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Fancy a mile-high earjob? We've had five!

Our correspondent gives five noise-cancelling headphones a flight test

Mutant MIG-NC102

RH Numbers

As a long-time DEVO admirer, the idea of a brand called “Mutant Innovation” has a certain appeal, so when I learned that the company's MIG-NC102 noise-cancellers could be had for AU$30, I snapped up a pair.

The device's other designers chose cheap plastics that broke after a couple of trips – probably about 30 air hours – and rendered the headphones impossible to adjust on one side. Earpieces are also shiny and sweat-inducing.

Mutant NC102 Noise Cancelling headphones

The Mutants ship with what I can only describe as a nasty vinyl sack that does the job of containing them without in any way pleasing the eye or touch while also offending with an odour I'll call “new car smell, Berlin wall edition". The airline audio adapter is a chunky block that, if it received the attention of an industrial designer, was foisted on an intern. And not the clever intern with a bright future.

The company claims the cans can deliver >18dB reduction at 300Hz. Power comes from a pair of AAAs that slot into one earpiece, an arrangement that thankfully doesn't produce an uncomfortable imbalance.

Sound is serviceable. The Mutants do the worst job in my office or lounge room, where a heater or microwave remained just audible and you don't get the cone of silence effect that comes with a better product.

Mutant NC102 Noise Cancelling headphones

Mutant's NC102 noise-cancelling headphones are cheap and cheerful, but mostly cheap

In the air, however, the Mutants made a real difference, cutting out plenty of background noise and making flights more pleasant. The volume control slider could be bigger and more responsive, but is usable even if I find it needs to be turned up loud.

Battery life out-performed the company's promised 10-12 hours, which considering there are two cells and the Bose lasts for 35 hours on just one, suggests Mutant are missing a trick or two here regarding power management.

As an entry-level product that comes in well below established brands' entry points to this market, the Mutants are worth a listen. Don't expect longevity or quality, but do expect decent relief from in-air noise and less guilt when they go to landfill.

You won't have long to wait before ditching them, but if you're not a frequent flier the Mutants will make your next long-haul trip a little more pleasant, if you can tolerate slight crushing for a few hours. Talking of crushing, these cans aren't too easy to find in the UK, so you'd have to take the hit for overseas delivery. Sorry chaps.

Price £50 (UK), $38 (US), $30 (AU) at Officeworks
More info Mutant

The Reg Verdict

It's hard to recommend the Beats or Sony sets on grounds of price for both and seeming fragility. The Plantronics are a decent set for all uses. The Mutants will give you maybe 30 hours of in-air relief but leave you with something of a hangover.

If you fly a lot, the Bose QC25s show plenty of signs they'll become a trusted companion. ®

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