Bragi beats AirPods on style, but not sound
Bragi, the German start up behind the dash a set of wireless, smart earphones that got a lot of publicity but didn't quite live up to expectations is back with a second, much more affordable model that is simply called The Headphone.
This new model which costs $150 is essentially a stripped down version of the $300 dash Both in terms of features and materials, it's got an all plastic design and its included charging case is made of plastic instead of metal.
It also doesn't have a built-in battery for recharging the headphones which is a bit of a problem.
But let's start with the positives.
The headphone works.
And by that I mean the two ear buds maintained a steady connection.
They also paired and repair with my phone without a problem.
They're lightweight and fit in my ears well and stayed there.
And the integrated microphone worked pretty well for making calls, at least in quieter environments.
There are three tiny control buttons in the right ear piece for controlling volumes advancing tracks, forth and back.
Holding down the universal control button gives you access to SIRI and Google Now.
And holding it a little longer activates a hearing everything mode that allows ambient noise to leak in so you can hear the outside world.
With the step up dash which is firmware upgradeable.
There's an app to control a set of advanced features.
But these wireless earphones have no app and they're not firmware upgradable.
Battery life is rated at 6.5 hours, which is decent for this type of headphone, but you won't get that if you play your music at higher volumes.
All that said, the biggest issue I have with the headphone is that it just doesn't sound that good.
The sound is a little recess, it sounds a little harsh on the system, not that pleasant a bluetooth headphone to listen to, particularly when you throw bass heavy for more complicated music edit.
You can find $15 wired ear buds that sound as good or better.
That's too bad because there's a lot to like about the headphone but as it stands, you probably better of with Apple's Airpod which cost slightly more.
Up Next
Headphone Hype: Are Expensive Ones Worth It? Let's Find Out
Up Next
Headphone Hype: Are Expensive Ones Worth It? Let's Find Out
AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Tech Showdown
AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Tech Showdown
Earbuds Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Earbuds Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
These Are the Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023
These Are the Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023
Bose QC Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Kings of ANC
Bose QC Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Kings of ANC
Bose QC Ultra Headphones Review: Superior to Sony?
Bose QC Ultra Headphones Review: Superior to Sony?
AirPods Pro's Newest Features Try to Rival Sony's WF-1000XM5
AirPods Pro's Newest Features Try to Rival Sony's WF-1000XM5
Bose Debuts QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Ultra Earbuds (Hands-On)
Bose Debuts QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Ultra Earbuds (Hands-On)
Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Top Earbuds Get Even Better
Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Top Earbuds Get Even Better
Beats Studio Pro Look the Same but Feel Very Different
Beats Studio Pro Look the Same but Feel Very Different
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
Latest How To All how to videos
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
How to Use a Quest 3 Like the Vision Pro