Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones

Pros

• Battery ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 5.0
  Battery life is repeatedly called best-in-class: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off, with reviewers saying the claims hold up in real use. Fast charging is also noted, with a short top-up delivering hours of playback.
• Replaceable battery ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.8
  A standout differentiator is the user-replaceable battery, intended to be swapped with standard tools rather than requiring full product replacement. Reviewers see this as a major plus for longevity and sustainability.
• aptX ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.7
  The P100 SE continue to support aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, giving listeners higher-quality wireless audio that suits their hi-fi-oriented tuning and keeps them competitive with other premium wireless headphones.
• Replaceable earpads ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.7
  Multiple sources note the ear cushions can be removed and replaced by the user, supporting long-term maintenance. Replaceable pads help preserve comfort and seal over years of use.
• Sustainability materials ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7
  Reviews highlight Cambridge’s focus on circular design: plastic-free, recyclable packaging; substantial recycled plastics in the chassis; and recycled rare-earth materials in the drivers. Combined with user-replaceable parts, the P100 SE are positioned as a more sustainable wireless headphone option.
• Soundstage width ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.6
  Reviewers note an effortlessly wide, immersive soundstage that makes music and movies feel spacious and enveloping even without dedicated spatial audio modes.
• USB-C ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.6
  USB-C is used for charging and also supports wired USB-C audio, adding flexibility for laptops and phones without headphone jacks. Reviewers appreciate having USB-C and analog options included.
• Android compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  The Melomania app is available on Android and was tested with modern Android phones, with reviewers using features like EQ, ANC modes, and codec support without major issues. Overall Android support is described as full-featured.
• Multi-platform compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Reviews describe using the headphones across iOS, Android and computers (including MacBook) without major problems, aided by multipoint and broad codec support. This makes them a solid choice for switching between work and phone devices.
• Sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.6
  Across reviews, the P100 SE are praised for detailed, engaging hi-fi sound that competes with more expensive models. The SE introduces optional DynamEQ and a subtly livelier tuning (more bass/treble and perceived dynamics), which some love for added excitement while others prefer the original’s more neutral balance; either way, the headphones respond exceptionally well to EQ.
• Equalizer customization ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.6
  A 7-band equalizer is frequently highlighted, with reviewers noting it makes meaningful changes and that the P100 SE take EQ extremely well. Presets and saved custom profiles make it easy to tailor the sound for genres or personal taste.
• Volume output ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  Multiple reviewers say the P100 SE can get very loud, and Cambridge’s DynamEQ/retuning aims to keep the sound full at lower volumes while enabling higher perceived listening levels. Users who test near-max volume report plenty of output headroom.
• Bass performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  Bass is routinely praised for impactful punch with good control, and the SE tuning/DynamEQ can add extra low-end weight for a more consumer-friendly balance at low volumes. Listeners who prefer the original P100’s flatter presentation note the stock SE can sound bassier, but it responds very well to EQ.
• Included accessories ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.5
  Reviewers mention a generous accessory set for the price, including a protective hard case and both USB-C and analog (USB-C to 3.5mm) cables. This makes it easy to use the headphones both wirelessly and wired out of the box.
• Charging ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.5
  USB-C charging is supported, and fast-charge claims are highlighted: a few minutes of charging can deliver hours of playback (including with ANC enabled). This reduces battery anxiety despite the already long runtime.
• Instrument separation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.5
  Reviews mention strong 3D layering and separation, helping vocals and instruments stay distinct within the wide stage. Even with bass-boosting options like DynamEQ, detail retrieval and spatial definition remain a standout.
• Noise cancellation adjustability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.5
  ANC offers multiple strength settings (commonly described as low/mid/high) plus off and a dedicated transparency mode. Reviewers note you can switch modes via the earcup controls and fine-tune in the Melomania app.
• Build quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  Most reviews describe a sturdy, premium-feeling build with metal components and a finish that feels above its $299 price. A few note minor creaking or that some surfaces can feel less luxurious than pricier rivals, but overall durability and fit-and-finish are rated highly.
• Button control usability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.5
  The P100 SE rely on physical buttons and a slider, which reviewers describe as logically placed and easy to learn. Dedicated controls for ANC/transparency and playback/volume make day-to-day use straightforward.
• Midrange clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.4
  Midrange is generally described as clear and musical, keeping vocals and instruments present without sounding shouty. Some comparisons note a slightly more relaxed upper-mid region on the SE versus the original, which can change vocal bite but still remains well-balanced.
• Wired connection sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.4
  Reviewers note the P100/P100 SE can be used wired over USB-C audio or via a 3.5mm connection (using the supplied cable), and can sound even better when hard-wired to a DAC/amp. Wired support adds flexibility for hi-res listening and low-latency use.
• Treble clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.4
  Treble is described as detailed and well-extended with plenty of bite and variation without sounding thin. DynamEQ and the SE’s tuning can add extra sparkle and forwardness, which some enjoy while others prefer the calmer original tuning.
• Cable quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.4
  Included USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables are described as nice and practical, matching the product’s premium-for-the-price positioning. Having both cables in the box reduces the need for extra purchases.
• Codec support ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.4
  Beyond aptX codecs, reviews and comparisons note standard SBC and AAC support for broad compatibility, especially with iOS devices. This makes the P100 SE easy to use across common phones, tablets, and laptops even without aptX.
• App ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.3
  The Melomania Connect app is described as smooth and easy to navigate, with a refreshed layout and a prominent DynamEQ toggle exclusive to the SE. Reviewers highlight quick firmware updates plus deep controls for ANC modes, wear detection, gaming mode, and a capable 7-band EQ with presets.
• Carry case quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3
  The included hard case is widely seen as sturdy and protective, with some mentions of thoughtful storage (such as a cable pocket). The main downside is size: it’s robust but not especially compact.
• Ear cup padding quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Earpads are described as roomy and well-padded (memory foam/vegan leather), creating a comfortable seal with minimal ear contact inside the cup. Some mention heat build-up over time, but the pads are also designed to be removable/replaceable.
• Ear cup swivel/rotation range ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Reviews note smooth, quality-feeling hinges and a decent amount of earcup rotation, helping the fit conform to different head shapes. The rotation aids comfort and improves the seal for ANC performance.
• Preset EQ profile quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  Reviewers mention multiple built-in EQ presets (including genre-focused options) that provide quick tonal shifts without manual tweaking. Presets are generally seen as useful starting points, with the manual EQ available for finer control.
• Sensors ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  Wear detection with automatic play/pause is supported, and reviewers note it can be toggled in the app. This adds convenience during everyday listening and commuting.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.2
  Multipoint support is present and generally works, allowing connection to two devices for easy switching. Some notes mention you may need to pause audio on one device before switching, and device management is limited (for example, not being able to choose the active device from the app).
• Design and Aesthetics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.1
  The SE keeps the understated P100 look with very subtle branding tweaks and an optional blue finish that many call stylish and premium. A minority find the wide headband silhouette looks a bit goofy when worn, making the aesthetic somewhat polarizing.
• Voice assistant integration ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.1
  A dedicated control allows summoning your phone’s voice assistant, and the onboard mics handle assistant interaction alongside ANC and calls. Integration is described as standard but convenient.
• Comfort during long use ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.1
  Many reviewers find the P100 SE comfortable for long sessions thanks to a slightly cushier headband and well-padded cups, reducing top-of-head hot spots versus the original for some. Others still report a stiff headband feel, ear heat over time, and occasional pressure that can prompt breaks.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.1
  Some reviewers note initial pairing complications when using the P100 SE alongside the original P100 on the same devices, although once paired the wireless connection is generally stable in everyday use.
• Software/setup simplicity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1
  Most reviewers describe setup and app use as straightforward, with firmware updates completing quickly. The main friction point is occasional pairing confusion when a device has both the original P100 and P100 SE saved, requiring a forget-and-repair workaround.
• Active noise cancellation effectiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  Reviews agree the P100 SE’s ANC is strong for the price and can noticeably cut ambient noise, with some describing it as a meaningful improvement over the original P100. However, multiple reviewers still place it a step behind the very best noise-cancellers from Bose/Sony, especially in overall quietness.
• Audio-video sync accuracy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.0
  A dedicated gaming/low-latency mode is commonly cited around sub-80ms latency, improving lip-sync for video and casual gaming. Some reviewers still notice a bit of delay, but it’s meaningfully better than typical Bluetooth latency.
• Clamping force comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.0
  Clamping force is generally described as reasonably judged and secure rather than painfully tight, with some suggesting the SE feels a touch less clampy than the original. However, a few users still find the fit snug, especially compared to more relaxed competitors.
• Microphone quality for calls ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.9
  Call performance is described as good in quiet environments, with voices coming through clearly and sometimes slightly boosted. It is serviceable for work calls, though not positioned as the product’s main differentiator.
• Transparency mode quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.8
  Transparency is generally considered usable for awareness and short conversations, but several comparisons say it sounds less airy and natural than top competitors. Expect some mild occlusion/muffling compared to Sony/Bose-tier passthrough.
• Weight comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.6
  At roughly 330g, reviewers often note the P100 SE are on the heavier side compared to key competitors, and some feel the heft during long listening. Others say the SE feels a touch better balanced across the crown than the original, helping the weight feel less fatiguing than the number suggests.