OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Audeze LCD 1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audeze LCD 1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Audeze LCD 1
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 70% of headphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 87%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 77%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 73%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audeze LCD 1

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

5.4
User score
User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Popularity:
Audeze LCD 1 has a popularity score of 5.6 points, which is lower than that of 52.4% of products in this category.
5.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

6.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
90 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 90 mm, larger driver size than 98.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audeze
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
250 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 250 g, heavier than 61.4% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
5.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.5, higher clamp force than 79.9% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Show more

Audeze LCD 1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    90 mm vs 40 mm
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 50x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 0.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2 m vs 1.2 m
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    90 mm vs 40 mm
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 50x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 14.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    250 g vs 218 g
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1.2 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.5 vs 4.3
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Audeze LCD 1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£350 vs £90).
    £350 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Audeze LCD 1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£350 vs £90).
    £350 vs £90
  • 8.3% worse value for money
    Audeze LCD 1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.71 vs 7.3).
    6.71 vs 7.27
  • 6% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Audeze LCD 1
    the average pair of headphones
    Audeze LCD 1 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.55 vs 8).
    7.55 vs 8
  • 14.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    250 g vs 218 g
  • 1.2 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.5 vs 4.3
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.8 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (3.3 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    3.3 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
15/06/2021
Hands-on review · sound and comparisons with rival headphones
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 is a compact reference planar that suits a narrow niche, though it is not the most enjoyable listen.
8.0
TechteamGB
≈ estimated
03/05/2021
Hands-on review · sound, build and fit tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 offers incredible clarity for analytical listeners, but its plasticky build and fit hold it back.
9.0
JuanBagnell
≈ estimated
23/06/2020
Hands-on review · open-back comparison and listening tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 offers impressive clarity and accuracy, though its bass is light and travel use is limited.
8.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
15/05/2020
Hands-on review · build, case and durability notes
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 sounds likable overall, but its build is not the best and suits careful users.
9.5
Soundnews
≈ estimated
29/02/2020
Hands-on review · measurements and listening tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 has few major flaws; apart from a modest soundstage, it is a standout headphone for its price class.
7.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
09/12/2019
Hands-on review · comparisons with rival headphones
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 is a good all-round choice, but weaker for vocals and soundstage, and not for frequency chasers.
9.0
Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac
≈ estimated
21/10/2019
Hands-on review · comparisons and iPhone listening test
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 is well worth the wait: the house sound in a lighter, more affordable full-size package.
9.0
metal571
≈ estimated
16/10/2019
Hands-on review · measurements and rival comparison
Verdict
Audeze LCD-1 is highly recommended: efficient, detailed and easy to drive, and a good buy for the price.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Audeze LCD 1

  • Lightweight and foldable design makes them highly portable
  • Excellent detail retrieval and clarity, especially in the treble frequencies
  • Accurate, well-balanced reference sound signature suitable for mixing
  • Very easy to drive directly from smartphones and laptops without an external amp
  • Comfortable for long sessions due to the low 250g weight and memory foam pads
  • Includes a high-quality hard travel case and a detachable, reversible cable

What customers don't like about Audeze LCD 1

  • Build quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticky compared to higher-end Audeze models
  • Small ear cup size may be uncomfortable or feel like an 'on-ear' for those with larger ears
  • Lacks the dynamic 'punch' and bass impact found in larger planar magnetic headphones
  • Soundstage is more intimate and 'in-your-head' rather than wide or expansive
  • Significant sound leakage and poor isolation due to the open-back design
  • Some users report a 'veiled' or 'lifeless' sound without equalization

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-1 is an open-back, circumaural planar magnetic headphone designed for portable reference monitoring and critical listening. It features 90mm drivers with Ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragms, Fluxor magnets, and Fazor waveguides, delivering a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 50kHz. With a low impedance of 16 ohms and 99 dB sensitivity, it is exceptionally easy to drive directly from smartphones or laptops. Its 250g lightweight, foldable design and genuine lambskin memory foam pads prioritize comfort and portability. Main pros include its highly neutral and detailed sound signature, excellent transparency, and travel-friendly compact build. However, common cons include significant sound leakage due to the open-back nature, a relatively narrow soundstage for an open design, and a build that relies heavily on plastic compared to higher-end LCD models.

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