Sports-focused headphones aren’t uncommon, but finding the right ones for your needs can be tough. The latest company to enter the sports headphones game is Kicker, which has released the Kicker EB400 headphones.
This isn’t the first time we’ve looked at Kicker headphones. Earlier in the year, we reviewed the Kicker CushBT headphones, and while they didn’t break any records, they ended up being a perfectly fine option. Do the Kicker EB400 headphones go above and beyond? We put them to the test to find out.
Design
The first thing to notice about the Kicker EB400 headphones is their design, and they look pretty much like any other sports headphones. The earbuds have an ear hook design, which will help ensure that they stay in your ears.
Party way down the right side of the cable, there’s a three-button remote which can be used to control things like playback and volume, and it has a MicroUSB port too. We wish Kicker would have adopted USB-C for these headphones — it’s 2019, and MicroUSB is seriously outdated.
In the box, apart from the headphones themselves, you’ll find a clamshell case, a short charging cable, and a total of three pairs of ear tips.
The Kicker EB400 headphones look fine, and they have a decent selection of accessories. They won’t win any design awards, but most will be perfectly happy with the way they look.
Comfort
When it comes to sports-focused headphones, comfort can sometimes be hard to come by, as headphones often prioritize being able to stay in your ears. Thankfully, it seems as though these headphones can do both — stay nicely in your ears, and remain relatively comfortable.
There are a few reasons the headphones are relatively comfortable. For starters, the earbuds themselves are moulded to fit decently in your ear, and the ear hook ensures that there isn’t too much weight pulling down on those earbuds. Sure, they’re not the most comfortable headphones ever made, but they do well and are a decent option for any runner who wants comfortable headphones.
Sound
So how do the Kicker EB400 headphones sound? Actually, not bad at all, especially given their price range — though they probably won’t break any records.
Perhaps the best-sounding frequency range on offer here are the lows. The low-end on these headphones is thick and smooth, allowing you to feel kick drums and bass guitars quite easily.
The mid range is decently tuned too. Low mids are warm and smooth, without getting too muddy or overbearing. High mids are a little more laid back, though there’s enough response for vocals and guitars to easily shine through a mix.
The high frequencies could definitely use some work. Cymbals simply don’t sizzle as much as they could, and the result is an overall sound that’s a little boring. We would have liked to see far more present high frequencies.
Performance
The Kicker EB400 headphones connect to your listening device through an unspecified version of Bluetooth, and as such you’ll get a listening range of 10 meters, or 33 feet.
Battery-wise, the headphones offer 8 hours, which is fine, but not spectacular. Similar headphones can offer up to 12 hours of battery life, which is far more impressive.
Conclusions
The Kicker EB400 headphones are decently designed, relatively comfortable, and inexpensive. They’re not perfect though — the sound does leave a little to be desired, but as far as sports headphones go, these are a solid option.
But is there something better? Well, that depends. If you’re looking for something for everyday listening, then we recommend the Focal Spark Wireless headphones. If, however, you really do want some headphones for sports, then we recommend the JBL Reflect Mini 2 headphones.
Still, because of their good value for money and decent sound quality, we’ve awarded the Kicker EB400 headphones the Headphone Review Bronze Medal.
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
 |
$PRICE |
| Frequency response | Unknown | Active noise cancellation | No |
| Driver size | Unknown | Noise attenuation | Unknown |
| Driver type | Dynamic | On-ear controls | Yes |
| Design | Closed | Microphone | Yes |
| Sensitivity | Unknown | Eartip material | Gel |
| Rated impedance | Unknown | Magnet material | Unknown |
| Total harmonic distortion | Unknown | Water resistance | IPX7 |
| Rated input power | Unknown | Battery life | 8 Hours |
| Maximum input power | Unknown | Wireless distance | 10m (33ft) |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth | Cable length | N/A |
| Wired connection | No | Case type | Clamshell |
| Detachable cable | N/A | In-the-box |
|
| Weight | Unknown | Colors | Black |