MPOW Bluetooth 4.0 Stereo Foldable Headphones Review

If you're in the market for a pair of Bluetooth headphones, you've likely heard about MPOW's foldable Bluetooth pair. Though no longer a new offering, the headphones have managed to catch the public's eye over the past year or so and have since found a dedicated fan base hawking the headphones to others. MPOW's foldable headphones are relatively inexpensive at $30 to $35 (depending on where you get them), and they offer some appealing features like headset functionality and ultra-long battery life. Are they worth getting, though? Read our full review to find out!

The MPOW foldable headphones' most notable feature is its ability to fold up into a compact size, hence its name. This is achieved using two hinges a couple of inches above the ear pads, which lock open when the headphones are at their full size, but fold loosely inwards when stored away. This is coupled with two thin metal strips integrated into the headband, allowing the headphones to be resized if needed.

The ear cups are covered with standard soft foam, and are both adjustable with rotating hinges. The headband is lightweight and uniform in size, and the ear cups' backings are similar, also having an angular, minimalist design. A very thin and soft rubber coating over the headbands tops off the design, and gives the headphones a somewhat premium feel (as opposed to plain rigid plastic).

MPOW's folding headphones are wireless, using Bluetooth 4.0 to connect with a smartphone or other devices; unlike some wireless headphones, there's no secondary 3.5mm port for using a cable when necessary. Control is offered via three buttons on the back of one ear cup: a center control button, as well as two rockers that are used to skip tracks and adjust volume.

A small LED indicator is used to determine the headphones' status: green means on, red means off, and red/green flashing means the headphones are discoverable to other Bluetooth devices. Pressing and holding the center control button for a few seconds triggers this discoverable mode. When a phone call comes in, one can answer the call by pressing the center control button a single time; an integrated microphone allows the headphones to function as a wireless headset. Pressing the button again will hang up the call and switch back over to music.

Pairing with the headphones proved simple when tested with an Android handset, Windows Phone handset, and Windows 8.1 laptop. Only the Windows Phone presented any issues – music played properly for a while, but then began stuttering and grew choppy. That was due to Windows Phone itself rather than the headphones, however, and it is a problem that Windows Phone users have experienced with some other wireless headphones brands, as well.

Battery life is where the MPOW foldable headphones shine. I've fallen asleep with these playing more than once and have never found them dead in the morning. It's not unusual at all to get 12+ hours of run time, which is somewhat surprising given its relatively small battery (300mAh). Charging is done via a micro USB port on the bottom of an ear cup.

Audio quality is also notable, and though there are some wireless options out there with better audio quality, you'd be hard pressed to find a pair that are anywhere in MPOW's price range. The headphones don't sound tinny, which is a common problem with cheap headphones, and they handle bass decently despite their tiny and low-power design.

I didn't expect much when I bought these headphones; I assumed they'd be acceptable enough for the price range and a decent option for taking calls and listening to podcasts. Turns out these headphones are capable of quite a bit more, and I was pleasantly surprised by what they offer.

MPOW's foldable headphones have become my primary everyday headset, and over months of usage I've never had an issue taking a call or listening to music with them. Audio quality is high enough to listen to music, watch movies, etc., without feeling like you're missing out; the battery life means I can go all weekend (or longer) without recharging; and, finally, the small size and folding design means I can toss them in my shoulder bag and forget they're there.