AudioReview
Aurel Studio ANC review: quiet, comfortable and a little too pricey
Class-leading noise cancellation in a beautiful design, but the sound needs EQ and the price needs a discount.
By Sofia Marchetti
Aurel has built its reputation on studio monitors, and the Studio ANC is its most mainstream product yet: a pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones aimed squarely at frequent flyers and open-plan offices.
Comfort and noise cancelling
These are among the most comfortable headphones we’ve worn. Memory-foam pads and a light, well-padded headband meant a six-hour flight passed without a single adjustment. Noise cancellation is superb: engine drone all but vanishes, and office chatter drops to a murmur.
Sound
Out of the box, the tuning leans heavily on bass. It’s fun with electronic music but muddies vocals and acoustic tracks. Five minutes in the companion app’s equaliser fixes most of it — you just shouldn’t have to.
“The best headphones for a long-haul flight we’ve tested this year. We just wish they cost $50 less.”
Written by
Sofia Marchetti
Audio & Home Editor
Sofia tests headphones, speakers and smart-home gear from a flat that is now more hub than home. She studied acoustic engineering in Milan.
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