We're all for convenience, so Zoom's 4385 headphones look like a good idea even before they're out of their plastic clamshell.
Foldable, back-band wireless 'phones are always promising, and a transmitter to plug into your iPod sweetens the deal.
Bluetooth compatibility (for answering your mobile via the built-in mic) is another flourish.
Shame, then, that the 4385s are compromised in practice.
Heavy and fiddly in use
The design isn't uncomfortable but the earphones are irksomely heavy. Each earpiece also includes various ‘play/pause', ‘volume up/down' and ‘answer/hang up' controls, which are seemingly grouped at random and are fiddly to use with the headphones in situ.
Sound, too, bears criticism. Like Eric Morecambe when he claimed to be playing ‘all the right notes – but not necessarily in the right order', the 4385s deliver the relevant information, but do it in such a detached manner that they're a dull, uninspiring listen.
The 4385s could easily be better than they are.
Zoom iHiFi 4385 review
Heavy, fiddly earpieces and a sound that seems detached and so a little uninspiring. They could and should be better than they are. Tested at £50.00
What Hi-Fi? Verdict
These Bluetooth headphones are a good idea badly realised
Pros
- +
Comprehensive, well thought-out headphone
Cons
- -
Lack sonic sparkle and can hang heavy on your ears
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.
