Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: specs and price
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Why is Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 better than the average?
- Sound pressure level?
115dB/mWvs104.73dB/mW - Bluetooth version?
5vs4.45 - Driver unit size?
40mmvs35.38mm - Number of microphones?
2vs1.17 - Charge time?
2hvs2.71h
Price comparison
Buy used:
$230
| Product | Store | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 - Mat...New Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 - Matte Black | $228 | ||
| Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 with Acti...Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 with Active Noise Cancellation (Matte Black) | $250 | ||
| Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black Wir...Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black Wireless | $231 | ||
| Nylon audio cable with mic For Microsof...Nylon audio cable with mic For Microsoft Surface Headphones 1&2 Yamaha HPH-Pro500 HPH-Pro400 headphones | $8.99 | ||
| Replacement Aux 3.5mm OFC Nylon Braided ...Replacement Aux 3.5mm OFC Nylon Braided Cable Extension Cord For Microsoft Surface 1 2 2+ Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones | $2.99 | ||
| 300cm Coiled Spring Audio Cable For HIFI...300cm Coiled Spring Audio Cable For HIFIMAN Deva Microsoft Surface Headphones 1&2 DENON AH-NC800 NC732 D320 D340 D400 headphones | $16 | ||
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
User reviews
Overall rating
Features
Build quality
9.0/10
2 votes
Sound quality
8.0/10
2 votes
Value for money
8.0/10
2 votes
Comfort
5.5/10
2 votes
Noise isolation
7.0/10
2 votes
Design
Fit
Over-ear
The fit of the headphones.
weight
290g
We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.
has a detachable cable
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking.
Ingress Protection (IP) rating
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.
can be folded
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Foldable devices are easier to transport and take up less storage space.
has a tangle free cable
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The cable is designed to minimize tangling.
travel bag is included
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The device comes with its own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.
has an open-back design
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The device is designed in a way that allows sound to go out through the back of the ear cups, which usually have vents or perforations. This design provides very natural and accurate sound.
is dustproof and water-resistant
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water.
Sound quality
has active noise cancellation (ANC)
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
lowest frequency
20Hz
The lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.
highest frequency
20000Hz
The highest frequency at which device produces audio. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.
driver unit size
40mm
The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device. Bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.
impedance
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Impedance is the device’s electrical resistance to the current being pushed through it. The lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.
sound pressure level
115dB/mW
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
has a neodymium magnet
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. They also have more bass and clear high notes.
has passive noise reduction
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.
Power
Battery life
20h
The device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often.
The time it takes to fully charge the battery.
Has USB Type-C
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The USB Type-C features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.
has a battery level indicator
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.
has wireless charging
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
battery power
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
has a rechargeable battery
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The battery can be recharged and used over again.
has a removable battery
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The battery is removable and can be replaced by the user if broken.
Connectivity
Connectivity
Wireless
The connectivity type of the headphones.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
has aptX Adaptive
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
aptx Adaptive is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices.
has aptX
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
aptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.
has LDAC
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony for Bluetooth audio. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high resolution audio. It can also automatically adjust to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability.
has aptX Low Latency
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
aptX Low Latency is a codec developed by Qualcomm. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide low latency audio (around 40ms), which is useful when you want to avoid audio lag (e.g. when playing games).
has aptX HD
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
aptX HD is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It supports high quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).
has AAC
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
AAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
maximum Bluetooth range
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The device can connect at a greater distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.
Features
has a noise-canceling microphone
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
These microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.
has ambient sound mode
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Ambient sound mode uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re jogging but still want to be able to hear traffic.
has in/on-ear detection
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Sensors can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life.
More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.
has a mute function
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The device has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
Multipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
control panel placed on a device
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
There is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.
can be used as a headset
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.
Has an in-line control panel
✖Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it.
Miscellaneous
has a 3.5mm male connector
✔Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
This audio plug allows you to connect to a range of devices which use a standard 3.5mm jack.
Price comparison
Buy used:
$230
| Product | Store | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 - Mat...New Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 - Matte Black | $228 | ||
| Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 with Acti...Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 with Active Noise Cancellation (Matte Black) | $250 | ||
| Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black Wir...Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Black Wireless | $231 | ||
| Nylon audio cable with mic For Microsof...Nylon audio cable with mic For Microsoft Surface Headphones 1&2 Yamaha HPH-Pro500 HPH-Pro400 headphones | $8.99 | ||
| Replacement Aux 3.5mm OFC Nylon Braided ...Replacement Aux 3.5mm OFC Nylon Braided Cable Extension Cord For Microsoft Surface 1 2 2+ Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones | $2.99 | ||
| 300cm Coiled Spring Audio Cable For HIFI...300cm Coiled Spring Audio Cable For HIFIMAN Deva Microsoft Surface Headphones 1&2 DENON AH-NC800 NC732 D320 D340 D400 headphones | $16 | ||
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Comments
Link
11 months ago
8 / 10
One of a kind
Link
11 months ago
8 / 10
These are fabulous headphones overall. The sound quality on these is fantastic and bluetooth aptX enhances your listening experience. When it comes to Active Noise Cancelling, depending on the environment you are in, they perform well. But under strong windy conditions, you can hear the wind pass through and it is mostly annoying. However, the sound pressure is quite impressive at 115db/mW. The comfort on these are impeccable, I could wear the headphones all day thanks to the soft earmuff. The multi-pairing experience is also a big category and it definitely is the best headphones with seamless transition between both my smartphone and my computer. To summarize, these headphones have phenomenal audio, appreciative Active Noise Cancellation (not the best), significant sound pressure, pure comfort and irreproachable multi-pairing (for transitions between your phone and computer).
Pros
Cons
The
5 months ago
4 / 10
another Microsoft fuck-up
The
5 months ago
4 / 10
as always, I fell for the laudatory reviews on the Internet. the best headphones they said, the most comfortable they claimed. but in fact, this is unfinished crap like all products from this company... The sound is gorgeous without question, noise reduction too, but there is no adaptability. the assembly is generally a class, very pleasant materials. but software is a horror. let's start with the most infuriating, hitchhiking. according to the idea, this function should pause the music when you take off the headphones, but in fact it does it whenever possible. even if you just turn your head or bend over, make some kind of micro-movement, the headphones will think that you took them off and stop playing music. and you can't turn it off! I have to face the fact that I constantly have to take out my phone and turn on the music again several times a minute. the touchpad also works every other time, then it works then it doesn't. and it is necessary to restart the headphones so that the gestures work. returning to the pros, I can notice good autonomy. it is very convenient when the headphones can be used while they are charging. the function with multiple connections also works stably. another thing that confused me is that in the left ear, as in the first version, something rustles. that is, microsoft just took the first version of the headphones, put a piece of paper under the power button so that it bulged and added Aptx and put the price tag higher. in general, another unfinished masterpiece from Microsoft. with all their advantages, it is impossible to use headphones. I'd rather take a Sony wh 1000 xm4 or 5.
Pros
Cons