Parrot Zik 3.0
DESIGNER CANS WITH IMPRESSIVE TECH.
THESE HEADPHONES HAVE been on sale for a year, and their appearance remains as avant-garde as it did 12 months ago. A leather-like panel adorns each cup, and there are multiple patterns and bold colours to choose from in the range. Thankfully, the striking and polarising appearance is backed up with fantastic active noise cancelling. We’d recommend downloading the app, as it opens up a lot more options to fine-tune the Zik 3.0’s performance. Most noise cancelling ‘phones here are either on or off, and little more. Parrot’s app features a flexible EQ setting, and adjusts the multiple levels of NC. Bringing it down from maximum to a ‘street mode’ allows higher frequencies to filter through — say, for when you’re on the train and don’t want to miss announcements — while still delivering great detail and subtle bass response. Slip these off your ears and your music will automatically pause if you’re using Bluetooth. The touch panel on the right cup can be a bit finnicky, but get used to it and you’ll be happy to never reach for your phone again. What lets them down, though, is a hard headband that starts to pinch before the battery runs out, and a flimsy soft case. Nor do they fold up.