Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 20 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

8.2

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%

8.1

Technical Score

20.0%

8.4

User score

Excellent
8.1

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%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

9.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

5.3

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

9.2

Calls & Controls

Excellent
8.4

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(372)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(372)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.1
    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%

    3.1

    Battery life

  • 7.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 8.9
    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%

    3.1

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 3.7
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are premium over-ear wireless headphones featuring 40mm Free Edge drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz. Key characteristics include 13 levels of adjustable active noise cancellation (up to 30dB), intuitive on-ear rotating dials for volume and ANC control, and support for Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and SBC codecs. Main pros include high-fidelity Omnisonic sound, excellent multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing, and a lightweight 290g design with plush, 180-degree rotating ear cups that provide all-day comfort and approximately 18.5 to 20 hours of battery life. However, notable cons include a non-foldable design that limits portability, a rubberized headband that may pull hair, and touch sensors that can be overly sensitive to accidental triggers.

Technical Specifications of Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

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%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

9.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

5.3

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

9.2

Calls & Controls

8.1
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a technical score of 8.11 points, which is higher than that of 95.3% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(372)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(372)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.4
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a user score of 8.38 points, which is higher than that of 70% 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.
7.9
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a popularity of 7.9 points, which is higher than 65.5% 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%

8.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

8.6
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.6 points, which is higher than 94.2% 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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

40 mm
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

20 Hz
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

8
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has 8 microphones, more microphones than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 1% 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

no
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wireless
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

5.0
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 uses Bluetooth version 5.0, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
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

10 m
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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

13
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers 13 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 99.2% of headphones.
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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

20 hours
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.5% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
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

20 hours
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers battery life with ANC of 20 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 74.3% of headphones and equal to 9.8% of headphones.
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

2 hours
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
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

yes
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

450 mAh
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a battery capacity of 450 mAh, lower battery capacity than 65.9% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
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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

Microsoft
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

290 g
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 weighs 290 g, heavier than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 1.2% 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

5.4
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a clamp force of 5.4, higher clamp force than 79.1% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
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Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Spatial audio support
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • USB-C charging
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 7 more microphones
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has more microphones than the average headphone (8 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 33% higher weight
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 20 mm tighter earcup height
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 1.1 higher clamp force
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 25% lower battery capacity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (450 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 33% higher weight
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.290 g vs 218 g
  • 20 mm tighter earcup height
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.40 mm vs 60 mm
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 1.1 higher clamp force
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.4 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 25% lower battery capacity
    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (450 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

    Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (450 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.450 mAh vs 600 mAh

Graphic comparison of Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Microsoft Surface Headphones 2?

  • Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions with plush ear pads
  • Innovative and intuitive on-ear rotating dials for volume and noise cancellation control
  • Reliable multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for pairing two devices simultaneously
  • Thirteen adjustable levels of active noise cancellation (ANC)
  • Convenient auto-pause and resume feature when removing or replacing the headphones
  • Clear call quality and effective integration with Microsoft Teams
  • Competitive pricing compared to major rivals like Sony and Bose
  • Improved battery life (up to 20 hours) and fast charging via USB-C

What customers dislike about Microsoft Surface Headphones 2?

  • Bulky, non-foldable design that limits portability and requires a large carrying case
  • Sound profile can be overly bass-heavy, which may mask vocal clarity or instrument separation
  • Noise cancellation performance is slightly behind industry leaders in loud environments
  • Reported durability issues, such as the headband padding peeling or the headband breaking
  • Lack of high-quality AAC codec support for Apple device users
  • Rubbery headband material can occasionally pull hair
  • Touch-sensitive controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental inputs

Expert reviews

M
moorinsightsstrategy.com
12/06/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offer a comfortable, sleek design with 180-degree earcups and upgraded Bluetooth 5.0 at an aggressive $250 price point. Key strengths include intuitive on-ear dials for adjusting 13 levels of active noise cancellation (ANC) and volume, combined with improved Omnisonic sound and seamless Office 365 integration. However, the headset has limitations,...Read more

M
mashable.com
17/06/2020

Overview The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 deliver exceptional performance and supreme comfort, earning a "Mashable Choice Award" despite their bulky, unappealing aesthetic. Priced at a competitive $249.99—a $100 price drop from the original model—these headphones provide 40mm drivers and 13 adjustable levels of active noise cancelation (ANC) managed through physical ear cup dials....Read more

C
cnet.com
14/07/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offer a compelling blend of design tweaks, enhanced performance, and a significantly lower price tag of $250—a $100 price drop from the original model. A standout feature is the intuitive control scheme, which utilizes touch pads and unique on-ear rotating dials to seamlessly adjust volume and cycle through 13 levels of ambient noise cancellation....Read more

T
t3.com
11/08/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 receive a highly positive review from T3, earning their "Recommends Award" for successfully fixing the shortcomings of the original model while dropping the price to a more competitive $249 / £239. The core strengths highlighted in the review include excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), which is seamlessly managed by a unique, highly tactile...Read more

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forbes.com
29/05/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are described as a high-performing, comfortable option for professionals, offering enhanced 20-hour battery life and a $100 price reduction over the previous generation. Key pros include the comfort and responsive auto-pause sensors, though cons involve overly sensitive touch controls and a less premium, plastic-heavy aesthetic. The Surface Earbuds...Read more

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trustedreviews.com
06/08/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Go are recognized for their ergonomic, comfortable design and highly intuitive, physical rotating dial controls for volume and active noise cancellation (ANC). They feature a smooth, warm audio profile with strong, textured mids supported by Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX for high-quality streaming. YouTube· However, the headphones face limitations,...Read more

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soundguys.com
21/08/2023

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are described as a high-value, comfortable alternative to premium ANC headsets, featuring intuitive,, ear-cup dials for volume and ANC control. They are highly recommended for productivity due to excellent microphone performance and seamless Bluetooth 5.0 multi-point connectivity. However, drawbacks include overly sensitive touch controls and the...Read more

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techradar.com
02/07/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 mark a triumphant return to personal audio for the tech giant, delivering notable improvements over the original model at a significantly lower launch price of $249.99 / £239.99. The design retains its standout, highly intuitive mechanical dials on each earcup to seamlessly control volume and its 13 distinct levels of active noise cancellation...Read more

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rtings.com
19/06/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Go are comfortable, well-built over-ear headphones featuring an intuitive, dial-based control system and low audio leakage, according to RTINGS. Upgraded with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX codec support, they offer a solid, though bass-heavy, sound profile that can be adjusted via a companion app. Performance drawbacks include a boomy default sound with...Read more

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theguardian.com
03/08/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are a significant improvement over their predecessors, offering a more comfortable fit, better battery life, and enhanced active noise cancellation at a lower price point of £239.99. Retaining their distinct aesthetic with large, plush circular ear cups, these headphones feature a unique, highly tactile control scheme that includes rotary dials on...Read more

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galaxus.de
01/09/2020

The Galaxus ANC headphones review reveals the Sony WH-1000XM3 provides the highest absolute noise reduction, dominating in low frequencies. However, the Bose Headphones 700 and Sennheiser PXC 550-II offer better, more consistent active noise cancellation (ANC) across higher frequencies based on human perception. While the Bose 700 excels in voice quality for calls, the Bose QC 35 II...Read more

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connect.de
12/07/2022

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 received a "good" rating (411/500 points) in the connect review, highlighted by excellent build quality, a comfortable fit with padded ear cushions, and intuitive controls, including rotating dials for volume and active noise cancellation (ANC). Key strengths include seamless multipoint connectivity, reliable auto-stop functionality, high maximum...Read more

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computerbild.de
03/08/2020

According to the review by COMPUTER BILD, the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 earned a "good" test rating of 2.2. The reviewer highlighted several core pros, beginning with the high level of wearing comfort and the premium build quality carried over from the original generation. The physical rotary dials located on the ear cups are considered a major strength, allowing users to...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
24/01/2021

The Labo Fnac review awards the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 a 4 out of 5-star rating, highlighting excellent audio performance as its standout feature. The lab's technical evaluation gives the headset a strong 7.4 score for frequency response and an impressive 8.2 score for low distortion, indicating highly accurate sound reproduction with minimal interference. Additionally,...Read more

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clubic.com
23/07/2021

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2+ for Business (rated 7/10) is a professional, minor update to the standard model, featuring a specialized Microsoft Teams-certified USB-A Bluetooth dongle for enhanced stability and visual mute status. Weighing 290g, this matte black headset retains the original’s standout, highly intuitive dual-ring dial system on the earcups for seamless control...Read more

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watchgeneration.fr
08/08/2020

The WatchGeneration review of the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 highlights a revised, more competitive $250 price point with improved ergonomics, featuring innovative, rotating ear cup dials for volume and 13 levels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Key advantages include excellent comfort, effective multipoint Bluetooth pairing, 180-degree flat-folding ear cups for portability,...Read more

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frandroid.com
05/07/2020

The Frandroid review awards the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 an overall score of 8/10, highlighting it as a highly user-friendly and well-constructed product that launched with a welcome €100 price reduction compared to its predecessor. On the positive side, the reviewer heavily praises the return of the innovative rotating physical dials on the earcups, which allow seamless...Read more

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dday.it
31/08/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offer exceptional, versatile connectivity as their standout feature, allowing users to pair up to 10 devices simultaneously and automatically route audio to the active source. Priced at €279, they feature an incredibly comfortable ergonomic design with memory foam earcups, intuitive rotating physical dials on the earcups to control volume and noise...Read more

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tomshw.it
12/08/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are highlighted as an excellent choice for office work and professional calls, featuring a unique design with rotatable ear cup dials to control volume and 13 levels of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). The review praises the integrated microphone for providing clear, deep voice quality and the physical mute button, which is particularly useful during...Read more

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macitynet.it
18/07/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are styled as premium, over-ear headphones designed to directly compete with industry giants Sony and Bose. The reviewer notes that the headphones deliver a very good, well-rounded audio experience on Windows and macOS via the aptX codec, though deep sound quality drops slightly on iPhones where aptX is unsupported. A standout positive feature is...Read more

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smartworld.it
03/11/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are highly comfortable, daily-driver over-ear headphones designed with an office and productivity lifestyle in mind, retailing at an official list price of €279.99. A standout feature is their intuitive hybrid control scheme, which uses touch panels for media playback alongside rotatable physical dials on each ear cup to directly adjust volume and...Read more

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corriere.it
16/10/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are recognized for offering highly competitive active noise-canceling performance for under 300 euros, featuring an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight design. Key pros include 180-degree rotating ear cups, precise, unique physical dials for ANC and volume control, and strong Bluetooth multipoint connectivity. On the downside, the construction...Read more

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tweakers.net
01/07/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2Go review on Tweakers praises the device for its exceptional ease of use, highlighting the intuitive physical rotating dials on the earcups for seamless volume and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) adjustments. The reviewer also notes the robust multipoint Bluetooth capability, which allows for stable, simultaneous connections to two devices, such as...Read more

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tweakers.net
01/07/2020

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 receive a generally positive reception from users, averaging a 3.9 out of 5-star rating due to their exceptional ease of use and standout physical features. Reviewers repeatedly praise the highly intuitive mechanical dialers on the earcups used to control volume and adjust Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) levels. Additional strong pros include...Read more

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hifi.nl
11/01/2021

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are evaluated as an exceptionally comfortable, well-built option tailored specifically for professionals and long-duration users. The reviewer praises their durable aluminum, plastic, and faux-leather build quality, noting that the round ear cushions provide an incredibly comfortable fit, even for users wearing glasses. A standout feature is the...Read more

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tweakers.net
22/01/2023

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are highly praised for their robust build quality, comfortable fit with ideal clamping force, and seamless multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. Sound quality shines after equalizer adjustments, offering dynamic audio that competes well with more expensive alternatives, especially considering a lower price point. However, key drawbacks include a bulky...Read more

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