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V-MODA Xs Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£190
Avg. price in US: ~$210
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

V-MODA Xs review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.7

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
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £190

Best rankings

#718 in Best Wired Headphones
#1500 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The V-MODA XS is an ultra-portable on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dual-diaphragm drivers, a frequency response of 5Hz–30kHz, 28.5Ω impedance, and a lightweight 195g frame. Built with military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G), it utilizes a patented CliqFold hinge for extreme compactness and a 'Mind the Gap' headband design for a tailored, ergonomic fit. Its main pros include a robust metal construction, a detachable Kevlar-reinforced SpeakEasy cable with dual-input daisy-chaining, and a balanced, warm sound signature that suits various genres. However, some users note cons such as a loose fit for active use, limited passive noise isolation compared to over-ear models, and a single-button remote that lacks dedicated volume controls.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones V-MODA Xs

Overall score

5.7

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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

6.2

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: 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

4.0

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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

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: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

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

4.4

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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

4.0

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Design

7.4

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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

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: 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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V-MODA Xs vs the average pair of headphones

Why is V-MODA Xs better than the average pair of headphones?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
V-MODA Xs has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 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 Xs has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
V-MODA Xs has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=24000 Hz
V-MODA Xs has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
In-line controls
V-MODA Xs 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
V-MODA Xs includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
V-MODA Xs 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
V-MODA Xs has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
V-MODA Xs has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 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 Xs has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
10.6% lower weight
V-MODA Xs is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 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
V-MODA Xs is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.195 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
V-MODA Xs has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
10.6% lower weight
V-MODA Xs is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
13 Hz lower bass extension
V-MODA Xs has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
V-MODA Xs has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
V-MODA Xs has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
In-line controls
V-MODA Xs includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is V-MODA Xs worse than the average pair of headphones?

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10 mm tighter earcup height
V-MODA Xs has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
2.7 % higher distortion
V-MODA Xs has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
0.5 dB looser channel balance
V-MODA Xs has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
No battery indicator
V-MODA Xs does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
2.7 % higher distortion
V-MODA Xs has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% 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%
V-MODA Xs has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.3 % vs 0.3 %
10 mm tighter earcup height
V-MODA Xs has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: LOW
V-MODA Xs has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50 mm vs 60 mm
No battery indicator
V-MODA Xs does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
V-MODA Xs does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
5.87x less popular
V-MODA Xs is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
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 Xs is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
6.5% worse value for money
V-MODA Xs has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.83 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.
V-MODA Xs has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.83 vs 7.279).6.83 vs 7.28
2.11x more expensive
V-MODA Xs is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£190 vs £90).
V-MODA Xs is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£190 vs £90).£190 vs £90
0.5 dB looser channel balance
V-MODA Xs has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
What it is: Tolerance between left and right channel volume balance
When it matters: When stereo precision and left-right consistency matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=0.5 dB
V-MODA Xs has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.1 dB vs 0.5 dB

Graphic comparison of V-MODA Xs and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about V-MODA Xs?

Extremely compact and highly portable due to the collapsible Cliqfold design
Military-grade, durable metal frame construction that is built like a tank
Very lightweight and comfortable for a compact, head-conforming on-ear headphone
Balanced, dynamic sound signature with a detailed mid-range and clear highs
Dual 3.5mm input ports allowing users to daisy-chain a second pair for music sharing
Includes a rugged, ultra-compact exoskeleton hard-shell carrying case
Customisable aesthetic with replaceable and unique metal shield plates

What customers dislike about V-MODA Xs?

Sub-par passive noise isolation that struggles to block out ambient commuter noise
Frequent audio sound leakage at higher volumes due to the loose on-ear fit
Bass extension lacks hard-hitting impact or sub-bass depth for some listeners
Polarising or overly stylized aesthetic that might not appeal to everyone
No horizontal cup swivel on the Y-axis, which can cause ear soreness for certain head shapes
Included stock cable only features a basic, limited one-button control module
Does not include a standard quarter-inch (1/4") adapter for professional audio mixers

Video reviews

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