Master & Dynamic MW07 Review: A Great (But Pricey) AirPods Alternative

Our Verdict

The Master & Dynamic MW07 don't but look good. Their well-judged audio signature and sturdy fit go along them in contention amid newer earbuds, particularly now that the price has dropped.

For

Counterbalanced, well-defined sound
Eye-catching design
Impressive noise isolation
Intelligent controls
Comfortable and snug fit
USB Type-C charging

Against

Short battery life
Charging example is prone to fingerprints and scuffs
Very pricey

Tom'southward Guide Verdict

The Chief & Dynamic MW07 don't just look skilful. Their well-judged sound signature and sturdy fit go along them in contention among newer earbuds, especially now that the price has dropped.

Pros

+
Counterbalanced, well-defined sound
+
Center-catching design
+
Impressive noise isolation
+
Intelligent controls
+
Comfy and snug fit
+
USB Type-C charging

Cons

-
Short battery life
-
Charging case is decumbent to fingerprints and scuffs
-
Very pricey

A lot has changed since the Chief & Dynamic MW07 first launched. The AirPods have plenty of contest for the all-time wireless earbuds, and high-tech features like active noise cancellation has become much more than commonplace.

Can the these older buds still catch attention, and not simply considering of their striking design? Every bit our Master & Dynamic MW07 review explains, the answer is yes — for now.

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Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Price and availability

The Chief & Dynamic MW07 currently cost betwixt $160 and $200, depending on the retailer. That'south a lot less than when they offset released in September 2018: dorsum then they were $300, more than the AirPods Pro.

Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Design

The MW07 resemble the handsome and luxe appearance of what's shown on the 1000&D website. The fun begins the moment yous place these beauties in your ears.

The earphones are constructed from acetate and stainless steel, giving them a premium, polished look that reflects its luxury value. Sporting them in the sun produces a nice shine factor that's sure to describe attention. The company site claims that the earbuds come IPX4-certified, which makes them resistant to splashes and sweat. However, you'd be foolish to put these at risk of any h2o harm. Go on them away from the puddle and toilet.

Adding to their sleek appearance is a stainless-steel charging case that powers and stores the earbuds when non in use. The instance is solidly built, with a strong frame to keep them locked in and secured. Unfortunately, it isn't resilient enough to withstand scuffs and smudges, and the sleeky exterior shows fingerprints like crazy. Knowing this, the company tossed in an extra carry pouch to protect the case from unwanted marks.

The earbuds are available in four assuming colors: Grey Terrazzo, Matter Black, Steel Blue and Tortoiseshell. I got my hands on the latter color and appreciated thedetailing correct out of the box. Other bundled accessories include two fit wings, five ear tip sizes and a USB-C charging cable.

Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Comfort and fit

The MW07 earphones might look hefty and relatively big when worn, but that'south only half true. Despite their ample and solid form, they are are low-cal enough to wear for long periods and won't weigh down your ears;they're just not as light or slender every bit other models.

At 0.32 ounces each, the MW07 buds are heavier than the AirPods (0.14 ounces each) and Jabra Aristocracy 65t (0.23 ounces). The charging example adds another ii.7 ounces s to the equation; the AirPods and Elite 65t's cases weigh 1.3 ounces and ii.vii ounces, respectively. Is that a deal-breaker? Absolutely not, particularly when because how feather-light 0.32 ounces feels.

All the numbers mean naught when you're really experiencing the supreme condolement of these earbuds. G&D included its proprietary "fit wings," which take silicone ridges that mold to your ear shape, keeping the earbuds steady and forming a tight seal for noise isolation. They residual gently on the concha without piercing information technology, different some upkeep-friendly Airpods alternatives. Too included is a tutorial leaflet to aid fit them properly.

Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Controls and setup

You don't see many truly wireless earbuds with actual buttons; most either operate on tap gestures or feature one button on the side that ruins wearability by pressing the buds straight into your ear. M&D chose to literally piece of work effectually the blueprint, past placing buttons at the elevation while integrating a absurd motion-gesture feature to manage playback.

On the left, volume rockers increment and decrease sound levels. On the right is i multi-functional push programmed to exercise everything else. Pressing it once will respond/end calls or play/pause music. Striking it twice skips a song forward, whereas iii taps skip it backwards. Yes, the buttons are tiny, but provide not bad tactility to instantly actuate commands.

More impressive is the MW07's ability to automatically stop music when removing the earbuds from your ears. Inside are optical sensors that can detect such movement, a unique trick that spares you from the extra step of pressing the multi-office button, but more so, is highly instinctive and works well.

M&D has made the initial setup for the MW07 practical and simple. Once you lot remove the earbuds from the case, they automatically enter pairing mode, which is indicated by the pulsing calorie-free on the bottom correct earbud. Enable Bluetooth on your preferred device, search for MW07 on the bachelor devices listing and select it.

Primary & Dynamic MW07 review: Audio performance

Crisp, detailed and expansive – the MW07 boasts some of the best sound quality on a truly wireless model. All kudos can exist attributed to the x-millimeter beryllium drivers, which are more powerful than the drivers found in Apple and Jabra'southward models, and increase performance for a dynamic and spacious listening experience.

One thing I dear about these earbuds is that they're genre-neutral. I tapped into many music categories – hip-hop remaining the headliner – and enjoyed clean, immersive audio that AirPods can't match. Twista's "Slow Jamz" showcased the earbuds' audio prowess, astutely reproducing the song'due south infectious drum and percussion furnishings while adding clarity to the rapper's vocals. Articulating his tongue-twisting rhyme scheme was much easier with these in my ears.

The MW07 profile does favor lows, merely surprisingly balances mids and highs well to bring forth stabilized sound. The swampy bassline on The Beatles "Come Together" had extra oomph, while clearing upward Paul McCartney's background vocals to give them distinction when sharing mic duties with a distorted-sounding John Lennon. I was also captivated by the rhythmic drums and synths on Lady Gaga's "LoveGame," along with the singer's vibrant vocalization.

Highs are another sonic hallmark that took me past surprise. The flutes on 50 Cent's "Only Lil Bit" were bright and provided a lightness over the rapper's braggadocious lyrics. Taking the earbuds into British rock-pop territory, the violin riffs on The Verve's "Biting Sugariness Symphony" carried remarkable definition that complemented the lead vocaliser'due south dreary delivery.

When compared to the AirPods and Elite 65t, the MW07 delivered clearer, more brilliant audio. Instrument separation was more noticeable on these earbuds, particularly on live music recordings. Neither the MW07 nor Aristocracy 65t are slouches on the bass, though the former has more than depth and manages percussion better.

Primary & Dynamic MW07 review: Racket isolation

Noise isolation can make all the difference in how you hear music in distracting environments. The MW07 does this fairly well, peculiarly when adjusting the ear tips and wings to a proper fit. I sported these on the train and was never pulled away from my music;, the earbuds blocked much, if non all, the ambient racket in my car. Above ground, I occasionally heard an ambulance siren screeching its style through traffic, yet I wasn't fazed past it. The earphones too come in handy when wanting to block out dissonance in shut quarters such as your cubicle or living room.

Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Digital assistant support

Another cool feature hidden within the MW07 is access to Google Assistant and Siri-holding down the multifunctional button triggers your phone's assistant. Being an Android guy, I utilized Google's AI bot to perform common tasks such as checking the weather condition and reading my weekly events, hands-gratis. I tested the omnidirectional microphone's range by whispering commands into it and was impressed by how well it picked up my voice. Using the feature exterior wasn't so favorable, as drafty conditions and loud pedestrians interfered with commands.

Master & Dynamic MW07 review: Bombardment life

M&D bills the MW07 at 3.5 hours of playtime on a total accuse. That's mediocre for most sub-luxury options in the category. The AirPods and Elite 65t provide five hours each.

As someone who relies heavily on music to get through the twenty-four hours, it became ho-hum having to toss these in the charging case once, sometimes twice a day. Increasing the volume and taking wireless calls affected the battery as well.

As disappointing as this sounds, battery performance isn't all bad on the MW07. The charging case does become you fourteen hours of full listening time. Although, the unsung characteristic on these earbuds is USB-C charging, which increases charging times and powers up the instance at l percent in fifteen minutes, 100 percent at around 45 minutes. They also go into sleep mode to preserve battery life when inactive.

Chief & Dynamic MW07 review: Call quality and connectivity

The MW07's great audio qualities don't carry over into call quality. Talking to my girlfriend in quiet environments delivered so-so results. We did manage to hear each other clearly without having to raise the book. Walking through crowded areas presented problems, as she reported hearing much of the background dissonance around me, which forced me to speak louder into the mic.

Nearly current truly wireless models have Bluetooth 5.0, just not the MW07. The company settled for Bluetooth 4.2, which provides up to a 30-pes range. That was enough for me to walk through different rooms in my house and into the hallway without interference. Removing the earbuds from the case while Bluetooth was turned on also reconnected them to my last synced device.

Primary & Dynamic MW07 review: Verdict

The Chief & Dynamic MW07 remains a corking-looking, great-sounding set up of true wireless buds. These earphones offer amend audio fidelity than the AirPods and Elite 65t, forth with a snug fit and intelligible features that augment their functionality. Sadly, they're as well too high up in toll – the 1 variable that factors almost when investing in a pair of audio buds.

If you're looking to salve coin, you'll discover the Elite 65t to be a suitable backup that promotes deep audio, longer battery life and a companion app with useful features. However, if yous're non i to compromise your gustation in sound or style, requite 1000&D all your greenbacks.

A lifestyle announcer with an affinity for consumer products, Alex has over a decade of experience and has worked with pop publications such every bit Circuitous, Thrillist, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, AskMen, and Hoop Mag. He currently focuses on audio, reviewing the most coveted headphones in the market for both Tom'southward Guide and Laptop Magazine.