# Comprehensive Review of Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: A Year Later
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 have been my preferred choice for work-related audio for over a year now. They serve their intended purpose quite well, but would I still choose to buy them today? We’ll delve into that later on. First, let me share my reasoning behind this purchase, which might come as a surprise!
Why I Chose Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Honestly, I bought these headphones without much thought or research. I wasn’t even actively seeking to buy them. While passing by a CEX store near my office, I noticed them displayed in the window. They were in excellent condition and practically unused, with a price tag of just £80! After a quick Google search to confirm the pricing, I made the purchase on the spot.
It's worth noting that I don’t know how long these headphones had been available, yet they continue to perform impressively! While I snagged a great deal, I will compare them to headphones priced at £239.99 directly from Microsoft.
My Year-Long Experience
The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are loaded with practical features, making them ideal for professional use. They boast a sleek and minimalistic design, which is perfect for formal work environments. You can choose between a Matte Black or Light Grey finish; I opted for Matte Black due to availability, but I would still prefer that color if buying new.
Controls
Microsoft has truly excelled in designing the controls for these headphones. They are minimalistic yet remarkably functional! Each ear cup has a dial to adjust the volume and the level of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). Turning the ANC dial to the off position activates transparency mode, allowing for conversations without needing to remove the headphones. This feature is incredibly useful in open office settings—when it gets noisy, I can easily dial up the ANC, and when I need to chat, I can switch back to transparency mode.
When commuting, especially on a train, it's crucial to hear announcements, and the Surface Headphones 2 allow me to adjust the ANC level to remain aware of my surroundings while blocking out distracting noise.
Additionally, touch controls enable me to manage playback effortlessly: a single tap pauses the audio, a double tap skips to the next track, and a triple tap goes back to the previous one. There's even a button for muting the microphone.
Active Noise Cancellation
Whether you’re working from home or in an office, sometimes you just want to focus without distractions. This is where ANC headphones shine. The Surface Headphones 2 feature excellent ANC capabilities that can be adjusted to suit various environments.
During my daily commute, I switched from my usual Pixel Buds Pro to these headphones. I was working on my iPad while listening to music with full ANC engaged, and I barely registered the train announcements. Their performance is genuinely impressive!
Transparency Mode
Transparency mode allows ambient sounds in, so you can stay aware of your surroundings. This is especially essential in workplace settings or while navigating traffic. I find it useful when I’m out and about, as I can engage in conversations without removing my headphones. The transparency mode on the Surface Headphones 2 is effective, though I wish there was a quicker way to toggle it on and off—like covering the ear cup, as offered by some other brands.
Sound Quality
Regarding audio performance, the sound quality is decent, particularly if you appreciate bass. However, it can be overwhelming at times, especially with ANC activated. Personally, I enjoy bass but also seek clarity in music. While the vocals are crystal clear—ideal for podcasts and meetings—the instrumentals don’t resonate as well as I’d like.
Additional Features
The Surface Headphones 2 come with several other handy features. Multi-point Bluetooth allows me to connect to both my phone and laptop simultaneously, making it easy to take calls without disconnecting from my computer. I also appreciate that each time I power them on, a friendly voice announces the remaining battery life and connected devices—a small yet impactful feature for work!
Battery Life
Battery performance is commendable. I charged them on Monday morning and used them throughout the week, both at home and in the office, with plenty of battery life still remaining. Microsoft claims they last up to 18.5 hours on a single charge, and while I haven't tested that limit, it seems accurate.
Comfort
Finally, let’s talk about comfort. These headphones are surprisingly comfortable, even for someone who wears glasses. They are lightweight and feature soft ear pads, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort—a crucial factor for work-related tasks.
My Final Thoughts
#### Pros:
- Extremely comfortable, even for long periods
- Adjustable ANC with 13 levels
- Effective ANC
- Multi-point Bluetooth connectivity
- Good microphone quality
- Sleek design
- Impressive battery life
- Comes with a decent carrying case
- Helpful battery announcements
#### Cons:
- Not foldable for easy transport
- Sound can sometimes be too bass-heavy
- Lacks quick access to transparency mode
- Basic Surface Audio app
- A bit pricey but worth the investment
Who Are They Ideal For?
These headphones are specifically designed for a particular purpose: work. Based on my experience, Microsoft has focused on optimizing these headphones for professional settings. They excel in a work environment, particularly for those who use Windows, as they seamlessly integrate with applications like Teams and Zoom.
My Overall Impression After a Year
In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are an outstanding choice for wireless headphones, especially for work. However, I wouldn’t use them as my everyday audio device. I prefer wireless earbuds for daily use due to their portability and believe the sound quality of my Pixel Buds Pro better aligns with my preferences.
Nevertheless, the Surface Headphones 2 will likely remain my primary headphones for work.
Video Review
Learn more about my personal experience with these headphones in the video below, where I discuss their features and performance after one year of use.
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