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Harman Kardon Fly ANC Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£130
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 30 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Harman Kardon Fly ANC review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Very good

6.9

Good

9.0

Exceptional

9.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
4.8
Battery life
6.4
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
4.8
Battery life
18.0%
3.7
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
1.0
Ambient sound mode
9.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
4.8
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
4.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
4.8
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#209 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#209 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#212 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#212 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#230 in Best Wireless Headphones
#242 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#243 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Fly ANC is a premium over-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 16Hz to 22kHz and a sensitivity of 100dB. Its sophisticated design combines a leather-covered headband with sturdy aluminum ear caps, housing built-in support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Key pros include multi-point connection for seamless device switching, a substantial battery life of up to 20 hours with ANC (30 hours without), and a quick-charge feature that provides 2.5 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging. However, notable cons include the use of an outdated micro-USB port instead of USB-C, a lack of an ambient transparency mode, and a high clamping force that some users find uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of Harman Kardon Fly ANC

Overall score

7.3

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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.

Sound

7.9

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

8.5

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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

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

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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

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Connectivity

5.1

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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

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

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

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

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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

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Features

5.2

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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

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

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

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

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Battery

6.2

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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

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

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

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

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

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Design

6.3

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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

Harman Kardon

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

over-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

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

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Harman Kardon Fly ANC vs the average headphone

Why is Harman Kardon Fly ANC better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
EQ customization
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired 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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Clear call microphone
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Wind noise reduction
Harman Kardon Fly ANC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Harman Kardon Fly ANC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Foldable design
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Foldable design
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Active noise cancellation
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Rechargeable battery
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Clear call microphone
Harman Kardon Fly ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Wind noise reduction
Harman Kardon Fly ANC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Quick mic mute
Harman Kardon Fly ANC includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
Harman Kardon Fly ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Harman Kardon Fly ANC worse than the average headphone?

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28.9% higher weight
Harman Kardon Fly ANC is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
10 mm tighter earcup height
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
8 mm tighter earcup width
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Harman Kardon Fly ANC uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10 dB lower max SPL
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
10 hours shorter ANC battery life
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
28.9% higher weight
Harman Kardon Fly ANC is heavier than the average headphone (281 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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.281 g vs 218 g
10 mm tighter earcup height
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50 mm vs 60 mm
10 hours shorter ANC battery life
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
8 mm tighter earcup width
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.35 mm vs 43 mm
Tangle-prone cable
Harman Kardon Fly ANC 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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
10 dB lower max SPL
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 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
Harman Kardon Fly ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.100 dB vs 110 dB

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Fly ANC and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Fly ANC?

Premium build quality with leatherette and aluminum materials
Rich, balanced sound signature with punchy bass and clear vocals
Solid battery life, typically offering up to 20 hours with ANC on
Multipoint connection support for switching between two devices
Includes a high-quality hard-shell carrying case and flight adapter
Customizable sound via the My Harman/Kardon Headphones app

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Fly ANC?

High clamping force that can be uncomfortable for large heads
Small ear cups that may feel cramped or hot over time
Uses an outdated micro-USB port for charging instead of USB-C
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is decent but trails behind top competitors like Sony or Bose
Lacks an ambient/transparency mode for hearing surroundings
Physical buttons on the ear cup can feel congested and non-intuitive

Expert reviews

letemsvetemapplem.eu

24/10/2020

Harman/Kardon FLY review ANC: Good sound and solid equipment

The Harman/Kardon FLY ANC over-ear wireless headphones offer a mixed bag of premium audio performance and outdated hardware design according to this review. On the positive side, the headphones deliver clean, dynamic sound with great resolution across a wide soundstage, which can be fully personalized via equalizer presets in the companion app. They feature robust active noise...Read more

letemsvetemapplem.eu

24/10/2020

Harman/Kardon FLY ANC Review: Great Sound and Solid Features

The Harman/Kardon FLY ANC over-ear wireless headphones offer a clean, dynamic sound profile with a 16 Hz - 22 kHz frequency range driven by 40 mm dynamic drivers. Users can fully customize their audio experience using the equalizer presets in the companion My Harman Kardon Headphones app. Key benefits include an exceptionally comfortable, well-padded over-ear design suitable for...Read more

on-mag.fr

12/01/2021

Harman Kardon Fly ANC: review, opinions, specifications, price

The Harman Kardon Fly ANC is highlighted by ON-mag.fr as a sleek, all-black wireless headphone that brings a premium, professional alternative to the vibrant, casual designs of its sister brand, JBL. Weighing 281 grams and powered by 40mm electrodynamic drivers, the headphone achieves a mature look without overcharging consumers, balancing an elegant visual profile with a reasonable...Read more

on-mag.fr

12/01/2021

Harman Kardon Fly ANC Review: A clean-cut, noise-cancelling wireless headphone with impeccable sound for its price

The Harman Kardon Fly ANC is a stylish, wireless over-ear headphone that balances a sophisticated design with solid everyday performance for a mid-range price of €250. It features a refined black aesthetic using leather-like materials and a durable headband structure reinforced with metal, weighing in at a portable 281g. While marketed as supra-aural, the earcups are actually...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

14/07/2020

Harman Kardon FLY ANC Review: A Sensible Return to Wireless Headphones

The Labo Fnac review of the Harman Kardon FLY ANC awards these over-ear wireless headphones a solid 4 out of 5 stars based on technical lab testing. The expert analysis highly praises the headset's acoustic precision, granting a strong 7.7 out of 10 score for its frequency response. This highlights its capability to faithfully reproduce audio without over-emphasizing or...Read more

letemsvetemapplem.eu

24/10/2020

Harman/Kardon FLY ANC Review: Great Sound and Solid Build

The Harman/Kardon FLY ANC wireless over-ear headphones deliver clean, high-quality audio with solid dynamics, a wide soundstage, and highly customizable equalizer settings via the My Harman Kardon Headphone companion application. Their premium build prominently features comfortable synthetic leather padding across the headband and earcups, ensuring great ergonomics for extended...Read more

letemsvetemapplem.eu

24/10/2020

Harman/Kardon FLY ANC Review: Good sound and solid features

The Harman/Kardon FLY ANC over-ear wireless headphones offer a clean, high-quality audio experience featuring solid resolution, dynamics, and custom equalizer settings via a companion app. They provide excellent comfort with sufficient padding for long listening sessions, a lightweight body (283 grams), and a helpful fast-charging feature that yields 2.5 hours of playback from a...Read more

coolesuggesties.nl

28/03/2020

Gadget review: Harman Kardon Fly ANC", "Harman Kardon Fly ANC review

The Harman Kardon Fly ANC is a premium, solidly built over-ear headphone that features a timeless, business-like design crafted with imitation leather and stainless steel accents. Designed with travellers in mind, it includes an airplane adapter and offers an impressive 30-hour battery life when noise cancellation is turned off. Its standout pros include a highly effective active...Read more

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