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Review: Parrot Zik 3.0 Bluetooth Headphones Offer 'Wireless Everything', but at a Premium

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Last month's CES saw French wireless tech company Parrot demoing the third model in its Zik range of popular Bluetooth headphones, aptly called Zik 3.0.

Now shipping at a price of $400, the Zik 3.0's inherit the active noise-canceling (ANC), capacitive touch and HD telephony features of the earlier Zik 2.0's, but add some new functions like auto-adaptive ANC and Qi-compatible wireless charging, while they also come in several new colors and textures.

IMG_0328-800x600.jpg

The Zik 2.0's have been reduced from $350 to $200 as a result, so I chose to compare the two versions side by side to see what that extra two hundred dollars gets you.


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Article Link: Review: Parrot Zik 3.0 Bluetooth Headphones Offer 'Wireless Everything', but at a Premium
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/review/parrot-zik-3-0-headphones/
based on this review I would have to say the 2.0 are the better buy and the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 are probably the better buy even at 100 dollars more than the 3.0 Parrots.

I own the Momentum 2.0 and I will say they are a stellar wireless headphone.
 
Oh whoopty doo a new pair of headphones. It's bloody boring being an Apple fan from Oct to Feb with NOTHING of any real interest coming out. At least when Steve was around we had something new to see each month including new Apple software, which the current bunch of VPs doing seem to give a monkey's about. There's not even any decent new product leaks. Bored Bored Bored.
 
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They're a tad ugly to me. I know it's so damn typical, but I really like the Beats Studio wireless over-ear headphones in matte black. (ashamed)
 
The previous Ziks got bad reviews for being cheaply assembled. Specifically, the inner ear only had 4 stitches and the rest was dependent on glue.

I wonder if the reviewer could comment on difference in build quality.
 
The construction, not counting the heinous looking pleather, looks significant and well made. And the adaptive ANC sounds impressive, but the limited battery life is a huge turn-off. For someone, like me, who flies internationally, I want / need more like 12 hours minimum, although my current Plantronics BackBeat Pro's will last a full 24 hours. I only wish they were a bit more svelte as they take up a bunch of space in my briefcase.
 
Shaun said:
Oh whoopty doo a new pair of headphones. It's bloody boring being an Apple fan from Oct to Feb with NOTHING of any real interest coming out. At least when Steve was around we had something new to see each month including new Apple software, which the current bunch of VPs doing seem to give a monkey's about. There's not even any decent new product leaks. Bored Bored Bored.
Click to expand...

It's been a while hasn't it? They need to roll some stuff out monthly for a while.
 
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jmgregory1 said:
The construction, not counting the heinous looking pleather, looks significant and well made. And the adaptive ANC sounds impressive, but the limited battery life is a huge turn-off. For someone, like me, who flies internationally, I want / need more like 12 hours minimum, although my current Plantronics BackBeat Pro's will last a full 24 hours. I only wish they were a bit more svelte as they take up a bunch of space in my briefcase.
Click to expand...
Based on my 4 month ownership of the zik 2; it looks awesome, noise cancelling is great, but the (fake!) leather was glued badly and the cushions were non-replacable. Also: you need their app and they aren't interested in updates.
 
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Their still overpriced, but that's all in the name. The 2.0s are now a good deal actually. Also, what's with the same cloth case/carry bag again? Can't they do a faux leather case or something like Bose?

NB: I only mention Bose in relation to their cases and not sound quality.
 
People can **** on beats all they want, but I picked up a solo2 wireless over Xmas for $200 and have been very pleased.

As a non-audio snob, the sound to me is rich and full, not muddy. They last several days on a charge, and recharge in just over an hour. The pairing is always immediate and the ear cup controls are straightforward and reliable.

I also have a wired m30x that I'd gotten on the recommendation of a more audiophile friend. He was pushing for the m50's but honestly I'm just not as refined as some and couldn't hear a justifiable difference.

Anyway, maybe I'm a "plebe" but given the beats were only around $50 more, I like their sound and wireless features and feel like I got my money's worth.

Point is, Zik was top rated when I was researching wireless, but the review here sounds like a lot of half baked gimmicks, and the aesthetic is a little too gnarly for me.
 
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I have the Zik 2 which replaces a Bose QC25. The Parrot is the best headphone I have had, and I have had a few. Battery life is the only down point.
 
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applepuree said:
I have the Zik 2 which replaces a Bose QC25. The Parrot is the best headphone I have had, and I have had a few. Battery life is the only down point.
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Agreed; even with the downsides. I actually miss it but dont have the $ to get a new one, even at 199 (wich seems cheap)
 
jonnysods said:
It's been a while hasn't it? They need to roll some stuff out monthly for a while.
Click to expand...

I remember Steve saying he wanted something new to announce every month because that keep fans interested and it keeps the buzz around all things Apple. It worked for years so why they had to change it is beyond me.

The current bunch of VPs seem more intent on turning themselves into celebrities in a way Steve never did. Steve believed that Apple was the star not him and that the spotlight should fall on the products not the people behind them. We never heard so much a word from most of these VPs now they're everywhere doing interview after interview. Even the previously secretive Jonny Ive seems to enjoy being in the media glare.
 
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Shaun said:
I remember Steve saying he wanted something new to announce every month because that keep fans interested and it keeps the buzz around all things Apple. It worked for years so why they had to change it is beyond me.

The current bunch of VPs seem more intent on turning themselves into celebrities in a way Steve never did. Steve believed that Apple was the star not him and that the spotlight should fall on the products not the people behind them. We never heard so much a word from most of these VPs now they're everywhere doing interview after interview. Even the previously secretive Jonny Ive seems to enjoy being in the media glare.
Click to expand...

I used to love checking the Apple website on Tuesdays. You just never knew what was around the corner...
 
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