Belkin Belkin SoundForm Surround Wireless Over-Ear Review

The Belkin SoundForm Surround wireless over-ear headphones offer insane battery life and solid connectivity for about $32, but they seriously compromise on sound quality. They're best for marathon listening sessions where audio fidelity isn't a priority. For music lovers, there are better budget options.

If you're hunting for a cheap pair of wireless over-ear headphones that promise to do a bit of everything, the Belkin SoundForm Surround probably popped up in your search. Priced around $32, they're a budget-friendly option in a sea of premium cans. They're marketed for work, gaming, and general listening, with features like Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connectivity, and a built-in mic. They're also foldable, made from recycled plastic, and claim a massive 60-hour battery life. On paper, it's a lot of headphone for the money, but as we dug into the data, the story gets more complicated.

Let's talk about what matters: how they actually perform. Our database shows these headphones land in the 24th percentile for sound quality. That's not great. The single dynamic driver setup delivers what Belkin calls 'Signature Sound,' but in practice, that translates to a balanced but unremarkable audio profile. One owner specifically called out a lack of bass. For gaming and calls, our scores are middling at 55.9 and 45.8 out of 100, respectively. The good news is in other areas: battery life sits in the 90th percentile, so that 60-hour claim seems legit, and connectivity (85th percentile) with Bluetooth 5.4 is solid. The mic quality is surprisingly decent for the price, ranking in the 81st percentile.

At $32, the value proposition is simple: you're paying for battery and connectivity, not audio fidelity. You're getting features usually found on headphones two or three times the price, like multipoint Bluetooth and a long-lasting battery. But the sound quality is the big trade-off. If your main goal is to have a pair of comfortable, all-day headphones for podcasts, calls, and background music, the price is right. If you care about how your music actually sounds, you'll want to look elsewhere.

This price bracket is crowded. The JBL Tune 770NC often goes on sale for not much more and adds proper active noise cancellation, which the Belkin completely lacks. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus is a step up in price but offers a much more refined sound profile and excellent ANC. Even compared to other budget options, the Belkin's sound percentile is a red flag. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max are in a different league entirely, but they're also 5-10x the price. The real question is whether you'd be happier with a slightly more expensive pair from JBL or Anker that doesn't compromise as much on audio.

Skip these if you're an audiophile, a frequent traveler who needs noise cancellation, or a gamer who wants immersive sound. The weak audio performance and lack of ANC make them a poor fit. Instead, look at the JBL Tune 770NC for ANC on a budget or the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus for better sound at a mid-range price.

Should you buy the Belkin SoundForm Surround? Only if your budget is absolutely locked at $30 and battery life is your #1 priority. They're a functional tool for all-day wear and basic audio tasks. But for anyone who even casually enjoys music, movies, or gaming, the weak sound quality is a deal-breaker. You can find better-sounding headphones in this price range, even if they sacrifice a bit of battery. We'd recommend stretching your budget by $20-$30 for a much better overall experience.