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Sync By 50 Over Ear Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£160
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 17 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sync By 50 Over Ear review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.9

Poor

6.6

Good

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%
2.6
Battery life
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
2.6
Battery life
18.0%
2.8
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.9
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
2.6
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
5.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.8
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
2.6
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#182 in Best Gym Headphones
#182 in Best Sport Headphones
#457 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#462 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#599 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#635 in Best Wireless Headphones
#970 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 Over-Ear headphones feature custom 40mm drivers and utilize Kleer wireless technology for lossless, 16-bit uncompressed audio with a 50-foot range, surpassing standard Bluetooth quality from that era. Key characteristics include a 'shatterproof' adjustable headband, soft memory foam ear cushions for passive noise isolation, and a unique ability to sync up to four pairs to a single transmitter. Pros include a powerful, professionally tuned sound with a dedicated 'THUMPP' bass boost mode, up to 17 hours of battery life, and high-impact style. Cons include a bulky design that relies on a 3.5mm wireless dongle for wireless use, a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a largely plastic build that some critics find less refined for its price point.

Technical Specifications of Sync By 50 Over Ear

Overall score

5.2

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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

4.5

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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

8.9

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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

4.8

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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

N/A

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: 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

3.6

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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

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

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

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

Importance: LOW

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Battery

7.0

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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

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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

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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

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: MEDIUM

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: 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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Sync By 50 Over Ear vs the average headphone

Why is Sync By 50 Over Ear better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Clear call microphone
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Sidetone support
Sync By 50 Over Ear supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 Over Ear supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Foldable design
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Water resistance
Sync By 50 Over Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Rechargeable battery
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Sync By 50 Over Ear offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Clear call microphone
Sync By 50 Over Ear offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Sidetone support
Sync By 50 Over Ear supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Sync By 50 Over Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
Sync By 50 Over Ear supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sync By 50 Over Ear worse than the average headphone?

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45.4% higher weight
Sync By 50 Over Ear is heavier than the average headphone (317 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
13 hours shorter battery life
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
No voice assistant support
Sync By 50 Over Ear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Sync By 50 Over Ear was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2012
45.4% higher weight
Sync By 50 Over Ear is heavier than the average headphone (317 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear is heavier than the average headphone (317 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.317 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Sync By 50 Over Ear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
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
Sync By 50 Over Ear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
13 hours shorter battery life
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.17 hours vs 30 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
Sync By 50 Over Ear 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
21.2% lower user score
Sync By 50 Over Ear has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.60 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 Over Ear has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.60 vs 8.000).6.6 vs 8
5 years older release date
Sync By 50 Over Ear was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Sync By 50 Over Ear was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
77.8% more expensive
Sync By 50 Over Ear is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).
Sync By 50 Over Ear is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Sync By 50 Over Ear and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sync By 50 Over Ear?

Comfortable design with memory foam ear pads for long listening sessions
Balanced sound profile that isn't as bass-heavy as some competitors
Includes a high-quality semi-hardshell carrying case and useful accessories
Solid battery life, typically lasting between 13 and 17 hours
Built-in volume and track controls are convenient and easy to navigate
Lossless 16-bit CD-quality audio when used with the Kleer wireless transmitter

What customers dislike about Sync By 50 Over Ear?

Requires a bulky 3.5mm wireless dongle (Kleer technology) instead of standard Bluetooth
Audio distortion can occur at high volumes, especially in wireless mode
Passive noise isolation is weak and fails to block out loud city environments
Bulky over-ear design uses a lot of plastic, which some feel feels cheap for the price
Noticeable blue lights on the earcups flash constantly during use and cannot be turned off
High retail price compared to rivals that offer similar or better audio performance

Expert reviews

wired.com

22/02/2012

Review: SMS Audio Sync by 50 SMS-WS - WIRED

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 SMS-WS wireless headphones, curated by rap mogul 50 Cent, are an ultra-luxe, musician-marketed pair of headphones that earn a 7/10 rating from WIRED. Visually bold, the porcelain-white or black exterior features a sturdy, highly flexible frame and comfortable leather earcups capable of withstanding rough everyday storage without scratching. Performance-wise,...Read more

whathifi.com

23/01/2015

SMS Audio Sync by 50 cent review | What Hi-Fi?

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 Cent Bluetooth headphones fail to impress, with their budget-level build quality and tight, uncomfortable fit heavily undermining their premium retail price. Reviewers noted that the lightweight plastics and functional yet cheap-feeling D-pad controls make the product feel flimsy and unrefined compared to significantly cheaper on-ear rivals. Additionally,...Read more

reviewed.com

14/03/2012

SMS Audio SYNC by 50 Over-ear Headphone Review

The SMS Audio SYNC by 50 over-ear wireless headphones fail to live up to their premium $400 MSRP, functioning largely as a product cashing in on celebrity-endorsed marketing hype. On the positive side, the headphones include a highly durable, easily replaceable 3.93-foot cable, which significantly extends the overall life expectancy of the product. They also ship with a generous...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

09/04/2014

SMS Audio Sync by 50 - Review 2014 - PCMag UK

In the review of the SMS Audio Sync by 50 headphones, PCMag awards the product a "Fair" rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, concluding that the device tries to do too much at an expensive direct retail price of $399.95. Developed by rapper 50 Cent and his design team, the over-ear headphones utilize 2.4GHz Kleer wireless technology instead of Bluetooth, which was historically known for...Read more

cnet.com

01/02/2012

SMS Audio Sync by 50 review - CNET

The SMS Audio Sync by 50 wireless headphones deliver high-quality, lossless audio by utilizing Kleer Digital wireless technology instead of compressed Bluetooth. This approach allows the headphones to automatically cycle through 16 channels to prevent static interference from other household wireless devices. It also enables a group listening feature where up to four...Read more

theverge.com

16/02/2012

Sync by 50 wireless headphones review

The Verge's review of the Sync by 50 wireless headphones describes the product as seriously flawed, despite offering surprisingly decent, better-than-anticipated sound quality. However, the, wireless functionality relies on a clunky, easily lost 3.5mm dongle instead of integrated Bluetooth. Significant drawbacks include a large, garish design and unreliable physical controls that...Read more

soundandvision.com

09/12/2011

Review: Sync by 50 SMS-WS Wireless Headphones

The Sound & Vision review of the SMS Audio Sync by 50 (SMS-WS) wireless headphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights a consumer-focused design featuring a vivid, punchy sound profile optimized for hip-hop, boasting strong bass and near-lossless audio via a Kleer wireless dongle. Comfort is a key pro, with testers praising the soft, leather-covered foam pads for...Read more

slashgear.com

06/03/2012

Sync By 50 SMS-WS Wireless Headphones Review - SlashGear

Review Summary The Sync by 50 (SMS-WS) wireless headphones by SMS Audio, backed and tuned by 50 Cent, deliver a flashy, high-profile design priced at $399.95. These headphones use a relatively large Bluetooth dongle for quick device syncing and feature physical buttons built directly around the illuminated ear-cup logos to control power, tracks, and volume. Designed for high...Read more

newgadgets.de

02/02/2014

Review: SMS Audio SYNC by 50 – Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Review Summary The SMS Audio SYNC by 50 is a premium, lifestyle wireless over-ear headphone created by rapper 50 Cent's company. It delivers a balanced, all-rounder sound signature with 40mm drivers that excel in hip-hop and electronic music. Unlike Bluetooth alternatives, the system utilizes uncompressed 2.4 GHz KLEER wireless technology via an external 3.5mm dongle to ensure...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

19/07/2012

Audio Sync Test: SMS by 50 - Les Numériques

Review Summary The SMS Audio SYNC by 50 is a disappointing wireless headphone collaboration with rapper 50 Cent, earning a poor 2 out of 5 rating due to substantial design and hardware flaws. On the positive side, the headphones offer extreme headband flexibility and functional wireless connectivity via Kleer transmission. However, the construction relies on cheap, easily detached...Read more

alpha-audio.net

01/03/2013

Review of the SMS Audio Sync by 50", "SMS Audio Sync by 50 Review

Here is a two-paragraph summary of the review: Review Summary The SMS Audio Sync by 50, a wireless headphone backed by rapper 50 Cent and priced at €399, tries to compete with the popular Beats by Dre lineup but ultimately falls short in performance. On the positive side, the headphone features an attractive aesthetic and a robust, lightweight build that provides good comfort and...Read more

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