Beats by Dr. Dre Executive headphones review: Better Beats but not Bose killers
Beats by Dr. Dre Executive headphones are touted as an upmarket pair of headphones, consisting of a plush design and premium price tag. Beats have always held a decent reputation in the headphone market for their bass-heavy sound profile and urban-centric aesthetics, but with the Executive headphones, Beats steps it up in luxury and style.
The first thing that grabs your attention with the Executive headphones is their aesthetics. The matte finish with silver accents screams luxury, while the soft leather-cushioned ear pads ensure a comfortable fit even after hours of use. The build quality is certainly more sturdy and high-end compared to other models from Beats.
When it comes to features, there’s plenty on offer. The Executive headphones include active noise cancelling, aimed at ensuring you won’t be interrupted by exterior noise while listening to music or taking a call. They also have a folding design for easy transport, coupled with a carrying case for added convenience on-the-go.
Now onto the most important aspect – the sound. Beats by Dr. Dre Executive headphones dispatch the brand’s signature bass-heavy sound but in a much more refined way. The lows are deep and multiple layers of bass lines can be identified clearly. The mids are well-balanced and warm, ensuring clarity for vocals and guitars. However, note that audio might get slightly distorted when listened at high volumes.
Despite its pros, Beats Executives aren’t Bose killers that audiophiles might expect them to be. Primarily because Bose has an edge over in soundstage presentation and natural tonality which Executives lack slightly. That said, these are ideal for fans looking for Beats’ signature bass-filled sound with an added touch of luxury.
Overall, Beats by Dr. Dre Executive headphones offer strong audio performance with a sturdy build and stylish design catered towards those who prefer heavy beats and don’t mind a pumped up bass response at the cost of balanced treble across genres. However, if your preference leans towards a wider soundstage with more natural tonality in your tunes or need something that isolates better noise then you might want to consider other options like Bose or Sennheiser over this one.