OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 Penrose Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:15 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audeze Penrose 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 Penrose
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components

80%

6.4

Technical score

20%

7.4

User score

▲Better than 66% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▲Better than 56%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components

52%

6.7

Sound

20%

5.9

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

6.2

Connectivity

6%

5.0

Battery

4%

8.4

Calls & Controls

▲Better than 67%
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 76%
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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 Penrose

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components:

52%

6.7

Sound

20%

5.9

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

6.2

Connectivity

6%

5.0

Battery

4%

8.4

Calls & Controls

6.4
User score
User score
7.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Audeze Penrose has a popularity score of 7.9 points, which is higher than that of 75.2% of products in this category.
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.4
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
100 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 100 mm, larger driver size than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13.1% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Audio latency
16 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 16 ms, lower audio latency than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
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
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% 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
15 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 15 hours, lower battery life than 79.3% of headphones and equal to 3.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,800 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh, higher battery capacity than 99.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Audeze
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
320 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
6.2
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 6.2, higher clamp force than 90.6% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Show more

Audeze Penrose vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    100 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.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 134 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (16 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    16 ms vs 150 ms
  • 18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    100 mm vs 40 mm
  • 18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 3.1x higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,800 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,800 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 134 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (16 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    16 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 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.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 1.9 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.2 vs 4.3
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Audeze Penrose is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Audeze Penrose is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 7.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 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 Penrose
    the average pair of headphones
    Audeze Penrose has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.43 vs 8).
    7.43 vs 8
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • 1.9 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.2 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    1 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 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
Bushwhack 18
≈ estimated
08/05/2022
Hands-on review · gaming, sound and music tests
Verdict
Audeze Penrose sounds excellent for a wireless gaming headset at this price, with small software drawbacks.
8.0
Stream Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
02/05/2022
Hands-on review · sound, comfort, software and build tests
Verdict
Audeze Penrose offers the clearest and most detailed sound, but its fragile build makes it worth buying only if you have money to spare.
9.0
DetroitFury
≈ estimated
10/03/2021
Daily-use review · a week of gaming, mic and app tests
Verdict
Audeze Penrose is a convenient wireless gaming headset with a very clean microphone that is preferred over the wired Mobius.
9.0
Max Settings
≈ estimated
08/01/2021
Hands-on review · sound, microphone and comparison tests
Verdict
Audeze Penrose is strongly recommended for what it is, despite lacking aptX and LDAC codecs.
Shop video
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
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Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
11/02/2021
Summary of the review
Audeze Penrose Wireless Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
theverge.com
19/02/2021
Full review · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose has rich sound and plenty of features, but its tight, heavy fit might rule it out for many gamers.
pcmag.com
15/12/2020
Expert review · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a comfortable wireless gaming headset with rich sound at a reasonable price, but it lacks simulated surround.
uk.pcmag.com
15/12/2020
Expert review · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a wireless gaming headset with a comfortable fit and rich, balanced sound, though it lacks built-in surround effects.
T
techradar.com
17/02/2021
Summary of the review
Audeze Penrose X review
soundguys.com
04/12/2020
Lab test · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a top-sounding gaming headset for buyers who will pay for the best audio, though its microphone is fuzzy and its battery falls short.
trustedreviews.com
15/02/2021
Hands-on test · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is one of the best-sounding wireless gaming headsets, but its high price makes it overkill for most casual players.
thesixthaxis.com
16/02/2021
Hands-on review · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose offers detailed sound and wide connectivity, but its price is steep and its controls lack an EQ button.
headfonia.com
15/04/2021
Review · Planar wireless headphones
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a very good planar headphone with deep bass, but its battery lasts about 10 hours and it sounds less defined than the Mobius.
gamesradar.com
11/10/2021
Review · PS5 wireless headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is an excellent PS5 headset with rich sound, a solid mic and good battery life, though it costs more than most rivals.
kopfhoerer.de
03/03/2021
Hands-on test · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a premium wireless gaming headset with excellent sound and many connection options, but it is tight on large heads.
computerbild.de
23/04/2022
Lab test · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose sounds excellent and fits comfortably, but its microphone is poor enough to hurt voice chat.
G
gamestar.de
18/05/2021
Summary of the review
The Audeze Penrose X sounds so good I never want to take it off
(Translated)Show original
konsolenfan.de
18/06/2022
Hands-on test · Sound focus
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a strong choice for gamers who want audiophile detail, though its 320 g weight and short battery life make long sessions tiring.
on-mag.fr
20/01/2021
Hands-on test · Wireless gaming
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a detailed, balanced headset for demanding gamers, though its sound feels a little narrow and it sits heavily on the head.
lesnumeriques.com
02/03/2021
Full review · Wireless gaming
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose has clear, punchy sound and deep bass for PS5 and PC, but its mic is barely passable and the control app is hard to follow.
pascalforget.com
12/05/2021
Personal notes · Gaming headset
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose gives impressively detailed sound, though its thick earcups make it better for gaming than everyday wear.
codegeek.es
01/11/2022
Hands-on test · Gaming, music and calls
Verdict
The Audeze Penrose delivers excellent sound and comfort for gaming, music and calls, but its microphone trails dedicated mics and its Bluetooth audio is limited.
G
gamereactor.it
09/04/2021
Summary of the review
Audeze Penrose X - Review of an excellent gaming headset
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Audeze Penrose

  • Exceptional audio clarity and detail due to 100mm planar magnetic drivers
  • Precise directional imaging, making it ideal for competitive FPS gaming
  • Supports simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Low latency performance via the included USB dongle
  • Highly customizable sound profiles through the Audeze HQ app
  • Solid microphone performance with clean, lifelike voice capture

What customers don't like about Audeze Penrose

  • Lackluster battery life, typically averaging 10–13 hours per charge
  • Poor wireless range, often losing connection beyond 10–12 feet
  • Known build quality issues, specifically reports of the plastic headband snapping
  • High clamping force can lead to discomfort during long sessions
  • Notable 'white noise' floor or background hiss when no audio is playing
  • Clunky software that requires a wired connection for many adjustments

Verdict

The Audeze Penrose is a premium wireless gaming headset featuring massive 100mm planar magnetic drivers that deliver an expansive 10Hz–50kHz frequency response and high-resolution, low-distortion audio. Its primary characteristics include a lossless 2.4GHz low-latency wireless connection, Bluetooth 5.0 for simultaneous mobile use, and a detachable broadcast-quality microphone with built-in noise filters. Main pros include exceptional sound clarity, precise imaging for competitive gaming, and broad compatibility with PlayStation, PC, and Mac through the included USB dongle or a 3.5mm analog connection. However, some notable cons include a modest battery life of approximately 13 to 15 hours, a high clamping force that can affect long-term comfort, and reports of a noticeable background noise floor or 'whooshing' sound in the left driver.

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