5 Best Foldable Bluetooth Headphones
We all know that headphones have changed how we listen to audio, whether you’re stationary or on the go. Foldable Bluetooth headphones have the added advantage of being compact and portable. They also give you the flexibility of streaming audio from any device within range of your Bluetooth connection.
In this buying guide, we review the top 5 foldable Bluetooth headphones.
So, How Do Foldable Bluetooth Headphones Work?
First, let’s look at some of the factors that will help your decision-making when buying foldable Bluetooth headphones. Foldable headsets typically feature a joint on the arm that allows the ear cups to fold inwards, reducing their size by almost 50%. However, most foldable headphones break at the joint, so exercise care when flipping them open.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is the most critical aspect of any listening device. Multiple factors will influence how well your Bluetooth headset reproduces sound, like:
Types of Drivers
Headphones use various drivers to produce sound, and the larger the driver is, the better the audio quality will be. Dynamic drivers are the most common type of drivers used in most foldable Bluetooth headphones. They deliver excellent bass response thanks to the air displacement made by the oscillating voice coil to produce sound.
Planar magnetic drivers work in the same way as dynamic drivers, but they produce better sound quality and are common in high-end headsets. These drivers feature a large, thin diaphragm that displaces more air, resulting in better bass response.
On the other hand, electrostatic drivers produce the best sound quality of all drivers. They’re less common, however, since they’re more expensive, and their design limits portability.
Frequency Response
Let’s get a little tech-y.
Frequency response is the spectrum of sound a human can hear, from bass, to midrange, to high notes. The average frequency response of headsets is 20Hz – 20kHz, where 20Hz represents the low-frequency end that includes bass while 20kHz represents the high tones. Some headphones may offer a wide sound range, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the audio quality is better.
Impedance is another factor that you may want to consider. Here’s how it works: headsets with low impedance below 25 ohms can achieve high volume with little power. It makes them more efficient, and you can use these ear headphones with weak amplifiers such as cell phones and iPods.
Open Vs Closed Headphone Design
Open headphones are more comfortable to wear because they clamp on the ears with less pressure. Since they’re loose, they allow ambient noise to filter in. That’s nice if you need to be aware of your surroundings (hello, bicycling).
Closed headsets are ideal for listening to music in a noisy (but safe) environment, such as public transport or for professional use. Closed headphones generally have a heavy bass, while open designs provide better sound clarity.
Reviews of the Top 5 Foldable Bluetooth Headphones
1. Skullcandy S6HTW-K033 Hesh 3 Bluetooth Foldable Headphones
The Skullcandy Hesh 3 is a reasonably priced, full-sized wireless headphone that’s available in various colors. An upgrade of the Hesh 2, it has improved sound quality and an attractive minimalist design. However, it also has a tight fit around the ears which you may find uncomfortable.
Users have noted that the Bluetooth stability is excellent, but it doesn’t come with extra features such as active noise cancellation and audio codecs. It does, however, offer decent sound quality for most genres of music with crisp highs and low bass. The midrange is not as defined, but it has more clarity than other models in its class.
The treble has some digital noise interference which may be unpleasant to hear. The Bluetooth earbuds come with a 3.5mm audio cable which you can use to improve sound quality or when your battery is running out of charge.
We also like that it comes with a microphone to receive your calls, and the battery life is a decent 22 hours.
Pros:
- Attractive minimalist design in various colors
- Decent sound quality for most genres
- Good battery life with fast charging
- Comes with an Aux-In cable for wired connection
Cons:
- Has a tight fit over the ears
- Build quality is not durable
2. VANKYO C751 Foldable Wireless Headset
The VANKYO C751 foldable Bluetooth headphones offer excellent high fidelity sound with deep bass and active noise cancellation for a fantastic listening experience. The C751 is an updated version of an earlier C750 model, and features a robust build quality with a combination of plastic, aluminum, and breathable leather on the headband.
The large ear cups cover the ears fully without being too tight and have control buttons for volume and power. The C751 also supports fast charging with 30 hours of music playback on a single charge and is comfortable to wear for long periods. Although the headset is heavier than the Hesh 3, it doesn’t feel bulky, and the earcups fold flat for portability.
Active noise cancellation with their proprietary CVC 8.0 technology is another draw, offering two noise-canceling modes. However, users note it only reduces ambient low-frequency noises but isn’t as effective with mid and high-frequency levels of noise, like people talking.
The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 and also come with an audio cable included in the box. It also has a built-in microphone with noise-canceling tech for clear voice calls and comes with a stylish carry case.
The C751 is in the same price range as the Hesh 3, but delivers a much smoother audio quality and is more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Pros:
- Produces high fidelity sound with heavy bass
- Features active noise cancellation for immersive listening
- Fast and reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Can pair multiple devices simultaneously
- Built-in noise reduction microphone enables clear calls
Cons:
- Doesn’t cancel high-frequency ambient noise
3. Zihnic Foldable Bluetooth Headphones
With a low purchase price, the Zihnic wireless headphones are a popular option for people looking for budget foldable Bluetooth headphones. They feature a beautiful design available in multiple colors with matching hard cases for portability. You can also enjoy a wired connection option via the audio cable included in the box.
The Zihnic headphones have high customer review ratings, with users commending the impressive sound quality for the price point. The Bluetooth range and stability are equally notable, and so are the built-in mic and noise reduction tech used for phone calls. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Echo Dots, and Echo Show.
Keep in mind, though, it only pairs to one device that you would have to unpair to connect to another Bluetooth-enabled device.
We also like the materials used for construction with memory protein foam leather and adjustable headband for comfort. Overall, this an excellent budget pick if you’re looking for an everyday wireless headphone.
Pros:
- Fantastic sound quality for the price
- Impressive Bluetooth range and stability
- Compatible with Alexa and Echo Dots
- Wired and wireless options
- Attractive and comfortable design
- Great value for your money
Cons:
- Connects to one device
- Poor build quality
4. LETSCOM H10 Foldable Bluetooth Headphones
Like the Zihnic speakers above, LETSCOM H10 Bluetooth speakers are affordable with high customer ratings on Amazon. The headset features a simple, comfortable design and is available in several colors.
Their most outstanding feature is battery life, delivering up to 100 hours of playback time on a single charge. Compare that with the 30 hours you get from VANKYO C751, and you can see why it’s a huge selling point.
The audio quality is well balanced for a headset at this price, and it comes with a bass boost function if you prefer more boom in your listening experience. However, some users have noted that the low-frequency sounds and the midrange can get muddy at times.
Pros:
- Fantastic 100 hours playback time
- Impressive dynamic audio quality
- Stable, low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 connection,
- Comfortable fit with adjustable headband
Cons:
- Does not have noise-canceling features
- The microphone is not clear for calls
5. LORELEI X6 Foldable Headphones
These headphones are the most affordable option on the list. Unfortunately, they’re not wireless and have a tangle-free 3.5mm audio cable that connects with a wide range of devices for music, watching movies, and gaming.
The X6 sports soft earbud cushioning with a padded and adjustable headband for comfortable wearing, while the foldable and lightweight design makes them easy to pack.
The X6 headset features an HD 40mm driver that delivers a dynamic, powerful sound with heavy bass and clear midrange audio. The headphones don’t have noise-canceling tech, but their over-the-ear design helps to reduce ambient noise.
Pros:
- Comfortable design for extended wearing
- Delivers well-balanced sound quality
- Inline controls via the microphone
- Foldable design with a tangle-free cord
Cons:
- Not wireless and doesn’t support Bluetooth function
- The child-sized design is not suitable for adults
Final Thoughts
The VANKYO C751 foldable Bluetooth headphones are our top pick for excellent sound quality with active noise reduction technology. We also like the high-quality build and closed design that makes it optimal for professional use.
Although the LORELEI X6 is the least expensive option, it lacks Bluetooth functionality and is designed primarily for kids. All in all, the LETSCOM H10 is our budget pick due to its impressive battery capacity, stable Bluetooth connectivity, and satisfying audio quality.
Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!