Pioneer SE-NC31C-K

The basics

Pioneer claims that 90 per cent of external sounds are blocked out simply using the 'noise cancellation' technology built into these headphones. The earphones have 14.2mm drivers and the cable is a nice 1.4 metres in length. The in-ear design is slightly larger than the average bud users will be accustomed to but the sound quality more than makes up for this.

The good

We used these headphones on a busy commuter train, then out on the high-street and have to admit they work like a dream! Without the noise cancellation on there is hubbub around you, switch it on and you’re in a world of your own. Thankfully there is a Monitor button on the controller that hits the music when you hit it, so you can hear what others are trying to say.

When it comes to sound quality these have to be some of the most immersive in-ear headphones we’ve come across. The warmth and depth of music is amazing. Sure, they’re a little bassy in places but we can’t get over how good the sound quality is.

If the battery dies when you’re out you may have to put up with a little noise bleed from the world around you but the sound quality remains constantly high.

The bad

The battery holder ruins the sleek look of the headphones but it’s better for frequent travellers than carrying around a bulky set of over-the-ear cans. When you’re not playing music it pays to switch off the noise cancellation as we found there is always a little background hiss of the device you’re plugged into.

The bottom line

We were a little apprehensive they wouldn’t work at first and that the noise cancellation housing was simply too big. However, get out on the street and it’s all forgotten as the sound quality more than makes up for it. For a truly immersive sound experience, the Pioneer SE-NC31C-k has to be heard to be believed.