I tested these $40 headphones and I'm amazed by their sound quality

Discovering the Haylou S40s

A decade ago, suggesting that a $40 headset could offer decent audio would have been humorous in any professional sound setting. Back then, options at that price point required at least doubling the budget for quality that met basic expectations.

Therefore, even now, I approach any sub-$50 headphones sent my way with skepticism.

Upon opening the package, my initial thought was that these would likely fall into the budget spectrum for audio devices. Connecting them to my Pixel 9 Pro showed my assumption wasn't off the mark.

Yet, my experience turned out to be pleasantly surprising. Allow me to elaborate.

Surprisingly Impressive Audio Quality

After successfully connecting the S40 via Bluetooth in under a minute, I hit play on my favorite playlist. The headphones presented a neutral sound profile – something rare as many devices today opt for enhanced effects.

Contrary to popular belief, a flat EQ doesn’t equate to deficient bass. It provides listeners with audio closer to what was intended by the creators. Despite common preferences for bass-heavy tuning these days, this unaltered soundscape shouldn't be quickly dismissed.

I did decide to tweak the EQ settings through the Haylou app, though. Notably, creating an account to make simple headphone adjustments seems outdated.

Though the app interface could be more user-friendly, it functioned well for the task. Once I set a personalized EQ curve, the headphones transformed, performing at the level of devices in a higher price category.

A Hidden Bonus

The package included standard accessories, but one surprise was a detachable microphone.

This accessory shifts the headset towards gaming use and greatly improves call quality compared to most earbuds. It’s flexible, allowing adjustments to suit different speaking positions.

Minor Design Flaws

Though not a unique issue for Haylou, the placement of control buttons could be improved. Adjusting or removing the headset can inadvertently change settings or volume. It’s not a major setback, but it detracts from the overall user experience.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In summary, the Haylou S40s exceeded my expectations. Whether listening with a neutral EQ or a tailored setup via the Haylou app, these headphones perform exceptionally well for their price. With adequate active noise cancellation, comfortable wear, and the additional mic, they are a standout choice in the budget category.

Technical Specifications