Fanny Wang On-ear Wangs review

Comedy name, but the Fanny Wang On-ear Wangs ring true Tested at £150

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Not the best in class, but, for the fashion-conscious, these are better than Beats

Pros

  • +

    Crisp, clear and punchy

  • +

    plenty of detail

  • +

    very solid build

  • +

    attention-grabbing looks

Cons

  • -

    Not quite as fluid or tonally even as the very best

  • -

    no mic or controls

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Fanny Wang is not a real person, merely a persona for a company that apparently has two simple goals: to grab the attention of the mainstream public, and to out-Beat Monster’s Beats by Dre range.

You’re unlikely ever to forget the name, so it’s succeeded on the first count, and, in terms of sound quality, it’s succeeded on the second, too.

Where the Beats are a bit bass-heavy and ponderous, the Wangs are tight and crisp. Few headphones at this price deliver vocals with such clarity and electric beats with such precision.

There’s loads of detail, too, and enough dynamic range and openness (despite the commuter-friendly closed-back design) to do justice to orchestral scores and stadium rock.

A tad clinical at times
However, beating the Beats and being the best are two different things. Compared with the best at this money, the Wangs are a tad clinical and a touch less even in the bass.

The attention-seeking, glossy, ribbed styling (which comes in red, black or white) is a matter of taste, but there’s no denying the solid build.

In fact, we wouldn’t mind a little less rigidity in the name of extra comfort.

The only other thing to bear in mind is that rather than a mic and control unit, the lead has a 3.5mm connection so a friend can listen with you. Odd, but true, and that’s Fanny Wang all over, really.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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