Review: IFROGZ Impulse Wireless Headphones

IFROGZ Impulse Wireless Headphones
$59.99
Zagg

I have been living on video conferencing lately. Skype, Skype for Business, Zoom, Moxtra, and others. I have three hardware companions with me when invoking realtime communications: an older HD Microsoft camera, a Blue Microphone Yeti and the IFROGZ Impulse Wireless Headphones.

Despite the name, I never use the Impulse as a wireless headset. The Bluetooth works just fine — but regardless of the innovation in Bluetooth, wireless proves no substitute for a solid connection when all other connections are suspect — like the Internet between Seattle and Chennai India. My Impulse headset affixes to the audio out port on the Yeti, keeping the sound flowing at high quality.

At first glance, the Impulse wireless looks a little clunky. Its round, flat on-ear cans don’t engender high expectations for quality sound. But after hours of use, I find the AeroFoam earpads remain comfortable for hours, and the lightness of the overall design makes it a pleasure to wear.

The 40mm drivers provide rich sound, and the foam blocks most external noise, even without active noise canceling (save the dog barking at the front door). While the Impulse sports a foldable design, I usually just loop them over the Yeti’s gigantic microphone which, for me, doubles as a headphone stand.

If you in need of a Bluetooth headset, the IFROGZ Impulse Wireless Headphones will do good duty, though it isn’t as portable or non-intrusive as earbuds. On-device controls make controlling volume and play easy – nothing hidden or obscure. Charging arrives via micro-USB, which takes about two and a half hours, and that charge translates to about 12 hours of playtime, which I’ve never tested. The headset does not require power in wired mode.

Speaking of wires, my one complaint is the stock audio cable that comes with the headset. It is very thin compared to any other wire except for those found accompanying free tour bus or airline headsets. After recently snapping a Bose tether on an international flight, anything this thin worries me in terms of robustness under real-world conditions. The cable does come with a nice magnetic organizer, though.

IFROGZ, a division of Zagg, includes a 1-year limited warranty on defective headphones with purchase (it does not cover wearing the headphone in the pool).

Bottomline

At $59.99, the IFROGZ Impulse Wireless Headphones offer a good balance of usefulness and value. I receive many items for review, and few get used daily. That the Impulse Wireless Headphones go on my head every day for video conferencing says a lot for there comfort and reliability in an office setting.