If there’s one thing we like about the Canyon OnRiff 4 headphones, it’s that they know exactly what they are. These aren’t trying to take on Sony, Bose or Sennheiser, and they’re certainly not pretending to deliver audiophile-grade sound. They’re cheap, cheerful, straightforward headphones that get the job done without asking us to spend a fortune.
The OnRiff 4 is a lightweight over-ear design, weighing just 163g, with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband. They feel reasonably comfortable for longer listening sessions, although the overall construction is inevitably more budget than premium. There’s a little more plastic than we’d find on something considerably more expensive, but that’s hardly a surprise at this price point.
Connectivity is nicely sorted, with Bluetooth 5.3, a range of around 10 metres and support for both SBC and AAC. We also get a 3.5mm connection if we want to go wired, along with USB-C charging. Pairing was straightforward for us, and the physical controls and touch controls make it easy enough to play, pause and adjust our music without reaching for the phone.
Sound quality is probably where we need to keep our expectations realistic. The 40mm drivers produce a perfectly listenable sound, with enough bass to keep things enjoyable and reasonable clarity across podcasts, videos and everyday music. They’re certainly not unpleasant to listen to. However, they lack the refinement, separation and detail we’d expect from more expensive headphones. Push the volume up and things can get a little harsh, while more complicated tracks can sound somewhat congested.
Where the OnRiff 4 does impress us is battery life. Canyon claims up to 50 hours of playback, which is excellent for a budget pair of wireless headphones. There’s also a low-latency gaming mode, a built-in microphone and a foldable design, so Canyon has packed plenty into the asking price.
And that really is the key here: the price. The OnRiff 4 isn't going to win any awards for spectacular sound quality, premium materials or cutting-edge noise cancellation. But that isn't really the point. If we want a cheap pair of wireless headphones for commuting, watching videos, listening to podcasts or throwing into a bag, they make a lot of sense.
The Canyon OnRiff 4 is cheap and cheerful in the best possible way. The sound is decent rather than dazzling, but for the money, we really can't complain. If your expectations are sensible, these are an easy pair of headphones to recommend.
£24.99 (although shop around)
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