.

Throughout the testing period, I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth and MacBook Pro. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.

I listened at home whilst working, as well as in a café and a library. I took them on a bus and on several walks, along the beach and through the countryside.

I've been testing tech for more than 12 years now, including many pairs of headphones, as well as lifestyle and fitness products, like workout earbuds and fitness trackers.

  • First reviewed in February 2025.
Earfun Air 2 NC review: budget earbuds that impress with tailored ANC and sound, though their design lacks refinement
12:00 am | January 27, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Earfun Air 2 NC review: Two-minute review

The Earfun Air 2 NC endeavor to avoid the fate befalling far too many options in the budget audio tech space – being woefully disappointing in the sound department. Luckily, they manage to do just that, offering punchy bass, clean mids and controlled treble, as well as LDAC compatibility. Given their list price of $69 / £59 (about AU$110), that’s impressive.

Sure, the Earfun Air 2 NC won’t deliver audiophile-grade sound – I wasn’t wowed by supremely detailed, immersive audio or anything. But for what they are, the Earfun Air 2 NC perform very nicely, plating up well-weighted vocals and even solid sub-bass. You might get a bit of harshness at top volumes, but I personally never needed to listen quite so loudly.

Something that helps the Earfun Air 2 NC sound even better is an excellent EQ tab. Just hop into the Earfun Audio app and choose from a wide range of presets, including genre-specific ones. There’s also a custom option to use and an intriguing, yet perhaps unpolished personalized sound option, which is based on your own listening. Having tested many, I can confidently say that even some of the best wireless earbuds don’t offer quite as much scope for tailoring on this front.

Another area with impressive customization is active noise cancellation. You can switch between five noise cancelling modes, including ear-adaptive and wind resistance configurations. Given that you can also personalize touch controls here, you get plenty of ways to make these earbuds your own.

It’s not totally smooth sailing, however. There are a couple of small drawbacks to bear in mind, such as a disappointing spatial audio setting, called Theater Mode. Although this may expand the soundstage somewhat, overall audio quality takes quite the hit, making it a pretty redundant inclusion. They aren’t the prettiest on the market either and the stems may not be diminutive enough for anyone craving a more discreet look.

There are some neat design choices here, though, like IPX5 waterproofing, which will keep your buds protected against heavy rain or sweat for outdoor or intensive listening sessions. Battery-wise, they’re absolutely fine too. You get six hours with ANC on and nine with it turned off, but the charging case should give you enough juice to last a few days, even if you listen at fairly high volumes and with LDAC turned on.

So, given their low price, you get a lot out of the Earfun Air 2 NC. They’re not going to blow you away with next-level sound, battery life or looks, but they excel in all of the key areas. It’s pretty competitive in the budget wireless earbud department – there are some truly incredible alternatives out there, including the brilliant, albeit ANC-less, Sony WF-C510 or even the Earfun Air Pro 3 – regularly available at a discount. But, if you want a strong pair of wireless earbuds at an affordable price, I’d still happily recommend the Earfun Air 2 NC.

Earfun Air 2 NC in charging case against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun Air 2 NC review: price and release date

  • $69 / £59 (about AU$110)
  • Launched in 2024

The Earfun Air 2 NC were released in 2024 and initially had a slightly higher list price, which has since been reduced to $69 / £59 (about AU$110). However, you may be able to get these buds for even less. At the time of writing, I’ve spotted these going for just over the £40 mark on Amazon UK – that’s phenomenal value for money. If you’re not such a fan of the Black / Gray colorway shown in this review, you can alsograb the Earfun Air 2 NC in White.

Earfun Air 2 NC review: specs

Person picking up Earfun Air 2 NC bud out of charging case

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun Air 2 NC review: features

  • Effective, customizable ANC
  • Good EQ options
  • Solid battery life

The Earfun Air 2 NC boast a pretty impressive feature-set for a budget pair of earbuds. A lot of that comes courtesy of the Earfun Audio app, which opens you up to a whole host of options, including multi-point connectivity, EQ adjustment and much more.

Let’s start with EQ, which is a robust offering – something I’ve come to expect from testing other Earfun earbuds and speakers such as the Earfun UBoom X. There’s a custom option here, but you also get a lot of genre-specific EQ presets, such as Jazz and Hip Hop.

If you want, you can also use My Sound Profile, which allows you to create a personalized EQ calibration based on a series of listening tests. However, I found this didn’t work all too well and presented a fairly muted sound profile when in use. My Sound Profile is certainly a worthwhile feature in concept, with competitors like Anker nailing the similar HearID option on the Soundcore Space One Pro, for instance – I just wish the Air 2 NC delivered better results.

But there’s still a lot of juicy goodness to sink your teeth into with the Air 2 NC. For instance, the companion app allows you to customize noise cancellation for various settings. There are five different modes: Normal, Ambient Sound, Wind Noise Cancellation, Ear-Adaptive ANC and Noise Cancelling.

When testing each (both indoors and in outdoor environments as well as public transport), I found all of them to be effective, but I typically leaned towards using Ear-Adaptive ANC, which optimizes noise cancelling according to the shape of your ear canal. When using this mode, I couldn’t hear the sound of loud typing in the office and loud external noises, like the roar of a car’s engine, were aptly dulled. Are you going to get the stunning near-silence that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 can offer, for instance? No. But for what you pay, you’ll be impressed with how well the Air 2 NC quieten the outside world.

You also get pretty solid battery life here – nine hours with ANC off and six with it on. This will vary if you’re playing at higher volumes or using the LDAC audio codec, of course. The charging case should help you keep the buds juiced up for intermittent listening over a multi-day period too.

On top of that, the Air 2 NC have customizable touch controls. You can select from a range of commands, like volume up/down, play/pause, skip/replay, which can vary for the left and right bud – just choose whatever feels best for you.

There’s a lot more here too: a Find Headphones option, LDAC toggle (more on this later), Voice Prompt options (which lets you switch between English, Japanese or Mandarin cues) and a Game Mode, which is designed to reduce audio latency. All of this is welcome, although there was one option I found to be a bit sub-par: Theater Mode. Earfun claims that with Theater Mode on, you get a wider soundstage and more immersive sonic experience. Does it do that? Well, partially. But this comes at the expense of lower quality audio, which instantly renders it pointless in my view.

So, although Theater Mode and My Sound Profile are a little unrefined, you still get all the main features you’d want from budget ANC earbuds, plus a little more. Overall, you’re still getting a great user experience with the Earfun Audio app too, which is easy to use and well laid out. Positive stuff, all in all.

  • Features score: 4/5

Earfun Air 2 NC earbuds on surface

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun Air 2 NC review: sound quality

  • Punchy bass
  • Clear and rarely harsh all-round audio
  • LDAC compatibility

OK, good news, the Earfun Air 2 NC perform impressively in the audio quality department for their humble asking fee. Yes, the caveat remains: they sound surprisingly zealous, detailed and musical given their modest price tag. No, you’re not going to get premium sound from these buds, but you can certainly expect a solid sonic experience for the money.

When listening to Too Young to Die - Extended by Jamiroquai, the track’s bass was smooth, rich and clean, with brass instruments and vocals in the mid-range coming through without harshness or distortion at around 60-70% volume. Higher-pitched percussion was never tinny either and background vocals sounded well-weighted, making for a satisfying, enjoyable listen.

The Air 2 NC also have LDAC compatibility, which can be activated via the Earfun app. This comes at the expense of multi-point – which has to be switched off manually (but that's the case with much pricier buds we've tested, including the triple-device multipoint in the Technics EAH-AZ100). LDAC is a nice addition for those who want a more detailed listen and I kept it switched on when listening to tracks on Tidal, which are a lot less compressed than those lossy Spotify streams.

Still, I wasn’t always struck by the Air 2 NC’s ability to unveil the finer details. For instance, I tuned into the densely layered I Want You by Moloko and although the Air 2 NC excelled in delivering the track’s low-end punch, the breathiness of vocals and discreet instrumental details throughout were perhaps a little lacking. That’s fine for some more budget earbuds of course, but it’s worth flagging that LDAC doesn’t always equal incredibly detailed audio.

Again, overall quality is strong here. When listening to Magic by Yung Gravy, booming bass was impactful and deep without drowning out main or background vocals. You even get up-to-scratch sub bass, which can often be a problem for cheaper wireless earbuds. I did notice a touch of sibilance from vocals when I cranked volume up to 100%, but I never really needed to listen quite that loudly.

Thanks to the extensive list of EQ presets here, you can easily tailor sound to your liking on the Earfun Air 2 NC. Will that mean you get that perfectly detailed listen audiophiles go mad for? No – but you’ll still get great audio quality for the price you pay.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Earfun Air 2 NC and charging case on surface against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun Air 2 NC review: design

  • Long stems on earbuds not for everyone
  • Fairly plasticky build
  • IPX5 water resistant

Onto perhaps a more controversial aspect of the Earfun Air 2 NC: their design. The earbuds have a curved design with long stems. These stems are handy for swiftly removing the buds from your ear, but they’re not the most beautiful looking. If you’re someone who prefers a more discreet look, you may also find the Air 2 NC’s earpieces a little oversized.

You can get these buds in either a white or black colorway – I tested the latter. This looked fine enough, but part of each bud has a gray coating with the Earfun logo, which isn’t particularly easy on the eye. The case, meanwhile, comes in a neat Black color with a USB-C port and an LED light to display whether it's charging – no complaints here.

In terms of build quality, you’re not going to get the most premium pair of earbuds ever. The Air 2 NC do perhaps feel a little plasticky, but that’s to be expected at this price point. In the ear, however, they are comfortable and I didn’t feel the need to take them out, even after multiple hours of listening.

They may not have the most high-durability construction, then, but they are fairly well protected against the elements. That’s because the Air 2 NC are IPX5 waterproof rated, meaning they can withstand water projected by a nozzle. That means if you’re listening in the rain or working out, you won’t have to worry about moisture damaging your buds.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Earfun Air 2 NC and charging case on surface against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun Air 2 NC review: value

  • Great audio for the cost
  • Great customizable ANC and comfortable in-ear fit
  • Sometimes even cheaper thanks to sales

One of the big draws of the Earfun Air 2 NC is their excellent low price. They have a list price of $69 / £59 (about AU$110), but I’ve already spotted them on sale with some retailers. Considering that you get impressive audio and a decent suite of features, you’re looking at brilliant value.

As the years go by, its becoming more common to get ANC at a budget price, but still, you get very customizable noise cancelling here, including ear-adaptive and wind-resistant options. OK, battery life is by no means exceptional, but it's not too bad – the same goes for design and build quality. But these are subordinate to the crucial areas of sound quality and in-ear comfort.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Person holding Earfun Air 2 NC charging case

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Earfun Air 2 NC?

Buy them if...

You want customizable ANC
If you’re looking for active noise cancellation but don’t want to splash too much cash, the Earfun Air 2 NC are a worthy option. There are a ton of different noise cancelling modes to play around with here, including Wind noise reduction and ear-adaptive ANC – even some more expensive rivals don’t offer this level of customization.

You’re on a fairly tight budget
If you’re looking for some highly competent wireless earbuds but don’t have a blank check, the Earfun Air 2 NC are worth keeping in mind. At $69 / £59, you’re getting solid audio quality and ANC as well as a comfortable fit and commendable feature-set – at this price, you can’t ask for a whole lot more.

Don't buy them if...

You want premium audio quality
If you’re on the hunt for super-detailed, ultra-immersive and perfectly balanced audio, the Earfun Air 2 NC may not be for you. Quality here is by no means bad, but it’s not premium. If you have a bit more cash to play with, an excellent-sounding wireless option would be the Technics EAH-AZ100.

You’re looking for a discreet look
Each earbud here has a long stem, which may be to your liking if you want a more ‘pinchable’ design. But if you’re on the hunt for a more low-key pair of earbuds, this might be a little overbearing. Some excellent, small earbuds that I loved in 2024 were the LG Tone Free T90S, if that’s more your style.

Earfun Air 2 NC: also consider

JLab Go Pop ANC
If you’re looking for the ultimate, super-cheap pair of wireless earbuds, you’ll struggle to find better than the JLab Go Pop ANC. For less than $30 / £30, you get decent ANC, solid overall audio and companion app compatibility. If you’re looking for all the essentials at an incredible price point, this is an option well-worth considering. Read our full JLab Go Pop ANC review.

Sony WF-C700N
We still consider the Sony WF-C700N to be some of the best cheaper noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy. They offer detailed, immersive audio, an incredibly comfortable fit and a fantastic companion app to boot. Don’t be put off by their list price too, they’re often available for less than $100 / £70. Read our full Sony WF-C700N review.

Earfun Air 2 NC review: how I tested

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Used in the office and while on walks
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I tested the Earfun Air 2 NC over the course of two weeks, listening with them for hours during each working day. I used them at the office, while at home and when on walks to assess the quality of ANC across multiple environments.

For the most part, I tested these wireless buds using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but I did also try using them with both Spotify and YouTube. When listening to music, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres but I also tuned in to hours worth of tunes from my personal library.

Where appropriate, I compared these to my Sony WF-C700N earbuds on metrics such as comfort, audio quality, ANC capabilities and features.

  • First reviewed: January 2025
  • Read more about how we test
Noble FoKus Rex5 review: well-built true wireless earbuds that err on the expensive and make you think – ‘when is green too green?’
2:00 pm | January 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Noble FoKus Rex5: Two-minute review

Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds and travel case on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

The Noble FoKus Rex5 true wireless in-ear is the latest model with which the company intends to disrupt a market that’s already full to bursting. From its base in Texas, North America, Noble has been turning out singular, and singularly expensive, headphones for a little over a decade now and the Rex5 are no exception.

There are notable points of difference here, mind you. The Rex5 are exhaustively specified, with five drivers per earbud, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and LDAC codec compatibility, and a single option where finish is concerned that’s as green as a very green thing. Oh, and relatively speaking they cost an arm and a leg.

The Rex5 are a strong performer, though, no two ways about it. The sound they produce is open and unified, rigorously defined, rapid and detailed. Other earbuds offer a bit more low-end heft, it’s true, but very very few have the sort of powers of resolution and insight that are on offer here.

Whether that’s enough to justify either the asking price or a place in the best wireless earbuds, though, especially when you add in ANC and battery life that is really nothing remarkable, is a different question…

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Price and release date

Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Released in November 2024
  • Costs $449 / £419 / AU$699

You have been able to buy the Noble FoKus Rex5 for $449 / £419 / AU$699 since November 2024, which puts them right at the top end of price point for true wireless earbuds.

For that price, you're looking for best-in-class performance almost across the board, something along the lines of the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, both of which are cheaper than the Rex5.

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Specs

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Features

Noble FoKus control app showing listening test software

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • 10mm dynamic, 6mm planar magnetic, 3 x balanced armature per earbud
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and LDAC compatibility
  • Multipoint connectivity

There is one minor exception, but in the broadest terms the Noble FoKus Rex5 have the sort of feature set that an asking price this lofty demands. There’s really no arguing with the lengths Noble has gone to here.

Take, for example, wireless connectivity. The Rex5 use top-of-the-shop Bluetooth 5.4 and are compatible with both aptX Adaptive and LDAC codecs – so lossy hi-res content is on the wireless menu. Multipoint connectivity is available, too, so the earbuds can connect to a couple of sources simultaneously and switch seamlessly between them.

And when the audio information is on board, it is served up by no fewer than five drivers per earbud. Three balanced armatures, a 6mm planar magnetic and a 10mm dynamic free-edge driver contribute to produce a claimed frequency response of 20Hz - 40kHz.

Control is available using responsive and accurate capacitive touch controls on the top surface of each earbud, and the feed-forward/feed-back twin mic array of each earbud allows interaction with your source player’s native voice assistant. The mics also take care of active noise-cancellation, of course, which is a three-position system (‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘ambient’).

Noble FoKus control app displaying three screens of equalizer presets

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

You’ve also the option of the Noble FoKus control app that’s available for iOS and Android. There are only the most basic playback controls available (play/pause and skip forwards/backwards) but it lets you scroll through your ANC options, investigate some EQ presets as well as define some of your own, rearrange some of the functions of the touch controls, and check on battery life.

The app also includes a listening/hearing test courtesy of Audiodo, and thanks to the onboard QCC3091 chip, the earbuds can remember your hearing profile without needing the app to be open.

Battery life, then, is the only area in which the FoKus Rex5 looking anything less than profoundly impressive. With ANC switched off, the earbuds are good for seven hours or so of playback, which ain’t bad – switch ANC on and that number drops to more like five hours, which is so-so at best. There’s plenty of back-up in the charging case, though – as many as seven full charges are available, which is well above the market average.

Charging takes place using the case’s USB-C slot, and the Noble are compatible with Qi-certified charging pads, too. Some 15 minutes on the power via USB-C should be good for two hours or so of playback, should the worst happen.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Design

The ear-tips of the Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Aluminium/acrylic construction
  • 9.6g (earbud); 31.5g (charging case)
  • 10 pairs of ear-tips

The earbuds, at 9.6g, are among the heavier around. The charging case is a bit of a biffer, and certainly not a candidate for the pocket of your favorite pair of skinny jeans. But the carefully ergonomic shape of the earbuds, along with a selection of 10 ear-tips of various sizes and materials, mean it’s not especially tricky to get a snug and secure fit that will stay comfortable for a good while. That’s always assuming your ears aren’t especially petite, though – these are relatively large earbuds and will prove an earful even for those of us with ‘ordinary’ ears.

‘Green’ is as good a word as any to describe the finish of the FoKus Rex5 – ‘emerald green’ if you’re after specifics. The earbuds are fashioned from aluminium and feature an acrylic top-plate with the company logo, which also appears at the end of the spout where the ear-tips fit, as well as on the lid of the charging case. The case is almost entirely of aluminium – there’s a little plastic patch on the bottom to facilitate wireless charging.

Build quality, it almost goes without saying, is basically impeccable – the Noble package feels expertly constructed and built to last. Whether or not you find the aesthetic appealing is entirely up to you. I can only assure you that no corners seem to have been cut where design, construction and finish are concerned.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Sound quality

Inners of the Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Rapid, maneuverable and luxuriously detailed sound
  • Seemingly limitless dynamic headroom
  • Lack of low-end body won’t suit every listener

Words like ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’ get bandied around quite a lot when it comes to audio products. Generally I try to avoid them, because both things (which are similar but not the same) are bloody difficult for audio equipment to achieve no matter how expensive it might be. In the case of the Noble FoKus Rex5, though, I’ll be using both and will be doing so unapologetically.

A five-driver arrangement is, of course, tricky to implement and can sometimes end up constituting too much of a good thing. So right from the off, Noble is to be congratulated for the balanced and coherent way the Rex5 perform. They sound unified from the top of the frequency range to the bottom, and their tonality is consistent throughout too. When you consider the number of individual elements that are responsible for this, it’s by no means a given.

What’s almost as quickly striking is the amount of detail the Rex5 can identify, reveal and contextualize in a recording. This is true no matter if they’re playing a 247kbps MP3 of Eartheater’s How to Fight via SBC, a 24bit/192kHz file of The Velvet Underground’s Femme Fatale being compressed by the AAC codec or Desire by Talk Talk as a 2.8MHz DSD file delivered via LDAC. No matter how fleeting, how subtle, how deep in the mix it might be, if it’s there the Noble earbuds pounce on it with something approaching fanaticism. It follows that even the most compressed digital audio files sound complete, and the higher-resolution stuff enjoys the sort of accuracy that eludes the vast majority of alternative designs.

The Rex5 combine substance and attack at the top of the frequency range, giving treble sounds sufficient body to balance against their brilliance. The midrange is similarly accomplished, with the sort of positivity and directness when dealing with vocalists that leaves you in no doubt as to their attitude or intentions. And the size and definition of the soundstage the Noble create gives everyone involved in a recording all the space they need in which to properly express themselves. The stage is defined with real precision, and is easy to follow as a result, even if it’s packed to capacity with contributors.

Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds inside their carry case

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Dynamic headroom where the broad ‘quiet/LOUD!’ elements of a recording are concerned is approaching ‘unlimited’, so the Rex5 can make the differences in volume and intensity many recordings like to indulge in absolutely obvious. And the bigger the dynamic shifts (Mogwai and Shostakovic, I’m looking at you in particular), the deeper the Noble breath and the greater the gap between them that they describe.

Ultimately, only the way the Rex5 handle the lower frequencies is likely to prove problematic for some listeners. Tonally, bass sounds are of a piece with everything that’s going on above them, and they’re given a similar sort of emphasis to the rest of the frequency range, too. But there’s not a lot of meat on these low-end bones – if true wireless earbuds were boxers, then the Noble FoKus Rex5 are flyweights in a world of heavyweights. The low frequencies they generate hit respectably hard, and are just as loaded with information regarding tone and texture as the rest of the frequency range. But the trade-off for the straight-edge precision of their control, and the maneuverability and rhythmic positivity that comes as a result, is a relative lack of heft that some listeners are going to confuse with a lack of bass. And sometimes, perception is everything.

Active noise-cancellation is in the ‘good’ rather than the ‘great’ camp but then that’s true of almost every pair of true wireless in-ears that isn’t designed and built by Bose. Wind-noise can be more of an issue than it really should be, too. But call-quality is well up to standard (as long as you’re not somewhere especially windy while you’re attempting to make or receive a call).

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Value

Noble FoKus Rex 5 earbuds on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Thrillingly complete sound quality
  • Humdrum earbud battery life
  • Expensive and then some

Part of the value of the Noble FoKus Rex5 – or their perceived value, at least – lies in their rarity. Apple earbuds, Bose earbuds, Sony earbuds... they’re everywhere, aren’t they? If you want to tread the road less traveled, a pair of Rex5 will certainly help you stand out.

Of course, there are also solid and tangible areas in which the Noble represent great value. The quality of their construction and finish is, to all intents and purposes, impeccable. They use premium materials at every point. They’re lavishly specified, have a number of very well-implemented control options, and have so many plus-points to the way they sound that I don’t have space to revisit them here.

There’s an elephant in the room, though, and it’s wearing a $449 / £419 / AU$699 price tag. When audio editor Becky Scarrott reviewed the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 for this website in September 2024, she loved them despite feeling compelled to observe “they’re not cheap”. Well, suddenly the $399 / £349 / AU$599 they cost at the time seems like a bit of a bargain, doesn’t it?

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Noble FoKus Rex5?

Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds case on a metallic surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Buy them if…

You like nice things
Between the choice of materials, the quality of construction and the standard of finish, the Rex5 are a lovely thing to own.

You admire thorough specification
These Noble earbuds walk it like they talk it – a total of 10 drivers along with premium wireless connectivity makes them a serious proposition.

You value speedy and insightful sound
These are by no means the Rex5’s only talents, but when it comes to both ‘speed’ and ‘insight’ they’re among the very best true wireless in-ears around.

Don’t buy them if…

You don’t much like the colour green
Look elsewhere – the Noble FoKus Rex5 are quite assertively green, and that’s your only option when it comes to finish.

Your ears are on the small side
In absolute terms these are quite large earbuds and it’s likely they’ll be a bit much for any ear significantly smaller than ‘average’.

You want bass and plenty of it
There’s a case to be made for the accuracy of the low-frequency activity the Rex5 produce, but that isn’t going to mollify the bass-heads among us.

Noble FoKus Rex5 review: Also consider

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
I’ve invoked the Pi8 already in the course of this review, and here I go again. They’re made to look a little bit dowdy by the FoKus Rex5, but they most certainly have it where it counts. And now they’re just a touch more affordable than when they first launched, they’re even more compelling.

See our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review

How I tested the Noble FoKus Rex5

  • With an Apple iPhone 14 Pro, an Apple MacBook Pro and a FiiO M15S
  • With a variety of music stored in a variety of file types and resolutions
  • Using a number of different Bluetooth codecs

From 5644kbps DSD content via LDAC to 256kbps MP3 via SBC, I listened to as many different standards and types of digital audio content as possible during the course of the week or so I spent with the Rex5 in my ears.

I used a few different sources, too, and from the home office to the South Downs nearby I made sure to listen in a variety of environments. And of course I listened to as many different types of music as I can stomach – I have to draw the line somewhere, though, and so I naturally gave things like ‘barbershop’ the swerve…

  • First reviewed in January 2025
Sony MDR-EX15AP review: left your Bluetooth headphones at home? These wired earbuds will get the job done
5:30 pm | January 19, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Sony MDR-EX15AP review

The Sony MDR-EX15AP are an extremely cheap pair of wired earbuds – the type that you’d pick up at the airport after forgetting your pesky Bluetooth ones for your flight (or leaving them at home, on charge). They have a list price of just $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95 – but are often available for even less. So, I think it’s fair to say you can’t expect phenomenal audio, noise isolation or build quality from the Sony MDR-EX15AP. But what you would hope for is clean sound, a comfortable fit and an attractive design – which for the most part, you get here.

Let’s start where it matters most, audio quality. A lot of ultra-cheap earbuds are guilty of supplying tinny, often grating or even muffled sound, but luckily the Sony MDR-EX15AP didn’t burden me with such issues. For the majority of the time, audio was fairly clean and didn’t come through sounding distorted or harsh. This wasn’t necessarily the case at top volumes, where things could admittedly get a little edgy, but I rarely felt the need to crank things up towards 100%.

Does that mean you get impressive audio, though? Not exactly. The soundstage can get a little cluttered when listening with the Sony MDR-EX15AP. For instance, I tuned in to Summer Soul by Cero and found that vocals lacked prominence and would sometimes have to wrestle with other sounds in the mid-range for my attention – an issue that you won’t encounter with some of the best wired earbuds.

Similarly when listening to Komm, Susser Todd by Arianne, sound could get bloated during climactic sections of the song, in part down to imperfect instrument separation. For example, the plodding bassline got a little muddied with main and backing vocals towards the end of the track and rhythmic claps didn’t have that crisp snap that more premium buds can supply.

So, again, the audiophiles among you may well find fault in the audio department here, but it’s very rare to get a nuanced listen out of earbuds this cheap. And in terms of the basics, these wired earbuds perform decently anyway. For example, when listening to Relentless by Grant Nelson, higher-pitched percussion elements were pretty well behaved – I didn’t get that grating, harsh effect until going towards the top end of the volume scale. In I Want You by Moloko, I also found the bass to be pleasingly warm and relatively impactful, even if the buds struggled to uncover the complexities of the layered synths, vocals, percussion (and more) to my ears.

So sound is pretty average overall and, for this price, that suits me just fine. But what of the noise isolation? Now I have to say, this actually surprised me a fair bit because the Sony MDR-EX15AP actually blockade external noise pretty effectively. Are these going to offer the isolation you’d get from some of the best wireless earbuds with ANC? No. But the gel eartips (there are small, medium, and large sizes included) create a pretty firm seal, which ensured that colleagues nattering, the sound of typing and the whirr of an air purifier were all considerably dulled.

Another department that impressed me was the EX15AP’s appearance. I’m a big fan of the glossy finish applied to the buds themselves and the multi-toned blue colorway that I tested out looked very elegant indeed. You can also get these buds in Black, Pink or White, so there’s an option for everyone. Build quality is perhaps not the strongest though; I found the wire to be fairly flimsy and a bit cheap looking, but that didn’t take away from the elegance of the buds all too much.

Something that I wasn’t massively keen on, however, was the EX15AP’s remote and mic. This is the only thing that separates this model from the slightly cheaper Sony MDR-EX15LP, but it’s not amazing. First of all, the controller only has a play/pause button, no volume controls. That means you’ll have to reach into your pocket to adjust volume on your source device, which is annoying if you’re out on a walk or run, for instance. The mic isn’t good either – when taking a voice recording there was an almost underwater sound to my voice, rendering the inbuilt controller pretty lackluster overall.

One more design issue is that these buds don’t have a waterproof rating. A lot of the more recent models to come to the market have an IPX4 or higher rating, meaning they’re resistant to sweat and rain – handy for outdoor listening. But you don’t get any pledges on resistance to elements here, so if you’re searching for some rough and ready buds for all environments, you’ll have to look further.

So, overall the Sony MDR-EX15AP are a decent pair of earbuds, that offer adequate, albeit unremarkable audio, a pleasing design and impressive noise isolation. There’s nothing particularly standout other than their exceptionally low price, but there doesn’t have to be. If you just need a backup pair of wired buds or need a quick solution for keeping the tunes flowing for your travels, you could certainly do worse.

If you have a little more cash to play with and a device with USB-C, I’d instead opt for the SoundMagic E80D, which are still, in my view, some of the best cheaper wired buds on the market. Apple device users might prefer the Apple Earpods USB-C, Lightning or 3.5mm variant too – but these popular Sony buds are still worth considering for those on a slightly tighter budget.

Sony MDR-EX15AP rolled up on stone surface

(Image credit: Future)

Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Price and release date

  • List price of $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95
  • Often available for a fair bit less, though
  • Launched in 2014

Sony doesn’t always like to make it easy with product names and the Sony MDR-EX15AP as a moniker is no exception. This model is essentially the same as the Sony MDR-EX15LP; it just adds a microphone into the mix. For that privilege, you have to pay a bit more: the EX15AP carry a list price of $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95.

Of course, they are still very much on the ultra-cheap side of the price spectrum, especially from a trusted name is audio. However, you can often find them for even less. They are often available for less than $10 / £8 on Amazon US and UK respectively, so they’re ideal for a small gift or if you need a cheap option after forgetting your wireless earbuds for a flight, for instance.

Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Specs

Earbud and microphone of Sony MDR-EX15AP on block

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Sony MDR-EX15AP?

Buy them if...

You need a quick audio solution
If you’re set to travel and need some budget buds for a flight or train journey, these will almost certainly get the job done. Audio quality isn’t amazing, but it’s not usually grating or anything, making these a solid solution if you’re on the go and want to listen to your favorite tracks or podcasts.

You want some incredibly cheap buds
The big draw of the Sony MDR-EX15AP is their ultra-low price. If you’re not too fussed about mic quality issues and middling audio quality, you’ll likely be satisfied with these.

Don't buy them if...

You’re an audiophile
If you’re more picky about audio, you will find these Sony buds underwhelming. Sure, for the price you pay, you’re not going to expect wonders from them. But if you spend a little more on the SoundMagic E11C (see ‘Also Consider’) you can seriously level-up your wired listening experiences.

You want buds for workouts
These buds don’t have a waterproof rating, so if you’re going to be sweating away or running in the rain, they may accrue damage. There are plenty of cheap options on the market with an IPX4 rating or above, so make sure to shop around.

Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Also consider

SoundMagic E11C
OK, so you might not quite get premium audio here, but the SoundMagic E11C will offer a strong step-up quality wise if that’s what you’re after. With an elegant design, good noise isolation and a temptingly low price, you can’t go wrong with these. Read our full SoundMagic E11C review.

Skullcandy Set USB-C
Most modern handsets only have a USB-C port and although there are some exceptions – like the Motorola Moto G55 5G – that means you’ll have to use an adapter for these. So, why not opt for a budget pair of USB-C earbuds instead? The Skullcandy Set USB-C offer a beautiful, sleek design, attractive colour options and solid all-round audio, all at a budget price. They’re also water and sweat resistant thanks to their IPX4 rating. Read our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review.

Sony MDR-EX15AP review: How I tested

Sony MDR-EX15AP earbud on block

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for two weeks
  • Used in the office and while outdoors
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S

I put the Sony MDR-EX15AP to the test over the course of two weeks. I usually listened to music with them via Tidal on my Windows laptop, but I also tried them out using Spotify on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. I trialled the EX15AP in the office, at home and while walking near busy roads to judge noise-isolation capabilities.

After first plugging these buds in, I made sure to run through tracks in the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains songs from a variety of genres – though I also spent hours tuning into songs from my personal library.

  • First reviewed: January 2025
  • Read more about how we test
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: great sounding earbuds with a classy build, but too few features to trounce rivals at the level
7:00 pm | January 12, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Two-minute review

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are a more 'budget' alternative to B&W’s big flagship pair for 2024, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8. I put budget in quotation marks, because despite undercutting their siblings, the Pi6 are still a premium pair of buds in their own right when you consider that rivals come in at almost half the price – and some of those offer hearing tests, proprietary spatial audio solutions and personalised sound profiles.

Bowers & Wilkins is a name revered for top-tier audio, even if you’re getting the company's ‘budget’ option, and that’s emphatically the case with the Pi6. As soon as you start listening to them you’ll be serenaded with a detailed soundstage, a zealous sound and smart ANC that’ll strip away any distractions.

If you're all about audio and can't quite stretch to the premium B&W Pi8, these earbuds are still a viable option. But to start with the sound quality might be getting ahead of ourselves, because you certainly won’t start there – like me, you’ll probably begin by hitting your shins on the harsh edges that B&W has left about the place. These buds have a surprising number of cut corners for earbuds that cost this much.

Sadly, I found pairing with the Pi6 a torturous and ongoing process. I realise it's one person's experience, but nonetheless I reviewed over 30 pairs of wireless headphones and earbuds last year and I'm not slouch on this. It was difficult. For me, the initial set-up was a time-consuming struggle, which I went through on multiple devices to check whether it was just my phone being problematic. And sadly, the connection wasn’t 100% reliable even once the buds were paired, because Bower & Wilkins’ app would reliably fail to recognize the buds if I put them in my ears once the app was already open.

The app doesn’t offer any scope for Spatial Audio or otoacoustic hearing profile curation, which is fair enough, but there are one or two standard quality-of-life perks missing, such as ‘find my headphones’.

Fortunately, the Pi6 are nice and light to wear, making them comfortable to wear and reliable to place in your ear. Honestly, the great audio quality here could very well offset the omission of a few personalisation perks and my connectivity issues, and this review was initially meant to have a 4.5-star score. However, near the end of the testing I was having trouble getting the Pi6 to work before leaving home, once again, and so despite the fact I was meant to be testing the Pi6 I had to leave the house with another pair of buds. And if I choose not to use the Pi6, despite the great-sounding audio, then it makes it hard to wholeheartedly recommend them to someone else.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Price and release date

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in September 2024, after Pi8
  • Costs $199 / £219 / AU$449

You can buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 for $199 / £219 / AU$449, so they’re mid-range buds that act as cheaper – though not ‘cheap’ – alternatives to the Pi8.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 sell for $399 / £349 / AU$599, which is a big step up, and so people who don’t need the very best and want to save a few pennies will find it a tempting option, and they are absolutely worthy of consideration.

Both earbuds were announced at the same time in August 2024. The Pi8 were put on sale straight away while the Pi6 were released in September.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Specs

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Features

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)
  • App doesn't offer the plethora of features others can
  • Persistent connectivity issues
  • Quoted battery life is 8 hours, but didn't reach that

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 easily takes a top-three spot in my all-time ranking of the most troublesome earbuds to pair with.

Devices just refused to recognize the Pi6. That’s plural devices – I tried to connect to a smartphone, a laptop and an iPad during testing. On all occasions, the device stalwartly refused to ‘see’ the buds via Bluetooth, and I’d have to keep turning Bluetooth on and off before the planets aligned and the device found the Pi6. Mercury must have been in retrograde or something when I was trying to connect the buds to my iPad, because I simply never managed it – not once.

When I first paired the Pi6 to my smartphone, the right bud wouldn’t work, a process which was only fixed when I went through the entire process all over again and re-paired them to my mobile. And when it did work, the connection wasn’t always reliable, with the app not always recognizing the buds and the left earbud continuing to give up the ghost from time to time. Again, it's important to note this is my personal experience (and it's very different to the one Becky Scarrott had when testing the flagship Pi8) but still, it's valid: I'm a regular TechRadar audio tester and in this particular area, the B&W Pi6 were unusually troublesome.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)

Another weak link is the battery life. Bowers & Wilkins quotes the Pi6 as having an 8-hour battery life but from my testing, it fell an hour or so short each time. Seven hours is still just above average, but the case was the real issue. The charging case is meant to provide 24 hours of listening time but I found that the power on this would be much less than that.

I’d sometimes put the earbuds in after a few days of not using them, to find that the battery had fully drained, even if it was powered up before. I’d need to charge the buds back up again before using them.

There’s a smartphone app to provide some extra controls over the buds. However, this was chock-full of adverts for things like streaming service free trials and podcasts that B&W sponsors, and so the actual features feel somewhat hidden. You can turn on ANC or ANC pass-through, play with a simple equalizer (you can increase or decrease treble or bass), turn off or on the wearer detection and customize the touch controls.

Most of these are listed under the ‘Discover More’ section of the app’s home page, as though they’re optional extras instead of the main reason you’d download said app. That’s only if you have the buds paired though and remember, several times in my testing the app wouldn’t recognize that the buds were connected.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Design

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)
  • Premium-feel, compact case
  • Handy touch controls
  • Four color options to pick from

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 come in a small pebble-like charging case. It measures 6.5 x 2.9 x 5.2 cm and weighs 46g so it’s nice and small. I had no issue popping it in a trouser pocket and forgetting about it for a day. The case doesn’t seem to have an IP rating.

The buds themselves are fairly light in weight, tipping the scales at 7g each. I found the fit to be comfortable and reliable, staying in my ears during a gym session amongst other activities, but several different ear tip sizes come in the box with the Pi6.

Each bud has a sensor on the top plate that you can use to control your music. Using these took a little bit of getting used-to (to figure out where to tap and how firm to be) but after a while it became a convenient way to handle the playback of my music. Using the app you can choose for the hold options to be to change the volume, or to handle ANC and summon your voice assistant.

You can pick up the buds in four colors. I used Cloud Gray but there’s also Glacier Blue (pale blue), Storm Gray (black) and Forest Green (olive).

I mentioned that the case doesn’t have an IP rating, but the buds do: they’re certified at IP54, which is a good dust-resistant and water-resistant rating – but I hope it goes without saying that you shouldn’t submerge them in water.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Sound quality

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 in a man's ear.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 12mm driver, but misses the Pi8's custom one
  • Hearty bass and mid, treble falls a little short
  • Support for a range of codecs

Bowers and Wilkins has managed to get a 12mm dynamic driver into each of the Pi6 buds, and they support SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Classic codecs.

The Pi6 sound great for their price, which is just as well given the lack of a hugely meaningful equalizer to let you fix any issues. I really enjoyed listening to music with them, when the buds worked.

The buds took a zealous approach to my music, with a meaty but not overwhelming bass and full-bodied mids, and a detailed soundstage helps you appreciate these elements. For certain kinds of music, the Pi6 were some of the best buds I’ve tested in some time.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)

If there’s an Achilles’ Heel, it’s the treble, which I found to lack an extra ounce of sparkle as well as prevalence in the mix. I found myself wishing female vocals and harmonising instruments were a little more prominent, and even maxing out the treble in the equalizer only went so far towards fixing the issue.

At least for the music I listen to, however, the treble was never a huge issue, but it’s something worth flagging to prospective buyers. A few features are missing in the Pi6 that show up in the Pi8, including aptX Lossless support, an advanced DAC and bespoke drivers, but those are pretty niche features that only certain audiophile-grade fans will really need.

  • Sound quality: 4.5/5

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Value

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)
  • Don't offer fantastic value for money
  • Hunt around for sales to save

The B&W Pi6 have great audio for the price and a nice light case design, but the value proposition is knocked by the limited feature set.

I’ve tested plenty of earbuds that cost a third of the price of the Pi6 and have more impressive feature sets, more detailed equalizers and apps that don’t attack you with advertising for music services, playlists or podcasts.

You’re paying a fairly high price for the audio tech here and even non-audiophiles will enjoy the sound quality. But you can definitely find earbuds that sound almost as good for around $120 / £120 / AU$300 if you shop around. You can even find the Pi6 for a lot less in sales, despite writing this review only a few months after their release, so shop around.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6?

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)

Buy them if…

You're on a middling budget
If you're okay with spending a fair amount of money, but not loads of it, then the Pi6 might be the nice middle ground you need instead of going for expensive buds.

You need a slender carry case
Some wireless earbuds come with charging cases that you need to clear by customs, they're so big; if you want something nice and easy to tote about, then the Pi6 will be great for you.

Don’t buy them if…

You like customizing your audio
You can tweak bass and audio by a little bit, but even cheap earbuds have much more detailed equalizers (or preset options) than the Pi6 does..

You're a technophobe
If you struggle with any techy issues, the constant pairing problems of the Pi6 may well cause you to lose all your hair.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: Also consider

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Not an imaginative comparison, but this is the Pi6's big sibling. A higher price tag gets you better audio, some extra features and the flagship driver, but (mostly) the same design.

See our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review

Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's recent top-end earbuds cost similar amounts to the Pi6. They get you great audio, comfortable fits and a much better selection of Sony features to enjoy.

See our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

How I tested the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6

  • Tested for over three weeks
  • Tested at home, in the office and at the gym

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 on a sofa arm

(Image credit: Future)

I tested the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 (when they weren't testing me...) for roughly three weeks, due to the testing period falling over the Christmas break.

I've detailed lots of my testing process above; I used them alongside my phone, an iPad and a laptop, in a range of environments including my home, the office, public transport and the gym. I streamed music, played games and watched some TV too.

I've been testing gadgets for TechRadar for almost six years now, and in that time have tested a huge range of headphones and earbuds, so I'm used to troubleshooting and fixing faulty tech.

  • First reviewed in January 2025
Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones review: impressive and affordable audiophile IEMs
6:00 pm | January 11, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Activo Q1: two-minute review

Activo Q1 with case, eartips and buds

The Q1 are made to match the Activo P1 player, but you don't need Activo kit to enjoy them. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo is the lifestyle sub-brand of audiophile digital audio player specialist, Astell & Kern, delivering high quality hardware for considerably less cash than its parent company. These earbuds are a collaboration with Singaporean IEM firm DITA Audio who, like Astell & Kern, typically focuses on the more affluent audiophile. Are the Q1 set to feature in our best wired earbuds buying guide? It's highly likely.

I tested Activo's debut Activo P1 hi-res audio player last year and found it to be very enjoyable, and as you can see from the colour-matched design the new Q1 hybrid IEMs are clearly intended to be paired with it – although with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm standard connectors included in the package they're compatible with a wide range of the best MP3 players and other music-serving sources.

The Q1 are hybrid IEMs with a Knowles balanced armature and a version of DITA Audio's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver, which is highly regarded for its neutral, transparent sound. The PM1+ driver used in the Q1 has extra windings on the voice coil and uses brass instead of the usual stainless steel housing too. Which sounds good on paper – and it is in the listening too.

The sales pitch here is that these are affordable IEMs for audiophiles on the go, and they're a fraction of the price you'd pay for Astell & Kern-branded headphones. They deliver a very clear and entertaining sound, but if you like heavy bass you may need to adjust your device's EQ to push them just a fraction harder.

Activo Q1 buds close up

The Q1s come with a protective case, five pairs of eartips and two connectors. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo Q1 review: price and release date

  • $349 / £299 / about AU$600
  • Launched in December 2024

The Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones were launched in December 2024 with a recommended retail price of $349 / £299 / about AU$600.

Although that makes them cheaper than Astell & Kern's typical IEMs, it's hardly cheap when you consider that our current top pick for wired earbuds, the 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones, launched at $100 / £70 / AU$150 and can now be found for a little less. And even our 'best step-up' option from those, the Sennheiser IE200, will only set you back around $149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95.

Then again, higher-end options such as the fantastic FiiO FH19 cost $599 / £549 / AU$999 and, as any audiophile knows, these types of headphones can stretch into the thousands. It's all about sound-per-pound value isn't it? And here, I think the Q1 have a lot going for them.

Activo Q1 review: design and features

  • DITA PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature
  • 32-strand MOCCA 2 cable from Cardas
  • 3.5mm standard and 4.4mm balanced connectors

The Activo Q1 resemble professional musicians' IEMs with their mix of white powder-coated centres and transparent resin outers, and their color scheme matches the Activo P1 digital music player. They come with an Activo + DITA-branded mini Tanos Systainer protective case and five sizes of Type-E eartips in a Final Audio case.

The Q1 are built around a modified version of DITA's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver. Here, it's housed in a brass casing and teamed up with a Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver first appeared in DITA's Project M IEMs, and according to Activo the modified version here delivers a "hint of romance and sweetness on the foundation of the Project M's sound" – in other words, a slightly warmer and more resonant tone.

The nozzles are PVD stainless steel and the supplied eartips should cover most ear sizes. The tips are a very tight fit; fiddly to put on, but firmly fixed once installed. I lucked out with my first choice of size, easily achieving a good seal without any adjustment. The Q1 also fit very snugly and are well balanced. You never feel as if you've got large lumps stuck in your ears, even after long listening sessions.

The cable is a 32-strand MOCCA2 ultra-pure copper cable from Cardas and its connectors fit easily and feel strongly anchored to the earbuds. At the other end, you can choose between the 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm connectors for your audio source, which is a nice addition to have.

Impedance is 31 ohms and the frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. Sensitivity is 109 dB/mW @ 1kHz.

  • Design and features score: 5/5

Activo Q1 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors

The Q1s come with a standard 3.5mm and a balanced 4.4mm connector (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo Q1 review: sound quality

  • Excellent instrument separation
  • Superb clarity
  • A little bass-light for our taste

These are very responsive, transparent headphones, delivering a well separated sound stage and spacious high frequencies that are particularly fun with close-miked acoustic music of the expensively and/or simply recorded variety. They excel with layered vocals; the Taylor Swift and HAIM collaboration No Body No Crime is particularly luminous. And they're enormous fun with live recordings too.

Like many high quality headphones, the Q1s aren't here to flatter poorly recorded music. But give them something shiny and turn them up a bit and they're very good indeed. The dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature driver are fast, precise and entertaining: the Q1s make classic tracks such as Orange Juice's Rip It Up sound factory-fresh with shimmering guitars and squelching synths, while in more modern pop such as Charli XCX's Brat the vocals are crisp and clear without struggling with the beats or the bass.

The Q1's frequency response goes down to 20Hz, lower than a standard bass guitar, but lower frequencies often need a bit more juice to be properly present and I found some music, particularly heavier rock, sounded a little too polite for my taste. It's not that the Q1s can't handle the lows; it's that they're not tuned to emphasise them.

It doesn't take a dramatic EQ change to give the lows a bit of a boost, although that may be an issue if your preferred audio source doesn't offer EQ adjustment. Activo's P1 music player does, and I found that a relatively small EQ curve adjustment on the P1 added extra fizz to SOPHIE's Lemonade, made the grinding bass of The Cure's Lullaby remix even more spidery and turned Peter Gabriel's live version of Digging In The Dirt into the Godzilla-stomps-the-city soundtrack you'd have experienced from the front row.

Whether you tweak the low end or not, the Q1s are impressively clear – and that clarity is useful not just for relaxed listening but for making or mixing music too. In my own projects I was able to hear detail and mistakes that weren't as apparent on my usual mixing headphones or on my AirPods Pro/Max.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Activo Q1 earbuds held in a hand either side of the Activo P1 hi-res audio player, on white background

You can have any color you like as long as it's white with transparent resin (Image credit: Activo (Astell & Kern))

Activo Q1 review: value for money

  • Very affordable compared to the parent brand
  • Half the price of the best rival devices
  • Narrower frequency range than some

Activo may be a lifestyle brand, but these in-ears are still aimed at the more premium listener, and that means they're up against some of the very best wired headphones around.

Our current in-ear audiophile pick, the Sennheiser IE 600, has an MSRP of around $800 / £699 and a current street price of $599 / £499; the eight-driver FiiO FH19 has a recommended retail price of $599 / £549 / AU$999. So the Activo Q1s are considerably cheaper than both sets of rivals.

The big difference between these in-ears and the two rivals is the frequency range: the Activo Q1 offers 20Hz to 20kHz but the FiiO delivers 8Hz to 40kHz and the Sennheiser has 4Hz to 46.5kHz. Whether that's worth paying considerably more for will depend very much on personal preference and the quality of your audio sources.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Activo Q1: Should you buy them?

Buy them if… 

You want premium sound without the price
The Q1s deliver a very clear, convincing sound stage with lots of air up topView Deal

You've got a player with EQ adjustment
The low-end sometimes needs a bit of extra pushView Deal

You've got multiple sound sources
Balanced 4.4mm and single 3.5mm connectors cover most devicesView Deal

Don't buy them if… 

You're all about that bass
Rival in-ears deliver wider frequency ranges, albeit for more moneyView Deal

You don't like white
The Q1s don't come in multiple color options

View Deal

You mostly commute
Good quality noise cancelling may be better for long bus or train journeysView Deal

Activo Q1 review: also consider

Sennheiser IE 200
These wired earbuds from a truly trusted name in audio don't cost much for what you get. If you're not planning on getting the Activo player to pair them with, they may even be the better option – although do note that the plastic housing won't feel as luxurious as the Activo's headshells.
Read more in our full Sennheiser IE 200 review

Shure AONIC 3
There's such great passive isolation here, it can sometimes feels as if you’re using active noise cancellation. The sound is also elegant, balanced and with excellent separation and layering, although the bass weight is just a shade off well weighted compared to pricier IEMs, including the Activo Q1 you came here to read about.
Read the full scoop in our in-depth Shure AONIC 3 review.

How I tested

  • Tested with Activo P1 player, hi-fi and Mac
  • Compressed, lossless and hi-res audio
  • Tested at home and while traveling

I tested the Q1s with their intended partner, the Activo P1 hi-res audio player, and I also used them with my Marantz CD player, with vinyl through my Onkyo amp and with my own music projects on a Mac with a Komplete Audio interface.

For that latter option I compared the Q1s with my go-to mixing headphones, a set of Beyer-Dynamic DT770 Pros, as well as more casual earbuds from Apple and Bose. And I have to say, the Activo Q1 more than held their own, however I tested them.

Read more about how we test.

  • First reviewed: January 2025
Technics EAH-AZ100 review: premium true wireless earbuds that bridge gap between ‘good’ and ‘great’
8:30 pm | January 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Technics EAH-AZ100: Two-minute review

Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Announced at a press conference at CES2025, the new Technics EAH-AZ100 are the company’s latest and (on paper, at least) and most thorough attempt to make meaningful waves in the stacked markets that are the best earbuds and best noise-cancelling earbuds.

There’s no denying the lengths to which the company has gone. From the extremely thorough specification (covering everything from multipoint connectivity and adaptive noise-cancellation to Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with LDAC compatibility) to design (smaller, lighter and yet somehow no less premium in look and feel to the model they replace), the Technics EAH-AZ100 are ready to compete. Control options are numerous and well implemented, and the carefully ergonomic design extends as far as providing five different sizes of ear tip.

Of course, if you’re competing at the upper end of the market it’s important to go to these sorts of lengths. The most obvious products the Technics EAH-AZ100 intend to usurp – Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the Pi6 by Bowers & Wilkins, the ubiquitous WF-1000XM5 from Sony – all look good on paper, too. The fight, as always, will be won or lost where sound quality is concerned.

And the sound quality that’s available here is convincing in pretty much every respect – or, at least, it is with ANC switched on. With noise-cancelling engaged, the AZ100 sound robust, insightful and thoroughly musical and sit easily among the best ANC earbuds out there. They can turn their hand to pretty much anything where styles of music are concerned, and are able to extract the most transient details in the most unpromising circumstances. Switch ANC off, through, and the solidly punchy and nicely controlled low frequencies lose a lot of their substance - and the Technics sound fractionally lightweight as a result. There’s a lesson there somewhere…

Technics EAH-AZ100: Price and release date

  • Release date: 7 January, 2025
  • Price: $299; £259; AU$478 (approx.)

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are on sale from 7 January 2025, having been unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. They are an update on Technics' much lauded EAH-AZ80, which arrived in 2023. A US price of $299 (the same asking fee as their predecessors) also puts the AZ100 into competition with any number of well-regarded rivals – think Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Sennheiser and Sony just for starters…

Technics EAH-AZ100: Specs

Technics EAH-AZ100: Features

App screenshots showing settings for the Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 codec compatibility
  • 10mm free-edge dynamic drivers with ‘magnetic fluid’ technology
  • Three-device multipoint connectivity

No matter what you think of the way the Technics EAH-AZ100 perform, there’s no arguing with the feature set here. Technics has laid it on with the proverbial trowel.

For instance, the EAH-AZ100 use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and compatibility with SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 codecs means there’s something for everyone here. Perhaps it might have been nice to see Qualcomm’s aptX range of codec supported, too, but I guess you can’t have everything,

Once the digital audio information has been wirelessly received, it’s delivered to your ears by a pair of 10mm full-range dynamic drivers with free-edge aluminum diaphragms. The gap between the driver magnet and the voice-coil is filled with a viscous liquid charged with magnetic particles – Technics suggests this results in precise low-frequency response and low distortion throughout the frequency range. They quote a frequency response of 20Hz - 40kHz.

You’re able to enjoy this full-range sound for a good while, too. In the most favorable circumstances (using the AAC codec with active noise-cancellation switched off) the earbuds should play for around 12 hours between charges, and even if you go to town (using the hi-res LDAC codec with ANC switched on) you should be good for seven hours or so. The charging case is good for a respectable-but-hardly-startling one-and-a-half further charges, and you can go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ in around two hours when charging via USB-C. Fifteen minutes on the juice is good for 90 minutes of playback. The EAH-AZ100 are compatible with Qi-certified charging pads, too, and need around three hours to become fully charged this way.

The noise-cancelling itself is of a new ‘adaptive’ design that intends to adapt to fit the wearer’s ear and deliver optimal results. Three mics per earbud also look after voice control telephony, and Technics has introduced ‘Voice Focus AI’ in order to provide the best possible call quality. The AI noise-reduction chip analyzes your surroundings in order to filter out unwanted sound, and at the same time assesses the incoming call quality in an effort to make conversations as pain-free as possible.

What else? Well, the AZ100 offer three-point connectivity for the inveterate multi-taskers among us. A suite of Dolby technologies – ‘Atmos’, ‘Audio’ and ‘Head-tracking’ – offers spatial audio, enhanced clarity for voice-based content, and a sound-field that responds to the movement of your head respectively.

  • Feature quality score: 5/5

Technics EAH-AZ100: Design

Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphone case on white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • 21 x 26 x 25mm (earbud); 36 x 69 x 27mm (charging case)
  • 5.9g (earbud); 42g (charging case)
  • Five sizes of ear tip

Technics has long had a bee in its bonnet about the fit of true wireless in-ear headphones, and with the EAH-AZ100 it has gone to even greater lengths than before to ensure the earbuds are a secure and comfortable fit for lugholes of all shapes and sizes.

Both the earbuds and the case in which they charge are smaller and lighter than the outgoing EAH-AZ80 model. The concha shape and fit has been reworked, and there are now five sizes of ear tip provided in the package. It seems unlikely in the extreme that you’ll be unable to ensure your AZ100 fit snugly and remain comfortable for hours on end.

Otherwise, it’s high-end Technics earbuds business as usual. The EAH-AZ100 are available in silver or black, and no matter which finish you prefer, you’ll find yourself in possession of well-made, carefully finished and quite tactile earbuds that travel in a smooth, robust charging case with a nice slice of aluminum across the top which bears the company logo.

App showing different controls for Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Controlling the AZ100 can be done in a number ways, each nicely implemented and responsive. Your source player’s native voice assistant is available, of course, and interactions are rapid and reliable. The same can be said for the capacitive touch-surface on each earbud - it’s in the same spot as the brand logo, and is as responsive and reliable as these things ever get. And you can rearrange the meaning of the various ‘touch’ or ‘hold’ commands in the newly reworked ‘Technics Audio’ control app that’s free for iOS and Android. It’s not, perhaps, the most exciting-looking control app around, but it has a huge array of functionality (from adjusting EQ settings to finessing the amount of noise-cancellation you prefer) and proves utterly stable over the long haul.

  • Design quality score: 5/5

Technics EAH-AZ100: Sound quality

Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones, one facing up and the other facing down, on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Balanced, detailed and respectably dynamic sound
  • Energetic and unified presentation
  • Pronounced difference in sound depending on whether ANC is on or off

Asking a premium price for true wireless headphones means there’s really no hiding place when it comes to sound quality – ‘good’ is nothing like good enough. Happily, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are never less than ‘very good indeed’ and are capable of giving the class leaders plenty to worry about.

No matter if they’re dealing with a 16bit/44.1kHz FLAC file of Summon the Fire by The Comet Is Coming via AAC or a 24bit/96kHz copy of Weyes Blood’s Grapevine using LDAC, they’re a balanced and insightful listen, more than capable of bringing order to ear no matter how unruly a recording might think it is. Detail levels are high at every turn, and the AZ100 organize and lay out a recording with such confidence that even the densest tunes are easy to understand.

With ANC on and EQs set to ‘direct’ (which basically means ‘flat’), these Technics are a straightforwardly enjoyable and entirely convincing listen. Low frequency activity is deep, punchy and textured, and controlled with enough authority to make sure rhythms are expressed with assurance. The midrange is open and informative, with a whole stack of detail regarding tone and timbre not only made available but put carefully into context. And there’s proper drive and attack at the top end, but treble sounds have sufficient substance to ensure they never become hard or bitey.

Best of all is the way the AZ100 unify the entirety of the frequency range. They’re completely even-handed, and the sweep from the top end to the bottom is smooth – no area is given undue prominence, no area is underplayed. It’s possible to alter this stance quite radically if you fiddle with the EQ settings, of course, but it’s obvious Technics’ engineers have found a suitable balance – it’s called ‘direct’.

Despite the carefully judged frequency response and naturalistic tonal balance, though, the AZ100 are an energetic and decently dynamic listen when the material you’re listening to demands it. They fairly power through up-tempo stuff like Claro Intelecto’s Peace of Mind and make broad and fine dynamic variations completely obvious. They do this all with absolute authority – the Technics are always in control, and consequently the organization of the soundstage never gets blurred or uncertain.

All the above applies if you have active noise-cancellation switched on, and the ANC itself is pretty effective by the standards of any premium brand that isn’t Bose. Companies both large and small have tried in vain to replicate the almost eerie Bose Blanket of Silence, and all have failed – Technics is simply the latest. But if you accept that the ANC here can be bettered, it’s actually very effective where all but the most near-field, loud and toppy frequency occurrences are concerned.

Switch ANC off, though, and the AZ100 undergo a strange and obvious change in their sonic character. Low frequencies lose a degree of substance, and the overall presentation becomes rather flimsy and lightweight. It may well be fair to suggest that very few people buy a pair of true wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation in order to leave the ANC turned off, but it’s equally fair to point out that any number of alternative designs sound exactly the same no matter if the ANC is operating or not.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Technics EAH-AZ100: Value

Rear of Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones carry case, showing USB-C charging port

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Look and feel like a premium item
  • Balanced, convincing sound (with ANC on)
  • Very thoroughly specified

Touching and wearing the Technics EAH-AZ100 is a very pleasant experience. They’re nicely made and finished from tactile materials, and the care the company has taken where ergonomics are concerned means getting a secure and comfortable fit is no problem whatsoever.

Technics has been similarly thorough when it comes to specification, too. If you judge value for money by the spec-sheet yardstick, a) you’re not alone, and b) you’re in business here. The AZ100 are handsomely specified, with triple-device multipoint connectivity to boot. Only the lack of aptX compatibility sounding the mildest of false notes.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Technics EAH-AZ100?

Buy them if...

You value comfort
Small, light, very carefully shaped and with a very wide choice of ear tips, the EAH-AZ100 are no kind of burden to wear for hours on end

You enjoy vibrant, informative sound
Keep the ANC switched on and the Technics will reward you with an audio performance that strikes a very nice balance between ‘insight’ and ‘entertainment’

You’re a full-on multi-tasker
Triple-point wireless connectivity means your EAH-AZ100 can connect simultaneously to your laptop, your tablet and your smartphone, and switch seamlessly between them

Don't buy them if...

You’re far from mains power for days at a time
Seven hours (with ANC on) from the earbuds and another 10 hours or so from the charging case ain’t bad – but not if you like to rock around the clock…

Noise-cancellation is the most important thing
To be honest, Technics is far from alone in having ANC that’s not quite as good as that provided by Bose. If noise-cancellation is paramount, buy a pair of QuietComfort Ultra and be done with it

You’re not very dextrous
The earbuds fit snugly into their charging case, and unless you have fingers like cocktail sticks it can be a little tricky getting them out

Technics EAH-AZ100: Also consider

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
If you’re after class-leading noise-cancellation along with very competitive ‘everything else’ you need to check out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – oh, and they are also available at a new and improved price-point. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review.

Sony WF-1000XM5
They’re surely not long for this world, but that just means that the Sony WF-1000XM5 are now routinely available for less than $230, and that means they are even more difficult to ignore than before. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

How I tested the Technics EAH-AZ100

Technics EAH-AZ100 in-ear headphones on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Connected to an iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S
  • Various codecs, various file types and various styles of music
  • Listened (on and off) for very nearly a month

When connected to my iPhone 14 Pro, I am of course limited to the AAC codec - but this is nevertheless a decent-sounding smartphone and reveals a lot of what makes the EAH-AZ100 tick. The best results, though, naturally come via the FiiO M15S digital audio player – it’s compatible with the LDAC codec, which means higher resolution and an altogether fuller audio experience.

I spent the best part of a month (not 24/7, obviously) listening to the Technics earbuds, and in that time listened to a lot of different types of music, of different file standards and resolutions. And it wouldn’t be any kind of hardship to have to do it all again…

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025

OneOdio Focus A5 review: bassy wireless headphones with big battery life
11:00 pm | December 30, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Comments: Off

OneOdio Focus A5: One-minute review

If you're considering picking up the OneOdio Focus A5, it's probably for its fantastic battery life – it'll last for 75 hours of music if you let it, which is an excellent figure. That's over three days straight, and well over double the figure of most rivals.

The world of the best cheap headphones is a competitive one, but this will have certain users' eyes perking up. If you go on long-haul flights across the world, embark on journeys in the wilderness for days at a time, or religiously forget to charge your gadgets, that figure could prove game-changing.

And you're getting the Focus A5 for cheap at $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)! Sounds like a must-buy, right?

Well, that'll depend on what you actually want to listen to for 75 hours, and if you're an audiophile – or anyone who values well-balanced audio – then the Focus A5 might not actually be what you're looking for.

The audio balance on these cans is more wonky than a famous Italian tower, offering an overwhelming amount of bass that drowns out important parts of a song. It's not even well-tuned bass, so people who just want 75 hours of ear-shaking tunes won't like it either.

Then there's the feature set – or lack thereof. The OneOdio's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is so light-touch that you can forget that it's turned on (and I'd recommend ignoring it, since turning on ANC cuts 30 hours off the battery life). There's no app either, and therefore no equalizer, so you can't try and fix the muddy sound quality.

You can't expect fantastic-sounding audio, an advanced feature set and a low price in the same set of headphones (even though some options do come close), but most of OneOdio's rivals tick at least two of those boxes. With the Focus A5 only hitting the last point, it's hard to recommend them beyond their long-lasting battery. The Earfun Wave Pro cost essentially the same price and have an even longer battery life, and work better in every way – those are ideal affordable option among the best noise cancelling headphones.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Price and release date

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Sells for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)
  • Cheaper alternative to Focus A10

You can pick up the OneOdio Focus A5 for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100, but unlike other OneOdio headphones, I can’t find it on sale in Australia at the time of writing).

That price makes the Focus A5 one of the more affordable headphones you might be considering if you’re looking to save money, but the cheap headphone market is a very competitive one.

Our best-in class option costs only a little more: the Earfun Wave Pro sells for $79.99 / £79.99 (roughly AU$120) and we also highly rate the $60 / £60 / AU$99 Sony WH-CH520.

OneOdio itself has plenty of other options, if you’re keen to stick with the brand: there’s also a slightly-more-expensive A10 as well as several other families of studio, monitor and hybrid headphones.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Specs

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Features

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • No phone app
  • Light-touch ANC
  • 75 hours of battery life

The OneOdio Focus A5 doesn’t have a smartphone app to use, which makes writing this section easier, but using the headphones (or balancing its audio) a little bit harder. That means there's no equalizer, a big loss (as we'll get to).

You'll use the ‘ANC’ button on the right earcup to toggle between the three Active Noise Cancellation modes: on, off and ambient sound. The ANC on the A5 is very light touch, and I often didn’t know whether I had it turned on or not – it felt like the natural cushioning of the pads removed as much sound as the ANC.

From a poor feature, to a really handy one – the OneOdio Focus A5 has a battery life of 75 hours. You read that right – you could listen for over three days straight if you wanted to. That figure is for ANC turned off, and it reduces to about 45 hours with ANC turned on – given what I’ve said about how effective the noise cancellation is, you may want to opt for the longer lasting power.

The ability to listen to music for several days straight without having to juice it back up it is a win for the A5, as it means that people who are going on long trips or can’t reliably get to a power source could still enjoy using it.

  • Features score: 3/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Sound quality

The OneOdio Focus A5 on a man's head.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Too much bass
  • Too little anything else
  • High max volume

When I first started listening to the OneOdio Focus A5, I said to myself “wow, bass fans are going to love these headphones” but as the testing process went on, I had to amend that thought: “or they might hate them”.

Bass is certainly the emphasis of the Focus A5’s audio balance. The mix isn’t so much ‘warm’ as it is ‘blistering to the touch’, for how loud bass is compared to other parts of the sound profile. My first impression, to assume bass fans would love this, was proven wrong the more I listened.

The bass blows out other aspects of the sound mix. Vocals fade into the background like the roadies forgot to plug the mic in, guitars sometimes get a cut in but more often than not (especially with higher-pitched notes and hooks) fall to the same fate as the singing. Some other mid-frequency aspects of songs, like keyboards and rhythm guitars, have as much chance of being heard as you do of finding your phone if you drop it off a boat.

Fans of bassy headphones may simply accuse me of saying that simply to dig out my dusty creative writing degree, but there are more reasons to malign the bass tilt: even that aspect of the audio has a problem.

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)

The bass is quite muddy, so it’s less ‘thumping’ and more ‘patting gently’ – it lacks energy or urgency, loudly saying nothing at all. According to Amazon, the Focus A5 has a custom-made 40mm dynamic driver (this information was conspicuously absent from OneOdio’s own site), and judging by other reviews of OneOdio products, this sound profile is a recurring feature in its headphones.

I can’t completely rule out the Focus A5’s audio chops – some people may really like this kind of hiccupping bass. I don’t think I’ve ever met these people, and I’ve no evidence to suggest they actually exist, but I can’t rule it out.

OneOdio has added support for LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio certification to the headphones, but I’m not sure that the cans need more detailed bass – they need less of it.

I want to say a nice thing now: the OneOdio Focus A5 goes really, really loud. I could hear music perfectly well at max volume when the headphones were around my neck – no-one can complain about them being too quiet!

  • Sound quality: 2/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Design

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Svelte look
  • Single color option: black
  • Feels a little fragile

OneOdio hasn't re-invented the wheel with the Focus A5 but I liked how svelte they look between the metal pivot, textured cups and gold-silver color scheme.

Don't get me wrong, these are incredibly similar to the vast majority of cheap headphones, but with a few augments here and there. They come in a single color option: black.

The right cup has all of the Focus A5's controls: there's the ANC button which you press to toggle between the three modes, a power button and a volume rocker. Nice and simple. The USB-C port for charging is on this side too.

The headphones weigh 265g which is a little less than some rivals I've tested, however they felt quite fragile. The cups rattle and rotate a little bit when you're not wearing the A5, there's no included carry case and if the cans have an IP rating, I can't find any mention of it in OneOdio's fact sheets. I was quite careful with the headphones during testing as a result, although they were never damaged in a way that would justify my caution; it's likely that they feel flimsy, but are perfectly robust. Still, I'd have liked to have felt more confidence in that.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: value

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)

I'm all for 'cheap and cheery' headphones, and the OneOdio Focus A5 are ostensibly that: you don't have to pay much and you're getting one great feature along with a few less-great aspects.

However its iffy audio and troubled feature-set might lose the A5 some of those 'cheery points' – especially when similar-price rivals simply don't have the same issues.

These aren't inherently bad value at this price, but there's much better value out there.

  • Value: 2.5/5

Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A5?

Buy them if…

You don't like charging
The 75-hour battery life will be a blessing to certain kinds of users who can't reliably access a charging point.

You're on a budget
Don't want to spend loads on top-price or even mid-range headphones? These will fit into your budget.

Don’t buy them if…

You don't like bassy audio
The audio is heavily skewed towards bassy sounds, so if you don't like this kind of sound, you're really not going to like the A5.

You're listening somewhere loud
The Focus A5's tender noise cancellation means you won't be able to hear music if you often listen in loud environments.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Also consider

Earfun Wave Pro
Here at TechRadar we're big fans of the Earfun Wave Pro, and they beat the OneOdio in most areas while only costing a tiny amount more, so read our full Earfun Wave Pro review.

JBL Tune 670NC
We didn't rate the JBL Tune 670NC in the audio department, but elsewhere it has a great feature set and a decent battery life too. Here our full JBL Tune 670NC review.

How I tested the OneOdio Focus A5

The OneOdio Focus A5 against a wooden background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for three weeks
  • Tested at home, in the office, on public transport and on walks

I used the OneOdio Focus A5 for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music, watching streamed TV or playing games basically daily.

For the entire testing period I used the Focus A5 alongside my Android smartphone, via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify, Netflix and a range of games and I listened mainly at home or on my city's various public transport options, with some listening time also conducted in an office or on walks.

I've been testing gadgets at TechRadar for just shy of six years now, including many pairs of cheap headphones and other OneOdio offerings.

  • First reviewed in December 2024
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: awesome wireless headphones in almost every way
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are a fantastic pair of wireless headphones. Using the same drivers as the company’s studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make you feel like you’ve taken a blanket off your music, especially if you’re upgrading from a cheaper, lesser model. And they’re as feature-filled as any other model at this price point.

I believe that, since their release this year, they belong in the conversation for the best wireless headphones. They do fall slightly short of the active noise cancellation (ANC) you find with the likes of Bose and Sony flagships. But, they still fare very well. And again, they sound fantastic. On top of that, the battery life is very, very good.

There are a couple aspects that hold the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 from being perfect. For instance, the ear pads are tough to remove – an issue if you’re worried about potential wear and tear. And, the main way to control audio on the headphones is a touchpad on the right ear. It’s innovative, but slow to respond and comes with a bit of a learning curve. Since I generally use my phone or computer for adjusting things like volume and forwarding / rewinding, it’s not a dealbreaker. Still, it’s annoying.

At the end of the day, however, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Price and release date

  • Announced September 9 2024, available from November 2024
  • Costs $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640)

No doubt about it, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are among the more premium options out there when it comes to wireless headphones. They go for $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640), which is more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and their price of £380 / $399 / AU$649. Both are fantastic sounding headphones. Of course, the Aventho 300 fold up and have faster Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM5 have class-leading ANC.

There are even more expensive options out there such as the $899 / £599-priced Dali IO-8 or the $549 / £549 / AU$899-priced Apple AirPods Max where you’re paying for the name or premium materials as much as anything else. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, therefore, are well-priced for what they are and offer good value, but are not a steal.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Specs

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Features

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very useable EQ and presets
  • Plenty of accessibility in the app
  • Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs

As far as features go, the only thing missing from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is some kind of personalised, augmented sound profile. That said, there is more than enough flexibility available in the app to adjust the EQ. Not only are there six different presets to choose from, including “neutral” interestingly (more on why that’s necessary for some later), but there’s also a five-band graphic EQ with the ability to boost or cut up to six dB where you can save your preferred EQ curve.

Speaking of the app, there’s much more on tap, including playing around with different levels of ANC and ambient mode as well as turning Dolby Atmos and head tracking on. The ANC and ambient modes have five levels of sensitivity and work pretty well, either blocking out sound or letting you hear your surroundings. They’re not quite class-leading, but unless your neighbours or colleagues are especially raucous, you’ll probably be happy with them.

In the app, you can also turn on/off a voice assistant as well as adjust what the internal voice prompt announces. For example, I like hearing the battery level when I turn on the headphones, but I don’t want to hear which codec is being used during the first few seconds of the first song I listen to.

The app also allows toggling things like auto shutdown, sidetone, and LED brightness. There’s even a touch guide to show how to use the touchpad on the side of the headphones.

Though you won’t see it in the app, multipoint connectivity is available. It’s also worth noting that there’s AAC and aptX lossless (and adaptive) support.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Features score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Design

  • Aesthetically pleasing if a bit bulky
  • Touchpad has a learning curve and has inconsistent sensitivity
  • Has a very long battery life

The chunky design of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is aesthetically pleasing while still looking very similar to the majority of over-ear headphones out there. Available in Black and Nordic Grey (reviewed here), the whole thing from the earcups to the head band and all the plush materials are the same color with the exception of the metal (presumably aluminum) yoke and the model name emblazoned on the left earcup – silver on the Nordic Grey model and Nordic Grey on the Black model.

The ergonomics are solid as the ear cups are angled to sit more naturally on the side of the face, though the amount the headband can extend seems like it might not be enough for big heads. The ear pads and headband are covered in a faux leather that’s not the most breathable, but is comfortable enough. I can definitely wear these for a while without feeling fatigued, but they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort. On top of that, the clamping force is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to that, you might need to stretch them out just a bit.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

The controls consist of a power button that also pairs via Bluetooth, a button to cycle through ANC, ANC off, and transparency mode, and the touch pad I’ve mentioned which covers the entire flat portion of the right ear cup. This capacitive area allows an assortment of controls from volume control, skipping through songs, answering calls, and the like via tapping and gesturing in the appropriate directions. It’s a good idea, but takes a bit to learn. More importantly, the sensitivity seems inconsistent, so sometimes I have to gesture more than once to get the headphones to react to what I want to do. This is probably the area where these headphones could use the most fine tuning for successive models.

At least the battery life is long, as you can get 50 hours with ANC on – and ANC has a tendency to drain the battery. After about 10 hours of listening, I had 80% battery life left without charging back up. Considering they charge via USB-C, 10 minutes of charging gets about five hours of play.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Sound quality

  • Seemingly neutral but has prominent bass and slightly hyped high-end
  • Decently wide soundstage
  • Dolby Atmos and head tracking work well

If you don’t feel like reading the next 200ish words, just know that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound really good. Since these headphones share the same Stellar.45 drivers that the company introduced in its studio-focused DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones, the frequency range leans towards a very clean, high-headroom experience that on first listen almost sounds neutral the way a pair of headphones meant for the studio sounds.

After spending a little time listening to all sorts of genres from Rock to Hip Hop and Folk, the nuances become a little more obvious. First of all, even though the sound comes across as clean and even, it’s actually quite bass heavy (note that the frequency range goes as low as 5Hz), especially nearing the sub-bass region. Any Rock or Alternative tracks I listen to become very bass prominent even though the genres are generally more mid-focused.

Of course, it’s a testament to the quality of the drivers that you get such prominent bass while still hearing everything else clearly.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 app, three screengrabs

(Image credit: Future)

The high-end is also a little hyped, which adds a bit to the clarity. But, it’s not so prominent to be in-your-face or painful. In the EQ modes I mentioned earlier, the neutral setting actually boosts the mid-range just a tad while bringing the low-end down quite a bit and the high-end a dB or two.

The soundstage is just as stellar. It feels wide enough to make me feel like I’m sitting on stage with the musicians. Far off elements are well-placed so that I get a really immersive sense of space. Now, they’re not the widest sounding headphones ever, but they sit at a sweet spot between intimate and concert hall.

Since there’s Dolby Atmos support, I should mention that it’s a nice touch. However, it is a virtual spatial audio so everything just sounds like there’s just a bit more reverb. While more dimensional, it doesn’t really add much to the experience unless watching a movie or show. I feel the same way about the headtracking that can be enabled. It works well if that matters to you.

  • Sound quality: 5/5

Three Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 screengrabs

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Value

  • Pricing is about what one would expect for flagship wireless headphones
  • Paying for consistency
  • Comes with a hard shell and softshell case

As a value proposition, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are good but not great. As previously mentioned, they're not that much more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and are comparable in a lot of ways, with some aspects being slightly better and others slightly worse. You can spend much more for models that aren’t really any better. But you can spend much less and still get very good-sounding headphones.

However, Beyerdynamic headphones are consistently great, so you’re paying for that to a degree the way you do with Apple when it comes to phones or laptops. At least, you get a nice hard shell case and drawstring bag out of the deal.

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300?

Buy them if…

You want excellent, polished sound quality
Not only do the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound great, but they sound polished like they’re meant for the studio. Somehow, they still have a large bass response.

You want something a little different but just as good
If you want to get something a little different than everyone else without sacrificing quality, these headphones have it all from sound quality to feature set.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re looking for a best-value buy
While they’re priced appropriately, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are not cheap. So, if you’re looking to get the bang for your buck, there are other options to consider.

You want easy controls
Though the capacitive touchpad on the right earcup is a good idea, it could be executed just a little bit better (it’s not bad, just inconsistent).

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Also consider

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 don’t have the best ANC and lose the proprietary spatial audio. However, they’re great value and not just because they’re a bit cheaper. Since they come at a lower price point, they focus on what matters most – and that’s excellent sound quality. Also, the battery life is excellent
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still considered one of the best, if not the best, over-ear wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, the app is easy to use, and, most importantly, the ANC and ambient features are still virtually unparalleled. Only thing is they’re minimally better than their lower-priced and still available predecessor.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

  • Tested over two weeks
  • Tested with different music as well as video streaming
  • Tested every feature meticulously

I spent a few weeks using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, ambient mode, and EQ.

After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are best suited for those wanting a mostly neutral audiophile-like experience in a set of wireless headphones without sacrificing on features.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

  • First reviewed in December 2024
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