Baseus, traditionally known for budget-friendly accessories, is making waves in the audio market with its new Inspire XH1 headphones. These full-size headphones, co-engineered with Bose, offer a surprisingly strong feature set for their price point, challenging established brands like Sony and Bose themselves. This review breaks down why the XH1 headphones are worth considering for consumers seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Design and Comfort
The Inspire XH1 departs from Baseus’s typically minimalist aesthetic, boasting a more refined design with a sturdy headband and faux leather earcups. Weighing in at 275 grams, they’re comfortable for extended wear, folding flat for easy storage in the included hard case – a bonus not always found in this price bracket. Control is intuitive, though requires checking the manual for advanced functions like track skipping. The companion app for iOS and Android streamlines customization and offers firmware updates.
Sound Quality: Bose Influence Shines Through
The XH1’s 35mm drivers deliver a sound signature that closely resembles Bose’s tuning philosophy: balanced, clear, and punchy. While lacking the refinement of high-end headphones, the XH1 excel at versatility, handling various genres without listening fatigue. The sound profile is slightly V-shaped, with boosted highs and lows, but avoids excessive bass found in some competitors like Nothing’s CMF Headphone Pro. The Baseus app allows for personalized sound profiles via a “Sound Fit” test, and Android users benefit from LDAC support for higher-resolution audio.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Noise cancellation on the Inspire XH1 is adequate but doesn’t rival top-tier competitors like Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra or Sony’s WH-1000XM6. While effective at blocking out some ambient noise, it falls short in particularly loud environments. The transparency mode, however, performs well, offering a natural-sounding pass-through of external sounds.
Voice Calling and Battery Life
The XH1 headphones shine in voice calls, equipped with five microphones and AI noise reduction. Testers report clear voice transmission even in noisy urban settings, though some callers noted a slightly digitized tone. Battery life is exceptional, reaching up to 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled and exceeding 100 hours without. These numbers outperform many premium alternatives and make the XH1 ideal for long trips or extended use.
The Bottom Line
The Baseus Inspire XH1 headphones represent a compelling value proposition. They don’t redefine the headphone landscape, but deliver a well-rounded experience at a fraction of the cost of premium models. If you prioritize comfort, solid sound quality, and long battery life over cutting-edge noise cancellation, the Inspire XH1 are a smart choice.
