Orange Amps, the company best known for its loud, bright-orange guitar amps, is back with something a little quieter: a new pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones called the ‘O’ Edition MKII. And while the headphones are packed with modern features like customizable audio and app-based controls, you might be surprised at how… not orange they are. Even less orange than their previous model, the Orange Crest Edition MKII.

The ‘O’ Edition MKII headphones are part of the Orange Essentials lineup and retail for $229 / £169. They’re clearly aimed at music lovers who want more control over their listening experience, but not necessarily flashy design. So, if you were hoping for something bold and unmistakably “Orange,” these headphones take a much more toned-down approach.

One of the big features here is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which comes with three different presets. You can switch modes with a button on the headphones themselves or dive into the Orange Amps mobile app to personalize how much outside noise you want to let in. Whether you're trying to block out background chatter at a coffee shop or stay aware of your surroundings on a walk, the flexibility is nice to have.

The app also includes a customizable 10-band EQ. So if you’re someone who likes to tweak bass, mids, and treble until everything sounds just right, you’ll have plenty of room to play. You can even save your own EQ presets or choose from ready-made ones if you’d rather not start from scratch.

The headphones use 40mm close voice-coil drivers with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, aiming to deliver a hi-fi listening experience that still feels personal.

Controls are handled via a touchpad on the right earcup. You can tap or swipe to play/pause music, skip tracks, answer calls, and adjust volume. These gestures are customizable in the app too, so you can tailor the controls to your liking.

Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and stable pairing, whether you’re connecting to your phone, tablet, or laptop. And for those times when Bluetooth just won’t cut it — say, with an old-school music player or during a flight — there’s also a 3.5mm aux cable included.

Battery life is another area where the ‘O’ Edition MKII holds up well. You’ll get up to 50 hours of listening on a full charge. And if you’re in a rush, a 15-minute quick charge gives you around 7 hours of playback — enough for a commute or workout.

The design itself is lightweight and travel-friendly. The earcups are cushioned and can rotate, and the adjustable headband helps ensure a comfortable fit. The headphones also fold down neatly into the included carrying case, and a USB-C cable is provided for charging.

Here’s where things get a little more divisive: the design. Orange is famous for, well, being orange. From its guitar amps to its Bluetooth speakers, the brand usually leans into its rock-and-roll roots with a bold, recognizable look. But that’s not really the case here. The ‘O’ Edition MKII looks really nice, but they could pass for headphones from just about any other tech brand — think more Sony or Bose than a company with a legacy in guitar gear.

Some fans might feel like Orange missed a chance to make these headphones stand out visually, especially when brands like Marshall lean heavily into their amp-inspired aesthetic. In a world of black and white headphones, a splash of signature orange could’ve made these pop.

Technical Specifications:

• Style: Over-ear, Foldable design, Metal/rubber-coated plastic body
• Drivers: 40mm driver units
• Sensitivity: 121dB (at 1 kHz)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Weight: 238 g (0.52 lb)
• Connectivity: Wireless: Bluetooth 5.2, Wired: 3.5mm AUX input, Supports: AAC, SBC audio codecs, Bluetooth profiles: AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, App support: Compatible with Orange mobile app
• Battery: Up to 50 hours play time, Battery capacity: 800 mAh
• Included in the box: 1 x AUX cable, 1 x USB-C charging cable, 1 x Carry case, 1 x User manual

At $229, the ‘O’ Edition MKII sits in the same general price range as mid-tier headphones like the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2, the Soundcore Space One Pro, or the Sennheiser Accentum Plus. It’s not trying to replace your studio monitors or compete with ultra-premium models, but it does offer a nice mix of personalization, long battery life, and both wired and wireless flexibility.

The Orange Amps ‘O’ Edition MKII headphones are available now through Orange’s official sites and through select retailers.