Creative ZEN Hybrid Headphone Review – Creative ZEN Hybrid Headphone is Creative’s latest addition to their wireless headphone collection. This ZEN Hybrid headphone is now equipped with hybrid active noise cancellation.
It cancels up to 95% of your surrounding noise, plus it boasts 27 hours of battery life with ANC on. Sounds promising, right? Let’s find out if it’s any good.
What’s in the box?
- 1 x Creative ZEN Hybrid
- 1 x Carry Pouch
- 1 x 3.5 mm AUX-in Cable
- 1 x USB-C to USB-A Cable (for charging)
- Quick Start Guides
Build Quality
The Creative ZEN Hybrid headphone has a steel-enforced headband with an adjustable slider with length marking on each side. The earpads are made from protein leather, it’s cushy and comfortable on your ears. It resembles a headphone from another well-known brand that is more than twice its price.
Pairing
The pairing process couldn’t be simpler. You press and hold the power button for five seconds, it will turn into pairing mode when the light flashes blue and red. Then, search for the device under “Creative Zen Hybrid”, and pair it, voila.
Controls
I find the ZEN headphone controls are easy to use. There are three physical buttons on the right side of the headphone, such as Volume up/down, Power on/off, and ANC on/off. Good thing that there is no touch-sensitive button as I much prefer physical buttons since they’re more intuitive. Plus, there is a 3.5mm AUX-in too should you need it.
Comfort
The ZEN Hybrid headphone feels comfortable on my ears, however, it does get a little bit warm after 45-minute of use which is common for leather earpads. You can adjust the length of the headband. So no matter what size your head is, this headphone will fit.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is simply superb given its price point. I can’t think of another headphone delivery with such performance under $200. Both music and podcast listening is a breeze. It’s perfectly balanced as it is out of the box. But you can still go crazy with customisation with the optional X-Fi app that scans your ear to give you an optimal sound experience. Creative ZEN Hybrid is a certified SXFI-ready headphone that is specially tuned for optimum performance with devices and apps in the SXFI-ready ecosystem, like the SXFI App. I’ve tried the app but I can’t tell much difference with or without the ear scan. Maybe it’s just a sign of my aging ears. The Hybrid ANC feature is also a plus. It cancels out up to 95% background noise.
The microphone is equipped with noise cancellation technology that picks up your voice, not your background noise. Hence, it makes your voice clearer.
Battery Life
It has a battery life of up to 37 hours with ANC off, and up to 27 hours with ANC on. To recharge it, simply connect the included 1.2-metre USB-C to USB-A charging cable to a charger (not included). A full charge takes around 2-3 hours. Ergo, the battery life is more than enough when you travel.
Creative ZEN Hybrid Review – Specifications
- Product Type: Wireless Headphones, Wired Headphones
- Colour: Black, White
- Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
- Driver: 40 mm Neodymium Driver x 2
- Ear Pads: High-quality, soft protein leather
- Charging Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Connector Type: Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm Stereo Input
- Bluetooth Profiles: HFP (Hands-Free Profile), A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth), AVRCP (Bluetooth Remote Control)
- Bluetooth Operating Frequency: 2402-2480 MHz
- Audio Codec: AAC, SBC
- Operating Range: Up to 10m
- Wearing Style: Over-ear
- Operating Temperature: 0–45°C
- For Bluetooth Audio: Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Wireless Stereo Bluetooth Profile (A2DP)
- For Analog Audio: Devices with a 3.5 mm headphone port in CTIA configuration
- Warranty: 1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
Creative ZEN Hybrid Review – Verdict
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced headphone with ANC and great sound quality for under $200, look no further. The Creative ZEN Hybrid Headphone is the answer. You can get it for $159.95 at Creative’s website.
Disclosure: Creative ZEN Hybrid review sample was supplied for reviewing
