Belkin is stepping into the affordable audio arena with two new pairs of over-ear headphones, the SoundForm Isolate and the SoundForm Surround, both landing comfortably under the AUD$100 mark. Forget the notion that quality audio and useful features require a significant investment. Belkin is challenging that idea, offering compelling options that are easy to integrate into your daily grind or your chill-out sessions. But with two models available, which one is the right fit for your lifestyle? Let’s dive in and explore the difference between the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround.
At first glance, both headphones share a similar comfortable, foldable over-ear design with plush CloudCushion™ earcups, making them easy on your ears during extended listening periods and convenient to stow away when you’re on the go. They both boast an impressive battery life of up to 60 hours, ensuring your soundtrack or conference call lasts as long as you need it to. Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable wireless connection, and multipoint connectivity is a fantastic addition, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices – perfect for juggling work calls on your laptop and streaming music from your phone. Both also include 3.5mm and USB-C cables for versatile wired connections and support fast charging via USB-C. Belkin’s Signature Sound is present in both, aiming for a balanced and clear audio experience.
However, the key distinction lies in their approach to noise control, which ultimately helps in deciding which pair is best suited for different scenarios.
SoundForm Isolate: Your Sanctuary for Focus
The Belkin SoundForm Isolate, typically priced slightly higher than the Surround but still well under $100 ($89.95), is built for those who need to create their own bubble of concentration. Its headline feature is Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This technology actively listens to ambient noise and cancels it out, reducing external distractions by up to 25dB.
Imagine you’re trying to focus on a report in a bustling office, studying in a noisy cafe, or perhaps enduring a long commute. The SoundForm Isolate is your shield against the white noise. The ANC effectively mutes much of the low-frequency rumble and chatter, allowing you to immerse yourself in your work, studies, or even just some peace and quiet. It also features a unique “Isolate Effect” which plays soothing ocean wave sounds, offering an alternative way to tune out the world without needing external audio. With multiple listening modes, including Hear-Thru to stay aware of your surroundings when needed, the Isolate is a strong contender for anyone whose productivity or relaxation is easily disrupted by noise. The five built-in microphones with Clear Call Quality technology further enhance its suitability for work, ensuring your voice comes through clearly on calls even with some background noise.
Best suited for: Work, studying, commuting, focused tasks, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet in a busy environment.
SoundForm Surround: Immersive Audio for Everyday Life
The Belkin SoundForm Surround, coming in at an even more accessible price point under $100 ($69.95), focuses on delivering an immersive audio experience through its design and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). While it doesn’t feature Active Noise Cancellation like the Isolate, the over-ear design with comfortable earcups provides a good degree of passive noise isolation, helping to block out some external sound simply by creating a seal around your ears.
This passive noise reduction, combined with Belkin’s Signature Sound and 40mm drivers, makes the SoundForm Surround ideal for enjoying your favourite music, podcasts, movies, or games. The focus here is on delivering full and balanced audio for your entertainment. The built-in microphone with Clear Call Quality technology is still present, making it perfectly capable for casual calls with friends and family, or even less critical work-related conversations where absolute silence isn’t paramount. Its comfortable fit and long battery life make it a great companion for extended listening sessions at home, during travel, or while simply relaxing.
Best suited for: Casual listening, watching movies or shows, gaming, relaxing at home, travel where complete silence isn’t necessary, and everyday use.
Both the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround are designed with ease of integration in mind. Their wireless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity means you can pair them with a wide range of devices quickly and easily – smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. The multipoint connection feature is a game-changer for modern multitasking, allowing you to stay connected to two devices simultaneously without the hassle of constantly pairing and unpairing. Need to take a call that comes in while you’re watching a video on your tablet? The headphones handle the switch seamlessly.
The inclusion of both 3.5mm audio and USB-C cables adds further versatility, ensuring you can connect to older devices or enjoy wired audio if preferred. The foldable design makes them highly portable, easily slipping into a bag or backpack. Furthermore, Belkin has made a conscious effort towards sustainability, using recycled plastics in the construction of these headphones and opting for 100% plastic-free packaging, which is a welcome touch for environmentally conscious consumers.
Belkin’s new SoundForm over-ear headphones offer fantastic value at under $100. If your priority is to block out distractions and create a focused environment for work or study, the SoundForm Isolate with its Hybrid ANC is likely the better choice. If you’re looking for comfortable, long-lasting headphones for enjoying your media and taking casual calls without needing active noise cancellation, the SoundForm Surround provides an excellent and even more affordable option. Either way, you’re getting a feature-rich pair of headphones that are designed to fit effortlessly into your connected lifestyle.
