Danny Weber
16:34 16-01-2026
© A. Krivonosov
Review of Haylou S40 wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, 90-hour battery, and detachable mic. Affordable full-size Bluetooth headphones.
The wireless headphone market has been flooded in recent years with models featuring active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and promises of "premium" sound. However, truly interesting devices in the affordable price segment don't appear that often. The Haylou S40 Wireless Headphones are a notable exception. These full-size Bluetooth headphones offer a set of features typically found in much more expensive models, all while targeting the mass-market user.
The Haylou S40 feature a classic over-ear form factor. The device fully encloses the ears, which benefits both comfort and passive noise isolation. The ear cups are made from a soft material, likely synthetic, and distribute pressure on the head and ears well. This makes the model suitable for long wear—be it for computer work, travel, or a gaming marathon.
The headband adjusts smoothly without play, and the ear cups can be folded for transport. The body is made of matte plastic that doesn't show fingerprints. The package includes a USB-C cable and a detachable microphone, expanding use cases from video calls to streaming and online gaming. Overall, the device sits comfortably on the head without needing constant adjustment, and its passive noise isolation performs its task 100%.
According to the manufacturer, one of the key features of the Haylou S40 is its sound. Inside each ear cup are two drivers—a 40mm unit and an additional 20mm driver with a titanium coating. This solution aims to deliver more expansive and detailed sound compared to classic single-driver models.
The headphones support Hi-Res Audio and the LDAC codec, which is especially important for Android device users. LDAC enables audio transmission with high bitrates and reduced losses, noticeably improving detail and soundstage when listening to high-quality sources. In terms of sound character, the Haylou S40 offers deep bass, clean mids, and precise highs. However, in some tracks, the highs can be sharp, and the lows can boom to the point of causing the headphones themselves to vibrate. Of course, all this can be adjusted via the companion app, though that approach isn't exactly audiophile-grade.
Nevertheless, in some songs, you can hear details that aren't audible in more expensive headphones or even on stationary speakers. For instance, the intro sounds in Deftones' "Engine No. 9" were a revelation—something I'd never heard before. A similar effect occurs with tracks from Tool and the heavier sounds of STP.
The Haylou S40 are equipped with a hybrid active noise cancellation system with up to 50 dB effectiveness. Multiple microphones work together to analyze ambient noise and compensate for it in real time. In practice, this significantly reduces transport hum, office noise, or nearby conversations.
Several modes are available: maximum noise cancellation, adaptive mode, and transparency mode, where external sounds are intentionally amplified. The latter is useful outdoors or in situations where it's important to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This helps users avoid getting "lost" in a crowd and allows for communication without taking the headphones off.
The Haylou S40 use modern Bluetooth 6.0, ensuring a stable connection and low latency. They support a technology that allows the headphones to be simultaneously connected to a smartphone and a laptop for quick switching between them.
Through the Haylou Sound app, users get access to equalizer settings, noise cancellation modes, spatial sound, and a low-latency gaming mode. Control is implemented via physical buttons and touch elements, making interaction intuitive and reliable.
One of the strongest arguments for the Haylou S40 is their battery life. The manufacturer claims up to 90 hours of operation without active noise cancellation and up to 60–70 hours with ANC enabled, which is an outstanding result for full-size wireless headphones.
Fast charging is supported: just 10 minutes at an outlet provides several hours of playback. Charging is done via USB-C, which has long been the standard and eliminates the need for rare cables.
The headphones come with a detachable microphone featuring a 48 kHz sampling rate, aimed at high-quality voice transmission. Combined with noise-canceling algorithms, it ensures clear speech during calls, video conferences, and online games. This makes the Haylou S40 a versatile solution not just for music, but also for work or study.
An added bonus is support for 360-degree spatial sound. This function creates an immersive soundstage effect that works particularly well in movies and games. There's also a gaming mode with minimal latency, which helps synchronize sound better with visuals.
The Haylou S40 Wireless Headphones are a rare example of headphones that offer a truly rich feature set for a reasonable price. High-level active noise cancellation, LDAC and Hi-Res Audio support, excellent battery life, a detachable microphone, and flexible settings make them a versatile choice for everyday use.
This model is suitable for those who want maximum capabilities without overpaying for a brand. The Haylou S40 feel confident on the road, at the desk, and in games, proving that affordable headphones can also be technologically advanced and high-quality.