Drop + THX Panda Wireless  Headphones Review

Reviewed Jul 06, 2021 at 11:42am
Tested using Methodology v1.5 
Drop + THX Panda Wireless

Track

0.0
Neutral Sound 
0.0
Commute/Travel 
0.0
Sports/Fitness 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Wireless Gaming 
0.0
Wired Gaming 
0.0
Phone Calls 

Track

 0

The Drop + THX Panda Wireless are over-ear headphones initially crowdsourced on Indiegogo and now available through Drop's website. Thanks to their planar magnetic transducer and built-in THX-AAA-0 amplifier, they have a smooth, warm sound profile, although they still lack a thumpy low-bass while their treble is a bit dark. They have a long-lasting continuous battery life of just under 27 hours, great for long listening sessions, and support LDAC codec for Hi-Res audio. However, they lack premium features like an active noise cancelling (ANC) system or a dedicated companion app.

Our Verdict

0.0
Neutral Sound 

The Drop + THX Panda are good for neutral sound. These headphones have a smooth, warm sound profile, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear, accurate, and detailed. While they lack low-bass and their treble range is dark, you can customize their sound using a third-party app's EQ. Their passive soundstage isn't very immersive, and they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so you need to adjust their fit and positioning each time you use them to ensure a more consistent sound.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
  • Third-party app with EQ available.
Cons
  • Prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery.
0.0
Commute/Travel 

The Drop Panda are decent for commute and travel. They have a comfortable, well-built design and just under 27 hours of continuous playback time, which should get you through long days on the go. However, they don't block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines and struggle to block out commuter chatter around you. They also have a bulky design, making it harder to take them with you on the go.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
Cons
  • Sub-par noise isolation performance.
0.0
Sports/Fitness 

The Drop Panda are satisfactory for sports and fitness. Although the manufacturer claims they have an IPX6 rating for water resistance, their manual says not to expose them to water. We don't currently test for this, though. They also have a bulky design, and they can fall off your head during moderate physical exercise. On the upside, they have a comfortable fit and a long-lasting continuous battery life.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
Cons
  • Can fall off your head with more intense movement.
0.0
Office 

The Drop + THX Panda are decent for office use. These over-ears have a bit under 27 hours of continuous playback time, so you don't need to worry about recharging them throughout your shift. They also have a comfortable fit, and their leakage performance is great. However, they struggle to cut down office chatter around you.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
  • Great leakage performance.
Cons
  • Sub-par noise isolation performance.
0.0
Wireless Gaming 

The Drop Panda are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, but their latency is likely too high to be suitable for wireless gaming. They aren't compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, or PS5 consoles.

0.0
Wired Gaming 

The Drop + THX Panda are alright for wired gaming. Using their 1/8" TRS cable, they can be used on PCs, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles but can only receive audio, so you won't be able to use their mic. That said, they have a comfortable, well-built design and a warm sound profile that ensures dialogue is clear and accurate.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
Cons
  • Prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery.
0.0
Phone Calls 

The Drop Panda are just okay for phone calls. Their integrated mic does a decent job recording your voice. However, it struggles to separate speech from ambient noise around you, so whoever's on the other end of the line may have trouble hearing you clearly if you're calling from a busy street. These headphones also really struggle to block out ambient noise like the rumble of bus engines or ambient chatter around you.

Pros
  • Comfortable, well-built design.
  • Decent recording quality.
Cons
  • Sub-par noise isolation performance.
  • Mic struggles to separate your voice from ambient noise.
  • 0.0
    Neutral Sound
  • 0.0
    Commute/Travel
  • 0.0
    Sports/Fitness
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Wireless Gaming
  • 0.0
    Wired Gaming
  • 0.0
    Phone Calls
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jul 06, 2021: Review published.
    2.  Updated Jun 30, 2021: Early access published.
    3.  Updated Jun 29, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Jun 29, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

    Check Price

    Black+ THX Panda
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    Black+ THX Panda
    Drop

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Drop + THX Panda Wireless Headphone comes in one color variant: 'Black'. You can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.

    Popular Headphones Comparisons

    The Drop + THX Panda Headphones are closed-back planar magnetic headphones designed with audiophiles in mind. Out-of-the-box, they have a smooth, warm sound profile that ensures vocals and instruments sound clear, accurate, and detailed. While they lack a bit of a thumpy low-bass and have a dark treble range, you can customize their sound with the third-party My SoundID app. However, like other closed-back planar magnetic headphones like the Audeze Mobius, their passive soundstage isn't very immersive. They also lack high-end features like an active noise cancelling (ANC) system.

    If you're looking for more headphones, check out our recommendations for the best audiophile headphones, the best closed-back headphones, and the best over-ear headphones.

    Razer Opus Wireless 2020

    Track

    The Razer Opus Wireless 2020 are better over-ear headphones than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. The Razer are better-built, and have a more balanced sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have an active noise cancelling system that does an outstanding job of blocking out background noise, and you can customize their sound profile using their companion app's EQ presets. However, the Drop can connect with up to two devices at once.

    Beats Solo Pro

    Track

    The Beats Solo Pro and the Drop + THX Panda Wireless are for different uses. The Drop are audiophile over-ear headphones that are more comfortable, have a significantly better battery performance, and can pair with up to two devices at a time. However, the Beats are better for casual use. They have better build quality, a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and active noise cancelling, which can help block noise around you.

    Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018

    Track

    The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile,  which some users may prefer, and have an outstanding active noise cancelling system. They also have a better Bluetooth performance. However, the Drop have longer continuous battery life.

    Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless

    Track

    The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. The Sony are more comfortable, better-built, and have an outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their active noise cancelling system. They also have a companion app with a graphic EQ and presets. However, the Drop have a better battery performance and can pair with up to two devices at a time.

    Show more 
    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!
    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!

    Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.

    You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    TypeLockedOver-ear
    EnclosureLockedClosed-Back
    WirelessLockedYes
    TransducerLockedPlanar Magnetic

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    0.0
    Comfort
    WeightLockedLock lbs
    Clamping Force
    LockedLock lbs

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    0.0
    Controls
    OS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of UseLockedLocked
    FeedbackLockedLocked
    Call/Music ControlLockedLocked
    Volume ControlLockedLocked
    Microphone ControlLockedLocked
    Channel Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Noise Cancelling ControlLockedLocked
    Talk-Through
    LockedLocked
    Additional ControlsLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Breathability
    Avg.Temp.DifferenceLockedLock °C

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    0.0
    Portability
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Transmitter RequiredLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Case
    TypeLockedLocked
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Stability

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    Headshots 1
    Headshots 2
    Top
    In The Box

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    Sound
    Sound Profile
    Bass Amount
    LockedLock dB
    Treble Amount
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Frequency Response Consistency
    Avg. Std. Deviation
    LockedLock dB

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    Raw Frequency Response
    0.0
    Bass Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Low-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    High-Bass
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Mid Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    High-Mid
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Treble Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    High-Treble
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Peaks/Dips
    Peaks
    LockedLock dB
    Dips
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Imaging
    Weighted Group Delay
    LockedLock
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Frequency Mismatch
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Passive Soundstage
    PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock dB
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    LockedLock dB
    PRTF Distance
    LockedLock dB
    Openness
    Locked
    0.0
    Acoustic Space Excitation
    Locked
    0.0

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    0.0
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Speaker Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Room Ambience
    LockedLocked
    Head Tracking
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    WHD @ 90
    LockedLock
    WHD @ 100
    LockedLock

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    Test Settings
    Firmware
    LockedLocked
    Power
    LockedLocked
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Codec
    LockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    ANC
    LockedLocked
    Tip/Pad
    LockedLocked
    Microphone
    LockedLocked

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    Isolation
    0.0
    Noise Isolation
    Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Overall Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Noise CancellingLockedNo
    Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Treble
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Leakage
    Leakage Audio
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    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    LockedLock dB

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    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    LockedLocked
    In-Line
    LockedLocked
    Boom
    LockedLocked
    Detachable Boom
    LockedLocked
    MicLockedYes

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    0.0
    Recording Quality
    Recorded Speech
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    LFE
    LockedLock Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    LockedLock dB
    HFE
    LockedLock Hz
    Weighted THD
    LockedLock
    Gain
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Noise Handling
    SpNR
    LockedLock dB
    Noise Gate
    LockedLocked
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
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    Active Features
    0.0
    Battery
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Continuous Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Additional Charges
    LockedLock
    Total Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Charge Time
    LockedLock hrs
    Power-Saving Feature
    LockedLocked
    Audio While Charging
    LockedLocked
    Passive Playback
    LockedLocked
    Charging PortLockedLocked

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    0.0
    App Support
    App NameLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    WindowsLockedLocked
    Equalizer
    LockedLocked
    ANC Control
    LockedLocked
    Mic ControlLockedLocked
    Room Effects
    LockedLocked
    Playback Control
    LockedLocked
    Button MappingLockedLocked
    Surround Support
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity
    0.0
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth Version
    LockedLocked
    Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    NFC Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Line Of Sight Range
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    PC Latency (SBC)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX HD)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX-LL)
    LockedN/A
    iOS Latency
    LockedLock ms
    Android Latency
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Non-Bluetooth Wireless
    Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
    LockedN/A
    Non-BT Latency
    LockedN/A
    0.0
    Wired
    Analog Audio
    LockedLocked
    USB Audio
    LockedLocked
    DetachableLockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Analog/USB Audio Latency
    LockedLock ms

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    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Base/Dock
    Type
    LockedLocked
    USB Input
    LockedLocked
    Line In
    LockedLocked
    Line Out
    LockedLocked
    Optical Input
    LockedLocked
    RCA Input
    LockedLocked
    Dock Charging
    LockedLocked
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked