The Monoprice 110010 headphones aim to deliver quality sound at an affordable price point. As a budget headphone model designed primarily for casual listening rather than professional studio use, does the Monoprice 110010 deliver decent quality and value for money? This detailed review breaks down the key factors to consider.
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Monoprice 110010 Review: Monoprice 110010 Hi-Fi Active Noise Cancelling Headphone
Monoprice 110010 Review
Introduction
Released in early 2022, the Monoprice 110010 headphones are over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones featuring an eye-catching gray and black color scheme. With a $50 retail price, they clearly target budget-conscious shoppers rather than audio purists seeking studio-grade sound.
Monoprice markets these headphones as Hi-Fi, a term generally meaning high-resolution sound quality. However, expectations need calibrating to the 110010’s price point. While audio reproduction proves perfectly adequate for casual listening, the headphones actually shine in delivering strong battery life, good Bluetooth connectivity and better-than-anticipated noise cancelling.
Design and Comfort
Sporting thickly padded earcups and a padded leatherette headband, the 110010 generally provides a comfortable user experience for short- to medium-duration listening sessions. The thumb-sized on-cup controls also position sensibly for easy blind access.
However, the primarily plastic build and thin headband core lead to mediocre overall durability. Additionally, clamping force proves slightly excessive for some users. So while the 110010 works well for relaxed listening around the home, wearing them for extended periods can cause discomfort.
Key Design Features
- Style: Sleek, low-profile design with gray and black color scheme
- Weight: 9 ounces, excluding cables
- Earcup Controls: Power, noise cancelling, volume, music/call
- In-line Remote: Volume, music controls, microphone
- Foldable Design: Swivel earcups fold inward into a compact shape
- Comfort: Padded leatherette earcups and headband
- Accessories: 55-inch audio cable with in-line remote, microUSB charging cable, carry pouch
Sound Performance
The Monoprice 110010 delivers perfectly capable audio reproduction for casual use, with punchy bass response and clear mids and highs. Instrument separation proves adequate for the price, avoiding excessive muddiness. Music generally sounds balanced, if not exactly rich and immersive. The solid stereo imaging provides a decent sense of space.
Power handling could improve, as volume has to edge near maximum levels to sufficiently drive bass on demanding tracks. However, for general at-home entertainment use, volume should suffice for most. Just don’t expect tons of headroom for extremely loud listening.
Overall, while serious audiophiles will crave more accuracy and sonic finesse, the 110010’s pleasing tuning makes music, games and video sound engaging, avoiding major harshness and distortion. Call quality also comes through clearly with minimal background noise interference.
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Noise Cancellation
While you would reasonably expect mediocre noise cancelling capabilities given the price, the 110010’s hybrid passive and active noise cancelling proves unexpectedly effective. With ANC activated, the headphones significantly muffle ambient noise, creating an immersive, distraction-free listening environment. While loud voices still intrude somewhat, the headphones mute typical room noises to faint murmurs.
Passive noise isolation also works well, courtesy of the plush, over-ear pads shutting out a fair bit of ambient sound even when battery dies. Just don’t expect Bose 700-quality hushing in rowdy environments. But for everyday home and office use, the 110010’s noise cancelling shines as a high point.
Battery Life
The Monoprice 110010 delivers excellent battery life for the price. Powered by a 600 mAh lithium ion battery, the headphones run for around 30 hours with ANC off or 15 hours with ANC activated. Quick charging via microUSB juices up the battery fully within 3 to 4 hours.
Factor in the great Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, with stable pairing and a 10-meter wireless range, and the 110010 works very well as an untethered headset. Around-the-house mobility prevails for days before needing a charge. For context, that battery life matches or beats far pricier competitors.
Who the Monoprice 110010 Best Suits
Given the overall performance, the Monoprice 110010 headphones deliver genuine value for money. While serious audiophiles will crave more sonic accuracy, casual listeners will appreciate the surprisingly decent sound quality, stellar battery life and unexpected competence of the active noise cancelling.
If your needs are more music listening over analytical audio work, and your budget is tight, the 110010 deserves strong consideration. They work particularly well as wireless headphones for everyday home entertainment. Just avoid expecting Bose-level performance given the budget pricing.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable $50 retail price
- Punchy, pleasing sound signature
- Smooth mids/highs
- Capable noise cancellation
- 30+ hour battery life
- Easy-to-use on-cup controls
Cons
- Plasticky build lacks premium feel
- Mediocre comfort for long listening sessions
- Only average noise isolation
- Bass reach and clarity have limitations
Verdict
For only $50, the Monoprice 110010 headphones tick all the key boxes for casual listening. The pleasing audio quality, stellar battery life and unexpected noise cancelling competence add up to a budget-friendly package ideal for around-the-house wireless listening. Just set reasonable expectations for the price. Audiophiles should look elsewhere but everyday listeners will find a very solid bang-for-buck option here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How is the build quality on the Monoprice 110010 headphones?
A: The build quality is mediocre and plasticky overall, rather than premium. However, the headphones still feel reasonably solid and robust for regular home and office use. Just don’t expect metal/leather luxury given the budget price.
Q2: Are the Monoprice 110010 headphones good for making calls?
A: Yes, call quality proves better than anticipated, with the inline boom mic capturing voice audio cleanly. Some background noise creeps in, but callers come through clearly on both ends.
Q3: Do the headphones work wired without battery power?
A: Yes, you can use the included audio cable to connect to devices without battery power. However, active noise cancellation will not function in wired mode.
Q4: Can you exercise with the Monoprice 110010 headphones on?
A: We don’t recommend the 110010 for active exercise, as the fit feels a little insecure for vigorous movement. For exercise use, consider sports headphones with bendable ear hooks to secure them in place.
Q5: What devices are the Monoprice 110010 headphones compatible with?
A: They work seamlessly with Bluetooth-enabled laptops, tablets, smartphones and gaming devices. Wired compatibility depends on the headphone port a device uses. The 110010 headphones lack an airline headphone adapter for in-flight entertainment.
Conclusion
For shoppers challenged to find quality noise-cancelling headphones below $100, the Monoprice 110010 merit attention. While serious audiophiles should look elsewhere, the headphones deliver pleasing, distortion-free sound that works very nicely for casual listening and home entertainment. Stellar stamina, competent noise cancelling and Bluetooth 5 provide the icing on the cake.
Final Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
So for only $50, the Monoprice 110010 headphones present excellent overall value as a budget-friendly wireless headset. Their combination of good-enough sound and unexpected versatility for the price make these well worth considering if top-notch fidelity plays second fiddle to battery, connectivity and noise cancelling in your needs and budget.
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $49.99 |
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid active and passive |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Battery Life | 30+ hours (ANC off)<br>15 hours (ANC on) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Wireless Range | 10 meters |
| Weight | 273 g / 9 oz. |