V-MODA S 80 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£260
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 20 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

V-MODA S 80 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

7.6

Features

10.0%

4.1

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

5.6

Battery

4.0%

5.2

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.6

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

  • 3.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 3.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £260

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The V-Moda S-80 is a unique all-wireless hybrid device that functions as both a pair of on-ear headphones and a personal neckband speaker system by twisting the ear cups outward. Key technical specifications include 40mm diaphragm drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, 16-ohm impedance, and support for high-quality Bluetooth 5.1 codecs like Qualcomm aptX HD and AAC. Main pros include its durable metal construction, customizable magnetic shields for aesthetic personalization, and its versatile dual-mode design that automatically adjusts EQ when transitioning between modes. However, notable cons include a relatively heavy weight of 355g, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a fit that some users find uncomfortable during long sessions.

Technical Specifications of V-MODA S 80

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.6
V-MODA S 80 has a technical score of 5.57 points, which is higher than that of 67.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
V-MODA S 80 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.6
V-MODA S 80 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 54.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
V-MODA S 80 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
V-MODA S 80 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
V-MODA S 80 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
V-MODA S 80 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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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

no
V-MODA S 80 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
V-MODA S 80 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
V-MODA S 80 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
V-MODA S 80 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
V-MODA S 80 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

5.1
V-MODA S 80 uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 83.9% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
V-MODA S 80 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

50 ms
V-MODA S 80 has audio latency of 50 ms, lower audio latency than 71.2% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
V-MODA S 80 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
V-MODA S 80 supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
V-MODA S 80 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

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

yes
V-MODA S 80 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

20 hours
V-MODA S 80 offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.5% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

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: 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

no
V-MODA S 80 does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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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

V-MODA
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

on-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

355 g
V-MODA S 80 weighs 355 g, heavier than 92% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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V-MODA S 80 vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    V-MODA S 80 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

    V-MODA S 80 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    V-MODA S 80 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (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: HIGH

    V-MODA S 80 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • On-device controls
    V-MODA S 80 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

    V-MODA S 80 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 77.5 ms lower audio latency
    V-MODA S 80 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (50 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 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: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    V-MODA S 80 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (50 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.50 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • USB-C charging
    V-MODA S 80 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    V-MODA S 80 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    V-MODA S 80 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
    When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    V-MODA S 80 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • USB-C charging
    V-MODA S 80 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    V-MODA S 80 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    V-MODA S 80 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • 77.5 ms lower audio latency
    V-MODA S 80 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (50 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • On-device controls
    V-MODA S 80 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • EQ customization
    V-MODA S 80 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 62.8% higher weight
    V-MODA S 80 is heavier than the average headphone (355 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    V-MODA S 80 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    V-MODA S 80 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    V-MODA S 80 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    V-MODA S 80 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    V-MODA S 80 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 62.8% higher weight
    V-MODA S 80 is heavier than the average headphone (355 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

    V-MODA S 80 is heavier than the average headphone (355 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.355 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    V-MODA S 80 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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: MEDIUM

    V-MODA S 80 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    V-MODA S 80 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

    V-MODA S 80 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
    V-MODA S 80 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

    V-MODA S 80 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
  • 4.65x less popular
    V-MODA S 80 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    V-MODA S 80 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2.89x more expensive
    V-MODA S 80 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
    V-MODA S 80 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
  • No travel bag
    V-MODA S 80 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    V-MODA S 80 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    V-MODA S 80 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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

    V-MODA S 80 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW

Graphic comparison of V-MODA S 80 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about V-MODA S 80?

  • Unique hybrid design that converts into a personal neckband speaker system
  • Support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs including aptX HD and AAC
  • Sturdy build quality with a premium metal frame and durable sliding arms
  • Punchy and powerful bass reproduction ideal for electronic music fans
  • Aesthetically pleasing design featuring customisable, swappable magnetic shields
  • Decent passive noise isolation from the removable magnetic ear pads
  • Good indoor microphone call quality with clear vocal performance

What customers dislike about V-MODA S 80?

  • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) despite a high launch price tag
  • On-ear fit causes noticeable clamping pressure and head discomfort during long sessions
  • Underwhelming personal speaker mode with minimal bass and audible audio distortion at high volumes
  • Heavy sound sculpting with overly aggressive lows that compromise acoustic accuracy
  • Poor outdoor call quality due to subpar wind and background noise reduction
  • The companion mobile editor app suffers from poor connectivity and limited functionality
  • Does not include a dedicated carrying case or standard fast/wireless charging options

Video reviews

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