ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear Headphones [Hands On Review – We’re Impressed]

Tweet

Its not that often that we’re set samples from companies so we were thrilled to be given the opportunity to get our hands on these new Z.Buds in-ear headphones from ZAGG and, having had them firmly implanted in my ears for some days now, I have to say that I’m pretty impressed (and that really doesn’t happen all that often).

At this juncture, if you’re thinking somewhere along the lines that a set of headphones, in-ear or otherwise, is not something to get especially excited about then I’d question whether this post is particularly suited to you (if you’re the type that’s happy sticking with the invariably sub-par headphones supplied with your new DAP, PMP, et all that’s just fine). If, however, you care about the quality of your audio then I am pleased to report that my experience with ZAGG’s Z.Buds has been a decidedly positive one.

Firstly, of note, is the fact that ZAGG’s Z.buds have been designed to be worn around the neck (specifically in what’s termed the ‘hangin’ tight’ method – see below video) and, in that respect, and thanks to the fact that they come with a series of sliders allowing you to adapt the system to suit you, they work well to keep you free of cord in a way that standard headphone just can’t. Additionally the 1.37m cords are described as being tangle-free and our experience of them would qualify this statement unconditionally as well as confirm that, thanks to their superior tough coating the cords are significantly more durable and resistant to damage than comparable in-ear headphone solutions.

Additionally, the inclusion of an in-line volume control is welcomed and, if you’re using the Z.Buds with an iPhone the fact that you can switch the music on/off and answer any inbound calls with the integrated noise cancelling microphone as well as skip tracks makes using the Z.Buds with a cell phone based DAP (aka the iPhone – this feature will only work with the iPhone, incidentally) an especially hassle-free exercise.

But, it’s in terms of sound reproduction that the ZAGG Z.Buds particularly impressed me, and that is especially the case considering the Z.Buds price point. Of particular note is the rich clarity of sound reproduction thanks to the Z.Buds 10mm driver’s 20hz to 20kHz frequency response paired with their sensitivity of 94dB +/- 3dB SPL/mW. And, certainly, in comparison to the headphones I was using prior to receiving the ZAGG Z.Buds – which, I can assure you, were hardly cheap (and were actually decidedly more expensive) – I was a little taken aback at the range and audio clarity provided by the Z.Buds. Audio was warm and rich whilst bass levels were deep and provided the level of ‘thumb’ that my previous headphone just couldn’t conjure (regardless of playing with equalizer settings in a bid to desperately compensate).

Interestingly, it should also be noted that the Z.Buds also come with a large range of caps that can be attached to the in-ear mechanisms that not only have been designed to provide maximum fit and comfort but actually proved surprisingly good at blocking out external noise and though this in no way offers the same degree of noise cancelling offered by dedicated electronic wizardry the degree to which they sealed me away in my own bubble of MP3 based bliss was pronounced.

ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear Headphones Key Features:

• 2009 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase Honoree
• Rich, responsive sound from superior speakers
• “Hangin’ tight” wearable – wear Z.buds around neck
• Built-in music control for iPhone
• Premium length, tangle-free cord
• In-line volume control
• Multiple sliders for better cord management
• 3.5mm jack compatible with first gen iPhone
• Multiple earbud adaptors for all ear sizes

ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear Headphones Specifications:

Earbuds:

• speaker diameter: 10mm
• frequency response: 20hz to 20Khz
• impedance: 32 Ohms
• max input power: 10mW
• cable length: 1.37 meters/54 inches
• plug type: 3.5mm
• sensitivity: 94dB +/- 3dB SPL/mW

Microphone:

• frequency response: 30hz to 16Khz
• impedance: 10 Ohms
• sensitivity: 42dB +/- 3dB

All in all, if the fact that I’m now using the ZAGG Z.Buds myself over my previous pair (duly shoved away in a draw) is a recommendation then you can indeed consider this a glowing testament to the degree to which they impressed me and its hardly surprising, based on my experience of them, that they received such attention at CES (as detailed above).

What further singles out the ZAGG Z.Buds in-ear headphones, however, on and above the sound quality and impressive overall design and build quality is that they will set you back just shy of £80 which, in my book at least, considering the quality they positively ooze from all perspectives, is nothing less than a steal.

Highly recommended.

ZAGG