The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones offer a surprisingly strong value proposition, particularly for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking effective active noise cancellation without breaking the bank.

While they might not dethrone premium contenders in every single metric, their ability to deliver solid sound quality, impressive noise reduction, and comfortable wear at a fraction of the cost makes them a highly compelling option for daily commutes, office environments, or even just finding some quiet time at home.

Think of them as a resourceful hack for getting high-end features without the high-end price tag, a smart move for anyone looking to optimize their audio setup efficiently.

Feature	Monoprice BT-600 ANC	Sony WH-1000XM5	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless	Soundcore Anker Space Q45	JBL Live 670NC	Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
ANC Performance	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Limited/None Focus on isolation
Sound Quality	Good, balanced	Excellent, customizable	Excellent, balanced	Excellent, detailed	Good, bass-forward	Good, energetic	Very Good, studio-grade
Battery Life	~30 hours ANC on	~30 hours ANC on	~24 hours ANC on	~60 hours ANC on	~50 hours ANC on	~50 hours ANC on	~50 hours
Comfort	High	Very High	Very High	High	High	Good	Good
Build Quality	Good, mostly plastic	Premium, plastic/metal	Premium, plastic/metal	Premium, fabric/metal	Good, durable plastic	Good, plastic	Robust, durable plastic/metal
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, aptX	Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC	Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive	Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive	Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.0, LDAC/AAC
Price Point	Budget-friendly	Premium	Premium	Premium	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid-range

Table of Contents

Understanding the Monoprice BT-600 ANC: A Deep Dive into Value

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones have carved out a niche in the increasingly crowded active noise-canceling headphone market.

Monoprice, known for its “no-frills, high-value” approach, applies this philosophy effectively to the BT-600 ANC, delivering a feature set that often surprises given its accessible price point.

When you’re looking to optimize your audio experience without overspending, these headphones present a compelling case study in smart consumer choices.

Design and Build Quality: Functional Aesthetics

From a design perspective, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics.

They adopt a rather conventional over-ear headphone form factor, which is a design proven for comfort and isolation. Microsoft 365 Personal Review

The materials used are predominantly plastic, which helps keep the weight down and contributes to the budget-friendly price.

However, don’t mistake “plastic” for “flimsy”. the construction feels reasonably robust for everyday use.

Materials: The earcups and headband are largely made of a matte-finish plastic. This choice of material makes them resistant to fingerprints and minor scuffs, which is practical for daily commuting.
Hinges and Adjustments: The headphones feature foldable hinges, allowing them to collapse into a more compact form factor for storage and travel. The headband offers ample adjustment, accommodating a wide range of head sizes. The sliders operate smoothly, suggesting a decent level of engineering for the price.
Earcups and Pads: The earcups swivel and tilt slightly, ensuring a good fit around the ears. The earpads are plush and covered in a soft, synthetic leather material. This contributes significantly to comfort, especially during longer listening sessions.
Controls: All physical controls are located on the earcups. These include buttons for power, ANC toggling, volume adjustment, and playback control. The tactile feedback from these buttons is generally good, making them easy to locate and operate without needing to look.
Aesthetic Appeal: While not designed to turn heads, the understated design is versatile. They blend in well whether you’re in an office, on a train, or just out and about. The Monoprice logo is discreet, further emphasizing their no-nonsense approach.

Comfort for Extended Listening Sessions

Comfort is a critical factor for any over-ear headphone, especially those designed for noise cancellation, as users often wear them for extended periods.

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC performs admirably in this regard, often punching above its weight class.

Weight Distribution: At approximately 250 grams, the BT-600 ANC is relatively lightweight. This helps in distributing the pressure evenly across the head and ears, reducing fatigue.
Clamping Force: The clamping force is well-judged. It’s firm enough to create a good seal for effective noise cancellation and passive isolation but not so tight as to cause discomfort, even for users with larger heads.
Earpad Cushioning: The thick, soft earpads are a major contributor to comfort. They conform well to the shape around the ears, providing a gentle yet effective seal. The synthetic leather material is soft against the skin.
Headband Padding: The headband also features a generous amount of padding, which helps distribute the weight across the top of the head. This prevents any pressure points from forming during prolonged use.
Breathability: While the synthetic leather earpads can lead to some warmth around the ears in very hot or humid conditions, this is a common characteristic for most over-ear headphones with this type of material. For typical indoor or climate-controlled environments, breathability is generally not an issue.
Glasses Compatibility: For users who wear glasses, the BT-600 ANC generally maintains a good seal without causing excessive pressure on the temples of the glasses. The soft earpads help in accommodating the arms of eyewear.

Active Noise Cancellation ANC Performance

The star feature of the Monoprice BT-600 ANC, as its name suggests, is its active noise cancellation. Expressvpn Review

For a headphone in its price category, the ANC performance is genuinely impressive and often rivals headphones costing significantly more.

It’s not on par with the absolute best from Sony or Bose, but it gets remarkably close for common scenarios.

Low-Frequency Noise Reduction: The BT-600 ANC excels at canceling out persistent, low-frequency hums. This includes sounds like:
- Airplane Cabin Noise: The drone of an aircraft engine is significantly attenuated, making long flights much more tolerable.
- Bus and Train Engine Rumbles: The rumble and hum of public transport are effectively minimized.
- HVAC Systems: The constant hum of air conditioning or heating units in an office or home environment is largely silenced.
- Traffic Noise: While not eliminating all traffic sounds, the constant roar of distant cars is greatly reduced.
Mid-to-High Frequency Noise: Like most ANC systems, the BT-600 ANC is less effective at canceling out sudden, unpredictable noises or higher-pitched sounds. This includes:
- Human Voices: While muffled, nearby conversations will still be audible. It won’t create a completely silent bubble in a busy coffee shop.
- Keyboard Clicks: Typing sounds will be present, though somewhat subdued.
- Sudden Loud Noises: A car horn or a slamming door will still cut through the ANC, though their impact is lessened.
Comparison to Premium ANC: While effective, the BT-600 ANC doesn’t quite achieve the eerie silence of a Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Those flagship models have more advanced algorithms and multiple microphones that allow them to adapt to more complex noise environments and tackle a broader spectrum of frequencies. However, for 80% of common noise scenarios, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC provides 80-90% of the premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
ANC Impact on Sound Quality: Some ANC systems introduce a noticeable hiss or alter the sound signature. The BT-600 ANC manages to avoid a prominent hiss, and while there might be a slight, subtle change in the sound profile when ANC is engaged common with most ANC headphones, it’s not egregious or detrimental to the overall listening experience.
ANC Mode: The ANC is a simple on/off toggle. There are no adjustable levels or ambient sound modes, which simplifies operation but limits versatility compared to more advanced headphones. For the price, this is a reasonable trade-off.

Sound Quality: A Balanced Approach

Monoprice has generally focused on delivering a neutral or slightly warm sound signature with its audio products, and the BT-600 ANC largely adheres to this philosophy.

While not audiophile-grade in the strictest sense, the sound quality is very good for Bluetooth headphones, especially within its price bracket, offering a balanced and enjoyable listening experience for a wide range of genres.

Bass: The bass response is present and impactful without being overpowering or boomy. It extends reasonably well into the sub-bass frequencies, providing a satisfying rumble when called upon. The bass is generally tight and well-controlled, avoiding muddiness that can plague cheaper headphones. It has enough presence to make pop, hip-hop, and electronic podcast enjoyable but doesn’t bleed excessively into the mid-range.
Mid-Range: The mid-range is where the BT-600 ANC shines, offering clarity and naturalness. Vocals, both male and female, come through clearly and with good detail. Instruments like guitars and pianos are well-represented, avoiding the recessed or scooped sound that can make podcast feel lifeless. This clear mid-range contributes to a pleasant listening experience for podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal-centric podcast.
Treble: The treble is generally well-extended and detailed without being harsh or sibilant. Cymbals have a crisp attack, and higher-pitched instruments retain their sparkle. There might be a slight roll-off at the very top end compared to high-fidelity wired headphones, but for wireless listening, it’s more than adequate. The lack of harshness means you can listen for longer periods without fatigue.
Soundstage and Imaging: As with most closed-back, over-ear headphones, the soundstage is not exceptionally wide or expansive. It’s more intimate, placing instruments within a cohesive space. Imaging is decent, allowing you to generally discern the placement of different elements within the mix, though not with surgical precision.
Bluetooth Codecs: The BT-600 ANC supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the aptX codec, in addition to SBC and AAC. AptX is a significant inclusion, as it allows for higher-quality audio streaming with compatible Android devices, reducing latency and improving fidelity compared to the basic SBC codec. This is a big win for audio enthusiasts on a budget.
Wired Mode: The headphones can also be used in wired mode via the included 3.5mm audio cable. When used passively with the power off, the sound signature changes slightly, often becoming a bit flatter or less dynamic, as the internal amplifier and DSP are not active. When used in wired mode with the power on and ANC if desired, the sound quality is very similar to wireless operation, potentially with slightly less latency.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC offers competitive battery life and robust connectivity options, making it a reliable daily driver. Canon Maxify Gx2020 Review

Battery Life: Monoprice rates the BT-600 ANC for approximately 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. This is a solid figure that puts it in contention with many more expensive headphones and is certainly sufficient for most users to get through several days of commutes or a couple of international flights without needing a recharge. Without ANC, the battery life extends even further.
Charging: Charging is handled via a USB-C port, which is a modern and convenient standard. It typically takes a couple of hours for a full charge from empty. There’s no fast-charging feature, but given the total battery life, it’s less of a concern.
Bluetooth Version: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, the BT-600 ANC provides a stable and efficient wireless connection. Bluetooth 5.0 offers improved range, faster data transfer speeds, and better power efficiency compared to older Bluetooth versions.
Range and Stability: The connection typically remains stable within a standard 10-meter 33-foot range from the source device, even with some obstacles in between. Dropouts are infrequent unless you push the limits of the range or encounter significant interference.
Multi-Point Connectivity: A notable omission for some users might be the lack of multi-point connectivity. This means the headphones can only be connected to one device at a time. If you want to switch from your phone to your laptop, you’ll need to manually disconnect from the first device and connect to the second. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, it is a convenient feature found on many premium headphones.
Supported Codecs: As mentioned in the sound quality section, the support for aptX is a significant advantage for Android users, providing a higher-quality audio stream. For iOS users, the headphones default to AAC, which also offers better quality than SBC.

Microphone Quality for Calls

While active noise-canceling headphones are primarily designed for listening, their integrated microphones for calls have become increasingly important.

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC provides a serviceable microphone experience, suitable for casual calls but not optimized for professional teleconferencing in noisy environments.

Voice Clarity in Quiet Environments: In a quiet room, your voice will generally come through clearly and understandably. The microphone picks up enough detail for a conversation without significant distortion.
Noise Reduction for Calls: The microphone does offer some basic noise reduction, attempting to filter out background sounds. However, this is not as sophisticated as the multi-microphone arrays found in premium headphones.
- Minor Background Noise: It can effectively filter out light ambient noise, such as a faint fan hum or distant office chatter.
- Significant Background Noise: In noisier environments, such as a busy street, a bustling coffee shop, or near heavy traffic, the microphone will struggle. Your voice may become muffled or sound distant, and significant background noise will bleed through, potentially making it difficult for the person on the other end to hear you clearly.
Wind Noise: Like many headphone microphones, the BT-600 ANC’s mic is susceptible to wind noise. Even a light breeze can create a significant whooshing sound that can drown out your voice.
Latency: For voice calls, latency is generally not an issue, ensuring a smooth conversation flow.
Usage Scenario: These headphones are perfectly adequate for taking a quick call while commuting, chatting with friends, or participating in a short video call from a quiet home office. For critical business calls where absolute clarity in varying environments is paramount, you might want to consider dedicated call headsets or headphones with more advanced microphone technology.

Accessories and Portability

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC comes with a standard set of accessories that enhance its portability and usability.

Included Accessories:
- Hard Shell Carrying Case: This is a fantastic inclusion at this price point. The zippered hard case provides excellent protection for the headphones during travel, preventing them from getting crushed or scratched in a bag. It also helps keep all the accessories organized.
- USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable: A standard charging cable for replenishing the battery.
- 3.5mm Audio Cable: Allows for wired listening, useful when the battery dies or for connecting to non-Bluetooth devices like in-flight entertainment systems. Note that the microphone typically won’t work in passive wired mode.
- Airplane Adapter: A useful adapter for connecting to older in-flight entertainment systems that use a dual-prong jack. This again highlights the travel-friendly design.
Portability Features:
- Foldable Design: As mentioned in the design section, the earcups fold inward, significantly reducing the footprint of the headphones when stored in their case or a bag.
- Swivel Earcups: The earcups also swivel flat, which is convenient for wearing them around your neck when not actively listening.
- Weight: Their relatively low weight further contributes to their portability, making them easy to carry for extended periods without adding significant bulk.
Overall Portability: The combination of a foldable design, lightweight construction, and a protective hard case makes the Monoprice BT-600 ANC an excellent choice for frequent travelers, commuters, or anyone who needs to pack their headphones regularly. The thoughtful inclusion of an airplane adapter further solidifies its utility for travel.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones truly excel in their value proposition.

They punch significantly above their weight class, offering a compelling blend of features and performance that often cost two or three times more. Analogue Duo Review

Exceptional Value: The core of their appeal lies in delivering very good active noise cancellation and solid, enjoyable sound quality at an incredibly competitive price. It’s a classic Monoprice move – focus on the essentials and deliver them effectively without the premium brand markups.
Target Audience:
- Budget-Conscious Commuters: For daily train, bus, or subway riders who want to drown out ambient noise without spending hundreds of dollars.
- Office Workers: Ideal for open-plan offices where background chatter and keyboard clicks can be distracting. The ANC helps create a quieter workspace.
- Students: A great option for studying in noisy dorms or libraries, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
- Frequent Travelers on a budget: The effective ANC, good battery life, comfortable design, and included hard case make them excellent travel companions for flights and long journeys.
- Anyone New to ANC: If you’re curious about active noise cancellation but don’t want to invest heavily right away, these are a perfect entry point to experience the benefits without commitment.
- Backup Headphones: They also make a fantastic backup pair of ANC headphones for those who own premium models but want something less expensive to throw in a gym bag or leave at the office.
Compared to the Competition: While they won’t outperform the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in absolute terms especially in features like adaptive ANC, transparency modes, or app integration, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC delivers a significant percentage of their core functionality at a fraction of the cost. They are a strong contender against mid-range options like the Soundcore Anker Space Q45 and often offer better ANC than some headphones in a similar price bracket. It’s a pragmatic choice for getting the job done without over-engineering your solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones good?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are considered very good, especially for their price point, offering strong active noise cancellation and solid sound quality.

What is the battery life of the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones offer approximately 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation ANC enabled.

Does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC support aptX?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones support the aptX Bluetooth codec, providing higher-quality audio streaming with compatible devices.

Do Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones come with a carrying case?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones typically come with a durable hard-shell carrying case, which is excellent for protection and portability. Nasa Plus Review

Can I use the Monoprice BT-600 ANC wired?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones can be used in wired mode via the included 3.5mm audio cable.

Is the ANC on Monoprice BT-600 effective for airplane noise?

Yes, the active noise cancellation on the Monoprice BT-600 ANC is quite effective at reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engine hums.

How comfortable are the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are generally considered very comfortable, thanks to their lightweight design, plush earcups, and well-padded headband.

What is the sound quality like on the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

The sound quality on the Monoprice BT-600 ANC is well-balanced, with clear mids, present but controlled bass, and detailed treble, offering an enjoyable listening experience.

Does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC have transparency mode?

No, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones typically do not feature a transparency or ambient sound mode. their ANC is a simple on/off toggle. Xreal Air 2 Review

Is the Monoprice BT-600 ANC good for phone calls?

The microphone quality of the Monoprice BT-600 ANC is serviceable for calls in quiet environments, but it may struggle in noisy backgrounds.

Do the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones fold?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones feature a foldable design, making them more compact for storage and travel.

What Bluetooth version does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC use?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 for stable and efficient wireless connectivity.

How does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC compare to Sony WH-1000XM5?

While the Monoprice BT-600 ANC offers excellent value, the Sony WH-1000XM5 generally provides superior ANC, more refined sound quality, and advanced features, but at a significantly higher price.

How does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC compare to Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC offers competitive ANC for its price, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excel in overall noise cancellation, comfort, and advanced features like Immersive Audio, albeit at a premium cost. Geekom As6 Review

Can the Monoprice BT-600 ANC connect to multiple devices simultaneously?

No, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones typically do not support multi-point connectivity, meaning they can only connect to one device at a time.

Is there an app for the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

No, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are generally plug-and-play and do not rely on a companion app for features or customization.

Are the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones good for gaming?

For casual gaming, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC can be acceptable, especially in wired mode.

For competitive gaming, dedicated gaming headsets or lower-latency wired headphones might be preferred due to potential Bluetooth latency.

What kind of charging port does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC have?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones feature a USB-C charging port. Omnifocus Review

Can I use the Monoprice BT-600 ANC for working out?

While possible, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are not specifically designed for intense workouts and may not withstand heavy sweat or provide the most secure fit for vigorous activity.

Do the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones have a noticeable ANC hiss?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC has very little to no noticeable ANC hiss, which is a positive attribute for its price range.

Are replacement ear pads available for the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

Availability of replacement ear pads for specific Monoprice models can vary, but generally, compatible generic pads might be found, or you can check Monoprice’s official support.

Is the Monoprice BT-600 ANC over-ear or on-ear?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are an over-ear design, meaning the earcups fully enclose the ears.

Does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC have a warranty?

Yes, Monoprice typically offers a warranty on their products. Monoprice Stitch Outdoor 2 Outlet Smart Plug Review

It’s advisable to check the specific warranty terms on their official website or the product listing.

How long does it take to charge the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

A full charge for the Monoprice BT-600 ANC typically takes a couple of hours from empty.

Can I use the Monoprice BT-600 ANC with an iPhone?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are compatible with iPhones and will use the AAC Bluetooth codec for audio streaming.

Is the Monoprice BT-600 ANC durable?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones are built primarily with plastic but are generally considered reasonably durable for everyday use and travel, especially with the included hard case.

Does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC have physical buttons or touch controls?

The Monoprice BT-600 ANC headphones feature physical buttons for controlling playback, volume, and ANC. Benq X3100I Review

What is the frequency response of the Monoprice BT-600 ANC?

While specific figures might vary, Monoprice generally designs its headphones to have a relatively flat and balanced frequency response suitable for general listening.

Does the Monoprice BT-600 ANC come with an airplane adapter?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC typically includes a dual-prong airplane adapter, which is convenient for in-flight entertainment systems.

Is the Monoprice BT-600 ANC a good option for budget travelers?

Yes, the Monoprice BT-600 ANC is an excellent option for budget travelers due to its effective ANC, long battery life, comfortable design, and included carrying case, all at an affordable price.

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