During CES 2025, Belkin launched their new SoundForm Isolate headphones. These mark the company’s first entry into wireless headphones featuring active noise cancellation, priced at an attractive $60, making them a budget-friendly option in the over-ear headphone category.
Initial Impressions
Despite being budget-friendly, the construction of the SoundForm Isolates exceeds expectations. They don’t feel flimsy; while they are made of plastic—like many over-ear headphones that aren’t AirPods Max—the ear cushions are comfortable, and the overall build inspires confidence in durability.
The headphones are designed to fold inwards for easy storage in a backpack or bag, and the earcups are rotatable for optimal comfort.
Included in the package are a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm aux cable, though a carrying case is not provided. This omission is understandable given the price, but it’s still worth noting. The addition of the aux cable is a notable bonus, offering users more connectivity options beyond just Bluetooth.
Software Functions
The left earcup features a button that switches between three modes: hear-through, noise cancelling off, and noise cancelling on. While the labels could be improved, think of them as transparency, off, and noise cancellation modes.
Although there are three distinct modes, they are somewhat similar in performance. Noise cancellation effectively diminishes background sounds, especially when outdoors, but a significant portion of passive noise isolation comes from the over-ear design itself. It works adequately, though don’t expect groundbreaking results—it struggles with filtering out voices, which is reasonable considering the price point.
The hear-through mode performs as advertised, allowing some external sounds to pass through while wearing the headphones. It is not exceptional but serves its purpose well.
On a unique note, there’s an isolate mode activated by pressing both volume buttons together (on the right earcup). This mode creates a calming ocean sound for users while wearing the headphones. While I might not find it particularly beneficial for focus, it could appeal to those who enjoy listening to ocean sounds while relaxing or falling asleep.
Sound Quality
The audio quality of the SoundForm Isolates is decent. Given their $60 price tag, they certainly meet expectations across the board. As someone who isn’t an audio expert, I won’t go too deep into the technical aspects, but don’t anticipate high-fidelity sound. They do provide a good amount of bass, which could be appealing for some listeners.
They can also reach impressive volume levels without risking hearing loss. Even at the lowest volume setting, the sound remains audible—a benefit not all headphones offer.
Furthermore, the microphones perform quite well for brief phone conversations.
DMN Insights
While the SoundForm Isolates don’t offer extraordinary features, they certainly aren’t lacking. They’re a sensible option for gifting to younger users or for those who prefer an affordable pair of wireless headphones. It’s commendable that Belkin has created such a product for only $60. Not for everyone, but a solid choice for budget-minded individuals seeking over-ear wireless headphones.
If you’re interested, the Belkin SoundForm Isolate is available on Amazon for $59.99. They come in two color options: black and sand, offering an impressive 60 hours of battery life.
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