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JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones
Starting at: $103.28
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones are comfortable and offer good sound quality, including tight bass response. The headphones work with or without the noise-cancellation feature activated. JVC includes handy accessories such as a compact, hard-shell carrying case, an airplane adapter, and a quarter-inch plug.
The bad: The cable that comes with the JVC HA-NC250 is too short for nonportable use.
The bottom line: The JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones make a great travel companion for those who demand quality sound. And they may not be cheap, but they seem that way next to the Bose QuietComfort 3.
JVC has built a reasonable reputation for producing inexpensive noise-canceling headphones, and those 'phones have done well in terms of sound quality. Still, there's nothing wrong with taking a step up in the world, which is exactly what JVC is doing with the HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones. Compared to previous models, the HA-NC250 doesn't come cheap, sporting a price tag of $199.99, but those willing to drop the extra dough will be rewarded with a comfy set of headphones with nice, balanced sound. Plus, compared to the competing Bose QuietComfort 3 ($350), the HA-NC250 seems downright affordable. ... Expand full review
JVC has built a reasonable reputation for producing inexpensive noise-canceling headphones, and those 'phones have done well in terms of sound quality. Still, there's nothing wrong with taking a step up in the world, which is exactly what JVC is doing with the HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones. Compared to previous models, the HA-NC250 doesn't come cheap, sporting a price tag of $199.99, but those willing to drop the extra dough will be rewarded with a comfy set of headphones with nice, balanced sound. Plus, compared to the competing Bose QuietComfort 3 ($350), the HA-NC250 seems downright affordable.
Right off the bat, I was pleased to note that the HA-NC250s are noticeably more comfortable than their low-end sibling, the HA-NC60. The ear cups of the HA-NC250 are oblong--more true to ear shape than circular--and padded with a cushy leatherette material. They also don't put much pressure on the ears, making them pleasant to wear for extended periods of time (I had them on for more than two hours with no discomfort). Plus, the headband is padded to keep the top of your head happy.
Most users should have no trouble finding a good fit with the HA-NC250, as the arms are adjustable and the ear cups swivel several degrees forward (about 15) and 180 degrees back. This latter feature is important in any travel-friendly pair, as it allows the headphones to lie flat for storage. To this end, JVC includes a nicely slender, hard-shelled carrying case, which has a built-in zipper pouch for stowing the battery (one AAA), an airplane adapter, a 1/4-inch adapter, and the removable cable (all included). If there's one design gripe I have, it's with that cable. It's 43 inches long, which is plenty for portable applications, but not nearly long enough for home use (I couldn't even have them connected to the computer and sit comfortably at my desk.) You can find a headphone extender online for less than five bucks, but it would have been nice for JVC to just throw one in considering the price of the HA-NC250.
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Compare selectedSince 2003, Jasmine France has worked at CNET covering everything from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices to MP3 players. She currently cohosts the Crave podcast and spends the majority of her time testing headphones, music software, and mobile apps.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 16 of 21 users found this review helpful
"Outstanding Compromise to the Bose Q3's" By psmilnes
Pros Delivers sound quality and noise reduction comparable to the industry standard Bose Quiet-Comfort Series but at a considerably more reasonable price.
Cons I'd agree with CNET about the cord but hey, you can always buy a longer one. Besides, I'm only using these for flights so the cord length is fine.
Summary I was going to purchase the Bose Q-3's until I discovered that they too were manufactured in China. Call me a sentimental fool but I still think that it is important to purchase goods made in the U.S. I then read CNET's review of the JVC's ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphones - Binaural
- Product type: Headphones
- Design: Ear-cup
