Haylou S35 ANC Headphones Review & Hands-On Testing

Finding affordable but high-quality over-ear headphones can often be an intimidating endeavor with a sea of brands and models to wade through. Thankfully, Haylou stands out as a company that promises to offer a balance between style, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Among their offerings is a model that has piqued our interest – the S35 ANC headphones.

They come with a compelling array of features, including active noise cancellation, high-resolution audio, and stellar battery life – all at an approachable price point. Be sure to read our review for an in-depth analysis, where we examine their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately determining whether they live up to the hype.

First Impressions

Haylou offers its S35 ANC headphones in three different color schemes: black, white, and what we took to calling “Veri Orange.” Each color option adorns the compact and lightweight form factor really well. Measuring 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.5 inches and weighing a mere 21 ounces, comfort and convenience are the names of the game here. Both the black and white options look nice, if not somewhat tired. We’ve seen countless audio peripherals sporting these schemes. They don’t look bad; they simply don’t offer anything new.

The color option that does, however, is Veri Orange. This trendy color scheme blends Very Peri (which is Pantone’s Color of the Year) with Hermes Orange. This combination radiates a certain chic appeal, signaling a thoughtfulness in design aesthetics. With Nordic influence, the minimalist design of the headphones is certainly a nod to the current cultural elements making these headphones quite a visual treat. However, as we all know, looks can only get a device so far, so we were keen to put these through their paces.

Note: Use discount code NERDTECHY for a 10% discount when you order from the official website (linked above).

Sound Quality

The S35 ANC does not disappoint when it comes to delivering a comprehensive sonic experience. Their 40mm dynamic driver serves as the backbone of their sound performance. This driver plays a crucial role in ensuring a well-balanced reproduction of audio frequencies, from the sonorous lows to the crisp highs. The mid frequencies, often neglected in many headphone models, are brought to life by delivering an engaging and well-defined representation of vocals and instruments.

Testing them across multiple music genres, it was clear that they can handle bass-heavy tracks as proficiently as they do those that are treble-dominant. The bass response is not just deep, but it also carries a punchy character that enhances the rhythm without muddying the overall soundstage. The mids and highs, on the other hand, retain their clarity and detail. This prevents the soundscape from being bass-dominant, which is a common pitfall among many contemporary headphone models.

The overall result is an audio performance that manages to maintain its fidelity, irrespective of the music genre, providing a versatile listening experience. Be sure to read about our experience with App Control for further insight into the audio front. There’s some essential reading there that you don’t want to miss.

Noise Cancellation

One must-have feature that every modern pair of headphones should have is advanced noise-cancellation capabilities, and we’re pleased to report that they’re present here. These ‘phones are designed with hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, a system that utilizes a network of five microphones to effectively diminish surrounding noise up to -42dB. The multi-microphone setup operates cohesively to monitor and neutralize both low and high-frequency noises. This feature becomes indispensable when you want to enjoy an uninterrupted music experience in high-noise environments, like public transportation or busy streets.

Moreover, they offer three distinct noise cancellation modes, allowing users to adjust the level of noise reduction based on their environment and preference. The utility of this function was evident in our testing process, where we found that the different modes made a noticeable difference depending on the level and type of ambient noise present. Whether you’re in a crowded cafe or a noisy airport, the customized noise cancellation feature helps create a personal auditory space for the listener.

Hi-Res Audio

As for the audio resolution, the S35 ANC is proud to boast the Hi-Res Audio certification, a standard that speaks volumes about the headphone’s capability to deliver superior audio quality. Hi-Res Audio represents a sound that exceeds the quality of traditional CDs, meaning the listeners can enjoy the music as the artist intended with all the nuances intact.

During our testing, we found that the Hi-Res certification isn’t just a fancy badge but indeed makes a substantial difference in the overall listening experience. We could discern the details in the music, which were otherwise often lost in lower-quality audio outputs. Be it subtle guitar strings, delicate piano keys, or minute variations in vocal tones, the S35 ANC captures them with utmost fidelity, creating a rich and immersive soundscape.

Call Quality

Moving on to the call quality, Haylou has gone to great lengths to make sure your voice calls are as clear as possible. The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology comes into play here, where it smartly isolates the user’s voice from the ambient noise, ensuring that the person on the other end of the call hears you clearly. We thoroughly tested the call quality on both ends and were pleased with the results.

ENC became quite evident when we tested the headphones in various noisy environments. Even amidst bustling city traffic or a crowded room, they were able to consistently deliver clear voice output. This proficiency in noise reduction during calls is a notable benefit for busy professionals who often have to attend or make calls in non-ideal conditions. It ensures that your voice comes across clearly and naturally, maintaining a professional image during your telecommunication activities.

If calls are your primary priority, you will be thrilled with what these ‘phones do for you. Everything else is icing on the cake. If, for example, you like to play video games after a long day at the office, your new S35s will easily transition to your go-to gaming communications device. We spent plenty of time making sure they had what it takes to hang with modern gaming, so read on for our report.

Gaming Quality

For gaming enthusiasts, they deliver an equally impressive performance by incorporating Bluetooth 5.2 technology and a low-latency gaming mode. These are two features that collectively ensure a seamless gaming experience with minimal sound delay. During our gaming tests, the headphones performed quite satisfactorily. The low-latency mode allowed for real-time audio-video sync, which can significantly enhance the immersive experience in gameplay.

We tried them out with several genres of games and were overall very pleased with their performance – especially when stacked up against higher-end headphones. You can trust that you’ll have a seamless experience, no matter what you’re playing. Whether it’s a blistering action game or a slow-paced strategy RPG, the sound cues will be prompt and accurate, making your gaming session more engaging and responsive. Even in wired mode, they provided zero-lag performance, ensuring gamers won’t miss any critical audio cues during their gaming sessions.

App Control

The headphones provide an exclusive customized app that allows users to check battery status, adjust the depth of noise cancellation, customize sound effects, and even change the Bluetooth name. We found this app to be user-friendly, intuitive, and quite handy, making it easier to personalize the listening experience based on individual preferences. That said, it is somewhat limited in what you can do with it. Sure, there are lots of very useful actions and options.

But the sound settings you’re afforded do tend to run dry pretty quickly. For some applications, like gaming or making calls, they’re plenty sufficient. But when it comes to fine-tuning your music experience, we found that the settings are only adequate for some songs and genres. That doesn’t mean your music might sound subpar. On the contrary, virtually all music ranges from very good to exceptional. But you may find occasions when you want a specific track to sound exceptional, only to find that it peaks at very good.

Battery

The S35 ANC’s battery performance is truly noteworthy. Boasting a capacity of 600 mAh, it promises to deliver up to 60 hours of playback time when the ANC is switched off and around 40 hours with the ANC enabled. This claim isn’t merely theoretical; in our testing, we found the battery life to align quite closely with the manufacturer’s claim.

This extended battery life is a significant advantage, especially for users who have a penchant for long, uninterrupted listening sessions or those who are frequently on the move without immediate access to a power source. Be it during long-haul flights, extended work sessions, or marathon study periods, they see to it that you are not left without your favorite tunes or crucial calls due to a drained battery.

Charging the headphones is as straightforward as it gets, thanks to the inclusion of a Type-C interface. A full recharge cycle takes approximately 2.5 hours, a relatively short wait considering the lengthy playtime that follows. Once fully juiced up, you can also roam freely within a decent range of 30 feet from your connected device. This level of freedom and mobility adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to move around a room or workspace without the constant need to carry your device with you.

Final Verdict

Haylou’s S35 ANC headphones have proven to be a strong contender in the realm of over-ear headphones. They’re a feature-rich offering that delivers high-fidelity sound, advanced noise cancellation, low gaming latency, and extended battery life – all paired with a pocket-friendly price tag. They’re definitely worthy of your consideration if you want a solid performer without spending a fortune.

While they might not offer anything new in the style department, you can’t argue that they don’t provide well-balanced sound quality. As with any product, this one’s suitability will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a music enthusiast who craves high-quality sound, a gamer needing low latency, or a busy professional who values clear calls and extended battery life, the Haylou S35 ANC packs enough punch to meet diverse user expectations. Note: Use discount code NERDTECHY for a 10% discount when you order from the official website (linked above).