Beyerdynamic DTX 350p review

Cheap and cheerful travel companions... Tested at £40

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Design could be smarter, but a great sound redeems them

Pros

  • +

    Expressive

  • +

    Rhythmic and agile

  • +

    Precise

  • +

    Light and portable

Cons

  • -

    Uninspiring design

  • -

    No in-line remote

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Beyerdynamic DTX 350ps look like something you might pull out of a cereal box. Even if you are unfazed by the plain design and cheap plasticky feel, the lack of an in-line remote is disappointing.

Build

On the bright side, they make ideal travel companions ­– lightweight yet tough, and as portable as they come ­– and at least you wouldn’t feel bad tossing them around a bit through the daily grind.

Comfy for longer wears, the ear cups collapse to fit snug in the carry case; and the angled 3.5mm jack makes them more pocket-friendly than most.

MORe: Best over-ear headphones 2016

Sound

But the Beyers’ real saving grace is their sound, which wouldn’t be out of place on much pricier cans. Stumbling upon dynamic expression isn’t a regular occurrence at this price, but from the opening line in Eddie Vedder’s Guaranteed, the Beyers manage to confidently track the subtle rises and falls in his vocals.

The guitar melodies are rhythmic, precise and agile, and while you get all the smoothness and fluency of the track’s character, the Beyers aren’t afraid to inject venom when required.

A blast of Basement Jaxx’s effervescent beats can testify to that, each piercing the soundstage with an attacking edge.

The Beyers could do with more solidity in the bass and midrange for heartier vocals, and a bit more heft and power for meatier tracks though. But that shouldn’t put you off.

Verdict

They won’t get you noticed on the bus and you’ll have to reach for your phone to answers calls.

But if you’re purely after cheap sonic thrills, the DTX 350ps are worth giving a go.

See all our Beyerdynamic reviews

See all our headphone reviews

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test