If you’re looking for a cheap over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphone – look no further than the phonicgrid SE7. While the name doesn’t roll off the tounge, this set of headphones performs all of the basic functions needed by a business traveler or commuter without breaking the bank.
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Why am I qualified to comment on this product?
I travel constantly for business and am always trying to find ways to maximize my experience and impact, while balancing wellness. As an Army officer, I both tested equipment for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and was constantly using different types of headsets. I’m not an audiophile, but I do regularly test products in real travel conditions.
Product features of phonicgrid SE7 under $50 headphones
For less than $50, these headphones are packed with a ton of features generally found on more expensive headphones:
- Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity to smartphones and computers
- Noise cancellation – both active (ANC) as well as passive from the padding; also has a transparency mode
- Voice announcement of status – e.g., “Power On” “Connected
- ENC Calling features – integrated microphone
- Long battery life (30+ hours)
- 40mm audio driver to deliver crisp sound and deep bass
- Sleek design and comfortable configuration, folding construction for storage
- 3.5mm headphone cable jack for direct connection to audio sources
- USB-C charging port
- Carrying / protection case & charging cable
- ANC smart phone app that features white noise, noise cancelation modes, and audio adjustments
How did we test this these inexpensive headphones?
We tested these headphones by using them connected wirelessly to an iPhone 14 Pro, as well as in a standalone configuration for noise canceling. We tested the headphones in airports, in planes, in the workplace, and in the gym. While we did not perform any lab tests on these, we did try it in many different environments. We also used the headphones for meditating on flights (highly recommend).
Surprisingly good testing for bluetooth travel headphones under $50
We are walking away from testing, honestly impressed by the quality of these headphones for the relatively inexpensive >$50. Are they Bose or Master & Dynamic? No, they aren’t. But you also aren’t paying premium prices for this absolutely capable set of headphones.
Setup & connection: After a quick charge with the included cable, the headphones connected immediately to our iPhone 14. We did not elect to install the ANC app and the headphones worked out of the box with iPhone apps like Spotify, Music, Phone, and Microsoft Teams.
Audio quality: The sound quality of the phonicgrid SE7 headphones is extremely impressive for such a cheap set of headphones. From various genres of music to in-flight entertainment to work calls, the crisp and deep audio exceeds expectations.
Noise canceling: Qualitatively, the hybrid (active and passive) noise canceling is also excellent. In a back-and-forth test with my first generation Air Pods on a commercial flight, the SE7s clearly block out more sound. We would attribute this feat to the larger size and over-the-ear configuration but the active cancelation isn’t half bad either.
Battery life: We did not test the headphones strictly to the 30 hour claim, but they did last through a week-long work trip that involved flights and some long layovers (without charging). With the common charging interface with most other modern electronics (like your reMarkable 2 w/ laptop charger), topping off the battery is too easy.
Interface: The buttons are a bit rough feeling, but work just fine. The SE7 does not have the mute / unmute feature of Airpods (that rolled out with iOS 17).
Durability: The headphones have held up extremely well in the short period we’ve been testing, without any noticeable damage or scuffs.
Recommendation for best travel headphones under $50
If you are looking for an affordable set of bluetooth headphones for commuter or business travel – I would HIGHLY recommend the Phonicgrid SE7 headphones. Unless you are an audiophile (or super status oriented), you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value audio device for the price.
