The Dolby Dimension are decent, mixed-usage, over-ear headphones that are fairly versatile for everyday casual use and can also be used for watching TV if you have the appropriate low-latency (aptX-LL) dongle. These headphones are comfortable to wear for hours and feel very solid. They look and feel premium, but their ANC feature is disappointing when compared to similar high-end headphones. They have nice virtualization and head tracking features, but if you don’t care for this, they might not be worth the investment.
Our Verdict
The Dolby Dimension are okay for mixed usage. These headphones have okay audio reproduction for critical listeners but have nice virtualization and head tracking features that may enhance your listening experience, especially when watching video content. They have decent isolation performance to use while commuting or at the office. On the other hand, their bulky and full leather-covered design won’t be ideal for sports and is not sweat-resistant. Also, they have average Bluetooth latency, so they might not be the best option for watching videos or gaming unless you get an aptX-LL dongle, which still doesn’t give great results.
- Great build quality.
- Comfortable wireless design.
- Virtualization and head tracking features.
- Disappointing noise isolation.
- Mediocre battery life.
- Lackluster app with few customization options.
- Bass delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The Dolby Dimension are decent for neutral listening. They have a punchy bass and a well-balanced mid-range, but the treble range lacks detail and brightness. Their bass is also a bit inconsistent across users, and their mid-range is a bit cluttered and forward. They also don’t have an EQ inside their app, which is disappointing, and their passive soundstage is perceived as small and closed-off.
The Dolby Dimension are decent for commuting. Their isolation performance is suitable for your daily commute. They don’t isolate low-frequency noises like bus engine rumbles very well, but when playing audio content it should be fine. You can also wear these during long flights or car rides thanks to their comfortable build and 9-hour battery life.
The Dolby Dimension are decent for sports. While they're fairly stable for over-ear headphones, they might be too bulky for physical activity. Their leather-covered build won’t be the most breathable and sweat might degrade the coating.
The Dolby Dimension are decent for the office. They isolate a good amount of ambient chatter and A/C noises, and they are comfortable to wear for a few hours. They can also connect to three devices simultaneously so you can easily switch between your PC, tablet, and phone. Their battery life will be long enough for a full workday and they don’t leak too much as long as you don't blast your music at very high volumes. However, you might have to charge them more frequently than other similar headphones.
The Dolby Dimension are poor for gaming. They have too much latency for gaming. Their microphone is sub-par and isn’t suitable for online games. However, if you’re playing casual solo player immersive games and have an aptX-LL dongle, these headphones could be an interesting option thanks to their virtualization and head tracking features, similar to the Audeze Mobius gaming headset.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Sep 09, 2019: We've updated the Build Quality score of these headphones.
- Updated Mar 15, 2019: Review published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Dolby Dimension are well-built and comfortable over-ear headphones that set themselves apart thanks to their virtualization and head tracking features. Unfortunately, their ANC isn’t on par with other high-end headphones we've tested, and they have relatively short battery life. If you’re looking for headphones for your commute, we suggest looking at our list of the best noise cancelling headphones recommendations. See also our recommendations for the best closed-back headphones.
If you’re in the market for head tracking headphones, then the Audeze Mobius are a better pick over the Dolby Dimension Wireless. The Audeze's frequency response is slightly bass-heavy but still suitable enough for a variety of audio genres. They're also very versatile since you can use them wired, and their detachable boom microphone is great for gaming. However, the Audeze don’t have an ANC feature to block ambient noise like the Dolby and aren’t as comfortable and well-built.
The Microsoft Surface Wireless Headphones and Dolby Dimension Wireless perform quite similarly in most categories. The Microsoft have an excellent control scheme and their ANC feature can reduce more ambient noise around you, which make them a better option for commuting. On the other hand, the Dolby have head tracking and virtualization features to enhance your listening experience but don’t have an EQ like the Microsoft have. The Surface Headphones also have a great wireless range and can also be used wired, even if the battery is dead.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Dolby Dimension Wireless. The Sony isolation performance is noticeably better, and they have a better audio reproduction, on top of having customization options inside their great app. They're slightly less comfortable and well-built than the Dolby, but most people should be satisfied with the Sony. They can also be used wired, even if the battery is dead, which you can’t do with the Dolby. On the other hand, the Dolby support aptX-LL for watching video content.
For watching TV at home, the Sennheiser RS 185 RF Wireless are a better option than the Dolby Dimension Wireless if you don’t want to purchase an aptX-LL dongle. Their dock acts as a transmitter, which gives you lower latency for watching video content. However, they're open-back and won’t isolate against your household noise, which the Dolby Dimension Wireless ANC feature can help with. The Sennheisers have great audio reproduction, but you’ll need batteries to power them and they aren’t as well-built and comfortable as the Dolby.
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