Sony MDR-AS30G Active Headphones
Starting at: $18.78
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Sony MDR-AS30G Active Headphones feature an innovative design that stays in place during activity; they're inexpensive and come with handy extras such as a case and extender cable.
The bad: The Sony MDR-AS30G earphones suffer from muffled and hollow-sounding audio and undefined bass.
The bottom line: The Sony MDR-AS30G Active Headphones are a solid option for outdoor exercisers who don't demand superior audio quality during workouts.
Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones, which feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active headphones, the $30 MDR-AS30G among them. These well-designed earphones are a great choice for the gym or the street, as they don't completely black out ambient noise. However, they don't sound ... Expand full review
Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones, which feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active headphones, the $30 MDR-AS30G among them. These well-designed earphones are a great choice for the gym or the street, as they don't completely black out ambient noise. However, they don't sound as good as pricier models in the line, such as the MDR-AS50G or the MDR-AS100W.
The entire Active line showcases Sony's talent for design, and the MDR-AS30G is no exception. It's not perfect--the neckband is not adjustable, for example--but it features some impressive innovations. Although the earphones are two round discs that rest on the ears, each features an earbudlike tip that rests just inside the ear in order to keep the 'phones stable during activity. This is particularly handy for users for whom the neckband does not loop securely over the top of the ear. Each earphone also comes with a removable, washable earpad--a thoughtful feature for a set that is sure to gather some sweat. Also, the neckband of the MDR-AS30G is shaped in such a way that it grips the earphones in toward the head, which further helps to keep them in place.
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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 recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 3 reviews
"Speaker for your ears." By Artheido
Pros: Loud, nice and clear audio, extension cable supplied, easy to clean, single wire (no tangles).
Cons: Uncomfortable (starts to hurt after half an hour or wearing), no covering at all so the whole world can hear what you're listening to even on the lowest volume and it slips off when running too fast. Not worth the money, basically.
"Loud, Lightweight, Snug, Great Price!" By ErickBrian
Pros: extension cable, light weight, snug, clear sound, sweatproof.
Cons: The speakers could be smaller or a bit more aerodynamic. They make a lot of sound through the wind while riding fast on a bicycle or snowboarding.
Summary: But them if you're looking for cheap sporty headphones that will last.
Specifications
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- Headphones Type: Headphones - Binaural
- Product type: Headphones
- Design: Behind-the-neck