Baseus Inspire XH1 ANC wireless headphones Review

The market for active noise-canceling headphones is crowded with expensive flagships and cheap imitators. Baseus aims to carve out a middle ground, promising premium features without the staggering price tag. With the Inspire XH1, the company is making its boldest play yet for the discerning but budget-conscious listener.

Design and Comfort: Premium Looks on a Budget

Pulling the Baseus Inspire XH1 from its box, you’d be forgiven for thinking they cost twice as much. The design language is clean and minimalist, with smooth matte plastics, a metal-reinforced headband, and plush memory foam earcups wrapped in soft protein leather. While the construction is predominantly plastic, it feels dense and well-assembled, avoiding the creaks and groans that plague many budget-friendly competitors. The headphones are lightweight and exhibit a moderate clamping force that feels secure without being fatiguing, making them comfortable for long listening sessions during a commute or a full workday. They also fold neatly into a compact hard-shell case, a welcome inclusion for travelers.

Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

The core feature, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), is where the Inspire XH1 truly impresses. They effectively neutralize the low-frequency drone of airplane cabins, train rumble, and office air conditioning, creating a focused bubble for your audio. The ANC isn’t quite on par with industry leaders from Sony or Bose—it struggles more with sharp, unpredictable sounds like nearby conversations or keyboard clicks. However, for the price, the performance is exceptional. The accompanying Transparency Mode is also well-implemented, piping in external audio clearly without sounding overly processed.

Audio quality follows a consumer-friendly V-shaped sound signature. Bass is punchy and energetic without being muddy, and the treble has a crispness that brings out details in vocals and percussion. This tuning is great for pop, electronic, and hip-hop, but audiophiles seeking a flat, neutral response for critical listening will find the sound colored. Support for Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a rock-solid connection, and the inclusion of multi-point pairing is a killer feature, allowing you to seamlessly switch between a laptop and a phone without digging through menus.

Features and Value

Baseus packs the Inspire XH1 with features that elevate it beyond its price point. Battery life is a standout, delivering around 35 hours of playback with ANC enabled and closer to 50 without it. A quick 10-minute charge via USB-C can provide several hours of listening time, which is a lifesaver. The companion Baseus app is functional, offering customizable EQs, ANC mode adjustments, and firmware updates. While the app isn’t as polished as some rivals, it provides a solid level of control that enhances the user experience.

Ultimately, the Inspire XH1 is a masterclass in value. It doesn’t beat flagship headphones in any single category, but it delivers about 85% of the experience for less than half the cost. The compromises are intelligent: a plastic-heavy build instead of premium metals, good-but-not-great ANC, and a fun sound signature over an audiophile one. For most users, these are trade-offs worth making.

The Verdict

The Baseus Inspire XH1 ANC headphones are not designed to dethrone the top-tier champions of the audio world. Instead, they offer a compelling and intelligent alternative for those who want excellent noise cancellation, long battery life, and modern features without an exorbitant price tag. They are an ideal choice for students, frequent commuters, and office workers seeking a massive upgrade from basic earbuds without breaking the bank.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon