Parrot Zik 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones Review

Introduction:

The Parrot Zik headphones are undoubtedly one of the best performing headphones in the market. This includes the wireless functionality that the headphone offers. The first and second versions of the Parrot Zik were already superb – and version 3 is definitely better. But is the Parrot Zik 3 worth the upgrade? Let’s find out.

Manufacturer’s Specification:

• Dimensions: 175 x 202 x 39.3 mm WHD
• Weight: 270 grams
• USB/Micro-USB cable: 1.3 m
• Mini-jack cable: 1.3 m
• USB cable: 1.3 m
• Battery: Li-Ion 830 mAh
• Battery life: Flight mode (ANC activated + line-in): 18 hours; Eco mode (ANC activated + line-in + spatialization effect): 7 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: AD2P, AVRCP, HFP, and PBAP Hands-free
• NFC: Yes
• Audio performances: 40 mm Neodymium drivers, 32-bit processor
• Digital-to-Analog Converter: integrated 192 kHz – 24-bit
• Analog-to-Digital Converter: integrated 192 kHz – 24-bit
• USB Audio: PCM 16 bits/48 kHz
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• HD telephony: High definition Hands-free calls via Bluetooth.
• Text To Speech: to hear caller’s name.
• Voice Recognition: to initiate a call.
• Comfort: Capacitive touch panel
• Automatic Adaptive Noise Cancelling: With multiple active microphones, the outside noise is
• cancelled out by opposing sound waves (anti-noise) in order to create an uncompromising listening comfort.
• App: Free app that is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones plus with Android Wear and Apple Watch

Design:

In terms of design, the Parrot Zik 3 doesn’t have any varying differences compared to its predecessors. It still features a full leather exterior but now comes in a variety of colors.

But the changes made by designer Philippe Starck made the Parrot Zik 3 a more durable and better headphone – the headband is now more flexible, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit.

A soft padding covers the ear cups, which are also lined with a leather exterior. Just like the previous versions, the right ear cup is touch sensitive and acts as the main control panel for controlling playback on the Parrot Zik 3.

The Parrot Zik 3 also offers a digital 32 bits audio processing so the best possible sound quality. The best part is that this headphone includes a new auto adaptive noise cancelling technology that checks the sounds in your surroundings properly blocks them so you can enjoy your tunes.

This headphone also supports the Qi wireless charging standard – meaning you can use similar accessories from Samsung to charge the Parrot Zik 3 wirelessly. You can also use the traditional micro USB port for charging the headphones.

Setup:

If your smartphone has NFC, you can use it to easily to connect your device on Bluetooth – else you can just use manual pairing to connect it. You can also choose to use the included 3.5 mm audio cable or the micro USB cable to connect it to a computer.

Additionally, there is a companion app that you need to download to take advantage of the Parrot Zik 3’s other features. The app lets you adjust various EQ settings including the option to download presets made by artists so that you can use them to listen to their tunes the way they intended it.

Performance:

I paired the Parrot Zik 3 with my iPhone using mostly tunes I’ve downloaded in high-res from iTunes. Sound is definitely supreme – great trebles and deep bass. The noise cancelling feature may be the best part, since it managed to effectively block out outside noises when I used it on the train or near a busy street.

Stereo separation is present, and you can properly hear each instrument with precise quality. Warmer tunes is definitely the best part of the Parrot Zik 3 and playing with the EQ settings can bring out the best out of my music library.

Battery life lasted for about 7 hours after a full charge.

Supplied Accessories:

• Parrot Zik 3
• Carrying case
• Micro USB cable
• 3.5 mm audio cable

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Excellent sound output
• Plethora of features
• Wireless audio streaming
• Can be charged wirelessly

Cons

• Design might not suit all users
• Avarge battery life

Conclusion:

The Parrot Zik 3 improves upon the Zik 2 in almost every way. It is easily one of the top performing wireless headphones we’ve tested. Its cost may be on the premium side, but overall what you will get is a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones that manage to perfectly blend form and function.