Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Headphones

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

ANC performance is considered effective for commuting and travel but not the category leader, and several reviews mention occasional artifacts or movement-related issues in certain situations. Reviews consistently note multiple ANC levels plus a transparency option, with controls available via button and the companion app.

Android compatibility is strong, especially when paired with aptX features and one-tap pairing options on supporting devices.

The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

The Melomania companion app is considered functional with key settings, though a few reviews mention UI quirks such as confusing store listings or limited customization depth.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

aptX support, including Adaptive and Lossless where compatible, is frequently highlighted as a major advantage for Android users and hi-res streaming.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

Low-latency or gaming mode is commonly mentioned and helps A/V sync, though some testers still notice remaining latency in the most timing-sensitive use cases.

Bass is commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

Bass is generally described as punchy and well-controlled, elevated enough for impact without smothering the mix; a few note it is not the hardest-hitting choice for bass-heavy electronic tracks.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

Battery life is repeatedly called class-leading, commonly cited around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. A user-replaceable battery option is a key differentiator and is repeatedly framed as a way to extend long-term ownership.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

Bluetooth connection is widely described as stable with good range, including reliable pairing in everyday use.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

Build quality is consistently praised as sturdy with tight tolerances and durable materials for the price.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

Physical buttons are appreciated for reliability and tactile feedback, but some reviewers find certain buttons small or not optimally placed.

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

Included cables are generally viewed as good quality and durable, with multiple outlets noting thoughtful bundling for USB-C and 3.5mm sources.

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

The supplied hard case is widely considered protective and well-made, often with clever storage, but several reviews say it is larger than ideal.

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

Charging is generally praised thanks to USB-C and strong quick-charge behavior that can add several hours from a short top-up.

Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

Clamp is described as secure and well-judged by some, but too tight for others, especially during longer sessions or with glasses.

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

Codec support is a standout, with broad support including AAC and Qualcomm options that many reviewers cite as a key value point.

Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

Comfort varies by listener: many can wear it for hours with minimal fatigue, while others cite weight, clamp, or headband stiffness creating pressure over time.

Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

Design is broadly seen as premium and tasteful with quality materials, though a few mention minor aesthetic nitpicks such as bulk or how it sits on the head.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

Earpad comfort is commonly praised as plush and well-cushioned, contributing to isolation and long-wear comfort.

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

Swivel and rotation range is typically considered adequate to achieve a seal, and several reviews note broad rotation for laying flat.

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

The 7-band EQ is a consistent highlight, offering meaningful tuning control and the ability to save custom curves, though at least one review notes limited labeling or guidance.

A find-my style locating feature is mentioned in at least one review, positioned as a helpful extra rather than a core differentiator.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

Tuning is usually characterized as close to neutral with a touch of warmth or bass lift; a couple of reviews suggest the default EQ can feel a bit restrained until adjusted.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

Adjustability is generally good, with easy headband sizing to fit a range of head shapes.

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

Hinges and moving parts are generally described as smooth and sturdy, with strong overall structural integrity in most reviews.

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

Included accessories are considered generous, typically including a protective case and both USB-C and 3.5mm-capable cables.

Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

Instrument separation and imaging are frequently highlighted as a strength, helping dense mixes stay intelligible and layered.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

At least one review calls out the lack of LDAC, so Android users who prefer LDAC may see this as a limitation compared with Sony models.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

Noise reduction for calls is generally decent and helps intelligibility, though performance varies by environment and at least one review notes weaker suppression of background sounds.

Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

Call quality is often rated highly with clear voice pickup, but a few testers report the mic can sound distant or let in more background noise than expected.

Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

Midrange reproduction is typically clear and natural with strong vocal presence, but some critics find it slightly thin compared with more dynamic rivals.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

Multi-platform performance is generally good across phones and computers, but at least one review reports less smooth behavior with certain Apple devices compared with Android or Windows.

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

Multipoint pairing is repeatedly reported to work smoothly and switch between two devices reliably.

Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

Passive isolation is strong thanks to large pads and a solid seal, with some users noting it can block a lot of ambient noise even before ANC is enabled.

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

Portability is a common drawback: it does not fold down small, and the travel case can be bulky for minimal bags.

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

Preset EQ profiles are useful for quick changes and cover common genres, but some listeners still prefer manual EQ to add extra energy or brightness.

Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

Replaceable earpads are repeatedly highlighted as a practical, longevity-focused feature and are easy to swap in most accounts.

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

Wear detection sensors are supported but get mixed reliability notes, ranging from convenient auto-pause to occasional delays or overly sensitive behavior.

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

Sidetone behavior is mentioned as present to some extent for calls, but not a heavily featured or widely adjustable system in the reviews.

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

Setup and day-to-day operation are usually described as straightforward, aided by physical buttons, simple pairing, and an app that covers the essentials without forcing account creation in at least one review.

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

Most reviews praise an energetic, detailed presentation that competes above its price, though a minority find it a bit polite or less exciting without EQ tweaks. Wired playback over USB-C is often praised for improving fidelity and consistency versus Bluetooth; analog connection via the included adapter cable is also supported.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

Soundstage is often described as open and spacious for a closed-back wireless model, with a few noting it is more compact than deliberately wide-sounding competitors.

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

Multiple reviews flag the absence of spatial audio features, so it relies on conventional stereo presentation and EQ rather than 3D modes.

Stability on the head varies: some find it secure, while others say it can sit loosely for sport or slip during certain movements.

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

Sustainability is a consistent theme: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and serviceable parts are cited as meaningful positives.

Multiple reviews note the lack of touch controls, so this model effectively scores by omission: it prioritizes physical buttons over touch gestures.

Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

Transparency mode gets mixed feedback: some find it useful and fairly natural, while others say it lacks clarity or fails to let all external sounds through.

Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

Treble is widely reported as crisp and articulate with good sparkle; it tends to avoid harshness, though some listeners want more bite or energy depending on the default EQ.

USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

USB-C is a strong point, supporting charging and wired digital audio on compatible devices.

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

Voice assistant activation is supported and generally works as expected, with no major complaints beyond it being a standard feature.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

Volume output is generally ample, reaching comfortable listening levels well below max, with enough headroom for louder tracks.

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

At least one reviewer notes there is no stated water or sweat rating, so it is not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.

At roughly 330g, weight is acceptable to some but heavy to others, and it can feel cumbersome around the neck or in a bag compared with lighter rivals.