- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Sound
- Isolation
- Active Features
- In the box
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2016
By Sam Vafaei
, Marc Henney, Jean-Christophe Lamontagne
Venstone X1
HEADPHONES REVIEW
Usage Ratings -
Version 0.9
Test Benches:
- 1.2: Winter 2018
- 1.1: Summer 2017
- 1.0: Winter 2017
- 0.9: Winter 2016
6.3
Mixed Usage
What it is:
This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.
Score components:
- 25% Commute/Travel
- 25% Office
- 25% Sports/Fitness
- 25% Critical Listening
Score distribution:
5.9
Critical Listening
What it is:
The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.
Score distribution:
6.2
Commute/Travel
What it is:
How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.
Score components:
- 26% Noise Isolation
- 11% Battery
- 10% Comfort
- 10% Portability
- 10% Build Quality
- 6% Wireless
- 5% Controls
- 5% Breathability
- 4% Bass
- 4% Mid
- 4% Treble
- 4% Leakage
- 1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Score distribution:
6.8
Sports/Fitness
What it is:
How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.
Score components:
- 23% Stability
- 22% Portability
- 9% Breathability
- 8% Comfort
- 8% Wireless
- 6% Controls
- 5% Noise Isolation
- 4% Battery
- 4% Bass
- 4% Leakage
- 3% Mid
- 3% Treble
- 1% Total Harmonic Distortion
Score distribution:
6.2
Office
What it is:
How well the headphones can deliver a comfortable and isolated listening experience in an office-like environment. They should not leak much and should block the noise of a busy office.
Score components:
Score distribution:
6.6
Home Theater
Score components:
- 27% Latency
- 19% Sound
- 18% Comfort
- 14% Wireless
- 5% Build Quality
- 5% Breathability
- 5% Battery
- 4% Noise Isolation
- 3% Leakage
Score distribution:
The Venstone X1 are low budget in-ear headphones that have a simple, stable design for sports use. Unfortunately, they have a subpar and uneven audio reproduction. They're a little cheaply built and let a lot of ambient noise seep into your audio, which is disappointing for an in-ear model.
Test Results
| Design | 6.8 |
| Sound | 5.7 |
| Isolation | 6.4 |
| Active Features | 2.7 |
- Stable ear-hook design.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Poor audio reproduction.
- Cheap build quality
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Design
Score components:
- 28% Comfort
- 5% Controls
- 12% Stability
- 12% Portability
- 4% Case
- 29% Build Quality
- 10% Breathability
Score distribution:
The Venstone X1 have a simple, straightforward aesthetic. They come with additional hook sleeves that transform the audio cables into an ear-hook design that's more stable than typical in-ear models. They're incredibly lightweight and easy to carry on your person. Unfortunately, they have a mediocre control scheme, and their build quality looks a little cheap. They don't seem as durable as some other in-ear headphones.
7.0
Comfort
What it is:
Adjustability and degrees of freedom, pressure, stiffness and weight.
When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used for long durations.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Clamping Force
:
0 lbs
What it is:
The force that the headphones exert on your head, once you have them on. This is purely a measurement of the force applied, which does not take into account the earpad's surface area and the resulting pressure you will feel, on or around your ears.
When it matters:
The tighter the headphones, the more force they put on your head. This can get uncomfortable or cause pain and soreness during long listening sessions.
The Venstone X1 have a regular in-ear fit, which may not be comfortable for some listeners. They have an ear-hook design that's a little difficult to put on because of the soft malleable hook sleeves. This combined with the small earbuds can be a frustrating experience. On the upside, they have two extra tip sizes that may help you find a comfortable fit.
5.0
Controls
What it is:
The control scheme of the headphones, the number of functions provided, button layout and ergonomics as well as the quality of tactile feedback.
When it matters:
If you want to control volume, pause your music or make phone calls without directly interacting with your audio device.
Score components:
- 26% Ease of use
- 26% Feedback
- 16% Call/Music Control
- 16% Volume Control
- 11% Noise Canceling Control
- 5% Talk-Through
Score distribution:
7.0
Stability
What it is:
How the headphones are designed to prevent them from slipping off your ears or falling off your head.
When it matters:
If you plan on using the headphones while doing sports or other physical activities that requires a lot of movement.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
These headphones are moderately stable. The ear-hook design provides a bit more stability than typical earbuds. Unfortunately, it's cheaply made, and the earbuds have an awkward fit that sometimes slips out of your ears, even if the headphones do not fall off. They would be stable enough for your daily job but are not stable enough for high-intensity exercises at the gym.
8.6
Portability
What it is:
The volume of space occupied by the headphones when folded into their most compact format.
When it matters:
If you're often on the move and need to carry your headphones in a bag, purse , or pocket.
Score components:
- 20% Volume
- 80% Stand required
Score distribution:
The X1 comfortably fit in most pockets, bags or purses, and they're small enough to carry on your person without hassle. They're highly portable headphones, and although the hooks make them slightly larger than regular in-ear buds, they're flexible and can be folded to take less space. Sadly, they don't come with a case, which is slightly disappointing.
6.5
Build Quality
What it is:
Durability, material quality, cheap/expensive feel.
When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used by multiple users (classes/studios), by children, in tough conditions, on a daily basis, or for exercise.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
The Vensotone X1 have a decent build quality. The audio cable is rubberized and moderately thick, which should be able to withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. However, the overall build quality feels a little cheap. The plastic used in the design is low grade and won't handle physical stress as well some other higher-end in-ear models we've tested. They do not seem durable.
8.8
Breathability
What it is:
How hot the headphones get when you wear them for an extended period of time.
When it matters:
If you often have long listening sessions or use your headphones while doing physical activities like running or working out.
Score components:
- 100% Avg.Temp.Difference
Score distribution:
Sound
What it is:
How accurately the audio is reproduced. The tests are performed with the headphones' most commonly used features enabled (noise-cancelling, wireless, etc.)
Score components:
- 21% Bass
- 20% Mid
- 19% Treble
- 5% Frequency Response Consistency
- 21% Soundstage
- 5% Imaging
- 9% Total Harmonic Distortion
Score distribution:
The Venstone X1 are a sub-par sounding pair of closed-back in-ear headphones. They have an average sounding bass, but a poor mid-range and treble. Additionally, their bass is excessive and boomy, their mid-range is thin and lacking, and their treble reproduction is uneven. Also, like most closed-back headphones, they have a poor soundstage. But on the plus side, they don't produce a lot of distortion.
6.8
Bass
What it is:
Frequency Response from 20Hz-250Hz
When it matters:
When the material is heavy on bass frequencies, such as those of kick drums and bass guitar.
Score components:
- 90% Std. Err.
- 10% Low-Frequency Extension
Score distribution:
Std. Err.
:
4.67 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard error) in bass frequency response (20Hz-250Hz) as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
When a balanced and neutral (reference) bass performance is desired.
Good value:
<4dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Score distribution:
Low-Frequency Extension
:
20.74 Hz
What it is:
The lowest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response.
When it matters:
Shows how extended the bass is.
Good value:
<40Hz
Noticeable difference:
5Hz
Score distribution:
Low-Bass
:
2.3 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 20Hz-60Hz.
When it matters:
Kick drums and low frequency effects get their 'thump' from this range. Mostly felt than heard.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Bass
:
4.92 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 60Hz-120Hz.
When it matters:
Melodic bass instruments have most of their fundamental frequencies in this range. This is where the 'body' and 'punch' of the bass sits.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
High-Bass
:
6.69 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 120Hz-250Hz.
When it matters:
Most instruments get their warmth and full-ness from this range. When over-emphasized, mixes tend to get muddy and boomy.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
5.9
Mid
What it is:
Frequency Response from 250Hz-2KHz
When it matters:
When the material is heavy on mid-range frequencies. This is the case for the majority of audio content.
Score components:
- 100% Std. Err.
Score distribution:
Std. Err.
:
5.49 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard error) in mid frequency response (250Hz-2.5KHz) as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
When a balanced and neutral (reference) mid performance is desired.
Good value:
<4dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Score distribution:
Low-Mid
:
4.65 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 250Hz-500Hz.
When it matters:
Most instruments have their fundamentals or low harmonics in this range. Over-emphasis in this range sounds muddy and cluttered. Under-emphasis, thins out the vocals and lead instruments.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Mid
:
-2.38 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 500Hz-1KHz.
When it matters:
This range is occupied mostly by upper harmonics. Over-emphasis sounds forward and boxy. Under-emphasis pushes instruments to the back of the mix.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
High-Mid
:
-7.86 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 1KHz-2KHz.
When it matters:
Most instruments, especially vocals, get their intensity and clarity from this range. Over-emphasis sounds honky and harsh, under-emphasis sounds weak and distant.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
5.5
Treble
What it is:
Frequency Response from 2KHz-20KHz
When it matters:
When the material is heavy on high-range frequencies, such as voice, cymbals, and any other material where brightness, brilliance and airiness is desired.
Score components:
- 100% Std. Err.
Score distribution:
Std. Err.
:
5.46 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard error) in treble frequency response (2.5KHz-20KHz) as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
When a balanced and neutral (reference) treble performance is desired.
Good value:
<4dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Score distribution:
Low-Treble
:
-3.15 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 2KHz-5KHz.
When it matters:
Almost all instruments rely on this range for their presence, detail, and articulation. Over-emphasis can sound harsh and painful. Under-emphasis hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Treble
:
-0.58 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under emphasis in frequency response from 5KHz-10KHz.
When it matters:
This is the sibilance range. Cymbals, vocals, and lead instruments rely on this range for brightness and presence. Over-emphasis sounds piercing and painful, under-emphasis sounds dull and lispy.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
High-Treble
:
-5.61 dB
What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 10KHz-20KHz.
When it matters:
This range gives brilliance and airiness to the sound. Over-emphasis sounds hissy, under-emphasis sounds closed-up and lifeless.
Good value:
+/-3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
2.7
Soundstage
What it is:
Soundstage qualities are not inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'create' them rather than 'reproduce' them. They determine whether the sound is perceived to be coming from inside or in front of the head, how open and spacious the soundstage is, how much the headphones acoustically interact with the environment, and how strong the phantom center is.
When it matters:
When an accurately produced, large and spacious soundstage, similar to that of a stereo loudspeaker setup is desired.
Score components:
- 42% PRTF Error
- 43% Openness
- 10% Acoustic Space Excitation
- 5% Correlated Crosstalk
Score distribution:
PRTF Error
:
12 dB
What it is:
The average amount of deviation in Pinna-Related Transfer Function of the headphones, compared to that of a loudspeaker. Whether the soundstage is perceived to be unnatural, located inside or in front of the head, is dependent on this quality. The more the headphones activate the HRTF resonances of the ear (similar to what loudspeakers do), the more the soundstage will be pulled out from inside the listener's head. This quality affects both stereo and mono content.
When it matters:
When a natural, in-the-front soundstage is desired, similar to that of a loudspeaker.
Good value:
<5
Noticeable difference:
0.5
Score distribution:
Openness
:
5.2
What it is:
How open the headphones are, and how open and spacious they sound. This quality affects both stereo and mono content. This test differentiates between acoustically and electronically produced crosstalk and only takes the acoustically generated crosstalk into account. This value is the inverse of the Noise Isolation test score.
When it matters:
When an open, wide and roomy sound is desired. A value of 10 indicates a fully open headphone, and a value of 0 indicates a fully closed headphone.
Good value:
>7.5
Noticeable difference:
0.5
Acoustic Space Excitation
:
2.5
What it is:
How loud the headphones are, and how much they excite their environment acoustically. If the headphones are loud and open enough, the sound leaking from the headphones takes some of the characteristic of its environment (reflections/reverb) before reflecting back into the open headphones and to the listener's ears. This quality affects both stereo and mono content. This value is the inverse of the Leakage test score.
When it matters:
When an open, wide and roomy sound is desired.
Good value:
>7.5
Noticeable difference:
0.5
Correlated Crosstalk
:
-0.26 dB
What it is:
How strong and solid the phantom center is. This is mostly a stereo quality and its effects on mono content are minimal. This test is sensitive to the phase of the crosstalk and whether it is produced acoustically or electronically.
When it matters:
When a true reproduction of the stereo image is desired. A value of 0 indicates no crosstalk, or that the existing crosstalk is not correlated enough to affect the phantom center. A negative score means the crosstalk is out of phase with the original signal, resulting in a slightly wider stereo image at the expense of creating a 'hole' at the center of the stereo field. A positive score means the crosstalk is in phase and positively affecting the phantom center.
Good value:
>1dB
Noticeable difference:
0.3dB
Score distribution:
6.2
Imaging
What it is:
Imaging qualities are inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'reproduce' them rather than 'create' them. They determine how accurately the objects are positioned in the stereo image, and how transparent the imaging is.
When it matters:
When accurate positioning of the objects in the stereo image, and clear and transparent imaging is desired.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Phase Error
:
31.83 °
What it is:
The average amount of deviation in the phase, from the ideal flat response.
When it matters:
When an accurate and transparent imaging is desired.
Good value:
<60°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Driver Mismatch (Amplitude)
:
2.71 dB
What it is:
The Left/Right balance of our test unit, that is, the amount of amplitude difference between the left and right drivers. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.
When it matters:
When a properly balanced stereo image and low manufacturing tolerance is desired. A poor score indicates a noticeable difference in level between the left and right drivers.
Good value:
<0.3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Score distribution:
Driver Mismatch (Frequency)
:
3.5 dB
What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the frequency response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.
When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance, is desired. A poor score indicates there may be 'holes' in the stereo image at certain frequencies.
Good value:
<2dB
Noticeable difference:
0.1dB
Score distribution:
Driver Mismatch (Phase)
:
24.75 °
What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the phase response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.
When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance, is desired. A poor score indicates there may be inaccuracies in the stereo image reproduction at certain frequencies.
Good value:
<90°
Noticeable difference:
30°
Score distribution:
9.8
Total Harmonic Distortion
What it is:
The subtle, unwanted frequencies (harmonics) produced alongside the intended frequencies.
When it matters:
When clean and pure sound reproduction is desired, though its effect is not as noticable as frequency response.
Score components:
- 50% Weighted THD @ 90
- 50% Weighted THD @ 100
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ 90
:
0.008
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at 90dB SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at moderate listening levels.
Good value:
<0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ 100
:
0.058
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at 100dB SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at loud listening levels.
Good value:
<0.300
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Score distribution:
Isolation
These headphones do not isolate listeners very well. The in-ear seal is not as good as some the other in-ear models and still lets a lot of noise seep into your audio. This makes them unideal in loud environments. Unless you're listening to your music at high volumes, you will still be able to hear the rumbling noise of a train and even the chatter of a busy office. On the upside, they barely leak so playing your audio at high volumes, will not disturb the people around you.
5.8
Noise Isolation
What it is:
How much outside noise is blocked out by putting the headphones on.
When it matters:
If the headphones are going to be used in a noisy envinronment (airplane, subway, etc.)
Score components:
- 29% Bass
- 29% Mid
- 28% Treble
- 14% Self-Noise
Score distribution:
Overall Attenuation
:
-14.43 dB
What it is:
The overall amount of environmental noise reduction in dB.
When it matters:
In loud envinronments like planes, trains, offices, etc.
Good value:
<-20dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Bass
:
0.27 dB
What it is:
The overall amount of noise isolation in the bass range (20Hz-250Hz).
When it matters:
When the outside noise is bass-heavy, like in airplanes.
Good value:
<-15dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Score distribution:
Mid
:
-6.96 dB
What it is:
The overall amount of noise isolation in the mid-range (250Hz-2.5KHz).
When it matters:
When the environment's noise is mid-heavy, like in an office.
Good value:
<-15dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Score distribution:
Treble
:
-40.19 dB
What it is:
The overall amount of noise isolation in the treble range (2.5KHz-20KHz).
When it matters:
When the environment's noise is treble-heavy. Although uncommon, areas with sharp sounds fall under this category.
Good value:
<-30dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Score distribution:
Self-Noise
:
0 dB
What it is:
The amount of noise created by the active electronics of the headphones (if applicable), measured from 300Hz-20KHz. Applies mostly to wireless and noise-cancelling headphones.
When it matters:
If too loud, it could become distracting when listening to quiet material like podcasts and audiobooks.
Good value:
<16dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Score distribution:
Poor Isolation. Although these headphones isolate passively, the amount of Treble isolation they provide is very good. However, they fail to achieve more than 7dB of isolation in the Mid Range, and provide none in the Bass Range.
7.5
Leakage
What it is:
The amount of sound bleeding out of the headphones.
When it matters:
When the listener doesn't want people around them (in office, recording studio, etc.) to hear what is being listened to.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
:
37.14 dB
What it is:
The amount of sound leakage heard 1 foot away from the user, while the user is listening to a 100dB SPL signal.
When it matters:
When you don't want people hear what you are listening to.
Good value:
<35dB
Noticeable difference:
1dB
Score distribution:
Very good leakage performance. The significant portion of the leakage is distributed between 2KHz and 6KHz, which is narrow and typical of most in-ears. The overall level of the leakage is quite low too, making these earphones very quiet even during loud playback.
Active Features
What it is:
Headphones with active components that require a battery. This includes noise cancelling and wireless headphones that actively reduce noise or transmit audio via a wireless connection.
When it matters:
How suitable the power and wireless specifications of an active headphone will be, depending on your listening habits. The range and/or discharge time of the active headphone you select will be important if you're often on the move or have long uninterrupted listening sessions.
Score components:
- 30% Wireless
- 13% Latency
- 52% Battery
- 5% App Support
Score distribution:
No active features.
0
Wireless
What it is:
Headphones that offer a cable-free listening experience over a wireless network, typically via Bluetooth or radio frequency.
When it matters:
If you don't want to be limited by the length of an audio cable. This means having the freedom to move around in your home or office with a much greater range than an audio cable could provide, especially, if the Bluetooth source is heavy or difficult to carry.
Score components:
- 72% Obstructed Range
- 21% Line of Sight Range
- 7% NFC
Score distribution:
Type
:
N/A
What it is:
The type and version of the wireless network, the headphones use to connect to the audio source. This could either be Bluetooth or radio frequency.
When it matters:
The Bluetooth version will determine how compatible the headphones are with your Bluetooth enabled devices. Typically, newer Bluetooth versions are backward compatible with older ones but may lack the additional features that more recent Bluetooth protocols provide.
Obstructed Range
:
N/A
What it is:
The range that the wireless headphones can reach before dropping any audio when the Bluetooth source was placed in another room.
When it matters:
If you can't or prefer not to carry your Bluetooth source on you, while listening to your audio in an indoor environment. Although, the obstructed wireless range will slightly depend on your home or office layout.
Good value:
35ft or more
Noticeable difference:
5ft
Score distribution:
Line of Sight Range
:
N/A
What it is:
The range that the wireless headphones can reach before dropping any audio when in direct line of sight of the Bluetooth device.
When it matters:
If you can't or prefer not to carry your Bluetooth source on you, while listening to your audio in a large and open environment.
Good value:
170ft or more
Noticeable difference:
10ft
Score distribution:
NFC
:
No
What it is:
Near Field Communication technology that allows you to quickly, pair your headphones with your Bluetooth and NFC-enabled device.
When it matters:
This makes pairing with an NFC-enabled device a lot easier than the typical and often tedious hold-to-pair procedure that most wireless headphones have.
Base Latency
:
0 ms
What it is:
The latency for the default sub-band coding of most Bluetooth headphones.
When it matters:
When watching videos a high latency can cause sync issues between the images you see and the audio you hear.
Good value:
75ms or less
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
aptX Latency
:
N/A
What it is:
An audio coding algorithm (Codec) that improves bit rate efficiency. It reduces latency and improves sound quality over Bluetooth.
When it matters:
For better sound quality if your often streaming music over Bluetooth. Also it slightly improves latency when watching videos with wireless headphones.
Good value:
130ms or less
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
aptX(LL) Latency
:
N/A
What it is:
Low latency variation of aptX that significantly reduces sync issues between video and sound when using Bluetooth headphones.
When it matters:
When watching videos or gaming latency is a lot more noticeable than just listening to music.
Good value:
50ms or less
Noticeable difference:
5ms
Score distribution:
N/A
Battery
What it is:
The power source of your headphones. All headphones with active features have a battery that will deplete over time.
When it matters:
To continue using the active features of your headphones. Some models lose features or switch off completely when the battery is drained, which limits what you can do with them until the next charge.
Score components:
- 60% Battery Life
- 25% Charge Time
- 10% Auto-off
- 5% Audio while charging
Score distribution:
Battery Type
:
N/A
What it is:
The type of battery that the headphones use. Usually AAA or embedded, Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
When it matters:
When your headphones run out of power. Rechargeable batteries usually charge via the headphones Micro-USB port whereas AAA batteries have to be replaced or charged with an external device.
Battery Life
:
N/A
What it is:
The amount of time it takes for a headphones' battery to be completely drained. Battery life will vary depending on the active features used and volume level.
When it matters:
For active headphones that connect wirelessly, have noise cancellation or other audio-enhancing features, that cease to work once the battery is dead.
Good value:
>10hrs
Noticeable difference:
0.5hrs
Score distribution:
Charge Time
:
N/A
What it is:
The amount of time your active headphones have to be connected to a power source to charge from 0 to a 100%. However, charging time will vary depending on your power source.
When it matters:
To be able to use the active features of your headphones. Especially, wireless ones that completely switch off and need to be recharged when the battery is dead.
Good value:
2h or less
Noticeable difference:
0.25h
Score distribution:
Auto-off
:
N/A
What it is:
A feature that turns off the headphones, after a set time, when they're not in use.
When it matters:
To prolong battery life when the headphones are not being used, or if you forget to manually turn off your headphones.
Audio while charging
:
N/A
What it is:
Some active headphones remain usable while charging. They continue to stream audio and do not disable other active features.
When it matters:
This makes sure that your headphones's battery are not being drained when your relatively close to a power source. However, this means wireless headphones will need a wired connection to the power source during the charging process.
Passive Playback
:
N/A
What it is:
Active headphones that still work when all their active features are turned off or out of power.
When it matters:
If you run out of power and do not have spare AA/AAA batteries or access to a power source to recharge your headphones.
0
App Support
What it is:
The additional app provided to enhance your listening experience. They typically deliver a set of practical features that give you more control over the sound, noise cancelling and effects that the headphones produce.
When it matters:
An app with a lot of features allows you to customize your listening experience to suit your taste and preferences. For example, additions like an equalizer can give you more bass or treble and room effects can simulate a bigger Soundstage in closed back headphones.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
No compatible app.
In the box
- Venstone X1 Headphones
- Earbud tips (x3)
Conclusion
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The Venstone X1 are not the most well-rounded headphones. They have a stable ear-hook design, and they're compact. However, their sound is uneven, and they don't seem that durable.
Mediocre for critical listening. They're not the most comfortable and have a poorly balanced sound that's too closed for critical listening.
Mediocre for commuting. They don't block as much noise as some other in-ear headphones, which makes them not ideal for loud environments.
Above-average for sports. They have a stable ear-hook design. They're small and easy to carry around on your person, wherever you go.
Mediocre for office use. They won't block the chatter of a busy office but barely leak any sound.
Decent for home theater use. They have no latency but a short audio cable. If you watch movies on a PC or tablet than they should be good enough but, the lack of range makes them poorly suited for watching TVs on your couch unless you have an audio cable extension cord.
