Microsoft has unveiled the followup to the Surface Headphones, packing a handful of new improvements over the original, providing additional features for the price. Positioned under the same premium branding as the Surface PC family, the second revision brings device-wide revisions, alongside the option of matte black colorway. The Surface Headphones 2 launch on May 12 for $250, with preorders now live via the Microsoft Store. (opens in new tab)
The Surface Headphones 2 aren't a vast departure from the original design, with the same streamlined silhouette, now refreshed with improved internals. That retains the impressive audio quality and comfort, with a unique 13-level approach to active noise cancellation adjusted alongside volume with on-ear dials. The side-mounted touch panels also return for simple gestures, ideal for music controls, calls, and interactions with your digital assistant.
Back in black
Microsoft's Surface Headphones are back, and they're available in black. The Surface Headphones 2 also bring Bluetooth 5, up to 20 hours of battery life, aptX support, and more.
The arrival of the black color option with Surface Headphones 2 provides a muted alternative compared to the sole light gray from the first release. The color also aligns with the recent wave of black Surface PCs, guaranteed to charm Surface fans.
As for features, Surface Headphones 2 pack a battery boost, promising up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, improving up the original by roughly a third. We also receive improved connectivity, now supporting Bluetooth 5, providing a faster, more stable connection with supported devices. Microsoft has opted for the inclusion of aptX, too, a protocol poised to reduce latency and improve audio clarity.
| Category | Surface Headphones 2 |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20–20kHz |
| Noise cancellation | Up to 30 dB for active noise cancellation Up to 40 dB for passive noise cancellation |
| Speaker | 40mm Free Edge speaker |
| Sound pressure level output | Up to 115 dB (1kHz, 1Vrms via cable connector with power on) Up to 115 dB (1kHz, 0dBFS over Bluetooth connection) |
| Charging | Full charge in less than 2 hours |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours (with music playback over Bluetooth, ANC on) |
| Inputs | USB-C connector 3.5mm audio connector |
| Buttons / Controls | Power button, Mute button, Volume dial (right ear), Noise Cancellation dial (left ear), Touch interface on both ear cups |
| Compatibility | Windows 10, iOS, Android, MacOS |
| Colors | Light Gray Matte Black |
| Price | $250 |
| Available | May 6 (preorder), May 12 (in stores) |
The Surface Headphones 2 provide yet another premium pair of cans for music through productivity, compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices, and best used with Windows 10 PCs, Android, or iOS devices. Preorders have now gone live via the Microsoft Store, priced at $250. (opens in new tab)
Matt Brown is Windows Central's Senior Games Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
