Looking for a Pair of Headphones with Specific Features

websterp on 18/02/2019 - 12:40
Last edited 18/02/2019 - 12:41

Hi Guys and girls,

I'm after a a pair of budget over-the-ear headphones for everyday listening and I'm happy to spend up to $150. Therefore I'm not considering the two OZB favourites, Bose QC35 and Sony 1000XM3 but brands like Taotronics, Cowin, Awantree, etc. We have both the QC35 and the Sony 1000XM3 in the family and are used exclusively during air travel due to their superior ANC. The headphones I'm looking for will be used only to connect to my PC and laptop(both support BT 5.0) for watching documentaries, etc. and occasionally with the TV so I'm not really too fussed about the audio quality.

I do have the following wish list though(in the order of importance):

  1. Bluetooth 5.0
  2. Apt-X low latency (or HD)
  3. USB-C
  4. ANC

Am I having unrealistic expectations in searching for a pair of cans with all of these features being present? I've researched extensively and there are a couple of models within my budget with at least three of the above but I'm yet to find something with all four. With USB-C I know we are in a period of transition where a lot of headphone manufactures are still in the process of implementing usb-c in place of the micro-usb port and aptX is often overlooked in budget headphones potentially due to licensing costs. I'm happy to live without ANC or with crappy ANC you'd find in sub-$150 headphones these days.

Before settling with something with items 1,2 and 4 in my wishlist I though I'll try my luck here first. Do you already own or have come across a pair of headphones with all of the above features? If so I'd really appreciate if you could share some info/suggestions with me.

Electrical & Electronics Headphones

Comments

  • DarthAntz on 18/02/2019 - 13:28
    +1

    I bought a pair of these specifically to use for sleeping in, to listen to study materials while sleeping.
    I am impressed by the audio quality, and they are very comfortable to wear, especially in bed and while travelling. Its good to have both bluetooth and the option for the cord. If you're needing headphones for just watching tv, these are very suitable. They have barely any of the requirements from your list, asides bluetooth and comfort. Well under your budget.

    • brokenglish on 18/02/2019 - 13:32
      +1

      LOL WTH! I never knew about this product! Getting one to test! Thanks! I look like sh*t with a bandana though…

      • DarthAntz on 18/02/2019 - 13:35

        horrible photo of the model, and some of those bandanas are ghastly. I get a good 4 hours out of the bluetooth. I got the L gray colour.

        Edit: After reading your successive post, it does have the same bluetooth connection lag after a few uses.

        • brokenglish on 18/02/2019 - 13:46
          +1

          You get what you pay for I guess LOL 😂

  • brokenglish on 18/02/2019 - 13:30
    +1

    Taotronics, Cowin, Awantree, etc.

    Once you've used QC35 and Sony 1000XM3, you will be disappointed with the above.
    Too high expectation. Budget too low.

    I've bought most Taotronics for gifts (but I tested them first). I have to use a USB cable extender to expose the Bluetooth dongle otherwise the sound will lag. After a month or so, the Bluetooth pairing (PC & iOS) is not instant, like wait 1-2 mins after power on.

    • ShortyX on 18/02/2019 - 15:23

      I have the TT-BH022 and they have been great for the price. I don't notice any audio lag when watching videos and it pairs with my Mac and iPhone immediately after turning on. The sound quality is quite good and the NC is ok.

  • Dave Id on 18/02/2019 - 14:04

    http://outlet.se-shop.de/shops/detail.php?product_id=3296

    Might not tick all the boxes,however worth considering.

    Haven't unpacked mine from the 15% off deal yet.

  • Ugly on 18/02/2019 - 14:57
    +1

    I have a set of Cowin E7's and I think they are pretty good value.

    If you're buying, be sure you are getting the updated E7 Pro version (or the SE7: Amazon).

    The ANC on the original version only worked for connections via bluetooth. If you used the cable connection, the noise cancelling wouldn't work.

    • websterp on 19/02/2019 - 10:04

      Thanks mate. Got the SE7 from eBay today and used the current promo code to get it cheaper than Amazon from a Sydney seller. Of course I'm not going to get a USB-C connection but I'm sure I can live with a micro-usb for now. I have to accept the fact that it will take some time for USB-C to become standard on rechargeable headphones.

  • wildbill on 19/02/2019 - 09:47
    +1

    I like my E7's as well.
    I have the older model and used on flight to USA and at home mowing and vacuuming.

  • tallmantim on 19/02/2019 - 11:12

    Out of interest, why are you not looking at using the Bose for day to day?

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