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Sync By 50 On Ear Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£160
Avg. price in US: ~$230
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 10 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sync By 50 On Ear review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Good

5.9

Good

6.8

Good

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
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
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
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 SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-Ear headphones feature custom-tuned 40mm drivers designed to deliver a balanced soundstage with a powerful, punchy bass boost and support for the aptX codec over Bluetooth 4.0. Key characteristics include a foldable, lightweight design with soft leather memory foam ear pads for comfort, an IPX4 sweat-resistant rating for athletic use, and a battery life offering up to 10–12 hours of playback. Its main pros are the exceptionally comfortable fit, clear mid-range and highs, and convenient on-ear controls for volume and track navigation. However, cons include a high price point at launch, a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and occasional audio distortion when pushed to maximum volume.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sync By 50 On Ear

Overall score

6.1

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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

7.7

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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

6.9

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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

N/A

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

4.9

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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

3.0

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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: 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

6.2

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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

Sync

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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Sync By 50 On Ear vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sync By 50 On Ear better than the average pair of headphones?

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More flexible connectivity
Sync By 50 On Ear 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
Sync By 50 On Ear offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
LE Audio support
Sync By 50 On Ear supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
What it is: Supports Bluetooth LE Audio for low power and high efficiency
When it matters: When you want newer Bluetooth features that can improve efficiency, sharing options, and long-term ecosystem support.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 On Ear supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Sync By 50 On Ear 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
Sync By 50 On Ear includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sync By 50 On Ear includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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
Sync By 50 On Ear includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Dongle included
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
What it is: Comes with a USB or wireless dongle for connectivity
When it matters: When you want a more reliable low-hassle wireless connection for a PC, console, or work machine without depending only on Bluetooth.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
AAC codec support
Sync By 50 On Ear 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
Sync By 50 On Ear supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
Foldable design
Sync By 50 On Ear has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 On Ear has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Foldable design
Sync By 50 On Ear has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Water resistance
Sync By 50 On Ear is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Play while charging
Sync By 50 On Ear can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
Rechargeable battery
Sync By 50 On Ear has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sync By 50 On Ear offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
LE Audio support
Sync By 50 On Ear supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
AAC codec support
Sync By 50 On Ear supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
Dongle included
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
NFC pairing
Sync By 50 On Ear supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
AptX support
Sync By 50 On Ear supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
On-device controls
Sync By 50 On Ear includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sync By 50 On Ear includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Sidetone support
Sync By 50 On Ear supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Sync By 50 On Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sync By 50 On Ear worse than the average pair of headphones?

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43.1% higher weight
Sync By 50 On Ear is heavier than the average pair of headphones (312 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 hours longer charging time
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
20 hours shorter battery life
Sync By 50 On Ear has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
2 hours longer charging time
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (4 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
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.4 hours vs 2 hours
43.1% higher weight
Sync By 50 On Ear is heavier than the average pair of headphones (312 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
Sync By 50 On Ear is heavier than the average pair of headphones (312 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.312 g vs 218 g
20 hours shorter battery life
Sync By 50 On Ear has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 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
Sync By 50 On Ear has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.10 hours vs 30 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
Sync By 50 On Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
18.2% lower user score
Sync By 50 On Ear has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.77 vs 8.000).
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.
Sync By 50 On Ear has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.77 vs 8.000).6.77 vs 8
77.8% more expensive
Sync By 50 On Ear is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
Sync By 50 On Ear is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90
1.9% worse value for money
Sync By 50 On Ear has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.14 vs 7.279).
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.
Sync By 50 On Ear has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.14 vs 7.279).7.14 vs 7.28

Graphic comparison of Sync By 50 On Ear and other products in the Headphones category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sync By 50 On Ear?

Comfortable fit featuring 'OvalFit' memory foam ear cushions that reduce ear fatigue
Stylish and sleek design with a durable rubberized finish
Easy-to-operate on-ear controls for volume and track navigation
Impressive battery life, typically lasting between 10 to 17 hours on a single charge
Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth/Kleer) and a detachable 3.5mm wired cable
Solid construction quality that can withstand regular gym use and some sweat (IPX4 rated)

What customers dislike about Sync By 50 On Ear?

Unbalanced sound signature with overwhelming bass that can lead to a 'muddy' or 'unrefined' audio experience
High price point relative to the audio performance when compared to competitors
Wireless connectivity often requires a clunky, easy-to-lose dongle (on older Kleer models)
Audio distortion can occur at high volume levels, especially when using the bass boost feature
Passive noise isolation is weak and does not effectively block out low-frequency ambient noise
On-ear controls may have limited functionality depending on the connected device or mode (wired vs. wireless)

Expert reviews

medium.com

23/11/2013

Summary of the review

Tech Review: Sync by 50 — Wireless Headphones from SMS Audio

The Medium review of the SYNC by 50 Wireless Headphones highlights a well-crafted, collapsible design featuring a soft, cushioned fit that prevents ear fatigue. Pros include high-quality, undistorted sound that rivals wired connections, easy Bluetooth pairing, and the ability to operate via a 3.5mm wire if the battery dies. Medium· Conversely, the review notes significant cons, including occasional audio drift where sound unevenly shifts to one side, requiring a Bluetooth reset. Additionally, the built-in microphone produces a mediocre, "open-air" sound for calls, and the headset's high price point represents a significant barrier, despite the overall quality. Medium·Luke Goldstein

uk.pcmag.com

11/04/2014

Summary of the review

SMS Audio Sync On-Ear Wireless - Review 2014

Review Summary The SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth headphones fail to earn a recommendation due to an overpriced $229.95 price point and a heavily flawed, unbalanced sound signature. The audio profile is highly low-frequency biased, delivering intense sub-bass thumping while severely lacking the high-mids necessary to give clarity and definition to vocals across rap, indie, and classical tracks. Furthermore, the headphones suffer from audio distortion in the left ear when pushed to maximum volume levels, which is unacceptable for a product in this premium price bracket. Despite these performance flaws, the headphones offer a comfortable fit featuring plush memory foam earpads with a leather exterior, a well-cushioned headband, and easy-to-use on-ear controls on the right earcup. Its thick padding provides efficient passive noise reduction to block out ambient room sound. Additional positive features include a quick Bluetooth pairing process, a detachable 3.5mm cable with a built-in mic for wired listening, and an included hard shell zip-up case. However, these design pros do not outweigh the cons of muddy sound quality and the inflated price tag. If you...

tomsguide.com

10/07/2014

Summary of the review

SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-EarGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - Wireless Headphones

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-Ear Wireless Headphones feature an attractive, lightweight design weighing only 5.6 ounces, available in "Cool Silver" or "Shadow Black" with soft white leather accents. Equipped with unique egg-shaped "OvalFit" earcups, they offer a surprisingly snug and comfortable fit that remains secure even during long trips or while sleeping. Transitioning from Kleer technology to standard Bluetooth, they pair easily with multiple phone brands and host responsive outer-ear controls for seamless playback adjustment. Furthermore, the custom-tuned 40-mm drivers are backed by a highly impressive lithium-ion battery that delivers a long lifespan of up to 12 hours on a single charge, complete with a physical backup audio cable. Despite these physical strengths, the headphones fall short in acoustic performance due to overwhelming, unrefined bass that muddy the mids and drown out finer musical details. Cranking up the volume on both the headphones and the source device quickly results in heavy audio distortion, while vocals consistently sound flat and submerged. The phone call quality is equally problematic; passive noise cancellation works in quiet environments, but users will experience...

kopfhoerer.de

13/12/2015

Summary of the review

SMS Audio SYNC by 50 On-Ear Wireless Review", "SMS Audio SYNC by 50 On-Ear Wireless Headphones

The SMS Audio SYNC by 50 On-Ear Wireless headphones, reviewed by kopfhoerer.de, received a 3.5 out of 5 rating, praised for delivering a balanced, "HiFi casual" sound, according to. While designed for lifestyle use, they offer a punchy, controlled bass without overwhelming the midrange vocals and synth leads. Pros include a comfortable, lightweight design featuring soft leather pads and a foldable structure ideal for travel. Additionally, the on-ear controls are user-friendly, allowing for intuitive navigation of music and calls. However, the review notes some limitations: the midrange, while functional, sounds somewhat overly "polished,". The tight, on-ear fit, while secure, might cause discomfort for some users during extended listening sessions,. While the sound is enjoyable, it lacks the detailed nuance required for critical, audiophile-grade listening,. In summary, it is a versatile option for casual listening, especially for those seeking a stylish, portable wireless solution with good bass,.

audiocasque.fr

01/05/2014

Summary of the review

SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-Ear Headphones: Full Review

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 On-Ear is a wireless Bluetooth headphone backed by rapper 50 Cent that struggles to justify its premium price tag of over €300. On the positive side, the headphone features a stylish, modern aesthetic available in black or silver, sporting comfortable memory foam ear cushions wrapped in leather and a well-padded headband. It delivers simple Bluetooth connectivity, decent passive noise isolation, and a comprehensive bundle of accessories including an oval carrying case, a cleaning cloth, and a detachable backup cable equipped with an inline microphone and remote. However, the review heavily criticizes the headphone for its poor price-to-performance ratio and subpar build quality. The audio signature is poorly balanced, resulting in overpowering, exaggerated bass and low-mids that muddy the midrange frequencies. High frequencies are also poorly managed, causing noticeable sound distortion at maximum volumes. Additionally, user feedback highlights a fragile plastic headband prone to snapping, making competitors like the Parrot Zik, Beats Studio Wireless, or options from Sony and Sennheiser far superior choices in this price bracket.

alpha-audio.net

01/03/2013

Summary of the review

Review of SMS Audio Sync by 50 Cent

Here is a two-paragraph summary of the review: Review Summary: SMS Audio Sync by 50 The SMS Audio Sync by 50, a €399 headphone backed by rapper 50 Cent, struggles to justify its high price tag due to critical performance flaws. Its standout features include the use of Kleer technology, which delivers a completely lossless wireless connection with zero audio compression. Additional advantages are its robust battery life, the ability to work via a passive cable when the battery is dead, and functional on-ear controls for volume and track skipping. The build quality, while entirely plastic, remains lightweight, durable, and highly isolating, offering a comfortable and physically secure fit.

Video reviews

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