Are V-Moda's Pricey M-200 ANC Wireless Headphones a Worthy AirPods Max Alternative?
We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing and testing the categories most important for you: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features.
Here's how the V-Moda M-200 ANC wireless noise-canceling headphones stack up.
The M-200 ANC wireless headphones are V-Moda’s finest to date and among our favorite products of CES 2021. Rocking the brand’s signature design, they bring up-to-date characteristics like active noise cancellation and a companion app. The aforementioned features are available for the first time on a V-Moda product.
At $500, the M-200 ANC headphones are also V-Moda’s priciest yet and, like the Apple AirPods Max, a luxurious offering without question.
SCORES:
• Sound: 8/10
• Comfort: 8/10
• Design: 9/10
• Battery Performance: 8/10
• Overall Score: 8/10
THE V-MODA M-200 ANC AT A GLANCE:
The headphones’ sound and noise cancellation are fully adjustable via an app
V-Moda’s custom shield program offers limitless personalization option
The product’s carrying case and bundled accessories are best in class
SOUND: 8/10
In a manner befitting their price tag, the range-topping V-Moda cans are an audiophile’s dream. They’re compatible with high-fidelity streaming codecs that enhance the wireless sound, and they can play high-resolution content in wired mode, too.
I had high expectations when I set out to test the M-200 ANC headphones, simply because of the price tag and the high-quality sound promised by the brand. Thankfully, by delivering a harmonious and detail-rich sound, they didn’t disappoint.
The product’s out-of-the-box sonic experience impressed me with a perceptible balance between bass, treble, and midrange. Such an equilibrium is a must for high-priced wired and wireless headphones. It brings the M-200 ANC on equal terms with the AirPods Max, Bowers & Wilkins PX7, and Sony WH-1000XM4, to name a few top-tier headsets.
V-Moda’s mobile app has a minimalist design and intuitive tools for customizing the sound. There are five available equalizer presets (hip hop, jazz, pop, rock, and podcast), as well as the option to create a personalized one. But like I said previously, the out-of-the-box sound provides a solid neutral experience, too.
The noise cancellation of the M-200 ANC is stellar, but not quite on the same level as the quiet bliss that’s achievable with the AirPods Max or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Still, the headset helped me focus on work by successfully reducing the busy weekday traffic racket underneath my living room window to a barely discernible hum.
There’s a hardware button for activating and disabling the noise-canceling experience. The companion app has 10 levels of noise cancellation to pick from, and I opted for the highest one while testing the product.
A feature called Voice In enables M-200 ANC users to instantly become aware of their surroundings by covering the left ear cup. It’s helpful for having a short conversation, as well as for paying attention to announcements while commuting or traveling.
The headset’s performance during FaceTime and Zoom calls was adequate while I tested it, too. Its ability to simultaneously pair with a phone and a laptop via Bluetooth 5.0 was also handy. However, those who plan to use their headphones extensively for calls should know that the multi-microphone setups of the AirPods Max, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and the Jabra Elite 85h are on another level.
COMFORT: 8/10
Weighing a tad above 11 ounces, the V-Moda M-200 ANC headphones are heavier than their rivals from Sony and Bose, but lighter than the almost 14-ounce AirPods Max. Thanks to an adjustable headband and superbly padded ear cushions, they have a comfy fit that’s suitable for prolonged use. While testing them, I didn’t feel any fatigue or discomfort.
The headset’s tactile button controls are well-placed and more reliable than some of its rivals’ touch-sensitive ones. I found the right ear cup’s trio of buttons for managing the playback and the volume to be particularly convenient.
DESIGN: 9/10
With soft hexagonal ear cups, customizable shields, exposed metal components, as well as fabric and synthetic leather accents, the M-200 ANC headphones sport a distinctive, unquestionably fashionable look. Their build quality and overall tactility are equally impressive.
A V-Moda calling card, the customizable shields of the product give users the opportunity for personalization in a way that rivals cannot. There are many colors and textures to pick from, as well as the option to add a monogram, a number, or a graphic. The last feature includes the ability to upload your own.
The headphones’ carrying case is cool, durable, and functional, too. Sporting the brand’s new logo and a removable carabiner, the accessory has enough space for bundled accessories.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 8/10
The M-200 ANC's 20-hour battery life is satisfactory, if slightly unremarkable. It’s on par with that of the AirPods Max and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 offer more hours’ worth of wireless tunes between charges.
While I tested them, the cans performed in line with their maker’s claims. Their USB-C connector for recharging is futureproof and practical, too.
OVERALL: 8/10
The V-Moda M-200 ANC headphones are a good option for style-conscious buyers, so long as they fit in their budget. Their design and customizable shields set them apart from other high-end cans, allowing users to add a personal touch to a commonly used gadget.
Thankfully, the headphones deliver sound and noise cancellation that are worthy of their design and craftsmanship. That said, if these two features are all you care about, there are other great products to consider for less.
I applaud V-Moda for including a high-quality, braided audio cable with the M-200 ANC for wired playback. Other big-name audio makers include cables that are less premium, while Apple charges extra $35 for one that works with the AirPods Max.
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