Are Microsoft's Surface Headphones 2 worth the price?

Headphones with added smarts and features.

The thing with the Surface Headphones 2 is that you're not just buying another pair of headphones. You're buying smart headphones with voice built right in, along with some other nifty features like touch controls on the sides and even a feature that can amplify external noise, as well as blocking it out entirely.

You're also promised up to 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned on, which is more than enough for a full day's use or pretty much any long haul flight you might find yourself on. You also get a full recharge in less than two hours, and as the headphones utlilize USB-C, you can use the same charger as your phone, tablet or laptop may already be using.

Well equipped, sound great

The Surface Headphones 2 unmistakably fit within Microsoft's Surface range from a style and build quality perspective, and deliver a rich sound.

Importantly, the Surface Headphones 2 tick the spec boxes you'll be looking for: 20 – 20kHz frequency response, 30db active noise cancellation, a quick recharge time over USB-C, 40mm drivers, and a light 0.64lbs in weight so you can be comfy for longer. The Surface Headphones also work with any platform, be that Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android, so long as the device you want to connect to has Bluetooth.

Priced competitively among the competition

The Surface Headphones 2 are pricey, but the price is fair, especially compared to other headphones. For example, the gold standard for these types of headphones right now is the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II which are very similar to the Surface Headphones in a number of ways and cost $300.

The Surface Headphones 2 have launched at a considerably lower initial price than the original model, and at $250, represent strong value in the high-end headphone space.