Baseus is expanding beyond its core offerings of power banks, chargers, and accessories, and into new product categories like cameras and audio devices. A standout product from the company’s presence at CES was the Baseus Inspire XH1 headphones, developed in partnership with Bose.
The Inspire XH1’s combination of striking aesthetics, what’s described as “Bose-level” audio quality, and an accessible price point raises the question of just how good Baseus’ latest flagship headphones are. Initial impressions suggest a surprisingly refined experience.
Unboxing the headphones revealed a robust gray carrying case, small enough to fit in a backpack and designed to protect the headphones during travel. The build quality feels solid and the headphones themselves exhibit a premium feel, with a substantial weight and smooth movement in the rotating sections. Buttons offer a satisfying tactile response, and the earcups are constructed from a soft, yet durable, faux leather. The outer shell has a slightly waxy texture, adding to the overall sense of luxury. Both the audio jack cable and the included USB-C to USB-C cable are well-made, creating the impression of a product worth considerably more than its price tag.
The design of the Inspire XH1 is also noteworthy. Soft, rounded lines, understated buttons, and smooth leather earcups contribute to a premium aesthetic. The review unit came in an orange colorway, officially called “Sunset Coral,” which is arguably the most appealing option available. The color and design combination deliver the headphones the feel of a fashion accessory rather than a purely functional device, and the orange hue helps them stand out from more subdued competitors.
The headphones were first tested during a flight, connecting to the in-flight entertainment system via the included AUX cable. Despite their substantial build, the headphones are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. They fit comfortably on the head and ears, with ample space within the earcups to prevent pressure. Yet, prolonged apply did result in some warmth and slight sweating, potentially due to the tight seal created by the earcups on a bald head. The comfort level is impressive.
The audio quality proved to be another pleasant surprise. With the default Bose-certified settings, the headphones deliver a very clear and balanced sound across all frequencies. There’s a deep bass response, while the mid and high ranges remain crisp and detailed. The sound profile is remarkably balanced, with a clear and rich tone. Whether watching movies or listening to music, the 35mm drivers provide excellent clarity. The headphones were also connected to a PlayStation 5 controller to play Battlefield 6, where explosions, footsteps, and weapon sounds were noticeably deeper and more distinct compared to typical mid-range gaming headsets. Importantly, the audio remained clear even at high volumes.
The Inspire XH1 supports Dolby Audio, Hi-Res Audio, and LDAC, enhancing audio quality over Bluetooth. The Baseus app allows for customization of the sound profile, such as boosting the bass, but using these settings often disables the Bose calibration, resulting in a less optimal sound. The default settings generally provide the best audio quality, as many of the app’s adjustments detract from the clarity. The active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively eliminated approximately 90% of engine noise during the flight and, in everyday situations, easily removed most background noise comparable to more expensive ANC earbuds. While the difference between ANC on and off is noticeable, and the ambient mode functions as expected, the audio quality does suffer somewhat when ANC is engaged.
Battery life is also a key consideration, and the Inspire XH1 boasts up to 100 hours on a single charge. Given Baseus’ history of producing power banks, this claim seemed plausible, and the headphones delivered. The headphones provide voice prompts indicating the remaining battery level. During initial testing, the battery indicator remained at 100% for several hours, initially raising concerns about a malfunction. However, the battery level finally dropped to 90% during the return flight. In short, the battery life is exceptional, making these headphones an excellent choice for those prioritizing longevity.
Call quality, tested with the built-in microphone, was also satisfactory, although some background noise was present. There doesn’t appear to be dedicated noise cancellation for calls, but clarity was sufficient for typical phone calls and online meetings. Commenting on charging time is difficult, as it wasn’t a focus during testing, but the infrequent need to recharge speaks to the device’s excellent battery life.
the Baseus Inspire XH1 are impressive headphones that offer exceptional value for the price. The “Sunset Coral” colorway, in particular, offers a premium look and feel with a high-quality build. The Bose-powered audio is rich and balanced, with a deep bass response, though customizing the sound profile through the app is not recommended. Combined with excellent battery life, good ANC, and comfortable wear, these headphones are ideal for travel. These headphones represent a fantastic value, offering a premium audio experience at a significantly lower price point.
