Monoprice Active Noise Cancelling Headphones w/Bass Boost Review

Hey gang, Valkor here. As much as I enjoy testing out tech products in the Val-Cave, it's even more fun when I get the chance to test them out in the wild – it not only provides me the opportunity to see how a product truly works in its proper setting, but I can also get opinions about it from others as well (if I'm feeling rather chatty). The gang over at Monoprice has returned to the cave once more, giving me an opportunity to test out their latest headphones – the Monoprice Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Bass Boost, on my recent journey to Japan. And if loving these headphones is wrong... I don't wanna be right!

Monoprice ANC Headphones


Monoprice’s Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, on the outset, features a very minimalistic approach in its appearance; the outer band and earcups are covered in a soft, black matte plastic, with memory foam for the inner band and cups, finishing up with the company logo on the side along with a white outline and rigid arrows, which I assume are for speed purposes. Kidding! But they do give the headphones that extra pop! Under the left ear cup are your ports for the batteries (it takes two AAAs) and the 4.6 foot cable. On the right is your switch for turning on either Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) or bumping up the Bass Boost. There's also an indicator light that changes color, depending on its use (blue for ANC and green with the bass boost). The cable gives you limited control to pause your audio as well as raising or lowering the volume. Plus, with the headphones, you can receive calls and get your chat on through various apps. Finally, the ANC headsets come with a carrying case to make them that much more travelworthy, and it does a pretty nifty job in providing protection against sudden bumps and drops.

Monoprice ANC Headphones


My latest journey not only allowed me to try out the headphones during my flight (where it was definitely needed), but also as I made my commute to and from my hotel, completing with my journey home. Needless to say, I got a lot out of this experience with the Monoprice ANC headphones. And now I’m ready to render my verdict in the TOV Breakdown!

Monoprice ANC Headphones


The Bang:

The main reason you'll want to pick up Monoprice's ANC headphones is... well the noise cancelling, which is definitely the headphone's finest feature. What makes it so great is not just the ability to block out surrounding audio annoyances, but it doesn't give your ears that sensation that they're being popped. Next up is the audio quality of Monoprice’s ANC bad boy, which sounds pretty impressive, even with ANC turned off that usually hurts most ANC headphones like a Bose. It’s not great, but it’s decent and it enables you to hear what’s around you with no problem while enjoying some of your favorite beats. But then you switch on the ANC… and something magical happens! Not only are you sucked into your own musical bubble, perfectly blocking out all the surrounding audio garbage around you, but sound quality gets a bump in clarity as things becomes amazingly clear. Then you turn it up notch with the Bass boost and I’m all in! The Bass Boost doesn't just give your audio that extra umph but it also makes your sound quality richer, fuller and more robust. I’ve been on a 90s R&B kick as of late and having these headphones with the ANC and Bass Boost turned up has added to the experience that you can not only hear but feel as well. Now let me take things back a bit; I’m not saying that the Monoprice ANC headphones are "the best" I’ve encountered. But for the price that you’re gonna pay and the quality that you’ll receive, it definitely makes for a wise investment, especially if you're in the market.

Monoprice ANC Headphones


The Slack:

The ANC headphones could use a little more slack because as it stands they’re a little to snug… either that or my head is just too big… But for longer wear, things get a little tight around the dome, which adds a little discomfort.

Monoprice ANC Headphones


If you’re looking for an awesome pair of ANC headphones, but you might be deterred by the cost, then look no further than Monoprice’s Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Bass Boost, which offers amazing sound quality at an affordable price, which has earned the headphones a 4 out of TOV 5 stars. Tested and approved? You better believe it!

Monoprice ANC Headphones



Email: valkor@the-other-view.com


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