V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones [Review]

I’ve long been a fan of V-MODA. Over the years, their over-ear cans and in-ear headphones have proven to be some of my favorite travel audio essentials.

I seriously dug the company’s original Crossfade Wireless Over-ear Headphones. So, when they came back to us with an offer to check out their latest — the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones — I, of course, jumped at the chance. Here’s what I found …

V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones Review

The Skinny

In short, the Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones are the company’s flagship over-ear product. In the words of Val Kolton (V-MODA’s founder and CEO), they’re:

Our best over-ear wired headphone yet … that can be unleashed via Bluetooth.

The Traveler’s Take

Straight out of the box, the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones have the distinct V-MODA look. They’re sleek, modern, slightly futuristic even with a clear luxury feel. There’s no doubt that these are premium cans. But, not in a way that’s overly flashy or trying too hard. There’s a reserved sophistication about them. If the stock matte look isn’t disco enough for you, the optional custom shield kits can be 3D printed or laser engraved with just about any logo, design, or color you like.

As one would expect of headphones at this price point, the list of tech features is very, very long. Put simply, these are DJ quality cans with a featureset that most average travelers (myself included) will love even if they don’t fully understand. I’m looking at you, “50mm dual-diaphragm driver” and “hi-res CCAW coil.”

In wired mode, the Crossfade 2 support super-human frequencies beyond 40kHz which essentially means they can create all the sounds you want to hear and even some we humans are biologically incapable of hearing. This translates to ultra-rich audio: crystal clear, sparkly highs, vivid midrange, and clean deep bass. They’re capable of creating an immersive 3D audio experience that sounds like you’re actually in the recording studio.

If that were “all” the Crossfade 2 offered, they’d be worth the price. But, a few additional features put them over the top as a solid choice for travelers. First, these are wireless headphones with a wired option. When I’m traveling, I love the freedom of going completely wireless at the airport and on the plane. But, that also means I’m at the mercy of my headphones’ battery. The wired option is a great backup for long-haul flights when your juice might cut out after eight hours or so. By physically plugging the headphones in, you can also enjoy high-res audio with zero latency which is especially important for gaming and video playback.

In wireless mode, the Bluetooth device can pair with multiple sources simultaneously. It’s perfect, for example, when you’re working on your smartphone and laptop, or when you want to pair with your smartphone and smartwatch while working out. Lastly, V-MODA has engineered 15% more life out of the battery for a solid 14+ hours of wireless audio. (Battery life in wired analog mode is, of course, unlimited) This is plenty of juice for all but the longest long-haul flights.

Like many of V-MODA’s mobile audio products, the Crossfade 2 Wireless are extremely durable and built to withstand just about anything life on the road can throw at them. The headband is crafted from virtually indestructible SteelFlex capable of bending 10+ times flat. The durable cables and 45-degree plug can bend over 1 million times (100x the industry standard) and the entire affair is engineered to survive extreme high/low temperatures, humidity, salt spray, and exposure. They, in fact, meet military-grade standards (MIL-STD-810G) of durability.

Pricing and Availability

The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones are available now in Matte Black, Matte White, or Rose Gold for between USD $330-350 directly from V-MODA.

Or score them at a deep discount via Amazon — your call.

Included in the box: