The Ardor ANC headphones from Kiwi Ears are a fantastic audio product. The understated design will appeal to music lovers who hate RGB. Moreover, the substantial case is stylish and robust and great for commuting or going on holiday. The vegan leather and fold-flat design are also great for conscientious and clumsy users.
In addition, the audio is phenomenal. The immersive range of tones and balanced bass will impress even the toughest audiophile. Moreover, the ANC reduces ambient noise by up to 35 dB, creating a near-flawless listening experience.
What’s in the box of the Ardor ANC headphones?
- The packaging is large without being obnoxious. Furthermore, it is vibrant, eye-catching, and recyclable.
- The Ardor ANC headphones are beautifully simple. The dark livery is punctuated by basic patterns. Moreover, every button and port is well-positioned.
- The hard case looks great while keeping the headphones safe.
- A USB-C to USB-C cable is provided.
- Use a wired connection with the 3.5mm audio jack cable.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Though incredible audio is the name of the game, there are other key technical aspects to consider. First, a spectacular battery life and fast charging are a must! Thankfully, you can enjoy up to 140 hours of juice. This is reduced by roughly 50% if you utilise the ANC feature. However, fear not, as 10 minutes of rapid charging will deliver 8 hours of playtime. The battery life may not be market-leading, but it is suitable for most people’s needs.
Whenever you purchase a wireless headset, you want the Bluetooth to be stable and reliable. The Ardor ANC headphones use Bluetooth 5.4 for a perfect experience. During testing, I noticed no latency issues, and there were no drops in connectivity. Furthermore, the power draw is minimal, and this ensures the battery lasts longer.
The ANC is a custom hybrid system that uses a 5-microphone array. This system reduces unwanted ambient sounds up to 35 dB. Though this won’t eliminate the noise of trucks, buses, and motorbikes, it improves your audio experience and supports the incredible 40mm audio drivers.
Sound quality.
Headphones live and die by their audio quality. Luckily, the Ardor ANC headphones deliver incredible sound. The 40mm dual dynamic drivers offer a perfect blend of mid tones, high and low tones, and a juicy bass. This true-to-life soundscape is to die for! What’s more, you can crank the volume, and the headphones never crackle.
I used these headphones while walking, running, and gaming with my Steam Deck. Every task was executed with utmost perfection. The ANC reduced unwanted sounds when out and about. However, when in a quiet space, the tight earcups ensure I can turn this feature off. The crisp 40mm drivers deliver pinpoint accuracy, and I never struggled with cutscenes or quieter moments.
Build quality.
I am extremely picky, and poor build quality is a real turn-off. Uncomfortable earcups, poor headbands, and badly placed buttons/ports are my bugbears. Thankfully, the Ardor ANC headphones suffer from none of these issues. The plush vegan leather earcups feel amazing to wear. They are tight but suitable if you wear glasses. Moreover, they don’t overheat, no matter how long you wear them.
The fold-flat design was a genius idea. Not only do they take up less space, but the design also reduces the risk of accidentally damaging them when not in use. The pivot point is strong, and the flexibility was impressive. Accordingly, they can take a little rough and tumble without concern.
Finally, the buttons and ports are well-positioned. The user-friendly design takes no time to get used to. Additionally, you won’t accidentally knock the volume dial when adjusting the headphones. Each of the tactile switches was comfortable to use, and the robust nature will last the test of time.
Are the Ardor ANC headphones worth it?
The Ardor ANC headphones can be purchased for around £100. This may seem like a steep price point, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. The audio is unbelievably good, and the build quality, battery life, and overall style are equivalent to higher-priced peers. Additionally, the travel case is a nice bonus. I found my testing to be flawless, and I love the crisp audio and impressive ANC. Accordingly, I love this product and recommend buying it here!
(More information on Kiwi Ears can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
