Shure Aonic 50 Wireless Headphones - Noise Cancelling & Premium Audio

The market for noise-cancelling, over-ear headphones is becoming more and more crowded, giving buyers an unprecedented range of options. Shure launched its entry into this segment in the current year with the Aonic 50, a high-end headphone offered at a price of $399. This model features active noise cancellation, Bluetooth capabilities, and USB-C charging. Shure is well-known for its exceptional audio quality, and this is certainly a key attribute of the Aonic 50, alongside a number of other appealing features.

Basics

Shure provides the Aonic 50 headphones in either a black or brown color option. The right ear cup features physical buttons for managing volume levels, activating or deactivating noise cancellation, controlling power, initiating voice assistants, and advancing to the next track. A USB-C port is included for charging purposes, and a 2.5mm stereo jack is located on the left ear cup, enabling wired connections via the supplied cable. This allows continued use even with a discharged or powered-off battery, though active noise cancellation will not function in this mode.

Included with the Aonic 50 is a circular, flat-shaped carrying case. The ear cups rotate to facilitate storage within the zippered compartment. While this design occupies more space compared to the typical folding style found in many active noise cancelling headphones, it also presents a less bulky profile, making its suitability dependent on individual packing preferences.

Shure provides a companion mobile application, ShurePlus Play, available for both iOS and Android platforms. This app delivers equalization controls, alongside detailed adjustments for both the active noise cancelling functionality and the environmental mode, which allows external sounds to be heard. This offers substantial personalization options; however, a significant limitation exists – EQ adjustments are only effective when audio is played directly through the application itself, a somewhat unconventional and unfavorable design choice.

Design and performance

Shure’s Aonic 50 headphones distinguish themselves through strengths in areas where the company consistently delivers: audio fidelity and user comfort. The generous padding, covered in synthetic leather, on both the headband and earcups ensures a comfortable experience, even during extended use – a significant benefit for remote work scenarios. Their fit is so natural that I frequently found myself unaware I was wearing them while moving throughout my home.

Regarding audio quality, Shure has prioritized a balanced and impartial sound signature, aiming for a faithful reproduction of the artist’s original intent. The outcome is impressive. Musical nuances are presented with clarity, and the sound avoids excessive bass or harsh treble. This sonic profile will appeal to discerning listeners, although those who prefer a pronounced bass response might find other options more suitable. However, headphones emphasizing bass are readily available, making Shure’s offering, with its crisp high frequencies, a notable alternative within the active noise cancellation market. It’s important to note that the bass performance is strong; the broader trend is toward artificially boosted bass rather than accurate sound reproduction, which the Aonic 50 achieves.

The physical controls on the Aonic 50 are thoughtfully positioned and provide comprehensive functionality, allowing users to manage a wide range of features directly from the headset. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a welcome feature, aligning with the current standard for most mobile devices and computers. A supplied stereo cable offers a convenient backup when the battery is depleted – but Shure’s stated battery life of approximately 20 hours proves reliable, meaning you won’t need it often with regular charging.

One area where the Aonic 50’s performance is somewhat less competitive is noise cancellation. While the ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, it doesn’t quite reach the level of performance offered by leading models from brands like Bose or Sony. Nevertheless, it performs adequately in most situations, and this trade-off contributes to the headphones’ superior sound quality.

Bottom line

As previously mentioned, individuals seeking headphones with active noise cancellation have numerous options available to them currently. However, the Shure Aonic 50 delivers a characteristic that sophisticated audio professionals will find unmatched by competing products – even those from well-known brands like Bose or Sony – namely, a superior soundstage and overall audio performance that is truly exceptional. Furthermore, their comfort level is outstanding, making them an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts desiring a wireless, noise-isolating solution for a home workspace.