With so many wireless headphones flooding the market these days, it takes something special for a new model to grab my attention. But that’s precisely what happened when I first laid eyes on the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones.
V-Moda has always had a knack for making headphones that are as much a fashion accessory as they are a sound device. Their signature hexagonal ear cups and customizable metal shield kits ooze industrial chic. As a fan of the V-Moda’s eye-catching aesthetic, I was eager to see how the Crossfade 3 Wireless would develop its design. I loved using the V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless, so the attention to detail on these headphones was to be expected, but it doesn’t take away from the look that V-Moda has brought to the table.
With wireless headphones, looks only get you so far. Any self-respecting audiophile knows that sound quality is paramount. V-Moda first made waves in the DJ and EDM scene for their bass-heavy tuning. I wondered if the Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones could achieve a more balanced sound profile while retaining some of that quintessential V-Moda energy.
The battery life was another area ripe for improvement, especially compared to the last pair I looked at. The paltry 12 hours of the previous model, Crossfade 2 Wireless, simply doesn’t cut it for long-haul flights and road trips. With design, audio, and battery life upgrades on my wishlist, I laced up the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones to see if the company still has what it takes to compete in an increasingly crowded market.
Design and Comfort
At first glance, the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones look like your typical V-Moda can—all sleek lines and rugged materials with signature hexagonal earcups. The matte black colour I tested is understated yet still eye-catching, thanks to subtle silver accents on the metal headband and earcup shields.
V-Moda lets you customize the look by swapping out the shields for other colours and materials. I’m partial to the 3D-printed titanium ones myself for that cyberpunk vibe. There’s also a flashy black and bronze “Shadow” version if you really want to turn heads at the coffee shop. Sadly, I did not have any to put to the test while using the headphones, but looking at the website gives a good taste of what they could look like while in use.
The padding on the headband and earcups strikes a nice balance between plush comfort and firm support. The clamping force is snug but not vice-like. I never felt fatigued wearing them during long listening sessions. Folding the earcups inward lets you pack the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones into the included exoskeleton carrying case.
“The Crossfade 3 Wireless makes an excellent choice if you want bass-forward audio with excellent clarity and balance.”
Controls are straightforward: volume buttons, a play/pause/call button, and a power slider are all within easy reach on the right earcup. On the left side, you’ll find a USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, which I am happy to say works well for in-flight entertainment systems. It all also fits in the carrying case, making it easy to take while travelling.
Build quality is solid overall, though the mostly plastic construction means they’re not quite as indestructible as V-Moda claims. Still, the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones look and feel like premium headphones you’ll happily wear for years to come.
Features and Battery Life
Connectivity comes via Bluetooth 5.1, so you get stable wireless performance and improved power efficiency. The Crossfade 3 Wireless supports AAC and AptX HD codecs for high-quality streaming from iOS/Android devices. There’s also a standard 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening if you prefer.
V-Moda claims around 30 hours of battery life per charge. During my testing, I got very close to that at max volume—enough juice for several days of moderate use without reaching for the USB-C charging cable. The quick charging feature is handy for topping up in a pinch—10 minutes plugged in provides roughly five more hours of playback.
A simple companion app lets you tweak settings like EQ presets and auto-off timers. It also shows the battery level, current codec, and firmware version. I wish the app showed the estimated battery time remaining rather than just a percentage, but it’s a minor gripe. I did not use the app all that much while testing, although I am very pleased with how easy it was to jump into when I needed a setting changed.
At this price point, 30 hours of battery life is excellent for a wireless headphone. Competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer multipoint pairing and noise cancellation but may need recharging every 20 hours or so. For those who value long battery life above all else, the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones deliver in spades and are a significant improvement from the last generation offering.
Sound Quality
V-Moda packs the Crossfade 3 Wireless with large 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers that deliver the vivid, bass-forward sound the brand is known for. The company says it has tweaked the housing design and materials to refine the signature sound profile even further.
I found the sound to be energetic yet balanced. Thumping bass lines and crunchy beats in hip-hop and EDM tracks really jump out at you. The mids are smooth and precise, bringing vocals to the forefront. Treble has a good presence without getting overly sharp or sibilant.
Although the soundstage is a little intimate, the separation between instruments is excellent. You can pick out every element in complex mixes. The Crossfade 3 Wireless excels at conveying the drive and emotion of rock music. Acoustic instruments are also given room to breathe. As mentioned earlier, you can use the app to select EQ presets such as V-Moda’s signature V-sound or bass boost. There’s also a fully customizable 5-band EQ to tweak the frequency response, so you should be able to find a setting that delivers the audio in a way that suits your taste and style.
“Considering the $299 price tag, the Crossfade 3 Wireless punches above its weight with premium materials, 30 hours of battery life, and great sound quality without noise cancellation.”
Wired and wireless playback quality is comparable, so you don’t lose much by switching to Bluetooth. The AptX HD codec provides almost lossless quality with compatible devices. For a sub-$300 pair of wireless headphones ($299 to be precise), the Crossfade 3 Wireless excels in terms of sound quality. Bass lovers will be thrilled, but the overall balance means they won’t just appeal to club kids, making them an ideal choice for people who just love audio.
However, the Crossfade 3 Wireless lacks noise cancellation, and while this may help the battery, it may not be what some people are looking for. If these features are important to you, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is worth considering for its class-leading noise cancellation or the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless for its wide soundstage. But suppose you want stylish, durable wireless headphones with customizable sound. In that case, the Crossfade 3 Wireless is an easy recommendation, especially if audio quality and battery life are at the top of your list.
After a few weeks with the Crossfade 3 Wireless, I’m impressed at how V-Moda has honed their signature style and sound. These headphones retain the standout industrial design the brand is known for, now with refined comfort and materials. Audiophiles will enjoy the energetic, vivid sound with powerful bass and customizable EQ options via the app.
Considering the $299 price tag, the Crossfade 3 Wireless punches above its weight. You get premium materials, 30 hours of battery life, and excellent sound quality without the extra cost of noise cancellation seen in some competitors. It is a great offering that delivers where it matters most without being bogged down by extra features that just take away from the core experience – listening to good music.
The V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones make an excellent choice if you want bass-forward audio with excellent clarity and balance. V-Moda fans will feel right at home. Casual listeners should also check them out for wireless headphones that look as great as they sound. V-Moda has displayed its strengths with this model. The Crossfade 3 Wireless brings signature style, long battery life, and energetic audio to the table. Audiophiles and bass lovers alike will find plenty to love.
