Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Headphones

Verdict

Buy for standout hi-fi sound and class-leading battery life under $300; ANC and transparency are good but not best-in-class, and comfort/controls can be divisive depending on fit.

Pros

  • Battery 5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 5.0
    Battery life is a standout at roughly 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off, with many reviewers reporting weeks between charges; quick charging is strong (about 2–4 hours from 5 minutes depending on ANC) and a full charge is commonly around 2–2.5 hours, plus the battery is user-replaceable.
  • Replaceable battery 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.7
    A user replaceable internal battery significantly extends the service life of the headphones compared with typical sealed ANC models, fitting the product's ecological and longevity focused concept.
  • Charging 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.7
    USB-C fast charging is genuinely practical, commonly delivering around 4 hours of playback from a 5-minute top-up and filling the large battery in roughly 2–2.5 hours.
  • Replaceable earpads 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.7
    User replaceable earpads let owners refresh worn cushions instead of replacing the entire headphone, supporting both comfort over time and the P100's sustainability-focused design.
  • Sustainability materials 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.7
    Use of vegan leatherette, user replaceable earpads and a replaceable internal battery gives the P100 a more sustainable, long lived design than many sealed ANC rivals that must be discarded when parts wear out.
  • aptX 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.6
    Supports aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless for higher bitrate and lossless-capable Bluetooth on compatible devices, helping deliver cleaner wireless sound than basic SBC-only connections.
  • Android compatibility 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
    Android pairing is smooth in most reports, with features like Google Fast Pair and aptX codecs on compatible phones, plus USB-C digital audio on many Android devices; Android users expecting LDAC will need to use aptX or wired USB instead.
  • Codec support 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.6
    AAC plus aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless provide higher-quality Bluetooth audio on iOS and many Android devices, including lossless-capable playback from compatible sources, though LDAC is not offered for Android users who prefer that ecosystem.
  • Build quality 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.6
    Premium fit and finish with sturdy aluminum hardware, durable vegan leather pads and a replaceable battery, plus well executed plastics and tight construction tolerances that make the P100 feel more expensive and longer lived than many rivals.
  • Instrument separation 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
    The P100 present mixes with strong separation between instruments, making it easy to distinguish melodies, percussion and backing parts even in dense arrangements, which contributes to their engaging, hi fi character.
  • Cable quality 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.5
    The supplied USB C and 3.5 mm cables use sturdy, woven jackets that resist tangling and feel more durable than the thin rubber leads often bundled with competing headphones.
  • Included accessories 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5
    A protective hard case and both USB C and 3.5 mm audio cables are included in the box, covering travel and wired listening needs without forcing buyers to purchase basic accessories separately.
  • Multipoint connectivity reliability 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.5
    Multipoint connectivity works dependably to keep the P100 connected to two devices at once, allowing seamless switching between, for example, a laptop and a phone without repeated manual pairing.
  • Headband adjustability 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.5
    An infinitely adjustable headband lets users dial in fit for different head sizes, and once set the sliders tend to hold their position well, supporting consistent comfort and seal over time.
  • Wired connection sound quality 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.4
    Wired playback via USB-C or 3.5mm is widely described as a noticeable step up from Bluetooth, with USB-C in particular enabling cleaner, more detailed (often lossless) playback, though the headphones still require battery power in wired mode.
  • Ear cup padding quality 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.4
    Vegan leatherette memory-foam pads feel plush and seal well; many note they stay comfortable and not overly hot, but some users still experience warming or pressure hotspots on longer sessions.
  • Button control usability 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.4
    Physical button controls are generally easy to operate with clear tactile feedback, but some reviewers find certain buttons harder to locate quickly and note the control scheme is not as modern or customizable as touch-based rivals.
  • Design and Aesthetics 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.4
    Design is widely described as sleek and premium with aluminum accents and subtle branding, giving a more upscale, minimalist look than many sub-$300 competitors.
  • Bluetooth connectivity stability 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4
    Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable wireless connection with typical range and obstacle performance, pairing cleanly with modern smartphones and supporting reliable multipoint links without frequent dropouts or glitches.
  • Soundstage width 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.3
    Soundstage feels open and well-defined for a closed-back wireless design, coming across as expansive to many listeners while still aiming for realistic width and depth rather than exaggerated surround effects.
  • USB-C 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.3
    The USB C port handles both charging and digital audio, working seamlessly as a USB sound device on Android and Windows devices even if compatibility can be more limited on some Apple hardware.
  • Multi-platform compatibility 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3
    Bluetooth works well across Android, iOS and computers, and USB-C audio is generally straightforward on Windows/Android, though a few reviews report USB-C wired audio is less seamless on some Apple devices.
  • Ear cup swivel/rotation range 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.3
    Earcups provide useful articulation for fit, including swivel and flat rotation, which helps with sealing and around-the-neck wear, though the included case can limit how flat they pack.
  • Sound quality 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.3
    Most reviews praise a clean, hi-fi presentation with strong detail, separation and an engaging balance that competes above its price, though a minority find it a touch restrained in punch or excitement unless EQ is tweaked or listening is done wired.
  • Treble clarity 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.3
    Treble detail is crisp and articulate without becoming piercing at normal levels, but a few listeners prefer a small EQ lift for extra sparkle and upper-register energy.
  • Equalizer customization 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.2
    A seven band EQ with useful presets and the ability to save custom profiles allows meaningful tonal tweaks, though several reviewers find the default tuning so well judged that they rarely feel the need to adjust it.
  • Preset EQ profile quality 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.2
    Factory EQ presets such as Blues, Electronic, Natural, Rock and Voice are thoughtfully tuned for their intended genres, offering quick, sensible tonal changes without dramatically distorting the headphone's overall character.
  • Bass performance 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.2
    Bass is deep and punchy with a tasteful lift and good control, sometimes sounding a little fuller with ANC engaged, but it still avoids the extreme club-like slam and speed some electronic music fans want.
  • Voice assistant integration 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1
    On ear controls can trigger the phone's voice assistant reliably, and the microphones pick up commands clearly enough that voice control feels like a practical way to manage playback and basic tasks.
  • Midrange clarity 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.1
    Midrange is generally clear and expressive with vocals and instruments presented naturally, though at least one review finds the mids a bit thin and less dynamically biting than top rivals.
  • Noise cancellation adjustability 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.1
    Three ANC strengths, typically labeled Low, Medium and High, let listeners adjust how much external noise is removed for commuting, office or home listening without dramatically altering the core sound signature.
  • Carry case quality 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.1
    The molded hardshell case feels sturdy and protective with an internal pocket and magnetic cable storage, and while it is slim and well made it still occupies more space in a bag than the most compact travel cases.
  • App 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.1
    Melomania Connect (iOS/Android) handles ANC/transparency settings, a seven-band EQ with presets, gaming mode, wear detection and firmware updates without requiring an account, though some users note app-store confusion between Melomania versions and limited EQ labeling.
  • Audio-video sync accuracy 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
    A low-latency gaming mode (often cited around sub-80ms) improves lip-sync for video and casual gaming, though some latency can remain for rhythm-sensitive apps.
  • Microphone quality for calls 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.0
    Call quality is often praised for clear, loud speech capture even outdoors, but at least one review reports the mic sounding a bit distant and letting in more background noise than expected, so results can vary by environment and firmware.
  • Comfort during long use 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 3.9
    Long-session comfort is mixed: many find the plush pads and fit comfortable for hours, but others report fatigue from the 330g weight, clamp pressure or a stiff headband, and some experience ear warmth during extended wear.
  • Active noise cancellation effectiveness 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 3.9
    ANC is above average and effective against travel/commute noise, especially low-frequency drone, but it still trails Bose/Sony for total isolation; fit and wind can cause unevenness, and a few reviews mention faint hiss or popping/crackle when moving or at very low volumes.
  • Noise isolation (passive) 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.9
    Passive isolation is solid for an over-ear and helps keep voices and general chatter down, but effectiveness depends on getting a good seal, and a looser fit can reduce both isolation and ANC performance.
  • Clamping force comfort 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.8
    Clamping force has been described as relaxed by some but uncomfortably tight by others, with the grip varying by head shape and sometimes creating noticeable pressure on the ears and skull during longer listening sessions.
  • Weight comfort 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.8
    The relatively heavy 330 g chassis can weigh on the head and neck for some listeners, but others find the mass and clamping force reasonably well judged for a full size ANC design, so perceived comfort varies depending on fit preferences and sensitivity to weight.
  • Transparency mode quality 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.8
    Transparency offers multiple strength options and is useful for basic awareness, with some finding its strongest setting close to true-through, but voices and announcements can still sound a bit muffled and a faint hiss may be audible in quiet moments.
  • Find My 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.8
    The app offers a basic Find My Headphones feature that uses Bluetooth proximity or signal strength to help locate the headset within typical wireless range.

Cons

  • Stability 3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.5
    The relaxed clamp and loose fit feel comfortable but mean the P100 can shift or loosen during vigorous movement, making it less suited to sports or very active use than to everyday commuting and home listening.
  • Microphone noise reduction 3.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.4
    Noise reduction generally keeps traffic and crowd noise to a low level, though high-frequency sounds can still cut through, and one reviewer noted limited suppression that allowed HVAC/background noise through more readily.
  • Sensors 3.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.3
    Wear detection can auto-pause/play, but multiple reviews describe occasional missed triggers, delays or odd resume behavior, so some users disable it; firmware updates can improve reliability.
  • Portability/foldability 3.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.2
    These over ear headphones do not fold especially small and their sturdy hard case occupies a noticeable amount of space in a bag, making them less ideal for travellers who prioritise compact packing.
  • LDAC 1.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 1.5
    LDAC is not supported, so Android hi-res listeners will rely on aptX Adaptive/Lossless or use USB-C for the most faithful playback.
  • Touch control responsiveness 1.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 1.5
    There are no touch or gesture controls: interaction is via physical buttons and the app, which avoids accidental swipes but may disappoint users who prefer touch surfaces.
  • Spatial audio 1.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 1.0
    The P100 do not currently support any spatial or virtual surround audio modes, which may disappoint buyers who prioritise immersive movie or gaming features offered by some competing headphones.

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