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Cambridge SE1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Cambridge SE1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.3

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.2

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(4491)
amazon
4.4
(2607)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(4491)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(2607)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Cambridge Audio SE1 is a premium wired in-ear headphone featuring 8mm beryllium-coated drivers housed in aircraft-grade aluminium for high rigidity and minimal distortion. These earphones deliver a balanced, transparent 'Great British Sound' with technical specs including a 19Hz–20kHz frequency response, 22-ohm impedance, and a 102dB sound pressure level. Main pros include its lightweight 8.7g design, exceptional high-frequency clarity, and the inclusion of seven pairs of ear tips—including Comply foam—for a superior fit. However, notable cons include the lack of inline volume controls, a non-detachable cable, and a soundstage that some users find lacks depth and punchy bass.

Technical Specifications of Cambridge SE1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

4.3
Cambridge SE1 has a technical score of 4.33 points, which is lower than that of 80.1% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(4491)
amazon
4.4
(2607)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(4491)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(2607)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.2
Cambridge SE1 has a user score of 9.16 points, which is higher than that of 90.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
10
Cambridge SE1 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Cambridge SE1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Cambridge SE1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 mm
Cambridge SE1 uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Cambridge SE1 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

19 Hz
Cambridge SE1 reaches a lowest frequency of 19 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Cambridge SE1 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Cambridge SE1 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

?
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Cambridge SE1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Cambridge SE1 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Cambridge SE1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cambridge
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

8.7 g
Cambridge SE1 weighs 8.7 g, lighter than 97.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Cambridge SE1 vs the average headphone

  • 96% lower weight
    Cambridge SE1 is lighter than the average headphone (8.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Cambridge SE1 is lighter than the average headphone (8.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.8.7 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Cambridge SE1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cambridge SE1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Cambridge SE1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Cambridge SE1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 14.5% higher user score
    Cambridge SE1 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Cambridge SE1 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
  • 2.15x more popular
    Cambridge SE1 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Cambridge SE1 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 96% lower weight
    Cambridge SE1 is lighter than the average headphone (8.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Cambridge SE1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Cambridge SE1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Cambridge SE1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Cambridge SE1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    Cambridge SE1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 8 dB lower max SPL
    Cambridge SE1 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • No voice assistant support
    Cambridge SE1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    Cambridge SE1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cambridge SE1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Cambridge SE1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Cambridge SE1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Cambridge SE1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cambridge SE1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Cambridge SE1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Cambridge SE1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 8 dB lower max SPL
    Cambridge SE1 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Cambridge SE1 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.102 dB vs 110 dB
Total
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Cambridge SE1 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
4491 Reviews
amazon
4.4
2607 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
4491 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
2607 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Cambridge SE1?

  • Warm, balanced, and uncoloured sound profile that excels in timbre and clarity
  • Premium build quality featuring aircraft-grade aluminum housings and beryllium drivers
  • Generous accessory package including seven pairs of silicone and Comply foam tips
  • Comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Excellent value for money, especially at discounted or 'fire sale' prices
  • Charitable initiative where proceeds benefit music education

What customers dislike about Cambridge SE1?

  • Bass can be perceived as 'soft,' 'woolly,' or lacking in speed and definition
  • Soundstage lacks depth and space, resulting in a somewhat two-dimensional performance
  • Absence of in-line volume controls on the cable
  • Permanently attached cable restricts replacement or upgrades
  • Isolation is limited without using the foam tips, requiring higher volumes in noisy environments
  • Large nozzle size may cause discomfort for users with smaller inner ears

Expert reviews

A
audioreviews.org
03/03/2020
Cambridge Audio SE1 Review - England Swings Like A Pendulum Do

In his review for AudioReviews.org, Loomis T. Johnson notes the Cambridge Audio SE1, discounted from $85 to $20, offers exceptional value with a solid build, premium packaging, and excellent passive noise isolation. While praised for its physical quality and compatibility, the set is criticized for including a practically useless, tiny carrying pouch. audioreviews.orgThe earphones...Read more

T
techaeris.com
29/11/2017
Cambridge Audio SE1 review: Fantastic earbuds that give back

The Cambridge Audio SE1 earbuds are praised as a top-tier, high-value option under $100, featuring a neutral, balanced soundstage with excellent acoustic clarity, crisp highs, and precise, tight bass. These earphones are recognized for delivering detailed, unmuddied audio and high-quality, clear two-way communication during calls. While the SE1 offers exceptional performance, it is...Read more

T
techradar.com
09/06/2017
Cambridge Audio SE1 review - TechRadar

The Cambridge Audio SE1s are competent, sub-£100 in-ear headphones priced at £68 (around $85), with half of the proceeds benefiting the Youth Music charity. They offer a refined, minimalist design featuring premium aluminum bud housings with a transparent rubberized cable coating, avoiding cheap, garish plastics. Sonically, the 8mm Beryllium drivers deliver a clean, precise, and...Read more

W
whathifi.com
26/06/2017
Cambridge Audio SE1Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review | What Hi-Fi?

The Cambridge Audio SE1 marks the brand's first venture into the in-ear headphone market, featuring 8mm drivers with beryllium diaphragms housed in aircraft-grade aluminium and connected by oxygen-free copper wires. Tested at £70, the build quality stands out as highly durable, and Cambridge includes seven pairs of ear tips to ensure a stable, comfortable fit. Sonically, the...Read more

F
fairaudio.de
25. März 2022
Review: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ (Reference to SE1 Sound Signature)

The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ is a pair of true wireless in-ear headphones priced at 129 Euro that stands out for its warm, balanced, and highly musical sound signature. Rejecting the typical heavily recessed midrange or "bathtub" tuning often found in this price class, the earbuds deliver a remarkably homogenous transition from treble to mid-frequencies, producing an authentic...Read more

(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
21/04/2025
Cambridge Melomania M100 Review: Wireless, Noise-Cancelling Earbuds with Precise, Rich, and Highly Effective Sound

Overview and Specifications The Cambridge Melomania M100 is a pair of active noise-canceling (ANC) wireless earbuds from the respected British Hi-Fi brand Cambridge, priced at €130. Rated 5/5 stars overall, these classic, lightweight (6.5 grams per earbud) in-ear headphones utilize a Qualcomm ANC system, Bluetooth 5.3, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. They stand out for their...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
studio23.fr
28/09/2024
Cambridge Melomania M100 Review - Studio 23", "Testing the Cambridge Melomania M100 - Studio 23

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 wireless earbuds deliver exceptional, balanced, and precise high-fidelity audio across all musical genres for a competitive price of €169. A major highlight of these earbuds is the implementation of their three active noise cancellation (ANC) modes—normal, transparency, and full noise reduction—which successfully isolate environmental noise without...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
18/08/2024
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Black Review

The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones feature 40mm drivers and Class AB amplification, delivering balanced sound alongside an industry-leading 60 to 100-hour battery life. The design prioritizes sustainability with user-replaceable parts, while offering advanced codec support like aptX Lossless. However, at 330 grams with a tight clamping force, the headset can cause...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
27/01/2025
Cambridge Melomania P100 Review: An Aston Martin for the Everyday Audiophile

Great Sound for a Good Price The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is a wireless over-ear headphone that costs 239 euros. The reviewer calls it an "Aston Martin for the common person" because it gives you amazing luxury sound for a fair price. It uses special A/B amplification which is rare for wireless headphones. This makes music sound very warm, clear, and full of exciting detail....Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
11/01/2025
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review – Packed with features at a lower price", "Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review – Feature-rich for a lower pric...

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 is a pair of wireless earbuds that costs around 170 euros and delivers an impressive set of high-end features for a lower price. The earbuds stand out by offering a very long battery life of 10 hours with noise-canceling turned on, wireless charging, and support for the rare aptX Lossless audio codec. Designed by a traditional British hi-fi...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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