Montblanc has decided to enter the segment of high-end wireless headphones. Its MB 01 is a conclusive first attempt, but the price of which, reaching almost 600 euros, is not justified.

We don't test headphones selling for nearly 600 euros every day, even if there will soon be Apple's AirPods Max (629 euros) and even if audiophiles will tell you that the most high-end products are offered at even higher prices. By its luxury positioning, Montblanc could hardly market a first affordable headset. Its MB 01 costs 595 euros. For this price, it obviously compiles the two essential features of the moment: the absence of a wire (except for charging) and active noise reduction.

Montblanc adds its signature touch to accessories, starting with a design that combines several refined materials. One wonders why the company decided to enter a competitive segment that it is far from mastering and where its legitimacy remains to be done. In reality, Montblanc sees the MB 01 as a travel product, one that its customers will be delighted to wear with a bag or a suitcase. The whole issue is whether or not this MB 01 is worth the 595 euros it claims. The answer is between yes and no because, at this price level, we are entitled to expect faultless performance on all criteria.

The Montblanc helmet and its pouch

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

Exquisite design, disappointing finishes

The MB 01 is a very nice headset, perhaps the prettiest we've ever had in our hands. Known for its aesthetically exquisite products, Montblanc, which defends artisanal values, does not disappoint on this point. The leather – genuine – smells wonderfully good, the aluminum covering the headband shines with a thousand lights (a little too much, by the way) and the silicone of the ear cups is as surprising as it is soft to the touch. The flexible structure allows you to fold the helmet on itself, making it easier to store in a pouch provided (we would have preferred a shell, given the price). We notice that the headband is only connected to the ear cups on the back part, giving a slightly atypical look. On each side of the branches, there is the star-shaped logo representing the six valleys of Mont Blanc. The company has also left its mark on the cables.

As refined as it is, the MB 01 is a bit lacking in terms of finishes – an unacceptable point for very high-end products. Our copy, loaned by the brand, shows a glaring lack of attention to detail, especially when looking at the metallic paint applied to the arch. The result is not clear, sometimes iridescent (the end of the branches), even badly posed. We also noticed that the rail allowing the headband to be adjusted in height tends to hang the color of the aluminum.

We fear for the durability of the object, which catches fingerprints and seems to be able to scratch very quickly. We expected much better from Montblanc on this very important criterion, which is more so when you invest such a sum of money. Maybe our copy is abnormally damaged. Therefore, we advise new owners to check that the finishes are up to expectations, after the first unpacking.

Cracking paint on the Montblanc MB 01 headphones

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

Iridescent paint on the Montblanc MB 01 headphones

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

Where's the companion app?

At launch, Montblanc obviously didn't want to bother with a companion app with its MB 01, which simply connects to your device via the Bluetooth settings. A little advice on this point: be sure to press the ignition button long enough to correctly start the process (the LEDs indicating the level of autonomy must flash). The configuration proved finicky during our test bench and, for example, we were unable to link the MB 01 to our MacBook Air without first removing it from our iPhone.

Montblanc has not yet made the companion application available to play with the MB 01 settings or activate/deactivate features (example: active noise reduction). In the meantime, the headset relies on buttons on the right atrium. In addition to the one dedicated to the ignition, there is a volume selector which naturally falls under the index and two shortcuts (a little to launch Google Assistant, another for active noise reduction and ambient mode). On the headset, there is a hidden button that allows you to pause or start playback.

Little disappointment: the MB 01 will not automatically shut down if you remove it from your head — despite what it says on the box. Technologically speaking, Montblanc's product is therefore not the most advanced, nor the best equipped on the market.

The buttons of the Montblanc MB 01 headphones

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

Appreciably light

Montblanc sees the MB 01 as a travel accessory. It even provides an adapter to plug it into an airplane (dual pin). To be a perfect travel companion, as it is written on the packaging, the helmet must be irreproachable in terms of comfort. In use, it is clear that it is. First of all, it owes this quality to its lightness (280 grams), which helps to lessen the feeling of being crushed when wearing a helmet. The weight is intelligently distributed and the flexibility allows the MB 01 to be placed without enclosing the skull too much.

We can also highlight the quality of the ear cups, equipped with a padding that sinks very well when surrounding the ear. In terms of comfort, the MB 01 is truly an example to follow.

The inside of the Montblanc MB 01 helmet

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

Okay, the sound reproduction is stunning

Because its price tickles 600 euros, the MB 01 must definitely be irreproachable in terms of sound reproduction. Especially since we are promised an exceptional acoustic experience. To turn its ambition into reality, Montblanc approached Alex Rosson, an expert who sells very high-end audiophile headphones for more than $2,000. We feel it from the first seconds in the company of the MB 01, which relies on a very delicate sound signature. The scene is presented with precision and accuracy, endeavoring to make every note breathe in a very coherent whole. The balance is there, with comfortable bass, sharp mids and highs that support when needed.

Montblanc could not really go wrong with the rendering of its MB 01, since it is imposed in the absence of an equalizer with which the user could play. We then find ourselves with a premium experience, playing less the card of swagger, more that of purity. It's crystalline, a little confusing, but you really feel that the smallest piece is highlighted with attention, to the point of hearing information that was imperceptible until then. As a bonus, we benefit from a relevant division between the different plans and from a power which implies not turning up the volume too much (otherwise, we will hear from the outside).

In terms of active noise reduction, the MB 01 is not immune to the slight hissing phenomenon that occurs when the music is paused. On the other hand, it does wonderfully well when it is necessary to lock the user in what is called a bubble of tranquility – once the music is deployed. We would have liked to put the technology chosen by Montblanc to the test of an airplane flight – given the positioning – but the confinement prevents us from doing so. It's just a shame not to be able to adjust it as we would like, knowing that Bose and Sony remain unbeatable on this feature (they attenuate noise much better, including the most complex).

The logo of the Montblanc MB 01 headphones

Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama

20 hours to ensure a plane trip

The MB 01 is based on a 20-hour autonomy thanks to its battery which is recharged via a USB-C port (cable provided). On this characteristic, it is copiously beaten by the Sony WH-1000XM4, which reaches almost 30 hours on a single charge. It finally boxed in the same category as the Bose Headphones 700.

The verdict

We liked

We liked less

Can we really recommend the Montblanc MB 01? You will certainly make a nice Christmas present to whoever you give it to. But the 595 euros he claims are a little too high compared to the overall benefits. The sound signature is stunning and has no real equivalent compared to its cheaper rivals, but the price difference is still too great to justify it on its own.

Especially since the MB 01 is far from flawless in all areas. Its design, comfortable, is exquisite but is betrayed by unforgivable flaws in the finish with regard to the positioning of Montblanc (if we are to believe the flaws present on our test copy). And, technologically speaking, it is very limited. Youthful concerns that do not invite indulgence, even for a company that is not a specialist in the segment.