SOL Republic Headphones Review

SOL Republic Headphones Review

Provides: Audio reproduction and iDevice control
Developer: SOL Republic
Minimum Requirements: Audio device with 1/8” stereo minijack
Price: $99.99
Availability: Now

At IPMRadio, we’ve suggested numerous times that you upgrade beyond the horrible headphones that came with your iDevice. Trouble is, we’re often recommending headphones that cost $200 and up. That’s not always a viable option, so I was happy to discover you can get the audio improvement you need out of SOL Republic’s $100 Tracks headphones without sacrificing the functionality of iDevice control.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Tracks is that they look more like a hair band fashion accessory than a set headphones, especially considering they’re available in black, red and white.

SOL Republic Wireless HeadphonesGuys, don’t let these put you off…there’s nothing “girlie” about the sound, or even about the band itself. It’s exceptionally durable, making a good option if you’re always shoving them into a book bag or suitcase. That’s important, because if you’re replacing earbuds with them, you’re going to need to account for the extra storage space that over-the-ear headphones requires.

The Tracks are also notable for the fact that the cans can be removed from the band itself, so you can actually swap out the band to match your outfit, or whatever. In addition, the cable that connects to the cans is removable. If something should go wrong the cable, you can just get a new one instead of buying a new set of headphones. Most users will never take advantage of this, but it’s good to know the option is there. The only drawback to it is that you’ll have wires hanging from both ears, which isn’t usually needed with over-the-ear headphones.

Or if you want to get rid of the cords entirely, there’s always the SOL REPUBLIC 1430-00 Tracks Air Wireless On-Ear Headphones that connect to your devises wirelessly using Bluetooth. The Tracks Air Bluetooth headphones are just as well built and practically the same exact pair, they just don’t have wires.

You can grab additional color headbands. Also, The Sound Engines are interchangeable (hence, the detachable cord). Both the HD Sound Engines and the colored headbands are available in retail outlets.

Apple and Android users will get additional functionality out of the speaker cable controls, with iOS users able to control volume and track selection. The center button for taking calls and pausing music rises well above the volume/track buttons, allowing for easy control without seeking it out. A microphone is also included, but because of the positioning, I found I had to hold it close to my mouth to get good voice reproduction.

 

But all of this so far is just bonus material. What matters with headphones are comfort and sound quality, and SOL Republic delivers more in both aspects than you’d expect from $100 headphones. The cushions sit directly on your ears, and are fairly comfortable while muffling external noises. A pad at the top of the band rests comfortably on your head, as well. The cushions aren’t as soft you’d expect by looking at them, but the Tracks are still comfortable to wear for prolonged listening sessions.

The audio reproduction is solid, if not spectacular. The Tracks do a good job of picking up the detail you’re losing with Apple’s earbuds, and the mix is fairly well balanced. But at times, the music can sound a bit harsh; clinical, perhaps. They’re fine for rock music, games and movies, but I didn’t like them for classical music, where they gave the feel of a performance in a hall not tuned for symphonic sound. There was also some distortion when the volume is cranked up, but that was well past the level of hearing safety, anyway. You should have no need to turn these up that loudly.

The SOL Republic Tracks, at $100, are a great option for iDevice and Mac audio. You won’t be exercising in these, of course, but they work well for long commutes, flights, or working at your desk. If you want to spend $30 more, you can upgrade to the Tracks HD, which offer the V10 High-Definition Sound Engine vs. the Tracks’ V8 Sound Engine. But there’s something satisfying about keep the price down to two digits, and the sound is good enough here to keep you happy beyond your next iDevice upgrade.

AfterShokz Review

AfterShokz Review

AfterShokz Sportz Bone Conduction Headphones

What if I were to tell you that some of my favorite headphones in recent memory sound okay at best, and offer nary an ounce of noise cancellation or isolation? And that you should definitely buy them nonetheless, especially if you exercise outdoors? I don’t have to be a mind reader to sense you reaching for the X at the top right of the page, but stick with me for a minute. Because with AfterShokz Bone Conduction Headphones, pure audiophile-caliber sound quality isn’t the point, and sound isolation — one of the factors integral to so many headphone designs — is completely contrary to the point.

Relying on a much improved version of the same bone conduction sound transmission technology designed for military special ops communication (where clear communication is crucial, but environmental sound is also helpful when, you know, avoiding bullets and such), AfterShokz transmit sound into your noggin without going in, over, or around your ears. (And also without requiring any telepathy at all).

Since the Aftershokz rest on your jawbone in front of your ears, your eardrums are mostly removed from the listening equation. (I say “mostly,” because while virtually all of the bass and midrange bypass your normal auditory chain of command, some high frequency sounds do take the short path through the air from your jaw to your ear, but not as much as you’d think at first listen.)

 

What’s that sound like? Not as weird as you’d think. And not as bad as my introductory hook may have indicated. Sitting in my quiet office at home, granted, they don’t sound anything like my favorite Paradigm Shift e3m or HiFiMan HE-400s. Throw in something like Björk’s “Army of Me” or the Black Keys’ “Howling for You,” and the sound that reaches your brain is probably best described as a significant step up from AM radio, but a step down from FM. And any appreciable amount of bass quite frankly tickles until you get used to it.

Need to find the best wireless earbuds instead?

Honestly, though? None of that really matters. It isn’t until you strap on the AfterShokz (AfterShokzes?) and go for a jog or a brisk walk that you really start to appreciate their performance. Not that the sound magically transforms or anything, but suddenly you’re listening to really solidly decent sound, while still hearing the world around you unimpeded. Who knew birds actually lived in my neighborhood? And you know that swish-swish-swish sound you usually get while exercising while wearing headphones? There’s none of that. None of it at all.

For that matter, there’s no fussing with placement. In the month or so that I’ve been seriously working out while wearing the AfterShokz, I haven’t found myself repositioning them once. Because even if they slip a little, as long as they’re touching your jaw, the sound is conducted with crystal clarity. And as much as bass-heavy tunes sort of draw attention to the unique frequency response of the AfterShokz, I’ve found that podcasts — even ones that rely really heavily on stereophony and inventive sound design, like RadioLab — sound surprisingly good.

Again, though, judging the AfterShokz for their sound quality — even when it’s really good — kind of feels like critiquing the engine growl of a Tesla Roadster. In fact, the one time I’ve forgotten to charge the AfterShokz before a jog (yes, you do have to charge them via USB; that old idiom about “getting through your thick skull” has never been used to indicate an effortless task), I found myself less enthused about the superior fidelity of the earbuds I brought along and more annoyed by the constant fiddling with them and the swish-swish-swish I had forgotten about and the loss of natural environmental sounds I had gotten used to.

AfterShokz

I can’t say that AfterShokz have saved my life or anything (given that I tend to look both ways before crossing the street, and, at least in my suburban Alabama neighborhood, trucks tend to mostly stay off the sidewalk), but if you live in more bustling areas, that’s something to consider, too. And even if they’re not protecting your tuckus, they’re protecting your eardrums, no matter how hard you crank them. There’s a lot to be said for that, even if you’re not the sporty type.

They’re also incredibly comfortable. I’ve never liked behind-the-noggin, neckband-style headphones. Never in the history of ever. But these are incredibly comfortable, and despite initial concerns, they fit my Wookiee-sized head just as well as they do the smaller cranium of my sidekick.

The one sole, single, solitary complaint I have about the AfterShokz is that the cord is a little too short for my Wookiee stature. But hey, that’s what 3.5mm extension cables are for, right? The cord is pretty much the perfect length for regular human-sized humans. The next time I’ll opt for the Bluetooth cordless set. They only cost a bit more, but are totally worth it. They come with Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity and since they’re bone conducting they’re a kind of bluetooth hearing protection headphones.

And honestly, it’s a very minor quibble. It’s heartening to see at least one manufacturer offering a truly unique headphone in a market flooded by me-too products, most of which are sourced from the same handful of OEMs. At this price point, they’re a no-brainer. (Oh, yeah, did I mention how ridiculously inexpensive they are? Less than sixty clams! Or ten bucks more for an upgrade model with an in-line mic.)

No doubt, we’ll see a number of AfterShokz me-toos down the road, given how well these work and the void in the marketplace they fill. If you’re looking for a solid listening experience without all of the downsides and discomfort that come with putting a headphone in, on, or around your ear — or, heck, if you have a disability or eardrum damage that makes wearing regular headphones impractical, impossible, or ineffective — there isn’t much else on the market quite like them, especially at anything approaching this level of value. If you want to try out a pair now, Amazon has the Sport model for $59, and the Mobile model for $69. The AfterShokz website should also be stocking them again sometime in March, if you’d prefer to buy direct.

Beats Pro Review

Beats Pro Review

Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats Pro Review

Provides: Studio grade headphones
Developer: Monster
Minimum Requirements: audio source
Price: $399.95
Availability: Now

How do you improve an amazing set of headphones like the Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats Studios? It’s a tough job, but Monster has outdone themselves in all the ways I hoped they would with a new model. The Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats Pros are reference headphones that drop the noise cancellation of the Beats Studios and replace it with top notch noise isolation. They’re built like a pair of $400 headphones should be: to last. With an almost entirely metal construction, these aren’t headphones you’ll be replacing. In fact, you’re going to have a hard time ever taking them off once you first give them a listen.

Before we get to the Siren like qualities of the Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats Pros, let’s talk about some of the preliminary details.  These are over the ear, DJ style headphones.  The ear cups are huge and very comfortable.  The included cable is detachable (and therefore replaceable), is approximately 1.8 meters (thanks to a short coil), has a 1/4” to 1/8” converter to support both common audio connections and a special tip to ensure proper coupling with the connector.  Just insert the tip into either can and twist.  The short coil on one side of the cable is helpful when you start to get a little too far away from whatever is providing your audio.

There are no playback controls on the cable, but honestly, that’s not that surprising.  I do wish Monster had more cable options for this model like the Studios though.  Instead, you do get an extra feature, relating to the cable.  You can daisy chain numerous Beats Pros since there’s an input/output connection on each can.  If you’re in a studio environment, this could be helpful to amplify your normal hearing, or even if you just want to listen to the same audio source with friends.  This also gives you the option of which side of your head you’d like to have the cable on.

Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats StudiosThe Beats Pros come in any color, just as long as that color is either black or white.  Inside the box, you’ll find some standard reading materials, a cleaning cloth and bag for transportation.  This is an interesting choice, since the Beats Studios come with a hard shell case that’s clearly more protective than the bag included here.  That said, the Beats Studios are made of plastic, not metal, like the Pros.  So maybe they don’t need to be protected as much.

The Beats Pros were designed to reproduce audio as it was intended to be heard, like studio monitors covering your ears.  Put simply, they nailed it.  It doesn’t matter what style of music you like, the Pros sound as good as your source material.  Unlike the Beats Studios, the Beats Pros do not have noise cancellation. Why? To more accurately reproduce source material.

Despite this being a logical reduction in features, it’s actually one of the best improvements of the Beats Pro.  Instead of noise cancellation, which oftentimes introduces a background hiss, the Pros isolate you from the outside sound.  They do it incredibly well thanks to washable high density foam ear cups.  Even without any audio playing, Beats Pros reduce ambient noise to a minimum.  You’ll still be able to hear tapping and louder noises, but only just.  It’s like turning the volume knob on the world down from 10 to 2.  Audio at even modest levels is enough to almost drown out the outside world completely.  This allows you to listen to your music at appropriate and safe levels since the headphones aren’t competing with much of anything other than your thoughts.  And since there’s no noise cancellation, you won’t have to worry about batteries whatsoever.  They may, however, make you want to re-encode all of your music at a higher quality.  They may make you go from zero to audiophile in five seconds flat.

The Beats Pro are quickly becoming the standard for sound studios, and it’s easy to hear why.  The detail that you’ll be able to discern through the Pros is remarkable and you most certainly don’t need to be an audiophile to notice it.  One of my favorite albums to test headphones out with is Love by The Beatles because of its dynamics, varying styles, excellent use of stereo and much more.  This album hits nearly every target available, so it’s a perfect first test.  It’s hard to exactly put into words just how well the Beats Pro handle this album, and honestly everything I’ve been able to pump through them.

I’ve said the following about Beats Studio, but it’s even more true about Beats Pro.  If you close your eyes, it’s easy to imagine that you’re listening to an artist in the studio as they lay down the track for the first time.  You’ll be able to pick out sounds, instruments and details that you never noticed before, even on songs you’ve heard hundreds of times.  These headphones provide an amazing experience, which is exactly what they should do every time you listen to your favorite songs. It’s like watching a movie on Blu Ray after watching it on DVD several times. Yes, you’re experiencing the same thing, but there’s so much more to appreciate.

The Beats Pros were designed to reproduce your source audio as accurately as possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel the noise.  You don’t just hear the music, you feel it.  Bass reproduction is incredible for a set of headphones that aren’t enhancing the experience with anything other than extremely high quality parts.  Bass can easily be felt, again, even at modest volume levels.  This just goes to show you that you don’t need enhanced bass, you need headphones or speakers that can handle audio the way it really is.  I tend to trust audio engineers since they should know what they’re doing with an artist’s source audio better than I.  So I don’t like to apply equalizer settings to music ever.  It’s very satisfying to listen to music as intended without less than stellar headphones diluting the experience.  So, so very satisfying.

The only way I can imagine these headphones getting any better is by possibly making them lighter, if that’s even possible.  The Beats Pros are built like shiny futuristic tanks.  Nearly everything is metal or other durable materials.  Instead of hinges that fold, Monster chose to make the ear cups rotate.  I imagine this will last longer than a regular hinge.  It serves two purpose: you can flip up one ear cup to hear what’s going on outside (useful if you’re a DJ or the like) and to conserve space for more easy transport in the included bag (like hinges).  Everything that actually touches your head is made out of a relatively soft material, inside of which is washable foam.  This stuff not only sits on your ears comfortably, it’s the reason you can’t hear anything outside of the headphones.  Like I said, they’re made to last, so they need to be cleanable.  Monster definitely has all the bases covered here.

For now, it doesn’t get any better than this.  The Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster Beats Pros are hands down the best headphones that I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing yet.  They reproduce audio as accurately as is possible, which I believe to be extremely important.  It’s hard to say that a pair of headphones is actually worth $450, until you’ve heard these at least. But even if they are worth $450, which I think they are, that doesn’t mean you care enough to spend that kind of cash. And that’s fair. That’s the reason Monster doesn’t make just one model of headphones. Everyone has different needs.

If you want to listen to audio the way artists intended for it to be heard, this is how you can do it.  That’s something you can’t always say about a live concert.  For the price of five or so concerts, you could have a studio-like experience any time you want.  You’ll find yourself making time to listen to the Beats Pros.  Go ahead, schedule a meeting.  They’re that good.

bose wireless headphones

Best Wireless Earbuds 2019 – Buyer’s Guide

The BEST Wireless Earbuds From as Low as $50

Life is fast and constant entertainment is the need of the hour to keep us tuned and ready to face the fast pace of life. One of the most significant things that we need today is portable music and, with that, best wireless earbuds.

Gone are the days when we would spend hours untangling the dangling cords of Bluetooth earbuds and plugging them into the nearest device to listen to music. As the world advances, progress brings us the magical Bluetooth connectivity that gives us quality music from our playlists without any wires ruining the fun.

Some earphones are suitable for particular devices, while others are compatible with each and every device including smartphones, tablets, and CD players.

Depending on the earphones that you choose, you are at liberty to enjoy music or sound from any audio or streaming device from anywhere to  everywhere. It is often easy to get duped with the many earphones that are available on the market. Often we end up regretting an investment that we made but which yielded a poor sound quality or is not durable enough to survive an active user.

Wireless Earbuds

When purchasing anything, you should read reviews of the product beforehand to be sure you’re not about to waste your bucks. Even though there are lots of options when it comes to headphones, you can’t be sure which ones would suit your requirements best.

To make things easy for you, this article gives a detailed look into the top 15 best wireless earbuds. These give exceptional results for the dollars spent on them, so you can be sure that you will not be disappointed.

All these Bluetooth earbuds are most durable earbuds and suit an active workout lifestyle. You can also carry them to trips and for trekking. The majority of these wireless earbuds have a secure, comfortable fit so that you can wear them for hours and still have fatigue-free ears.

The long battery life also supports hours of binge watching.

Check best wireless earbuds below:


1. Bose QuietControl 30

Made of human-made materials, these headphones are excellent when it comes to sound quality and are our number one pick as the best headphones that we have reviewed.

The feature that makes them so amazing is the noise cancellation that they allow. You can listen to music and not be bothered by the surrounding sounds.

Also, when on call, these headphones cancel out the sound of the wind and other disturbances, providing a clear voice quality. Bose Quietcontrol earbuds

They are also hassle-free as they enable one to connect to other devices via Bluetooth.

Apart from the headphone, the package includes an extra pair of earbud covers and a USB cable.

There is an instruction guide that comes with it as well.

Also, they aren’t bulky, so while the neck piece sits on the neck, it won’t bother you at all. You can enjoy long hours of music wearing these earphones as they are not only a comfy fit, but they also give premium sound quality.

The noise cancellation feature is an innovative tech that makes these headphones the boss they are.

A tiny green light turns on when in use so you know its powered up.

These are water resistant as well, so no matter how hot the day is, sweat is no worry.

With noteworthy features like noise cancellation and Bluetooth, this product is worth all the bucks that you spend on it.

Pros

  • These Bluetooth earbuds give you control over noise cancellation levels.
  • They have the Bluetooth pairing function that enables you to connect to your devices wirelessly.
  • They sport a noise-rejection, dual-microphone system which gives a clearer voice on calls even in noisy and windy surroundings.
  • The neck band is lightweight, so you don’t get tired wearing it for hours on end.
  • They allow you to listen to music for up to 10 hours nonstop as they feature lithium-ion battery.
  • They are comfortable and fit in the ears snugly.
  • The app uses animation to indicate the degree of noise cancellation. This is a unique and useful feature.
  • They offer clear, smooth and detailed sound for an excellent experience.
  • They are easy to use. The controls are the same as in other headphones.
  • Water and sweat resistant.

Cons

  • The battery dies after 4 to 5 hours of continuous playback.
  • The design is not as great as it looks, which can be a bit annoying.
  • The wires get tangled and snag at things. This makes them less lasting as they break easily.
  • The microphone has some minor issues.

2. Bose SoundSport Pulse

Bose SoundSport PulseWith a horde of commendable features, this earbud by Bose is top notch in every way. It offers StayHear tech that dials up the notch of audio quality. Its fantastic wireless design helps one listen to music without hassle. The Bluetooth and NFC connectivity are also wireless, and that is another great addition.

The inline mic and remote make things even better, allowing you to easily forward songs, turn the volume up, and pick up calls quickly. Everything goes in favor of this product as it is one that has given attention even to the smallest details.

It is comfortable in the ears, despite the large buds. You can pack it up in its carrying case that comes with it and not worry about the wires intermixing.

It is also sweat and water resistant, which means no worry about a hot day ruining your headphones.

The battery life doesn’t disappoint either.

Overall, it is an outstanding product that doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality and is worth a purchase.

It is one of the best wireless earbuds available.

Pros

  • Offers balanced sound at all volumes. This means that if you raise the volume, the quality of sound will not go down.
  • The newly redesigned StayHear tips provide more sound stability and better audio quality.
  • It is a wireless earphone, so listening to music is more fun and easier. You can attend calls without having to move a muscle to do so.
  • Sweat and weather resistant, so there’s no worry of the wires getting wet in the summers.
  • Allows wireless pairing via Bluetooth and NFC. This is another great feature that comes in handy.
  • USB charging cable makes charging easy.
  • Has a battery life of 6 hours, so one doesn’t have to fret about charging every few hours.
  • Comes with a carry case that makes carrying these earbuds easy without the wires dangling.
  • Made of soft silicon material that makes it a comfy wear.
  • Sports inline mic and remote, which makes handling the device even smoother.
  • The headphones give top-notch sound.
  • The noise cancellation feature enables you to listen to music and attend calls without the background noise interrupting and disrupting the fun.
  • Fifteen minutes of charging fills up the battery to run for an hour, enabling you to continue your commute.

Cons

  • Unpleasant design, which is a drawback in the eyes of all those for whom design is a big concern.
  • The remote has very big buttons that don’t properly click.

3. Klipsch X12 Bluetooth Neckband

Klipsch X12 Bluetooth NeckbandThis pair of headphones by Klipsch has a bundle of impressive features. It doesn’t just offer amazing audio performance, but it also looks chic. With pure leather and copper accents, the design is worth all the praise.

The silicon fitted buds are comfy, and the headphones go easy on your ears by preventing ear fatigue. This way, you can keep listening to music without tiring your ears. This enables you to enjoy music for hours on end.

Another great feature is the vibration to alert you of incoming calls. You can walk around with your headphones plugged in and your phone in your pocket and don’t worry about missing important calls.

This product offers continuous 18 hours of battery life, which means no stopping the music. It cancels out the noise and multiplies the sound clarity. There’s a carrying case as well that comes along with it, making it easy to haul it along wherever you head.

It looks big but it’s lightweight. Lush sound quality with balanced audio makes the experience fun and memorable. It is innovative not only when it comes to design but also when it comes to high-end features. It is long-lasting and resistant to splashes. The Klipsch X12 Bluetooth Neckband is classy in every way and worth every penny invested.

Pros

  • High degree of clarity when it comes to Bluetooth streaming.
  • IPX4 splash-proof design makes sure the headphones are durable.
  • Features an integrated mic with cVc that makes it even more amazing.
  • Carrying case comes along with it, making it easy to store easily without fretting over the wires dangling.
  • 18 hours of battery life ensures that you can enjoy musical commutes without interruptions.
  • Unparalleled tech makes it a premium choice.
  • Chic design with copper accents made of handpicked materials that make it stand out.
  • Sports in-ear monitors, call alert vibrations, and acoustic tech that leave all others behind.
  • The leather in the neck band is pure and carefully selected and crafted so that it doesn’t fail in the looks department either.
  • Twin Comply Comfort Ts-100 Tips come along with it.
  • The electroplated steel exoskeleton protects the headphones from damage.
  • Lightweight and comfortable making them perfect for sleep earplugs.
  • Decreased noise and increased clarity make for another outstanding quality.
  • It fits in a comfy manner and prevents ear fatigue.

Cons

  • These headphones are bulky, and that is a drawback to portability. Their size is rather large, which makes it awkward to take them along everywhere.

4. Jaybird X2 Sport

Jaybird X2 SportThis model by Jaybird is jam-packed with many admirable qualities. Jaybird is a well-known brand for its classy earphones. The Jaybird X2 Sport is another excellent pair and is a continuation of the Jaybird Freedom F5. See our complete Jaybird Freedom F5 review here.

It is specially designed for the sports maniacs as it is sweat-proof and has noise isolation tech. This means that you can run on the track with music pounding in your ears without having to spare a thought to how much you are sweating.

The long-lasting battery life is another bonus enabling you to listen to music for continuous 8 hours. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries. Along with top-end sound quality, the wireless headphones have much more.

It is durable and can withstand all sorts of wear and tear. It comes with a carrying case, a charging cable, silicone ear tips, and cord management clips. This ensures that the wires of the headphones don’t mingle and mess up.

Additionally, the ear tips are made of high-quality foam that means extra comfort, snug fit, and no noise. The SignalPlus tech installed in this pair lets you listen to music without having to stop, and the Bluetooth gives a boost to the overall audio. It can easily and quickly connect to all your devices without any trouble. All in all, it is a great buy as it combines everything: comfort, style, and sound quality.

Pros

  • Features Bluetooth audio which enables one to listen to music continuously without taking breaks.
  • Gives 8 hours’ battery life for receiving and making calls and listening to songs with complete remote controls.
  • The over/under fit options the headphones provide make them a secure and comfy fit.
  • This pair of headphones doesn’t damage with sweat as it is sweat-proof with a lifetime warranty backing this feature.
  • The enhanced tech and design of earbuds offer noise isolation.
  • Ideally designed for sports lovers as the noise is canceled enough to let you concentrate on the music but not too much as to make one unaware of their surroundings.
  • Solid with excellent sound quality and innovative tech that doesn’t disappoint.
  • Long-lasting earbuds that don’t get damaged that easily.

Cons

  • Poorly designed carrying case. It is enormous and doesn’t open or close properly.
  • Sound quality isn’t as great when compared to other leading brands.
  • Many people have complained that the ear tips do not fit snugly in the ears and keep getting out of place.

5. Jaybird X3 Sport

Jaybird X3 SportThe Jaybird X3 is a commendable pair. Its build is outstanding, and the audio quality is mind blowing.

It offers a snug fit as it is smaller than the usual headphones. The small size makes it a better earbud, particularly for those who wear caps or helmets or those who wear it while playing a sport.

The MySound app that these headphones sport is another noteworthy feature that enables you to customize your sound and save it so that you can listen to that song later.

The battery life is also worth praise, offering 8 hours of consecutive music. If the battery dies after that, you can charge it for just 15 minutes, and that will give you another hour of music.

The multipoint feature allows one to connect the headphones to two different devices.

This one is a definite improvement over the previous model as it has better features at a more reasonable price.

The inline remote of this pair is small and lightweight, so it doesn’t bother at all.

It is sweat resistant as well, so no matter how much you perspire or how sunny the day is, the headphones won’t be affected.

Pros

  • The mini earbuds are small enough that they are comfortable without compromising on sound quality.
  • This pair easily and cozily fits in one’s ears.
  • Being sweat proof makes it easy to wear and enjoy music no matter what the weather is and whether you are working out.
  • The earphones have a sleek yet rough design, so it wins in the looks department as well.
  • The battery won’t drain out in the middle of a commute as the headphones have 8 hours’ of battery life.
  • 15 minutes of charging time powers the pair for one whole hour, enabling you to quickly get back to your songs.
  • MySound app lets you customize your music and save it to listen later on.
  • Excellent construction with a sleek design that is paired with durability.
  • Comply Foam ear tips that fit in your ears snugly and isolate noise using its power amp.

Cons

  • Difficult to charge as one has to haul along their charging adapter everywhere as it doesn’t sport a microUSB connector. Therefore, if you lose the charger, there’s no other way to charge the headphones.
  • Sound interruptions that can be a bit annoying.

6. Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Plantronics BackBeat FitThese amazing headphones are foldable and easy to carry along. They have many fantastic features in their arsenal. They are sweat and water proof with nano-coated tech, giving you continuous music without any worries. The battery life goes on for 8 hours.

The armband enables you to tuck in your phone safely. This pair is designed in a way that you can hear your surroundings but not to a disturbing level. It mutes out the quieter noise while letting loud sounds filter in so that you remain aware.

Bluetooth tech enables you to quickly attend calls and listen to great audio quality. It is lightweight and stays in its place as there’s no tangling of wires.

It is flexible and makes for a fantastic workout buddy. It comes in bright and reflective colors to ensure safety during nighttime jogs. The package includes an instructions’ manual and USB charging cable along with the headphones and cellphone armband.

Pros

  • Flexible construction makes the earbuds stay in your ear during workouts or while playing sports.
  • This product is waterproof and sweat-proof, which means that no matter how much you sweat while running or playing, it will not get damaged. The invisible nano-coated tech makes sure of that.
  • The battery life is long lasting. You can enjoy music along while working out without having to worry about the battery going down.
  • The safety-oriented design allows some noise from your surroundings to reach your ears so that you are aware of the noise outside rather than being completely submerged in the music.
  • The on-ear controls are easy to reach and allow one to attend calls and manage music while being engaged in other activities as well.
  • Reversible armband makes it easy for you to keep your phone secure. You can put the headphones by folding them up in the armband once you are done listening to music.
  • Incredible sound quality that doesn’t cancel out noise so that you know what’s going on around you.
  • Saves power for up to six months in hibernation mode.
  • Provides 14 days of standby time.
  • Features a free app that keeps headphones updated to the latest firmware.
  • The Battery Meter app displays the battery percentage and provides on-screen alerts.

Cons

  • Many reviewers complain that it is not long lasting.
  • Takes getting used to the controls.
  • The charging doesn’t hold. You need to charge it every other day.

7. Skybuds

Skybuds Truly Wireless EarbudsWith a unique design and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, the Skybuds deserves all the praise it gets. It provides outstanding sound quality combined with a long battery life. The bass and range are all dynamic and do not disappoint.

It is resistant to water and sweat so that you can run comfortably and peacefully knowing that the headphones won’t be bothered by the perspiration. The storage case and Skydock charging provide almost a whole day of charging, whereas each earbud provides 4 hours of on-the-go music.

The headphones fit so perfectly that they don’t fall out of the ears even if you run or bounce. They are specially designed for runners and travelers. The sleek design is everything headphones should be like.

The sound quality is clear and rich. The carrying case has a spectacular design and is a very innovative idea. When in the case, the earbuds charge at a magnificent speed so that you can return to your music sooner. Listening to music for long hours becomes a happy and pleasant experience with the Skybuds headphones.

The Bluetooth connection is secure and reliable. These wireless earbuds are easy to manage and have a passive noise cancellation feature. The silver wireless headphones actually shine and look very cool in the ears. They literally outshine other headphone pairs. Overall, these headphones are satisfactory in almost every way.

Pros

  • Outstanding sound quality with excellent functionality.
  • Classy design that beats all others along with being a comfy fit.
  • It is a wireless pair, making the listening experience even better.
  • Featuring digital microphone for calls, so you don’t have to halt what you are doing to receive a call.
  • Ergonomic and comfortable fit ensures that the earbuds don’t pop out of the ears.
  • Sweat- and water-proof, so you can run wearing this product and it will not get damaged.
  • 24 hours of battery life by Skydock and case charging, enabling you to listen to music nonstop without the headphones draining the battery quickly.
  • The charging case is stylish and does its work very well.
  • The range, base, and every detail are impressive.
  • Reliable Bluetooth connection with good strength.
  • Features passive noise cancellation.

Cons

  • The battery drainage is not balanced in the left and right ear buds.
  • Many reviewers have complained that it is not compatible with Android phones.

8. Samsung Level U Pro

Samsung Level U ProThe name of the big fish company is enough to speak volumes of the earphones’ design, functionality, comfort, and flexibility. The Samsung Level U Pro Wireless In-Ear Headphones have a lightweight, around-the-neck design that guarantees excellent sound quality.

With this product’s echo cancellation and external sound suppression features, not only is the music quality good, but the call quality is also great.

Samsung’s Level U Pro is built to last longer with its durability enhanced by splash and sweat resistance. The durability in combination with the flexibility of design and secure fit makes it suitable for active users.

With these earphones, you can go for long hours of workouts with quality music in your ears, and you can also take calls with remarkable ease. The complete packaging includes three sets of small, medium, and large-sized ear gels, quick start guide, and a microUSB charging cable along with Level U Pro earphones.

Pros

  • Splash and water resistance.
  • Battery life of 9 hours with 300 hours of standby time.
  • Flexible urethane joints.
  • Smart magnets in the earbuds help control calls and music by playing or pausing music and answering, ending or rejecting calls when the magnets are connected or disconnected.
  • Playlist sharing option with Sound Share that allows music sharing with another Level U Pro Wireless earphone set, Level On Wireless headset or Level On Wireless PRO.
  • Features two-way speakers, one 13 mm dynamic and another 13 mm piezo that deliver high-quality, clear sound.
  • Excellent sound quality with echo cancellation.
  • Ultra High-Quality Audio (UHQA) technology gives digital audio experience that parallels standard CD quality.
  • No external sound interference, meaning exceptional sound quality.
  • Connects with the Samsung Level app that provides extra features such as sound effects and volume regulation.
  • Ultra-soft ear gels.

Cons

  • Sound in podcasts could be slightly distorted.
  • Some features rely on the model of the phone you have, so they might not be available for you.
  • The Bluetooth range can be a little annoying as it could transmit and hold smooth connectivity even with a wall or two in between. However, with the device in the pocket, connection could be severed for just a split second.
  • Ear buds don’t feel very amazing and looks cheap.
  • Harsh treble.

9. Phaiser BHS-730

Phaiser BHS-730The Phaiser BHS-730 is a stunning pair when it comes to design. It doesn’t only look eye-catching, but it has many premium features as well.

With 4.1 Bluetooth combined with 8 mm speakers, the audio performance is top-notch with HD sound. The sounds are balanced, and the bass is deep. The ear tips are made of high-end materials that cancel out sound from your environment to give you an excellent music experience.

It is sweat-proof so that you do not have to fret about your sweat ruining your headphones. It is not made for swimming but can easily survive an accidental drop in a water body. There’s a lifetime guarantee that backs this sweat-proof feature.

The technology installed is exemplary, and it allows you to know the battery life of the headphones by connecting with your iOS or Android device. It is lightweight and a strong pair that doesn’t break or snag at things. The flat design makes sure the wires don’t tangle, and the carrying case is roomy and stylish.

Overall, the headphones are easy to control and give flawless sound quality.

Pros

  • Features 4.1 Bluetooth with 8 mm speakers that give amazing sound quality with a dynamic bass.
  • Gives HD sound that is loud and clear with unparalleled quality.
  • Features noise isolation with Comply T-400 M memory foam earbuds that are shaped liked bullets. This makes sure you aren’t disturbed by the constant noise outside and can focus on your music or calls.
  • Liquipel nano coating protects it from sweat damage. It is 100% sweat-proof, and that is how you can be sure that a sweaty day won’t go hard on your headphones.
  • It can withstand an accidental drop in water.
  • Phone calls are clearer with this device with no choppy connections.
  • It is built of aviation grade aluminum-magnesium-alloy that makes the headphones tough and resistant and doesn’t add to the weight. Thus, it is also lightweight.
  • Its latest tech can connect with the Apple and Android interfaces to let you know about its battery.
  • Magnetic earbuds that make for a secure fit.
  • The wires do not get tangled as they are flatter than the ordinary ones.
  • Top-notch microphone.
  • Inline audio controls that are easy and smooth to handle.
  • Trouble-free pairing with other devices.
  • Its carrying case is spacious and an excellent addition.
  • Easy to operate.

Cons

  • Interrupted Bluetooth pairing.
  • The magnet of one bud falls off after some time of use, so it isn’t very durable.

10. TaoTronics Bluetooth Magnetic Earbuds

TaoTronics Bluetooth Magnetic EarbudsWith its latest Bluetooth technology, this earphone smartly and smoothly pairs with all sorts of devices including tablets, phones, and music players. It would not fall off your ears as well with its snug fit. An exclusive feature is a built-in magnet in each earphone so that each set from the pair can be attached when not in use or can be hung around the neck when you are not listening to music.

With a long battery life, you can enjoy high-quality music that is free from any external sounds that will ruin your experience. It is among the best wireless earbuds that can accompany you to all workouts, bike rides, and runs.

It comes with three ear hooks and tips with different sizes that can be interchanged, allowing you to achieve your perfect fit along with ensuring maximum comfort. Its built-in magnets let you safely keep the earphones when not in use so that you won’t have to worry about losing your earphones or placing them in your pocket temporarily.

The best part is that all the excellent features come at a budget-friendly price. Moreover, the TaoTronics Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Earphones provide lots of good features such as excellent connectivity, latest Bluetooth technology, easy controls, sweat- and splash-resistance, and incredible sound quality. All this and more in a price that is lower than its competitors.

Pros

  • With its multiple compatibilities, the TaoTronics Bluetooth Magnetic Earbuds can connect to all devices, be it Apple gadgets or Android tablets and phones.
  • The cherry on top is that if you have an iOS device, it shows a separate icon on the screen, denoting the remaining battery life of the earphones.
  • Has a good battery life of 5 hours with 175 hours of standby battery.
  • Snug fit so that it fits securely and comfortably in your ears.
  • With the help of the built-in magnets, you can tie the earphones around your neck like a necklace.
  • Latest 4.1 Bluetooth technology.
  • Easy and fast pairing with devices.
  • The aptX codec gives excellent CD-like quality of sound.
  • cVc noise isolation technology.
  • In-line controls provide multi-buttons for purposes such as volume control, pause and play, and much more.

Cons

  • Sound quality and function considerably hindered if there are any accidental obstacles between the earphones and the parent device.
  • Battery life not reliable enough for long workout sessions or trips.

 


11. Bose SoundSport

Bose SoundSportDesigned with a sleek look, these earphones offer high-quality music. The Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones also hook comfortably around the ear for a firm hold, so you won’t have to worry about your earbuds falling off during workouts.

There is an inline microphone for swiftly switching between calls and music as well. This device is durable with sweat- and weather-resistance so that you can take your earbuds here, there, and everywhere and are ready to face whatever the weather has in store for you with your music blasting in your ears.

The Bose SoundSport in-ear headphone tops in the field of design and comfort. It is suitable for people who do not appreciate jamming the ear buds into their ear canals. The comfort of the Bose earphones gives a great experience along with a beautiful design in your sporty shade. The colors include neon blue, power red, energy green, frost, and charcoal.

The open design, however, cannot control the surrounding sounds, so this might not be the best pick for people who are particular about having a quality, isolated music time minus the background noise.

The earphones come with an additional case for storage and protection. Make sure you are not an Android user before purchasing the Bose SoundSport in-ear headphone as it works best with Apple devices. Its durability is excellent as it is fully resistant to all activities in the gym and any wear and tear during hikes and trips whether in the summers or winters, regardless of the humidity and heat.

Pros

  • Secure fit with the StayHear tips that adhere to the shape of the ears, sticking with them and giving a comfortable fit.
  • Available in a variety of colors to choose from.
  • Inline mic allows you to switch between calls and music quickly.
  • The inline mic also serves as a remote to control volume and music without having to reach out to the parent device.
  • Excellent sound quality with the TriPort technology yielding clear sound and superb bass.
  • Long lasting with sweat- and weather-resistance.
  • Comes with a lightweight and durable carrying case.

Cons

  • The external sounds sweep in through the earphones, so there is constant background noise cutting in your music hours.
  • Best suitable for Apple users as the Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones are designed to work optimally with all Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

12. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones

SENSO Bluetooth HeadphonesWith an incredible sound quality and amazing Bluetooth connectivity, even from a distance, the SENSO Bluetooth Headphones are here to win your heart and ears. They feature a secure fit to remain intact for hours on end, leaving ears fatigue-free and fresh.

Top it all with a very long battery life that requires only 1.5 hours of charging time. There is a warranty that comes along with the wireless earphones to make sure you never have to face any problems. In case there is something unsatisfactory with the set, you can get your money back with the refund policy, so there are no strings attached.

Designed for active users, the Senso ActiveBuds drain out external sounds to give you unhindered hours of music. There is also a built-in mic that lets you take calls so that you never have to worry about missing any important calls. Additional treats include a USB charger with a dual port and charging cable that is 3 feet long for Apple users and a mini USB connector for Android devices.

With its exceptionally long life and incredible sound quality, you can enjoy music on long hikes, trips, and hours of continuous workout and even binge-watch movies.

The full package includes Bluetooth headphones, charging cable, a clip to manage the cable, a carrying case, user manual, and 3 sets of small, medium and large ear tips to meet your requirements.

Overall, with its excellent functionality and fit, the SENSO Bluetooth Headphones pay off well for all the dollars that make their way out of the wallet to buy it.

Pros

  • Latest Bluetooth 4.2 CSR technology.
  • IPX-7 waterproof and sweat-resistance.
  • Flexible ear hook for a secure fit.
  • Earbuds with gel flex silicone for a comfortable wear.
  • Lithium polymer battery that gives back-to-back music for approximately 8 hours with 240 hours of standby time.
  • Quick charge in 1.5 hours.
  • Connection with Bluetooth devices that are up to 30 feet away.
  • Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices regardless of the operating system.
  • Can maintain Bluetooth connection with two devices at a time.
  • Superb, high-definition sound quality with powerful bass and clear treble.
  • Noise suppression technology masks passive noise in the background.
  • Hassle-free return within 30 days with its no-questions-asked return policy.
  • Easy control buttons for volume, skip, pause and play.

Cons

  • Designed with a bulky touch.

 


13. Jabra Elite Sport

Jabra Elite SportWith waterproof earbuds that have a sweat warranty of 3 years and superior sound quality of music and calls, the Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds are an excellent choice for all. They keep track of heart rate while entertaining with 3 hours of music.

This pair of headphones is best for people who are comfortable with using one earpiece at times. You can plug in one or both earbuds at a time. Additionally, these earbuds are compatible with both the iOS and Android operating systems.

Completely wireless earbuds are an innovation that is free from the tangled cords so much so that there are no wires connecting even the earbuds together. This innovation is, therefore, bound to be on the heavier side of the price spectrum.

Also, these fully wireless and cordless earbuds have a maximum battery life of 5 hours. However, in this regard, the battery life of the Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds is not that bad, but it is still inferior as compared to other earbuds on this list.

The earbuds have a system of advanced Bluetooth connectivity suitable for all operating systems. The Jabra Sport Life App is an efficient record keeper of your fitness progress and gives fitness coaching as well. Heart rate monitoring can sometimes be a victim of improper estimations, though.

Overall, this set of earbuds is for the people who love to have a hold of all the latest innovation in their hands and for people who cannot stand the tangled, messed-up cords.

Pros

  • Features a waterproof design.
  • These wireless earbuds are suitable for all sorts of Bluetooth-enabled devices including Windows, iOS, and Android phones.
  • Three years’ warranty of sweat protection via the Jabra Sport Life App.
  • The Jabra Sport life App tracks your workout progress, analyzes your fitness, and provides personalized audio coaching.
  • The Jabra Sport Life App is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems.
  • 3 hours of call/music time with battery life enhanced to additional six hours with the portable charging case.
  • Cord-free earbuds.
  • Option to wear one or both the earbuds at a time.
  • Secure fitting earphones with several gels and wings.
  • Superior sound quality with enriched bass.
  • Dual microphone technology, separate for each bud.
  • In-ear precision monitors heart rate.

Cons

  • Poor battery life.

 


14. LG Tone Active+

LG Tone Active+Make workout sessions fun with the LG Tone Active+ Stereo Bluetooth Headset that provides high-end quality music and keeps track of your daily performance and activity. It can also connect with LG fitness apps on both iOS and Android to keep a record of your fitness.

Providing great bass with least distortion and increasing frequency, the LG Bluetooth Headset offers a good fit. One of the best wireless earbuds, this set also features great quality of voice calls and excellent resistance to heavy sweat and water.

The LG Wireless Headset is one of the most comfortable headsets with a flexible neckband. It features capability to make and reject calls along with last number redial, auto-reconnect, and call waiting support. The LG Tone Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset also enables you to connect to two devices simultaneously with the multipoint support.

Appropriate for strenuous workouts, this LG headset has clear controls that are slightly raised from the surface and are easy to use. It also charges with the aid of a microUSB charging jack.

Getting started is easy by pressing the power button and smoothly and immediately pairing with the nearest device. The battery life is also good with 9.5 hours of constant music on a full charge. Other features include interchangeable stabilizer tips and powerful bass.

On the whole, the LG Tone Active+ Stereo Bluetooth Headset is a good headset that pays off well with all the useful features and an excellent sound quality for the dollars invested in it.

The headset can hold up to your active lifestyle with its record-keeping habit of your fitness plans, smooth Bluetooth connectivity and transaction, and powerful defense against sweat and water during your heavy workouts.

Pros

  • Supports Qualcomm aptX HD for hi-fi sound quality.
  • IPX4 rated sweat- and water-resistance.
  • Audio calls excel with the Advanced Quad-Layer Speaker Technology and dual MEMS microphones.
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Personalized surround sound with the external stereo speakers.
  • Built-in fitness monitoring features that measure calories and track steps and distance. This headset also keeps a record of your workout history.
  • Easy synchronization with LG apps such as LG Tone & Health designed for iOS and LG Heath for Android systems.
  • Several ear gel sizes and retractable ear buds.
  • Good battery life.

Cons

  • Cannot support music streaming and calls at the same time.
  • Call quality goes down in noisier atmospheres.

 


15. Beats Powerbeats3

Beats Powerbeats3The Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless In-Ear Headphone is among the best earphones that take these gadgets to a whole new level of durability, sound quality, and non-stop music. With its long battery life, you can enjoy hours of endless music. If you are in a rush, a five-minute charge can give another hour of music playback.

With the Powerbeats3 Wireless In-Ear Headphone, you can enjoy long sessions of workouts and walks or travel long distances with music in the background. There is no need to worry about sweat and water splashes, as it is resistant to both.

The ear tips have options for four sizes to meet individual needs. In addition to the earbuds that jam in the ear canal, the Powerbeats3 Wireless In-Ear Headphone has big adjustable hooks on both the sides that wrap around the ears for a secure and stable fit. The earbuds connect very easily with Apple products and work fairly well with Android devices as well.

The Powerbeats3 wireless earbuds do not completely drain all the external noise, so it is not the choice for people who want to be completely cut off from the world. The set is resistant to water and sweat, but don’t expect to use it in full-scale rains.

The entire box includes ear tips, USB charging cable, a carrying case, quick start guide, and warranty card along with the Powerbeats3 wireless earphones. Overall, the earphones are a good pick with a good battery life and powerful, quick charging.

Pros

  • 12 hours of battery life.
  • Fast charge of five minutes gives another hour of playback.
  • Maximum comfort and stability with the secure-fit ear hooks so that you won’t have to worry about one of the pieces falling out of your ear during your workouts.
  • Sweat and water resistant.
  • Great durability.
  • Dynamic sound quality with the dual-driver acoustics.
  • Best wireless earbuds with the Class 1 Bluetooth connection.
  • Smooth Bluetooth functionality.

Cons

  • Not much of an upgrade from the Powerbeats2 headphones.
  • Good competitors in the same price range.
  • Pairing with the device takes time. After holding the earphones close to whatever device you’re connecting it to and pressing the button on the earphones, there is a long wait until things proceed.
  • Not suitable for strenuous exercise; only appropriate for light workouts.
  • Play/pause button is mushy.
  • There have been a few complaints of the sound going to the max suddenly and just as unexpectedly falling to zero.

 


Conclusion

When selecting the best wireless earbuds that suit you best, there are a lot of features that you need to take into account. Not only does the sound quality count, but there is a whole slew of other factors that also matter.

One one of these is the features that the headphones offer. This is the 21st century and the age of wireless headphones powered via Bluetooth. Hence, one thing that you need to consider is how well the Bluetooth functions and whether or not its strength is reliable. A choppy connection is something that will completely ruin your experience.

Secondly, you need to see whether or not the Bluetooth earbuds are durable. When you invest money in a product, you need to be sure that it is long lasting. With a pair of headphones that break or stop performing well within a short while of purchasing the product, your money goes down the drain. Hence, you need a pair that functions excellently and keeps performing.

A feature that is topping the charts for the best headphones when it comes to headphones is noise cancellation. Decide whether you need this feature completely or just a subtle isolation from environmental noise. If you are athletic or wear headphones while driving, you need to be aware of the surrounding sounds. In such a case, you require headphones that do not completely block out noise. On the flip side, some people prefer noise cancellation to a level that no surrounding sound interrupts their musical commute.

You also need to be sure that the headphones can keep up with your active life. If you are a runner, you require a pair that is sweat resistant. Almost every other headphone pair has this quality these days. Also, you need a pair that won’t fall from your ears when you are on the run.

Next up, you need to be sure that it offers premium battery life. It’s a bummer when the battery dies while you are enjoying music. Be sure you select earphones that you do not have to charge every few hours a day. Most pairs today allow you to charge the headphones for 15 minutes, which powers the device enough to serve you for another hour.

Jaybird – Freedom F5

Jaybird – Freedom F5 Review

Our Jaybird Freedom F5 Review – How Good Are They REALLY?

Listening to music has been a habit of many people. But earphones with wires are a nuisance as the wires keep getting tangled. Sweat eventually wrecks them, and the investment is no longer worth anything. Thankfully with the Jaybird’s there is a better alternative.

You should go for high-end quality wireless earphones like the Freedom F5 In-Ear Wireless Headphones by Jaybird. These have several excellent features. These headphones are wireless and convenient to use. And I mean really convenient, like you can wear them in the rain, running, whatever and wherever.

Comfortable fit along with premium audio quality

These earphones are a very secure fit. Once they settle inside the ears, they do not pop out unless you take them off. These silicon fitting earbuds look sleek and are constructed with great precision.

The metal parts and overall design are ideal, and they are meant to stay in its place. The sound quality is top-notch with a deep base which is always one of the ways I rate a pair of headphones.

The surrounding noises are canceled so that you have a fun musical commute. The ultra-modern design gives a rugged yet elegant look.

Sweat-proof

One of the best things about these earphones is that they are water-resistant. This is an outstanding quality because in summers when one sweats a lot, many gadgets are prone to damage. With this feature no matter how much you sweat, your earphones will not get affected.

Specifications

  • Comfortable metal buds
  • Crystal clear sound quality
  • Secure silicon fit
  • Water-resistant
  • Featuring MySound app
  • 8 hours of battery life
  • Easy charging
  • Can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once
  • Allows call receiving
  • Clip charger that charges the earphones on the go
  • Can pair with the smartwatch as well

Pros

These Jaybird Freedom earphones have many fantastic features. The best feature is that the MySound app allows you to customize your songs as per your wishes for any music downloads. You can also save these changes for listening to later. Additionally, it can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once and that too with stable connectivity.

These earphones get quickly charged as well. Only a 20-minute charging gives an hour of nonstop music. Although I don’t really like the clip charging system they choose to use. It may be a personal feeling, but it’s one of the things I am not impressed with.

Cons

The only drawback mentioned regarding these earphones is that the clip charging is not convenient. The battery is so small that if it falls somewhere, it is sure to get lost. Once this mode of charging of the earphones is gone, there is no other way to recharge the earphones.

Customers’ Reviews and Conclusion

The majority of the reviewers have all praises for these Jaybird earphones. They have mentioned how extraordinarily excellent the audio quality is. The earphones are small in size, and once you get around knowing how to wear them, they are a very secure fit.

The clip charging has been mentioned as a demerit by some people. However, if proper care is taken, that would not be a problem at all. So, overall the pros outweigh the cons, and these earphones are worth a buy as they have a horde of high-end features.

Best Streaming Media Player

Best Streaming Media Player Reviews and Buying Guide

More and more people are cutting cords with cable companies as they realize that there are more convenient ways of streaming videos on TV via their computers, tablets, and smartphone. In today’s stream player world, there numerous options of streaming videos and TVs programs ranging from simple set-top boxes, compact streaming sticks to powerful game consoles.

With the help of streaming players and subscription or pay-per-view services available in Amazon, Hulu and Netflix you can easily access newly released, and classic videos and TV shows that you normally get through TV cable subscription. You can also use the streaming players to access photo apps as well as social media sites on your, TV. Hook it all up to a sweet soundbar and you’ll be loving watching any movie available.

However, how do you know which stream player is right for you? To assist you to find the best player, we have reviewed three top stream players available in the market.

  • Roku Ultra Streaming Media Player

This Roku features advanced processing power that ensures smooth streaming and high resolution as well as advanced features such as lost remote finder. With over 2,500 streaming channels you have a wide selection of entertainment options ranging from sports, music, TV shows, kids programs, international programs among others.

Roku  features captivating clarity, which can achieve high-quality pictures of up to 4K Ultra HD TVs, with as the full HD resolutions. With next generation streaming technologies, you can upscale for 72op for HD TVs, 1080p for HD streams and brilliant 4K Ultra HD for 4K TVs.

 

Roku 4 also include voice search functionalities that allow you speak what you need through enhanced remote and get comprehensive search results by title, director and actors. It also sends regular feeds that ensure that you are updated. With this device, you only need to know your favorite entertainment and know when it is time to stream.

The stream player works with virtually any TV with an HDMI connection. You can easily plug the Roku Ultra cable directly into your TV or plug it into the receiver depending on your preference. To be able to view 4K content, you need to have a compatible 4K UHD television. You can also easily hook up your favorite headphones or wireless earbuds.

  • MINIX NEO U9-H 

MINIX NEO U9-H is a great stream player designed to offer ultimate home theater experience. It supports a wide variety of file formats ensuring that you can access a wide range of media from various sources including TVs channels.

MINIX NEO U9-H delivers high-quality pictures of up to 4K Ultra High Definition with up to 60 frames per second. With these capabilities, this streaming player delivers smooth and crystal-clears videos and is highly responsive.

You just have to connect to 4K TV and enjoy seamless high definition TV programs. With high definition range, MINIX NEO U9-H achieves a new height in picture performance with full HDR10 support.

The High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology allows a wider color spectrum and can easily achieve brighter white and deeper blacks, resulting in a more clear contrast and vibrant viewing experience.

MINIX NEO U9-H adopt cutting-edge technologies and is equipped with a powerful processor and Dolby Digital Audio NEO U9-H, which produce rich cinematic sound in your living room. This audio device delivers unsurpassed, vibrant sound that brings video/TVs show entertainment to life. With fast and smooth movies as well as an authentic sound you are sure to enjoy your videos and TVs shows.

  • NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player (NTV300):

NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player turns your TV into a Smart TV and allows you to access the internet and stream videos and TVs shows without having to use your computer. With this device, you can watch thousands of movies and listen to music.

This streaming player is designed to access thousands of streaming movies, and TVs shows from various service providers such as Netflix, VUDU, Hulu among others.

It features a built-in WIFI, which allows you to connect to high-speed WiFi and achieve 1080P streaming performance. It comes with a remote control app for Android and iOS devices. This remote control makes it easy to search and play your favorite movies and even share your favorite channels on Facebook.

Best Streaming Media Player Buying Guide of 2019:

Given the advantages and disadvantages of each of the best Streaming Devices, choosing the right device that matches your specification can be hectic. Before you selecting a particular media stream players you have to make some considerations, which include the following:

  • Smart TVs: 

With a smart TV, you probably don’t need a separate streaming device. Smart TVs can run various streaming applications include that from Amazon Video, Netflix, and Hulu. Acquiring a separate streaming device when you have a smart TV is therefore not necessary. Smart TVs support the 4K resolution and support most 4K apps as well. Modern high-end Smart TVs comes with a built-in support for Netflix, Youtube, and Amazon videos as well as a host of other high performance options like receivers and high grade sound equipment.

  • Set-Top Boxes: 

Set-top boxes are small video streaming gadgets that look like small video game consoles. To use a Set-top box, your TV should have an HDMI port as you will have to connect the set-top box to the TV using HDMI port. Some of the popular set-top boxes include Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Nexus Player, and Nvidia Shield TV, among others. Each of these devices has different capabilities, but all are designed to allow access dozens of videos, TVs channels and movie channels from Hulu, Amazon video, Pandora, and Spotify.

  • Stream Sticks:

Stream stick features everything available from the tiny set-top boxes but cannot function without the assistance of mobile devices and computers. Stream stick is plug directly to your TV’s HDMI port without the need for a separate HMDI cable. Some of the common models include Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and Roku Streaming Stick. They don’t have their interfaces and remote but relies on the streaming content compatible apps running on their phones, tablets, and computers.

  • Game consoles:

You can also use a video game console to stream video services and TVs channels. Most modern game consoles can access and stream videos from Hulu, Video, and Netflix. However, game consoles with video streaming capabilities are normally available at high prices.

Conclusion:

Stream Player offers greatest ways of streaming movies from videos services providers such as Hulu, Amazon, and Youtube. Thousands of search streaming media are available online and choosing the best streaming Media Player is not easy. Consider between Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, stream sticks and game consoles before acquiring one. Or if you really are sticking to cable, then check out my buddies cable services reviews at https://thetechreviewer.com/service/dish-network-reviews/

Posted in TV
POWER ACOUSTIK EG1-10000D

Power Acoustik EG1-10000D Review

The Power Acoustik EG1-10000D is a marine amplifier that will definitely give you more bounce to the ounce than its competition. The 10000 in 10000D stands for 10,000 watts of peak power.

Don’t worry, though, that peak number isn’t just a fabricated theoretical number that this amp could possibly hit like most manufacturers would have you believe. This amp has a full 5,000 watts of RMS that will absolutely knock you out of your seat or tear a hole in your subwoofer if you push it to 11.

The 1-ohm impedance along with a full 12db bass boost delivers enough super clean bass to make your hair shake.

1-ohm Stable Monoblock Operation for MAX Power

As you probably already know, low resistance is better. You can’t do a whole heck of a lot better than 1 ohm. This low resistance means that not only is your amp energy efficient, it also delivers clean juice to pump up the bass.

Link 2 Monoblocks Together for Double Power!

This is probably the coolest feature of all. 5,000 watts RMS not enough for you? (You animal!) Link two of these bad boys together and make enough bass to blow out a porthole. Run two of these amps in series and connect them to a whole string of subwoofers running in series and what you end up with is neat, clean wiring with enough power to knock your socks off. Sound good to you?

1 CH X 5000 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm

This shows the true value of this marine amplifier. Anyone can claim their amp can push 10,000 watts peak, but how many manufacturers can claim 5,000 watts of RMS power? Keep in mind that this is a single channel amplifier. If you’re running a 2-ohm rig you can expect about 3,300 watts of RMS power. 4 ohms? About 1,600 watts. It pays to go 1 ohm!

12dB Bass Boost Increases Low Octave Harmonics

Do you like low octave harmonics? I know I do! The 12db of bass boost will send low octave harmonics into overdrive. Low octave harmonics are where you get that penetrating, bone shaking bass that everyone loves. You can blow your eardrums out with higher octave bass, but the low end is what shakes you to the core.

1800 Phase Shift Improves Low Octave Dynamics

The electronics of this amplifier are engineered to be extremely low octave friendly. It’s important to pick out subs that are able to handle low-end octaves properly. If you don’t get a high-quality sub to go along with this amplifier you might not get to experience the full range of sound.

Dash Mount Remote Bass Control Knob Included

Coast guard on your ass? Need to shut down the jams quick? No problem! This amplifier comes with a remote bass control knob you can mount right to your dashboard. See some fly honeys in the boat next to you and want to shake their tops off? No problem, just turn that sucker up to 11.

Features and Specifications

  • 1-ohm Stable Monoblock Operation for MAX Power
    Link 2 Monoblocks Together for Double Power!
  • 1 CH X 5000 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm, 12dB Bass Boost Increases Low Octave Harmonics
    1800 Phase Shift Improves Low Octave Dynamics
  • Dash Mount Remote Bass Control Knob Included
  • Dimensions: 9″ X 20.5″ x 2.25″
  • 200mV-6V Low Level RCA Input
    4g Power Wire & 8g Speaker Wire Outputs
    Variable 12dB High & Low Pass Crossovers

Item model number EG1-10000D
Product Dimensions 24 x 4.2 x 11.2 inches
Item Weight 16.8 pounds

Customer Reviews

The Power Acoustik EG1-10000D is a new product and is seriously lacking on customer reviews. As of writing this article it had received only a single customer review on Amazon, although that customer review was a 4 out of 5-star rating by a professional audio engineer. Take a look at the link below to see what he had to say about this powerful amplifier.

Conclusion

This amp looks great, it delivers A LOT of low end bass and it even comes with a remote control knob you can put on your dash. You can string these amps together and make even more noise. For the price, you really can’t do much better. Sure, other manufacturers may claim the same RMS or peak watts for the money, but they don’t have the specialized circuitry to deliver the super low-end bass everyone loves.

For the money, this is my pick for the best marine amplifier of 2018.

Logitech-G430

Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

The Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset provides outstanding Dolby 7.1 surround sound that will provide you with a completely immersive gaming experience. They feature swivel earcups, noise cancelling boom mic and a full-speed USB adapter to easily connect the headset to your PC or PS4. The in-line controls will allow you to adjust your headset levels on the fly quickly and easily.

Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound

The Dolby 7.1 surround sound will give you a completely immersive 360 degree sound experience that will allow you to hear everything you can’t see. Why settle for boring 2 channel headphones that won’t allow you to hear what’s coming up behind you? With this headset you will have the most realistic experience possible in any game you play.

Plug and Play USB Interface

You won’t need a fancy sound card to support these 7.1 channel headphones. The USB adapter that is included will allow you to get your new headset up and running fast. This headset is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8 and even Playstation 4. No matter what gaming system you are using you can quickly attach this headset and get a full immersive experience immediately.

Features and Specifications

  • Dolby 7.1 surround sound: Experience an immersive 360-degree soundfield that lets you hear what you can’t see
  • Built for comfort: Lightweight design and soft sport cloth earcups with 90-degree swivel for maximum comfort and a personalized fit
  • Folding, noise-cancelling boom mic: Reduces background noise for clear voice pick up and rotates up and out of the way
  • On-cable sound controls: Volume dial and mute switch are close at hand for quick audio adjustments
  • Compatibility: Works with PS4 and Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista computers
Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9 x 4.3 inches ; 1.4 pounds
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

Customer Reviews

Right now, the Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset has over 1,300 customer reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. 55% of all customers gave these headphones 5 out of 5 stars, pretty impressive stuff. Check out the reviews in the link below to see why people love this headset so much.

Conclusion

The Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset provides sound quality similar to headsets that cost 2-3 times as much. A headset with 360 degree 7.1 surround sound will give you a competitive advantage in games as it will allow you to hear what direction sounds are coming from which isn’t possible with traditional headphones.

The only downside is using the noise cancelling boom mic in a noisy environment, although I did throw in the review that outlines the fix above. I would definitely recommend this headset to any gamer that wants a great value.

top tv soundbars

Best Soundbars for a Small TV in 2019

Looking for a TV Soundbar?

Anybody would love to own an 80” 4K HDTV but what if you don’t have the room or budget for large screen television? If your television screen is 45” or smaller you can still get a quality sound bar including features found on larger and more expensive sound bar systems. You can enjoy Bluetooth music, virtual surround sound, multiple channels, subwoofers and budget prices in our list of the best soundbars for small TVs.

Sound Bars for 30” to 35” Televisions

Televisions between 30” and 35” should be paired with a sound bar less no greater than 30” long to maintain a visual balance. It looks weird to have a sound bar longer than edges of your television. Sound bars fewer than 30 inches in length are ideal for televisions with a screen size of 32” or larger. These sound bars are usually single unit meaning they do not include a subwoofer or satellite speakers and usually lack multiple channels. That doesn’t mean they won’t get the job done and provide great sound for your small TV.

HDMI Notice: Smaller sound bars may not support HDMI connections. You should ensure your television supports an optical cable or coaxial cable output if the sound bar does not support HDMI. We’ve noted the sound bars in this article that require optical cables but if you shop on your own please be aware before ordering.

VIZIO SB2920-C6

The VIZIO SB2920-C6 is a 29” sound bar which pairs wonderfully with any television 32 inches or larger. This is a 2.0 channel sound bar delivering 95dB through two full-range stereo speakers, which is perfect for television and live sports but you shouldn’t expect theater quality sound. Customers on Amazon report the bass tones are respectable for a two speaker sound bar but it does lack a subwoofer.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music from your smart phone or preferred music player. Please note the SB2920-C6 sound bar does not support HDMI and requires and optical cable connection. Overall, we think this is a solid sound bar for small televisions and priced well at $80!

ZVOX 350

This compact sound bar from ZVOX easily made our list of the best soundbars for a small TV. They have packed so much into this tiny unit you’d think it was made by BOSE! This sound bar offers three 2” full-range main speakers a built in 5.25” subwoofer along with 40 Watts of power. Automatic audio leveling and “AccuVoice” technology ensures dialog is easier to hear while loud annoying commercials are automatically turned down. The sound bar also dims the front display when you aren’t using the remote control, which is a nice feature in a dark room.

The ZVOX 350 measures only 23” long and should be paired with a 32” to 42” television. We choose the ZVOX 350 over the smaller 16” ZVOX 220 because it offers Bluetooth connectivity. If your television is smaller than 32” and you don’t want or need Bluetooth for wireless music then choose the ZVOX 220. Please note the ZVOX 350 does not support HDMI and requires and optical cable connection which is provided.

Sound Bars for 35” to 45” Televisions

When you have more room you can get a lot of features into a sound bar and there are some really great options for 35” to 45” screen televisions. You should be able to get multiple channels, surround sound and built-in or external subwoofers. We’ve included three of our favorite sound bars in this class to complete our list of the best sound bars for small TVs in September 2018.

BOHM

This sound bar from BOHM has a lot of nice features packed into a stylish 31.5” frame. The unit has four speakers including two 1.5” and four 2.5” full-range drivers. It produces 60 watts of power, can be wall or pedestal mounted and offers virtual surround sound. BOHM programmed this unit with three audio modes you can use to tailor the sound output to your activities such as watching a movie, playing streaming music or a quieter night mode.

The sound bar supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music playback and for less than $100 you get a lot of sound in a small package. It can even be used like a pair of TV Ears assisted listening for watching movies as it makes the sound clearer and more directional than trying to listen on the TV’s stock speakers. This sound bar does not support HDMI but does provide optical cables and supports coaxial connections.

Samsung HW-K450

Now we are starting to get into the really good stuff with the Samsung HW-K450 sound bar. This unit is a 2.1 channel 35” sound bar with a wireless subwoofer and 300 watts of power. The sound bar supports Bluetooth and offers a USB port for devices that do not support Bluetooth connectivity. If you own a Samsung television you can connect the HW-K450 to the television using TV SoundConnect and ditch the cables, which is very cool, but if you need a wired connection it does support HDMI. You can also expand this sound bar with satellite speakers and really take advantage of the onboard Dolby Digital sound.

Harman Kardon SB26

If space and not budget is your problem the Harmon Kardon SB26 is the best sound bar on our list. This company has been creating high-end audio products for decades and the SB26 is no exception. This sound bar is 35” long and ideal for 32”-44” inch television screens. The SB26 offers 2.0 channels, Bluetooth connectivity, virtual surround sound and two HDMI inputs. The sound bar unit contains 4 woofers, 2 tweeters and wirelessly connects to a 100 watt subwoofer.

The frequency response curve on this sound bar ranges between 38 Hz and 22 kHz providing clarity and solid deep tones when the movie gets intense. We are huge fans of Harmon Kardon at Best Sound Bar Guide and we believe this one of the best soundbars for small TVs you can buy in September, 2018.

There you have it, our picks for the best sound bars for small TVs in September 2016. We’d love to know what you think about our picks in the comments below. Do you agree? Do you already own one of these sound bars? Tell us what you think in the comments below and thanks for visiting IPMRadio.com!

ZVOX SoundBase 350

ZVOX Soundbase 350: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

ZVOX isn’t a brand you may be familiar with but don’t let that dissuade you from giving them a try. The company was founded in 2003 and ran by a team of speaker industry veterans with experience at Tweeter, Apple, Cambridge SoundWorks and Boston Acoustics. ZVOX is a pure-play audio engineering firm dedicated to building products that are simple, affordable and perform exceptionally well for their price points. In today’s article we will look at everything you need to know before buying a ZVOX SoundBase 350.

Product Summary

ZVOX packs a lot of smart features into the Soundbase 350 for under $200 at Amazon.com. We have a hard time calling this product a “sound bar” because it’s really designed to be placed on a dresser, entertainment cabinet or similar flat top surface under or near your television. The enclosure is built from a sturdy medium density fiberboard (wood) which is both stylish and stronger versus the plastic enclosures typically used by other sound bar manufactures. You’re not going to mount this product on the wall or attached to the flat screen television mount but you can use it as a stand for any television weighing less than 50lbs.

The ZVOX 350 is designed for 27” to 42” inch televisions.

Speakers and Amplifiers

The ZVOX Soundbase 350 has three 2” full-range speakers covering left, center and right audio channels with a built in 5.25” subwoofer. The unit is bi-amplified and powered by a 40-watt class D amplifier using a digital power supply. The frequency range is wider than other sound bars in this price point thanks to the onboard sub woofer, which is usually an option on other products.

Surround Sound Support

Unless you have five speakers and a 5.1 channel sound bar you shouldn’t expect true surround sound but the SoundBase 350 does a decent job with virtual surround sound technology called PhaseCue from ZVOX. The unit takes full advantage of having three speakers and a built in sub-woofer to isolate sounds on the far left or right channel signals producing a decent surround sound effect.

Dialogue Enhancement

Enhancing dialogue is probably the number one reason people buy a sound bar for their regular television shows. The SoundBase 350 takes advantage of a center channel speaker and points the dialogue channel sound right at you but if you still need help hearing what’s being said you can engage AccuVoice. Every ZVOX sound bar uses a proprietary feature called AccuVoice that reproduces voices with technology derived from hearing aids. The system decreases the volume of non-vocal signals to sharpen the dialogue and vocal tracks allowing you to clearly hear what is being said. You control AccuVoice by pushing the “ACCU” button on the remote control.

Bluetooth Support

The Soundbase 350 supports Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to stream music wirelessly from a phone, tablet, computer or any Bluetooth enabled device. You can also stream music from Pandora, Spotify, SoundCloud or any other service through your Bluetooth connected device. Pairing your device with the Bluetooth receiver is easy and remains connected up to 40 feet.

Other Smart Features on the ZVOX Soundbase 350

Last but not least in our round up of smart features are the “Output Leveling” and “Disappearing Display”.

Output Leveling is a feature that lowers the volume of commercials by compressing the louder sounds and enhances soft sounds. Output Leveling allows you to transition from show to commercials and back to show without being blasted out of your chair by the latest OxyClean commercial. You turn it on by pressing the “OL” button on the remote control.

What’s the worst thing about watching a move on your television in dark room? How about bright LED lights on your sound bar or television shining in your eyes while your trying to watch a movie? We hate that and that’s why we love ZVOX’s disappearing display. The Soundbase 350 has a bright, large and easy-to-read display behind the speaker grill but when your done controlling the sound bar it disappears a few seconds later, genius!

ZVOX Soundbase 350 Product Images

  • ZVOX 350 Front Display
  • ZVOX 350 Sound Bar Back
  • ZVOX-350-installed

ZVOX SoundBase 350 Technical Specifications

  • Size: 23.7” wide x 11.5” deep x 3.5” high
  • Weight: 12 pounds (17 pounds for shipping)
  • Color: Black
  • Amplifier: 40 watts
  • Channels: 2.1
  • Speakers: Three 2” full-range drivers.
  • Subwoofer: One 5.25” subwoofer enclosed in the sound bar
  • Surround Sound: Virtual surround sound using ZVOX’s PhaseCue system.
  • Frequency Range: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Television Size: 27” to 42” inches
  • Enclosure: Wood (MDF)
  • Power Support: 100 – 240 volt power systems
  • ZVOX SoundBase 350 Connectivity
  • Digial Audio Input(s): 1 Optical (TosLink), 1 Coaxial
  • Analog Stereo Input(s): 2 Left / Right RCA jack pairs

Who Should Buy a ZVOX SoundBase 350?

We think this sound bar is a good option for medium sized rooms and people who need clearer dialogue and a little more bass with a lower price. The ZVOX Soundbase 350 would also make a good gaming console sound bar because it doesn’t take up much room, has an onboard subwoofer and three full-range speakers vs. other sound bars in this price point. It’s a good entry-level unit for your living room, exercise room, office or guest room. If you’re looking for theater quality surround sound you need a 5.1 channel sound bar and this is not the right product for you.

Pros and Cons of the ZVOX SoundBase 350

  • Pro: Three full-range speakers are hard to find in a sound bar this size.
  • Pro: One dedicated center speaker enhances dialogue and voice sounds.
  • Pro: The built-in subwoofer is a great feature for this size sound bar and price point.
  • Pro: Study enclosures built with wood or aluminum versus plastic.
  • Pro: LED display disappears when not in use which is great in a dark room.

 

  • Con: This ZVOX model does not offer HDMI input.
  • Con: This sound bar cannot be mounted on the wall.

What’s in the Box?

The ZVOX Soundbase 350 includes the following items in the box:

  • One 2-meter long RCA to RCA connecting cable.
  • One 2-meter long Stereo RCA to Stereo Mini-Jack connecting cord.
  • One 2-meter long optical (toslink) digital connecting cable.
  • One power adapter and cord.
  • One remote control.
  • ZVOX’s signature one-page easy installation instructions.

How Easy is it to Install?

Installing a ZVOX product is very simple and should take you less than five minutes. ZVOX includes a one-page installation guide that makes the process clear and easy to understand. If you’d like to see for yourself we’ve included a copy of the one page installation guide below:

ZVOX 350 Sound Bar One Page Setup

You can place the unit on any flat, stable surface near your TV or use it as a stand if your television weights less than 50 pounds. Connecting the sound bar to your television is done with optical, coaxial or RCA input cables. We recommend using the optical or coaxial cables to get the best digital sound from your television. If your television does not support digital output use the RCA analog jacks. Connect the power cord and your done installing a ZVOX SoundBase 350.

One caution about connecting power to your ZVOX SoundBase 350; make sure a light switch does not control the power outlet. If your sound bar is connected to a switched outlet and the switch is turned off you may erase any user preferences you have saved. This shouldn’t be a problem for most people but some users like to control everything with one switch and now you’ve been warned.

Finally you need to teach the SoundBase 350 to use whatever remote control is being used to control your television to avoid using multiple remote controls. ZVOX provides easy instructions to help you “teach” the sound bar and setup volume, mute, power and sound output controls using your preferred remote control.

ZVOX explains the entire installation process on one single page of folded paper included in the box. It’s easy, fast and should be no problem even if you’re not a technical person.

How Long is the Warranty?

ZVOX provides the original purchaser a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. To make a warranty claim you’ll need to contact ZVOX and obtain a return authorization and ship the unit to ZVOX using the address provided in the return authorization. You’ll be responsible for the shipping charges to ZVOX as usual with these sound bar warranties. ZVOX doesn’t make any distinction between personal and commercial use like VIZIO so it appears one-year means one-year regardless of how you’re using the product.

ZVOX support is also based in the United States with trained technicians who understand their products. Their support hours are pretty convenient unless you live on the West Coast because they close at 7:30pm Eastern but they are available on Saturday. Customers we’ve seen on Amazon.com seem pleased with their support experience and our impression is ZVOX is a smaller company that takes pride in their products and support team.

What’s the Bottom Line?

We really tried to find something we could dislike about this entry-level sound bar from ZVOX but came up empty.

We like the wood or aluminum body versus plastic, we like the North American support team, we like the center channel speaker, on-board subwoofer and Bluetooth. It also has a lot of smart features like dimming the front LED displays after you’ve stopped using the remote control.

It’s not going to provide true 5.1 channel surround sound but it has a lot of nice features for its size and price.

When you need a sound bar for a small to medium sized room and don’t care about hanging it on the wall this is a really solid choice for the money. We also like the companies small size, history and focus on audio engineering, North American support team and commitment to making simple products that produce quality results.

What Do You Think About the ZVOX SoundBase 350?

Do you own a ZVOX SoundBase 350? What do you like about the product? Have we missed something important in our article? Tell us what you think in the comments below and thank you for visiting IMPRadio.com!