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Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Excellent

8.1

Excellent

8.4

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

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#82 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#82 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#82 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#82 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#83 in Best USB-C Headphones
#86 in Best Wireless Headphones
#86 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#86 in Best Headphones with Mic

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

Overall score

8.2

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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

8.6

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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

9.2

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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

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

5.3

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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

9.7

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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

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

6.0

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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

5.7

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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

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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Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 vs the average headphone

Why is Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 better than the average headphone?

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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.

Calls & Controls

Why is Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 worse than the average headphone?

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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: June 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

moorinsightsstrategy.com

12/06/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 And Surface Earbuds Review: Differentiated In A Crowded Market Do you need reviews comparing these to other specific mo...

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, including noticeable audio distortion at high volumes (above 13/15). Furthermore, while the battery life improved to 20 hours, it remains less competitive than the 30-hour standard set by rivals like Bose and Sony.

mashable.com

17/06/2020

Summary of the review

Surface Headphones 2 review: Dull design for quality noise cancellation

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. The review highlights a robust battery life of up to 20 hours with ANC enabled, quick USB-C charging that provides 14 to 16 hours of playback from a one-hour charge, stable Bluetooth connectivity, and highly accurate voice dictation capabilities specifically optimized for Microsoft Office software. Pros & Cons Pros Supreme Comfort: Features deep cushioning on the ear cups and headband, weighing just over half a pound for a light, nonintrusive fit. Intuitive Controls: Employs highly responsive physical rotatable dials for volume and ANC adjustments, alongside a well-defined touch panel for playback and call management. Excellent Performance: Delivers deep, high-quality audio depth and exceptional noise cancelation capable of easily drowning out loud background appliances. Smart Features: Integrates automatic wear-detection sensors to pause/resume playback and stable Bluetooth connectivity. Cons...

cnet.com

14/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 deliver more for less - CNET

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. Built with remote workers in mind, they feature multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 pairing to connect to a phone and a PC simultaneously, rotate 180 degrees to rest comfortably around the neck, and offer a dedicated microphone mute button alongside an adjustable sidetone feature for voice calls. Additionally, battery life is improved to a respectable 20 hours with active noise-canceling, and a quick 5-minute USB-C charge yields an hour of playback.

t3.com

11/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: noise cancelling done right

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 13-step physical dial on the left earcup to completely shut out external environments. Additionally, the sound quality sees a major upgrade from the previous generation, offering a much better-balanced presentation with punchier, well-controlled bass and great vocal detail, even when using standard audio streams like Spotify. The build quality is also praised for its comfort, featuring plush memory foam ear-pads, a lightweight 290g frame, and new 180-degree swiveling earcups that fold flat for better portability, all bundled in a new sleek matte black finish option.

forbes.com

29/05/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 And Surface Earbuds Review

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 are noted for their stable, four-anchor-point design that offers supreme comfort, though their large, "gauge-like" appearance and lack of an acoustic seal limit both style appeal and bass performance.

trustedreviews.com

06/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review

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, including a faster-than-expected battery drain despite a 20-hour rating and a lack of folding hinges for compact storage. Sound performance is held back by soft, "tubby" bass and high frequencies that lack crispness, while the ANC, though capable, is outmatched by top-tier competitors.

soundguys.com

21/08/2023

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review

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 inability to completely turn off ANC without triggering ambient passthrough mode. Additionally, iOS users are limited to the SBC codec due to a lack of aptX support, and actual battery life with ANC on is closer to 17 hours and 47 minutes.

techradar.com

02/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review - TechRadar

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 (ANC). This ANC system is specifically tuned to block out human speech, making them an excellent tool for remote work or busy office environments. Additional physical upgrades include earcups that now rotate a full 180 degrees for better comfort around the neck, a modern USB-C charging port, and an improved battery life that stretches to 20 hours of playback. When evaluating performance, the headphones boast major pros including a warm, wide soundstage that provides ample separation and space for instruments to swell without inducing a closed-off feeling. The exceptional noise cancellation and tactile earcup dials also stand out as defining strengths. However, the cons highlight that the audio lacks absolute crispness and fine detail in the treble and mid frequencies, making them...

rtings.com

19/06/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Wireless Review - RTINGS.com

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 underemphasized treble, alongside inconsistent frequency response affected by user fit (e.g., glasses). Furthermore, the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) underperforms compared to the first-generation model, and the 16-hour battery life lags behind some competitors.

theguardian.com

03/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: longer-lasting Bluetooth noise cancellers

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 the ear cups to adjust volume and noise cancellation. They deliver a warm, relaxed sound profile suitable for everyday listening, provide up to 20 hours of battery life with active noise cancelling enabled, and support quick charging via USB-C. Additionally, they support Bluetooth 5.0 with multi-device connectivity, alongside Swift Pair for Windows and Fast Pair for Android. The primary pros of the Surface Headphones 2 include their exceptional comfort, robust build quality, and innovative physical dial controls. They also offer solid Bluetooth connectivity, aptX audio codec support, a 3.5mm audio socket, and helpful integration with Microsoft Office for features like dictation. On the downside, the cons highlight a disappointing lack of AAC support, which limits higher quality audio on Apple devices. Furthermore, they only...

galaxus.de

01/09/2020

Summary of the review

7 ANC headphones tested: Which has the best noise cancelling?

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 was noted for causing physical nausea due to pressure sensation in tests. The study concludes that high raw noise cancellation data does not always correlate with a better, more comfortable user experience.

connect.de

12/07/2022

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review - Connect

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 volume, and a solid 18.5-hour battery life. A durable hard case for transport is also included. While offering strong overall performance, the review notes some limitations to the device. The ANC, while functional, might not reach the top-tier performance of some competitors, and the overall sound profile is described as generally balanced. Additionally, some users might find the design slightly bulky, though this is subjective and often linked to the comfortable, over-ear design.

computerbild.de

03/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review: Quiet in 13 Levels", "Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review: Peace in 13 Steps

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 intuitively adjust the volume on the right side and smoothly cycle through 13 distinct levels of active noise cancellation (ANC) on the left side. Additionally, the ANC mechanism was praised for reliably blocking out environmental noise, the inclusion of a protective hard case was welcomed, and the battery runtime was noted as an improvement over the predecessor, clocking in at 16 hours and 58 minutes. However, the review also pointed out a few distinct cons that hold the device back from a perfect score. The overall sound fidelity was found to be slightly low and unbalanced, with bass frequencies becoming overpowering depending on the music genre, while higher frequencies lacked precision—causing subtle instruments like quiet percussion to drown out....

leclaireur.fnac.com

24/01/2021

Summary of the review

Lab Test of the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

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, customer feedback featured in the review echoes this sentiment, with users praising the device as an "excellent" choice for videoconferencing and business calls. Despite the strong acoustic scores, the review reveals notable drawbacks regarding environmental isolation. The headphones scored a 6.1 for isolation, as the lab found the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to be imperfect and somewhat lacking when blocking out surrounding ambient noise. On the other hand, sound leakage is moderately well-managed, earning a 7.0 score for sound perturbation, which means the headset prevents music from excessively disturbing people nearby.

clubic.com

23/07/2021

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: Great ergonomics for a unique pro headset

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 of volume and ANC, along with reliable multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. While keeping the comfortable, ergonomic design of its predecessor, the 2+ for Business focuses on workplace optimization rather than significant audio improvements. The main advantages lie in its exceptional, intuitive controls and robust Teams integration, though it faces competition regarding maximum battery life and isn't the lightest option available. Copy

watchgeneration.fr

08/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review

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, and a new matte black finish. YouTube· Conversely, the review notes several drawbacks, including a predominantly plastic construction that feels less premium, as well as subpar codec support for iOS users, with aptX reverting to basic SBC. While offering a warm sound profile, the audio can sometimes mask mid-range frequencies, and real-world battery life under max ANC fell short of the 20-hour rating, lasting closer to 17–18 hours.

frandroid.com

05/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review: Better and Cheaper

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 adjustment of the active noise cancellation on the left and the volume on the right. Additional pros include its straightforward user experience, Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint support for simultaneous connection to two devices, fast USB-C charging, and the intuitive Surface Audio application available across iOS, Android, and Windows. The active noise cancellation is noted as highly functional for environments like open offices and public transport, especially its "amplified ambient sound" mode which lets users clearly hear speech. However, the headphones suffer from prominent drawbacks, most notably their "flat" default sound signature that heavily prioritizes bass but lacks overall dynamism, failing to match the audio quality of rivals from Sony and Bose. Design-wise, the headset is heavy at 290 grams and cannot be folded into...

dday.it

31/08/2020

Summary of the review

Surface Headphones 2 review: Hard to find more comfortable and intelligent headphones

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 cancellation, and high-quality microphones that provide crystal-clear voice audio during calls and video conferences. The sound profile is distinctly commercial, boasting punchy, boosted bass that appeals to general consumers, alongside a respectable 20-hour battery life and a robust nylon carrying case. However, the headphones fall short in certain areas compared to premium rivals like Sony or Bose. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features 13 adjustable levels but fails to provide a complete "vacuum" effect, and it cannot be turned off entirely; instead, disabling it activates an ambient mode that amplifies outside noise. This ambient amplification makes them almost impossible to use while cycling due to severe wind rustle on the external microphones. Additionally, the voice prompts are currently limited to English, there is a...

tomshw.it

12/08/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review", "Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 | Review

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 video conferences. Additionally, the ear cups can rotate 180 degrees, making them comfortable to wear around the neck when not in use. However, the headphones fall short in portability and battery life compared to top-tier rivals like Sony or Bose. A significant drawback is the fixed headband, which prevents the headphones from folding, resulting in a bulky carrying case. Battery life is also somewhat underwhelming at approximately 18 hours with ANC, and the device lacks a fast-charging feature. While the audio quality is described as "warm," it lacks the precision and vibrant bass required for a premium music or movie-watching experience.

macitynet.it

18/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: elegant, quiet, and touch-controlled audio

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 the unique control system: the left ear cup features a highly sensitive rotating dial that fine-tunes the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) across 13 levels, while the right ear cup dial adjusts the volume. Additionally, the device scores major pros for its sleek, understated design, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, capable business-class microphone performance, and an impressive battery life that easily lasts up to 20 hours with ANC activated. On the downside, the review highlights that the smooth rubber material on the ear pads can trap heat and cause your ears to sweat, especially during hot summer days. The original touch controls also come with a learning curve and require a bit of practice before they can be fully mastered. Furthermore, while the noise-cancelling...

smartworld.it

03/11/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review

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 active noise cancellation (ANC). Their connectivity is a major highlight, offering rock-solid Bluetooth multipoint support that pairs with up to two devices simultaneously (and remembers up to 10), enabling a seamless, automatic audio transition between a PC and a smartphone. Additionally, they feature automatic ear-detection that pauses music when the headphones are removed. The sound profile is generally pleasant and warm, leaning slightly toward heavier bass, which satisfies the majority of everyday users. However, the headphones fall short of top-tier competitors like Sony and Bose in several key performance areas. While the build is robust with 180-degree rotating cups, the headphones are notably non-foldable, resulting in a large, unyielding carrying case. The active noise cancellation, though adequate for an office environment, is not...

corriere.it

16/10/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: Noise-cancelling headphones for under €300

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 relies heavily on plastic rather than premium materials, and the headband extension may be restrictive for some users. Additionally, the touch controls can be overly sensitive, and while the 13-stage ANC is high quality, it falls slightly short of top-tier competition.

tweakers.net

01/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black - Product reviews

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 a notebook and smartphone. A significant drawback identified is the audio transmission issue, where the headphones sometimes fail to produce sound immediately upon connecting via Bluetooth, requiring a "wakeup" by a dedicated app like Spotify. Furthermore, small audio files, such as short videos or voice messages, often fail to trigger this wake-up mechanism, making the hardware less reliable for instant audio feedback.

tweakers.net

01/07/2020

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 - Reviews

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 excellent wearing comfort with large, round earcups, reliable multi-point Bluetooth pairing that allows simultaneous connection to two devices (like a phone and a laptop), crisp audio quality supported by aptX codecs, and a highly responsive smart-pause feature that stops music automatically when the headset is removed. However, several persistent cons prevent the headphones from achieving a perfect score. A major drawback compared to rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM3 is that the ANC is noticeably weaker and cannot be turned completely off, only adjusted. Users also note that the battery life—at around 20 hours—is relatively small compared to the competition. Design restrictions are frequently mentioned, specifically that the headphones do not fully fold or collapse into a compact shape for travel. Finally, a few users...

hifi.nl

11/01/2021

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review

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 unique rotatable outer ring controls and the highly adaptable active noise cancellation (ANC), which offers an impressive 13 different levels of adjustment to block out surrounding noise effectively. Additionally, its competitive retail price of €279 positions it as an appealing alternative to rival models like those from Bose. However, the headphones do come with a few notable drawbacks. The sound delivery is described as reserved and restrained, meaning it lacks the lively musical emotion and engagement found in competing models from brands like DALI or Bowers & Wilkins. While this dialed-back acoustic profile successfully prevents ear fatigue during long hours of continuous listening, it might disappoint audiophiles seeking a more dynamic audio experience. The reviewer also identifies practical shortcomings, including a battery life of roughly 16 hours—which underperforms...

tweakers.net

22/01/2023

Summary of the review

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black Review

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 design with limited portability, as the headphones do not fold flat, and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that falls short of market leaders. Additionally, the review notes minor sound leakage and mediocre microphone performance, making them less ideal for users prioritizing extreme noise isolation or high-fidelity recording.

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