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Onkyo ES BT1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 8 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Onkyo ES BT1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Good

5.9

Good

7.3

Very good

8.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
?
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
7.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
?
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
8.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Onkyo ES-BT1 Trainer is an ultra-lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone specifically designed for active use, featuring 40mm electro-dynamic drivers and custom Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for a balanced sound profile across an 80 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Key characteristics include a secure fit with sweat-wicking, breathable fabric earpads and integrated controls for volume and calls, supported by Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Main pros include its durable one-piece construction, water-resistant properties that withstand rain, and a comfortable design suitable for workouts. However, it is limited by a relatively short 8-hour battery life, a 3-hour recharge time via micro-USB, and the lack of a 3.5mm wired backup option.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Onkyo ES BT1

Overall score

6.2

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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

6.2

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

7.8

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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: LOW

?

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: LOW

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

6.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

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Features

4.3

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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: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

?

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Battery

4.2

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

?

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Design

8.1

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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: LOW

Onkyo

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: LOW

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

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Onkyo ES BT1 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Onkyo ES BT1 better than the average pair of headphones?

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More flexible connectivity
Onkyo ES BT1 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support 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: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
LDAC support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
What it is: Supports Sony LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless audio
When it matters: When you stream high-bitrate audio from compatible Android devices.
Importance: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
45% lower weight
Onkyo ES BT1 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Onkyo ES BT1 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
AptX Adaptive support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
What it is: Supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec for improved audio and latency
When it matters: When you switch between music, video, and games and want Bluetooth audio to manage quality and latency more intelligently.
Importance: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
AptX HD support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
What it is: Supports aptX HD codec for enhanced audio fidelity
When it matters: When wireless sound quality matters more than a basic codec connection.
Importance: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
3.1 lower clamp force
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (1.2 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: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (1.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.1.2 vs 4.3
On-device controls
Onkyo ES BT1 includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
AAC codec support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
What it is: Supports AAC codec for iOS and compatible devices
When it matters: When you mainly use Apple devices and want stronger Bluetooth codec support.
Importance: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
45% lower weight
Onkyo ES BT1 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3.1 lower clamp force
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (1.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Foldable design
Onkyo ES BT1 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Water resistance
Onkyo ES BT1 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Removable battery
Onkyo ES BT1 has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
Rechargeable battery
Onkyo ES BT1 has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Onkyo ES BT1 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
LDAC support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
AptX Adaptive support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
AptX HD support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
AAC codec support
Onkyo ES BT1 supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
NFC pairing
Onkyo ES BT1 supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
Low-latency game mode
Onkyo ES BT1 includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
On-device controls
Onkyo ES BT1 includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Quick mic mute
Onkyo ES BT1 includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Onkyo ES BT1 worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Fixed cable
Onkyo ES BT1 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Onkyo ES BT1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Onkyo ES BT1 does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
0.7 % higher distortion
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
62 Hz weaker bass extension
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20 dB lower max SPL
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (90 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 hours longer charging time
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
22 hours shorter battery life
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
50 ms higher audio latency
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (200 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
1 hours longer charging time
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=2 hours
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 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
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Fixed cable
Onkyo ES BT1 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: LOW
Onkyo ES BT1 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
22 hours shorter battery life
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 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: LOW
Good value: >45 hours
Onkyo ES BT1 has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.8 hours vs 30 hours
0.7 % higher distortion
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.1 % vs 0.3 %
62 Hz weaker bass extension
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80 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
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (80 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.80 Hz vs 18 Hz
50 ms higher audio latency
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (200 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
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: MEDIUM
Good value: <60 ms
Onkyo ES BT1 has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (200 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.200 ms vs 150 ms
Tangle-prone cable
Onkyo ES BT1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones 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
Onkyo ES BT1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Onkyo ES BT1?

High sound quality with clean mids and highs, particularly well-suited for acoustic tracks
Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long-term wear
Surprising durability and weather resistance, surviving heavy rain and hail in field tests
Competitive price point compared to similar Bluetooth headphones in its niche
Built-in control panel on the device body for easy volume and remote access

What customers dislike about Onkyo ES BT1?

Limited low-frequency response (80 Hz) compared to many competitors, resulting in less powerful bass
Included USB charging cable is considered too short for users with hard-to-reach ports
Lacks modern features found in newer models, such as active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise reduction
Does not feature a detachable cable or a 3.5mm jack for wired listening
Non-foldable design makes them less compact for travel compared to other on-ear models

Expert reviews

pocnetwork.net

11/01/2014

Summary of the review

Review: Onkyo Trainer ES-BT1 Bluetooth Headphones (First Look) Notes on your search: Exact Model vs. Series: You may find many results for the Onkyo "...

Onkyo Trainer ES-BT1 Headphones The Onkyo Trainer ES-BT1 is a lightweight, sleek pair of Bluetooth headphones that retails for approximately $99 and provides a highly comfortable fit for long-term wear. Designed primarily for active use like walking, jogging, and gym sessions, they securely hug the head during standard movement, though they can slip during extreme activity. The right ear cup integrates streamlined control buttons and a micro-USB charging port, which blend smoothly into the design but can be difficult to read at first. Functioning strictly via Bluetooth without a wired option, the headphones offer up to 8 hours of battery life per charge and include a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice recognition. The headphones boast several notable strengths, including surprisingly clean mids and highs, good bass performance for their driver size, and impressive durability—surviving an hour of dense rain, hail, and hard drops. However, they lack official water-resistance ratings, meaning outdoor exposure is not recommended by the manufacturer. Additional cons include a micro-USB charging cable that is considered too short, button labels that are tough to read, and...

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