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iFrogz Summit Wireless review: iFrogz Summit Wireless raises the bar for cheap Bluetooth headphones (review)
Small shortcomings aside, for $35 you're getting a lightweight, comfortable wireless headphone that sounds decent and can be used for running or just walking around.
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iFrogz (a division of accessory maker Zagg) has a new line of inexpensive Bluetooth headphones out for 2016 holiday season, and the Summit Wireless, a sports model that retails for $35 or £30, is probably my favorite of the bunch. (It doesn't appear to be available in Australia, but the US price translates to about AU$47).
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
I can't tell you that it sounds great, but it does sound pretty good for the money, and -- just as importantly -- fits comfortably and securely and comes with a few different silicon tips and wings that help lock the buds in place while you're doing some sort of athletic activity or just walking around. (This is a noise-isolating in-ear headphone, so it will muffle ambient noise if you get a tight seal, and may present a safety problem if you're a runner and want to hear oncoming traffic).
What you get in the box (the headphone comes in black or red at launch).
I also like the headphone's signature design feature. On the inline remote -- iFrogz calls it a "wireless hub" -- there's a magnetic clasp that allows you to clip the headphone to your shirt. You can also wrap the cord around the remote, which houses the battery, microphone, and all the electronics, and keep everything in place with the clasp.
Battery life is rated at 10 hours at moderate volume levels and the headphone is sweat resistant, though it's far from waterproof, with only IPX2 certification (iPX5 would be preferable).
On Amazon, you'll find plenty of low-cost generic wireless sports headphones available from brands like Mpow and TaoTronics. They cost anywhere from $20-$45. Some aren't bad but they usually leave something to be desired in the design department.
The magnetic clasp clips to your clothing.
The Summit Wireless offers a step up in design, though you're still not looking at premium build quality (the headphones do a look a little cheap when examined up close). They worked fine during the week I tested them, but I can't tell you how well this headphone will hold up over several months of use.
As I said about the sound, it's good for the price -- for a wireless Bluetooth headphone anyway. There's a reasonable amount of clarity and if you can get a tight seal, the bass is satisfyingly punchy. The bass isn't incredibly tight and the sound feels a bit recessed at times, but I think most people will be happy with the sound.
Close up of the buds.
A headphone such as Jaybird's popular X2, which now sells for less than $100, sounds slightly better, but the difference isn't huge and I found the Summit Wireless more comfortable to wear. I should also note that the Summit Wireless worked fine as a Bluetooth headset for making calls, though it helps to keep the microphone clipped closer to your mouth (don't expect business-class performance). Callers said they heard me well enough, though they also heard a lot of ambient sound (I was making calls from a playground crowded with kids).
Small shortcomings aside, for 35 bucks you're getting a lightweight, comfortable wireless headphone that sounds decent and can be used for running or just walking around. It may not be a steal at that price point, but it's still a good value in wireless sports headphones.