Microsoft Surface Headphones

Comfortable fit ; Balanced sound ; Microsoft suite integration ; Translation

Microsoft's pricey new Surface Earbuds are custom built for the office

Comfortable ; Adjustable noise-canceling ; Easy-to-use controls

No real need for Cortana integration ; Short battery life compared to Bose and Sony

Brilliant sound quality ; Effective noise cancellation ; Intuitive controls

Design won’t appeal to all ; Sound may be too warm for some

Microsoft’s first crack at over-ear headphones is ultimately as impressive and stylish as all of Microsoft’s hardware. We were very impressed with the active noise cancellation and sound quality of these headphones, although the design may polarize...

Ingenious control dials ; Stylish look and premium feel ; Shockingly good wireless performance ; Excellent noise canceling

Some comfort issues ; Uncompetitive battery life ; Lacking support for AptX, AAC, or LDAC for higher-quality sound ; Sound lacks refinement and treble energy

As to whether you should own a pair for yourself, that depends. I still feel drawn toward these headphones, I enjoy listening to my music with them, and I’m constantly impressed by the speed with which they connect to my devices and the rock-solid...

Great sound quality with ample bass and loud output ; Comfortable for long periods of wear ; Noise-cancelling capable without going to vacuum-like levels ; Dial controls on earcups are neatly integrated and function well

Noise-cancelling is over complex and lacks information - distinctive modes would be better ; Stronger noise-cancelling mode is absent ; App and sound profiles lack ; Do we really want Windows logos on headphones?

The Surface cans offer big sound and great, while the rotational controls around the earcups are the pièce de résistance. However, we'd like more distinctive noise-cancelling modes and sound profiles to really set these bland-looking but great-sounding...

Outstanding noise-cancelling ; Big, controlled and detailed sound ; Comfortable even over extended periods

Tentative high-frequency reproduction

Sonic improvements and a stiff price reduction make Microsoft’s wireless active noise-cancellers a much more mainstream proposition than before

Engaging, punchy sound ; Very comfortable ; Neat touch controls

Noise cancellation is merely all right ; Lacklustre mid-range reproduction ; Less portable than some rivals

For a first go at penetrating a competitive market, the Surface Headphones are a valiant effort. Their sound certainly has its strengths, they’re very comfortable to wear and the design makes them a perfectly styled companion to other Surface products.

Comfortable design.;Easy-to-use and complete control scheme.;Amazing wireless range.

Subpar microphone for making calls.;Warm and bass-heavy sound signature.