AKAMATE Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Neckband Headset Bluetooth V4.2 In-Ear Waterproof Earbuds Magnetic Hi-Fi Stereo Sports Earphones with Mic, Carrying Bag

I currently or previously own Bose QC35, Bose Quietcontrol 20, Bose Soundsport, Sony WI1000x bluetooth headphones. Now I also own 3 pairs of these AKAMATES.For noise cancelling performance the Quietcontrol 20 are approximately twice as effective as the AKAMATEs, though previously I more often used the Sony WI1000x as I found them more practical and comfortable than the Bose Quietcontrol. The WI1000x probably lags behind the Bose just a little in noise cancelling efficiency.Unfortunately within 18 months of purchase my Sony WI1000x started to fall apart, with an intermittent connection in one earbud and the structure of the headband cracking open. But they did have a great deal of use and I often listened to them in bed (something I could certainly not comfortably do with the Bose Quietcontrol 20 with the larger earbud design).After a few more months my Bose Quietcontrol 20s developed a problem in one earbud. But I was very impressed with Bose customer service, the headphones were replaced quickly under warranty. However I was still looking for a pair of headphones I could wear in bed to get to sleep with. Ideally with noise cancelling. The durability/reliability of both the premium priced headsets had been a little disappointing.I came across these earphones, which I have now been using for 8 months. I think they are the best piece of kit I bought in a long time.For the price of one set of the Bose or Sony headphones I could buy 6 or more pairs of these. I rate them in the following areas:Sound quality: Very clear and not at all bad, but just occasionally (actually rarely) more likely to have an audio rattle or resonance with particular music compared to the superior reproduction of the Bose or Sony models. Electronically the sound has extremely low noise and there is no perceivable electrical interference noise which I have certainly experienced on Bluetooth headsets at the value end of the market.Sound volume: These can probably go louder than the Bose or Sony phones. I like that.Earbud comfort: Very discrete size and comfortable fit and good material. The bud rubbers also stay on very well. On the Sony WI1000x I found they slipped off all too easily. A friend, who I recommended these to, seems to have unusual ear canals and could not seem to get a reliable snug fit which is essential for the noise cancelling function (even though 3 bud sizes are supplied). Most importantly for me I find I can wear them comfortably in bed sleeping on my side, and also underneath a helmet while doing airsports.Neckband comfort: The neckband is very minimal and lightweight. It seems to be very durable. Weight is concentrated evenly at the lower ends where the electronics and battery reside. After six months of daily use I can see no sign of wear or stress to the body, cables or cable entries. See the tip below on charging cableNoise cancelling: Very subjectively about half as effective as the Bose in average use, but it depends on the type of noise. On aircraft the noise reduction is useful and quite substantial. Low to moderate noise is reduced very effectively (eg traffic outside the house). They also work against snoring noise quite well! I have certainly owned other brands with noise cancelling features where the efficiency has been much much lower. But I probably use these more than half the time without the noise cancelling on, but selectively activate it in noisy environments. This will extend the battery life.Noise cancelling feature option: Unlike the Bose or Sony phones the noise cancelling feature can be activated and deactivated directly on the headset using a button. The Bose and Sony premium phones allow the level of noise reduction to be adjusted using an app. There is no app for the AKAMATES. You do not really need one. However, The AKAMATES can be used purely as a noise reduction headphone and will not power down if there is no source of music or the absence of a Bluetooth connection. In my experience neither the Sony or Bose phones could be used this way and would always power down automatically after a period of silence or source disconnection.Bluetooth range: Generally as good as the Sony or Bose headphones. I can even use these upstairs in my house when I have left the phone in the room below. Sometimes I get an intermittent Bluetooth connection in bed due to lying on the receiving element. By reaching around and adjusting the position of the neckband an inch or so normal playback is restored. Of course it takes two to tango with Bluetooth interoperability and the efficiency of the transceiver at the other end (phone or computer) will contribute greatly to the actual range obtained.Battery life: Subjectively I would say a little shorter than the Bose or Sony phones. Definitely I would expect to use them for travel for most of the day or up to 8 hours without an issue. When the noise cancelling is activated battery life is reduced by maybe up to 50%. If I listen to music at night with a sleep timeout of an hour then the headphones will remain on in standby mode after I fall asleep, but will probably still have 70% charge remaining in the morning. For longer use I bought an extra pair (and then an extra pair as a spare!). Its no trouble to have multiple devices paired to the same phone. If you have two pairs you can avoid ever suffering from lack of battery.Recharge time: These seem to recharge in about an hour, perhaps a little longer if the battery is really low.Cons (relatively minor)1. The button for the noise cancelling function is located on the opposite side of the casing to the volume control and pause buttons, so it can be a little difficult to squeeze a button on one side of the case without activating a button on the other, but this ultimately just requires a little care and practise.2. There is a tiny blue light which flashes once, briefly, every 10 seconds during use. This can (apparently!) be irritating to a partner in total darkness at night.3. Point to note: The noise cancelling is not on by default. You need to turn it on for it to be active using the control button. When noise cancelling is on the button lights green. Bose and Sony headphones provide noise cancelling switched on out of the box (and you have to actively inhibit it).Tip: The micro usb 2.0 charging port is a weak point on many small portable electronics devices. I use a magnetic manifold connector cable from (Smart&Cool Gen X on amazon) with these phones as I have with others. It means the socket is never going to get stressed by plugging and unplugging the charge connector, though it’s a little unsightly to have it sitting permanently on the body of the device it does not get in the way of normal use and keeps the connector as clean as if it was closed with the built in plastic cover.In summary:I love them. The lightness, portability and durability is great and I can wear them in bed and also with a helmet for sports. The fact that the noise cancelling feature can be used without an audio source is a plus. The noise cancellation is useful and adequate and the sound quality is good.

Here's my review for these.The price they are SET at is great, comes with a hard shell case, soft pouch, usb charger, (not a great size, about 5cms so headphones right on the plug) comes with 3 different size ear moulds.I have headphones in nearly 24/7, so I need spare ones. I'm nota huge brand named headphone prude but I like good quality, loud and bass. My main ones are SC Ink BT, So I wanted some like that with a neckband.I don't get along with the small "True Wireless ear buds", as I can drop one easy enough, in the bath, my coffee cup, yuck, the floor and stand or kick them. Ugh.So when I saw these, they're just like my SC just £20-£30 cheaper, came same day, love Prime!First hour charging, the next 3 hours listening, happy, perfect, the ANC (Noise Cancelling) and environmental modes are great, great sound, bass and overall sound quality.However, all isn't well now after 2 days and maybe 8 hours of wearing in total, my ears hurt, not pinched sensation, like they've been sliced cut inside and same around the inner lobes were these plastic/metal rest (where the L and R is located) it is PAINFUL. These bite badly, yes I changed the ear mould sizes, I usually have the small, because I'm tiny and!! Weirdly, I did try them again for roughly 45 minutes later on day 2 just to try, I haven't worn them now for roughly 7 hours now and my ears still hurt.These aren't build right, they are too big for ears, whether it's my ears being small or a bigger issue with design (probably this). I've attached a picture.The ear parts that hurt are called concha, antitragus, intertragical notch (what a name) and the external ear canal. I've located a picture of ear anatomy, so you can see what I'm talking about! Should you want to know this.I find this such a shame as these are very good quality for the price, it's just comfort is an absolute must, I wasn't my headphones to be like I forget they're in there. Like I say I have them in nearly 24/7 including going to sleep (not healthy, I'm sure). I think I'm going to just going to get sleep mask with earphones in them.No one should have a need to "break in" headphones like a pair of shoes!Sadly, therefore this is 3 out of 5,