Samson SR850 vs Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Samson SR850
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
What Buyers Say
Samson SR850
The Samson SR850 headphones have earned strong praise from users for their excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and outstanding value. Many reviewers note that these semi-open back headphones provide a wide soundstage with clear highs and mids, though bass is described as present but not overpowering. Build quality is generally considered good for the price, with comfort being a highlight, especially the velvety ear pads and suspension headband. Common minor complaints include a non-detachable cable, slight warmth after long use, and that they are not fully isolating, but most agree these drawbacks are minimal given the low cost.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for price
- Wide and open soundstage
- Very comfortable for long wear
- Velvety ear pads and suspension headband
- Great value and affordability
Cons
- Non-detachable cable
- Earpads can get warm after hours
- Slightly bright treble for some
- Mediocre build quality for some
- No volume control on headphones
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Users are overwhelmingly positive about these Nothing headphones, praising the exceptional battery life, comfortable fit, and intuitive controls like the scroll wheel. The sound quality is generally considered great for the price, though one audiophile friend rated it 5/10 and some note the noise cancellation isn't the strongest. The app's customization options and sleek design are also highlights, with minor complaints about glossy plastic showing smudges and snugness over long periods.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Intuitive controls
- Great sound for price
- Customizable app
Cons
- Glossy plastic shows smudges
- Noise cancellation not strongest
- Slightly snug over long periods
- Transparency mode could improve
Scores
Specifications
| Samson SR850 | Nothing Headphone (a) B186 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | semi-open | closed |
| Weight | 0.28 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Ear Cushion | velour | memory foam |
| Headband | — | Liquid Silicone Padding |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 50 mm★ | 40 mm |
| Freq Min | 10 Hz★ | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 30 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 110 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones, 10Hz-30kHz Frequency Response | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Virtual Surround |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | 2.5 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 10.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 135 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 5★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Nothing X |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | Water-Resistant |
Pros & Cons
Samson SR850
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong sound (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (73rd percentile)
- Strong anc (68th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average build (33rd percentile)
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 87 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 38 specs.
