Belkin's new SoundForm lineup pricing is music to our ears

The idea that active noise cancelation (ANC) is a premium earbud feature might soon not stand true. The feature, once reserved for expensive headphones and earbuds, is increasingly appearing on more affordable models. Accessory-maker Belkin is trying to push that trend further.

At IFA Berlin, the California-based company showed off three new additions to its audio portfolio, and they all have one thing in common: they offer ANC at relatively accessible price points. The three new additions are the SoundForm Isolate Buds, the SoundForm Dot, and the SoundForm Play ANC, and they’re designed for immersive listening, everyday value, and older kids, respectively.

SoundForm Isolate Buds

These are Belkin’s new noise canceling earbuds for immersive listening. According to the company, these are the flagship buds in the new lineup, built for those who want relatively stronger noise cancelation and an overall more secure fit. The buds deliver up to 45dB of noise cancelation, which should help block out noise in the lower-frequency spectrum, like the sound of an airplane engine.

The buds sport a wing-tip design to keep them secured in your ear, with three sizes of both ear tips and wing tips included to ensure a proper fit. SoundForm Isolate offers 32 hours of total battery life, which is about the industry average, with a 10-minute charge offering roughly 90 minutes of playback.

Other worth-noting specs include IPX5 water and sweat resistance, Bluetooth Multipoint support for two-device connectivity, and EQ customization.

The Belkin SoundForm Isolate Buds cost $59.99. They’ll be available to order in September. Belkin did not share a concrete release date.

SoundForm Dot

These are Belkin’s new “everyday earbuds,” and they come in two options: with and without ANC, though considering the price difference between the two, you’d be better off going with the ANC model.

The SoundForm Dot without ANC cost $34.99. The SoundForm Dot with ANC cost $39.99. That’s a mere $5 difference between the two. Apart from that distinction, the two models share the exact specs. These include Bluetooth Multipoint support, EQ customization, fast charge support, and IPX5 water and sweat resistance.

Similar to the Isolate Buds, the SoundForm Dot also comes with three ear-tip sizes to ensure the right fit. Belkin claims 30 hours of battery life, though we expect this to be higher on the non-ANC model.

The SoundForm Dot will be available to order in September. Belkin did not share a concrete release date.

SoundForm Play ANC

These are Belkin’s over-ear ANC headphones designed for “kids ages 5 and up who are ready for a more mature listening experience.”

Belkin is pairing ANC with an optional 85dB Safe Sound volume limiter that’s designed to keep listening levels within a safe range. It also introduces a new Focus Boost feature that adds ambient soundscapes, including Seashore, Brain Beats, and Pink Noise, to promote focus during important tasks.

Given its larger overall size, Belkin has been able to fit a larger battery in the SoundForm Play compared to the rest of the lineup. With ANC turned off, the headphones offer up to 62 hours of battery life. With ANC on, battery life drops to about 45 hours.

The SoundForm Play also boast a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening when needed, complete with audio sharing, a built-in microphone, USB-C charging, and a folding design. The SoundForm Play cost $49.99. They will be available to order in September. Belkin did not share a concrete release date.