OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£70
Avg. price in US: ~$70
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 12 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

4.4

Poor

9.3

Exceptional

6.7
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
1.7
Battery life
2.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
1.7
Battery life
18.0%
6.4
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.8
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
1.7
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.4
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
1.7
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#329 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#593 in Best Wireless Headphones
#856 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless on-ear headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a bass-forward signature within a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response range. Known for their eco-conscious construction, they are crafted from FSC-certified wood, recyclable aluminium, and signature REWIND™ fabric, while offering a foldable design for portability. Key pros include a lightweight frame (190g), stable Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, a removable tangle-free braided cable for wired use, and a integrated microphone for hands-free calls. However, cons include a relatively short 12-hour battery life, a long 3.5-hour recharge time via micro-USB, and potential on-ear discomfort during long sessions, especially for glasses wearers.

Technical Specifications of House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless

Overall score

5.4

Show more

Hide

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

4.5

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

8.6

Show more

Hide

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

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

3.8

Show more

Hide

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

?

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

Show more

Battery

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

Show more

Design

7.4

Show more

Hide

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

House of Marley

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

on-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

?

Show more

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless vs the average headphone

Why is House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

10 mm larger driver size
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
More flexible connectivity
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Clear call microphone
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
5 m longer Bluetooth range
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.15 m vs 10 m
23.4% lower weight
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless is lighter than the average headphone (167 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless is lighter than the average headphone (167 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.167 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
23.4% lower weight
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless is lighter than the average headphone (167 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
10 mm larger driver size
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Rechargeable battery
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
More flexible connectivity
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
5 m longer Bluetooth range
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
Clear call microphone
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

21.6 mm tighter earcup height
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (38.4 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
No travel bag
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
4.6 mm tighter earcup width
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38.4 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
2.7 % higher distortion
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
1.5 hours longer charging time
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
18 hours shorter battery life
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
40% lower battery capacity
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (360 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
1.5 hours longer charging time
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3.5 hours vs 2 hours
2.7 % higher distortion
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.3 % vs 0.3 %
18 hours shorter battery life
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.12 hours vs 30 hours
21.6 mm tighter earcup height
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (38.4 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (38.4 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.38.4 mm vs 60 mm
2 Hz weaker bass extension
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
40% lower battery capacity
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (360 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (360 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.360 mAh vs 600 mAh
No travel bag
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
4.6 mm tighter earcup width
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38.4 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
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38.4 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38.4 mm vs 43 mm

Graphic comparison of House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless?

Sustainable and eco-friendly design using FSC-certified wood and recyclable aluminum
Excellent value for money, often described as high-quality for its budget price point
Solid sound performance with punchy bass and clear vocals
Lightweight and foldable construction makes them highly portable
Includes a high-quality braided 3.5mm cable for wired listening if the battery dies
Stylish, unique aesthetic that stands out from standard plastic headphones

What customers dislike about House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless?

On-ear design can become uncomfortable or cause ear pain during long listening sessions
Battery life is relatively short (approx. 10–12 hours) compared to modern competitors
Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), relying only on passive isolation
Ear cushions may begin to peel or flake after extended use
Some users report a tight clamping force, especially for those with larger heads or glasses
Charging time is fairly slow, taking roughly 3.5 hours for a full charge

Expert reviews

pshikotra.com

14/01/2021

House of Marley - Positive Vibration 2 Review by Priti Shikotra

This review outlines the author's experience with the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless on-ear headphones, which they purchased for just under £40 to use during cardio workouts. The author was highly motivated by the company's eco-friendly ethos, specifically their commitment to sustainable craftsmanship and their initiative to plant one tree for every product sold....Read more

techbuzzireland.com

09/10/2017

Review – The House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 headphones

The TechBuzz Ireland Review highlights the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 headphones as a stylish and unexpectedly durable product. A major pro is the build quality, featuring an adjustable headband made from a clean denim-like REWIND fabric and soft leather earpads. The unique design also includes aluminum ear cups decorated with FSC certified wood logos. Additionally, the...Read more

t3.com

18/11/2021

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 product review

The House of Marley Positive Vibrations 2 are budget-friendly, eco-friendly wireless headphones praised for their stylish design, comfortable fit, and good, balanced sound quality. Built using sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood, recyclable aluminum, and a signature Rewind fabric blend, these lightweight headphones appeal strongly to environmentally conscious consumers....Read more

trustedreviews.com

10/05/2018

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless highlights these budget-friendly, $69 on-ear headphones for their stylish, eco-friendly design featuring wood accents and a 10-12 hour battery life. Performance-wise, they deliver a well-balanced, fun sound profile with clear mids and highs, suitable for daily use. However, the on-ear design lacks...Read more

berlinart-design.de

13/11/2017

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless Headphones Review

The Berlinart Design review provides a highly detailed assessment of the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless on-ear headphones, emphasizing their eco-friendly design and budget-friendly appeal. A major pro highlighted by the reviewer is the premium, sustainable build quality, which incorporates recyclable aluminum earcups and FSC-certified wood inserts. Additionally, the...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

15/09/2017

House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 review on kopfhoerer.de

The House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 is an affordable, eco-friendly on-ear headphone option priced under €50, notable for its sustainable material construction, including FSC-certified wood accents, recycled aluminum ear cups, and a headband crafted from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled PET plastic. Designed for portability, these lightweight headphones offer a snug fit with...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

13/02/2024

Lab Test of the MARLEY Positive Vibration Frequency – A Huge Disappointment

The House of Marley Positive Vibration Frequency (EM-JH143) wireless over-ear headphones deliver a disappointing audio experience despite their appealing aesthetic and highly comfortable design. Tested by Labo Fnac, the headphones received a low rating of 2 out of 5 stars due to significant flaws in their technical performance. On the positive side, the headphones offer deep bass...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Creative Sound Blaster

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

JLab Go Lux ANC

Headphones

Headphones

Phiaton Bonobeats Lite

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Skullcandy Grind

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Compare House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless with

Compare