Incase is a brand that has long been associated with laptop and iPhone cases. But recently the company expanded its horizons into the world of headphones. And while some might be apprehensive given their aforementioned core offering, you can rest assured, as I was, because their Reflex Headphones deliver superb audio quality backed by a minimalist look that is refreshingly unsuspecting. Before we go into details, have a quick look at our list of the best over-ear headphones.
Unlike other leading over-ear headphones, the Incase Reflex headphones don’t feature joints or collapsible ear cans for the convenience of storage. Instead, Incase has built a set of ear cans that will appeal to the minimalist who appreciates a refined design aesthetic. The band is finished in a coated canvas (I thought it was leather) and is highlighted by near-perfect stitching. For another headphone band with stitching, you’ll need to read our Marshall Major headphone review.
Unfortunately, it reminded me of a hair headband, but I quickly forget about that after I discovered that you could adjust the Reflex’s size by simply sliding the ear cups up and down, which sit on a set of grooved sliders. This setup is a bit similar to the Logitech UG 4000 on-ear headphones, but you can see the sliders on the outside.
My dome isn’t very big and I wore the Reflex headphones in the largest size. Of course, my ears might just sit further down on my head, but the point here is that size might be a concern for large meloned individuals. Nevertheless, the headphone’s quality is top-notch, which is further complemented by the rubber, anti-tangle cord which includes an inline mic and audio controls.
Related: Also read the I-MEGO Throne Over-Ear Headphones review
Although the Incase’s Reflex Headphone lack the same adjustable features as other headphones in their class, they’re surprisingly comfortable, even when worn for long periods of time. Compared to Fanny Wangs 1001, headphones of a similar ilk, my ears didn’t suffer from the same fatigue, which might be attributable to Reflex’s lighter build and suede-covered foam ear cups.
Inside the earpieces are 40mm drivers that produce a monstrous amount of bass, especially when considering the Reflex’s size. However, the higher frequencies, though distortion-free, seemed to get muddled in the mids and failed to pluck out the subtleties I’ve come to enjoy from headphones that cost $30-50 more than Incase’s Reflex Headphones. So as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, though by no means should that be interrupted as a negative point. In fact, it’s a positive one, since the price tag accurately reflects the audio quality.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like these headphones come with a mic, so if that’s what you need, you’ll need to visit our roundup of the top-rated headphones with a mic.
Related: If you want a headphone with great battery life, check out the JBL Live 650btnc review
All in all the Incase Reflex Headphones delivered surprising positive results in both the sonic and aesthetic departments. They’re not the most feature-rich headphones that I’ve tested, but then again they’re headphones. Incase’s minimalist approach is a breath of fresh air in a product category that is saturated with headphones striving to be more bling and flashy than the next without focusing on audio quality.
Editor’s Rating:
[rating:4/5]
Great
Bottom Line: Great-sounding headphones with a minimalist approach, though they lack in the highs.
Pros:
- Good bass response
- Comfortable despite minimalist design
- Reasonably priced
- High frequencies get lost
- No joint for folding them up
- Limited size due to the design
You can buy the Incase Reflex Headphones from Incase for $79.95.
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