Maxell Maxell HP-101 Type C Headphones Review
The Maxell HP-101 are ten-dollar USB-C headphones. We tested them to see if 'supreme audio' is a promise or a joke, and the results are exactly what you'd expect for the price.
The 30-Second Version
These are the headphones you buy at a gas station because you forgot yours. Sound and mic quality are bottom-tier, but they cost ten bucks and plug into a USB-C port. Treat them as a disposable last resort.
Overview
Look, these are ten-dollar headphones. That's the one thing you need to know. The Maxell HP-101 Type C headphones are a wired, USB-C-only pair of over-ears that promise 'supreme audio' but land in the bottom half of our database for sound quality. They're a simple, no-frills solution for someone who just needs sound to come out of their USB-C port and doesn't want to spend more than a fast-food meal.
Performance
Honestly, nothing surprised us. The performance metrics are exactly what you'd expect for the price. Sound quality sits in the 39th percentile, which means it's fine for podcasts or background music, but don't expect any detail or bass. The mic is predictably bad, ranking in the 36th percentile, so calls will sound like you're talking through a tin can. They're lightweight and get the job done, but that's about it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- They cost ten bucks. That's the main feature.
- Plug-and-play USB-C connectivity works with any modern phone or laptop.
- Lightweight design means they won't give you neck strain.
- No battery to charge, so they're always ready.
Cons
- Sound quality is mediocre at best, with weak bass and muddy mids. 22th
- The microphone is terrible for calls or gaming. 27th
- Build quality feels cheap and plasticky. 33th
- Wired-only design feels outdated compared to even budget wireless options.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
Audio
| Driver Type | Maxell HP-101 Type C Headphones |
| Codecs | Maxell HP-101 Type C Headphones |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | USB-C |
Battery
| Charging | USB-C |
Value & Pricing
For ten dollars, they're not a scam. You get functional headphones. But 'value' implies you're getting something good for the money, and that's a stretch. You're paying for basic functionality, not quality. If your budget is literally ten dollars and you need sound today, sure. Otherwise, saving another $20 opens up a world of better options.
vs Competition
This is where it gets rough. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max aren't even in the same universe; they're luxury products. A more relevant budget comparison is the JBL Tune 770NC. For around $50 on sale, you get wireless freedom, actual noise cancellation, and sound that doesn't sound hollow. Even a $20 pair of wired earbuds from a known brand will likely sound better than these Maxells. These exist for one reason: price.
| Spec | Maxell Maxell HP-101 Type C Headphones | Sony Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Maxell HP-101 Type C Headphones | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: What can I actually plug these into?
Any device with a USB-C port: modern Android phones, recent iPads, MacBooks, and most Windows laptops. If it's got that oval-shaped port, you're good to go.
Q: Is there a battery or do I need to charge them?
Nope, no battery. They're powered directly through the USB-C connection. Just plug and play, which is one less thing to worry about.
Q: How's the sound for music?
Honestly, not great. It's functional. You'll hear your music, but it'll be thin, lack bass, and won't have any clarity. Fine for podcasts, rough for anything you actually want to enjoy.
Who Should Skip This
If you care at all about sound quality, skip these. If you take calls or game online, skip these—the mic is awful. If you hate being tethered to your device, skip these. Basically, if you have more than ten dollars and any standards, go get the JBL Tune 770NC instead.
Verdict
We can't recommend these unless your situation is desperate. The sound is poor, the mic is worse, and being stuck with a wire in 2024 feels like a punishment. For ten dollars, they're an emergency pair you keep in a drawer for when your main headphones break. But if you can possibly stretch your budget, do it. You'll be infinitely happier with almost anything else.