Microsoft has released two new pairs of headphones: Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 in-ear headphones and Microsoft Surface True Wireless Headphones. The former are the sequel to Microsoft Surface Headphones, released in October 2018, surprising the audio world with their noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and fantastic sound quality. According to Microsoft, the new noise-cancelling headphones come with "better sound quality and 13 levels of ambient noise control," and they're also much cheaper. The new headphones are now available in black, as well as the gray color scheme we saw with the original Surface Headphones, and will set you back $249 when they're available on May 12. This equates to around €200 / AU$390, though we're still waiting for official pricing in these regions. It's much easier on the wallet than the original Surface Headphones, which cost (£349.99 / £329.99 / AU$499), and could make it a compelling alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM3 - our current best noise-canceling headphones.
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(Image credit: Microsoft) As with its predecessors, the active noise cancellation can be adjusted via dials on the ear, a feature we're pleased to see dropped with the second-gen cans. Microsoft says that ANC is capable of blocking out and amplifying human voices, something the company says will come in handy "when you're trying to work from home with roommates, kids, significant others, or company pets." Battery life has also been improved from 15 to 20 hours, while the Surface Headphones 2's design has been updated to include a swivel ear cup, an ear cup, designed for "extra comfort when ported around your neck."
"Su omnisonic"
Microsoft also announced the launch of the Surface Headphones, a pair of true wireless headphones that the company says offer "an ultra-comfortable and stable fit." The new headphones come with touchscreen housings, which will allow you to take calls and play/pause your music without taking out your phone. If you have an Android phone, you can launch Spotify with a triple tap, while "screen-free integration with Microsoft 365 lets you catch up on emails with Play My Emails in the Outlook mobile app for iOS or you can dictate into Word, Outlook, or PowerPoint." We're curious how the Microsoft Surface Headphones sound; the company says it will provide what it calls "omnisonic sound" with 13.6mm drivers powering the heads. There's no noise canceling here, so they won't compete with the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM3, but they're a lot cheaper than these true wireless headphones at $199. That works out to around $160 / AU$310, but we'll make sure. to update this article once we have the official prices when they become available for purchase on May 12. Microsoft also announced the Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2, also aimed at taking on Apple, its MacBook, and its iPads.