Master & Dynamic just unveiled its first-ever noise-canceling headphones. The MW65 comes in two colors — brown leather with silver metal or black leather with gunmetal — and it can be purchased right now for $499.
The MW65 over-ear headphones look strikingly similar to the company’s other wireless over-ear headphones, the MW60 ($449). Both sport a similar combination of leather and metal that’s become a signature of Master & Dynamic. Aesthetics are where the similarities stop, however.
Master & Dynamic used anodized aluminum instead of stainless steel to keep the MW65s ultra-light — they weigh just 250 grams. For comparison, Master & Dynamic’s similar-looking MW60 headphones, which are made with stainless steel, weigh 345 grams; and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, which are the lightest and most comfortable active noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested, weigh 235 grams. The new lightweight design caters to the fact that most people looking for noise-canceling headphones also want to be able to wear them for longer periods of time (while traveling, commuting or working in noisy business environments).
The MW65 headphones have custom 40mm Beryllium drivers, and even though they’re housed in a lighter material, the company claims you expect the same “signature rich, warm sound” that Master & Dynamic has become known for. The headphones feature two different active noise-canceling modes — high or low – depending on how much of the outside world you want to hear. You can shut ANC off altogether, too, if you want to get more battery life out of the headphones.
Yes, Master & Dynamic’s MW65 headphones are expensive, but that’s what you expect with luxury high-end audio brands; you’re paying a little more for the beautiful design and premium materials. The MW65 won’t be for everybody — especially when you can get Bose’s and Sony’s class-leading alternatives for $150 less — but for professionals who dig design-focused audio products, these promise to be right up your alley.
Drivers: custoom 40mm Beryllium
Type: over-ear active noise-canceling headphones
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2
Charging: USB Type-C
Battery Life: 24 hours
