Positive Vibration Frequency Review: House Of Marley’s Latest Affordable Over-Ear Headphones

Technology is making audio gear more and more accessible to a broader range of audiences and consumers. And when done right, this means that the average person can snag headphones, earbuds, and monitors for a fraction of the price of similar products just a decade ago. But when done poorly, which is far too often the case, unwitting users buy mid-tier products for what they think is a steal, only to have them replaced in a few short months. 

Well, at least that’s from our experiences which is why we are constantly a bit wary when a mid-priced pair of headphones hit the market and promises the world in terms of quality and durability. But as tired as we can be, we are equally as excited to put these headphones to the test in hopes that they prove our skepticism wrong and that we get a chance to chat about excellent gear that we love. 

So with all that in mind, let’s dive into House Of Marley’s latest offering, the Positive Vibration Frequency Over-Ear, Bluetooth headphones, and see how they compare to the myriad of other headphones that seem to be hitting the market lately. 

What Is The Positive Vibration Frequency Headphones?

House of Marley’s latest launch showcases its ethos of sustainability and eco-consciousness. Boasting mindfully sourced materials, packaging that screams green with its recyclable build from recycled paper fibers, and a charitable spirit—part of the proceeds funnel into Project Marley, an initiative focused on global reforestation. House of Marley is more than just a brand; it aims to be more than a set of headphones but strives to be a movement.

The Positive Vibration Frequency headphones claim a whopping 34 hours of uninterrupted listening. Connection to your Apple or Android devices is a breeze, thanks to the Bluetooth v5.2 feature. You’re also treated to crystal-clear audio clarity courtesy of 40mm drivers. The design’s emphasis on comfort is evident with plush ear cushions, passive noise isolation, and a gentler headband on the crown. And for those who find joy in details, the headphones come crafted from sustainable materials—like FSC® certified wood, recyclable aluminum, and a fabric blend of organic cotton, hemp, and recycled PET. 

Now available in eye-catching shades like Signature Black, Rasta, and Copper, these headphones can be yours for $99.99. There’s also a buzz about additional colors joining the lineup later this year, but we’ll save that for later. Let’s dive into what we thought about these cans.

What We Loved About House of Marley’s Positive Vibration Frequency Headphones?

They’re A Vibe

We rarely try to lead these sections off with a note about anything’s aesthetic since it’s the sound most people will wonder about. And while we’ll undoubtedly get to the sound here in a minute, we’d be doing these headphones a big disservice by not just coming out and saying that they’re probably the dopest-looking headphones we’ve had a chance to review all year. 

From the wood-grain logo on the side to the textured top connector, the HoM team spared no detail when making these things look sweet by anyone’s standards. Many consumer-branded headphones like this opt for a more glossy finish and flashy exteriors, which always seem dated after a year or two, unironically looking like a Smeg toaster or something far less cool. But the matte finish of these headphones, coupled with the extra flashes of naturalistic color, make these headphones pop in all the right places and will surely catch the eyes of many passersby.  

They Sound Pretty Good! 

Now let’s not let the header of this section down-sell these headphones because, for what they are, they sound pretty damn impressive. They put out an impressive range of sound for having a small and mighty 40mm driver. Still, it’s the clarity that you’re after. On that front, the headphones have a clear and present midrange and a friendly, warm low end – which is precisely what you want out of a headphone like this as it makes vocals and lead instruments cut through the clamor of a city walk or gym session while having a rounded and warm low end that you can feel without having to turn them up so high you kill your hearing just to get a sense of the bass.

So what we mean when we say that they sound pretty damn good is that they pack a punch for being a set of headphones that cost less than $100. 

They’re Hands-Free

We don’t think anyone is as appreciative as they should be that we all live in an age where wireless headphones are the new normal, and fussing around with wired listening devices while running or on the go is officially a thing of the past. The fact that these are entirely hands-free, as in you don’t need to constantly untangle wires and finagling cables in and around your clothing so they don’t get caught up on random things as you go about your day, is a game changer. 

And while I know these headphones are far from the only ones to offer such a bell or whistle, we’re excited enough to see that it’s worth mentioning here! Kudos to you HoM team. 

What We Weren’t So Crazy About

The Build Quality 

For a set of headphones that costs under $100, we aren’t expecting titanium plating and cables made of Mithril. But still, the headphones feel a little lightweight and fragile when you put them on. Granted, in the few weeks we were rocking these headphones at the gym, around town, and through life, they showed little to no signs of wear and tear. First impressions mean a lot; from a tactile perspective, they feel like a corner or two was cut in the build quality. 

The silver lining here is that it means they’re super lightweight and, once you put them on, can often soon forget you’re even wearing them save for the music they’re playing. 

Apart from that, there isn’t much to complain about with these headphones. We almost wrote one more section about how they’re not for audiophiles and those looking for audiophile headphones should look elsewhere. Still, ultimately we doubt that those looking for $500+ headphones would even land on this article (don’t worry, we certainly have those recommendations for you if you need them ). They’re $99 headphones, and they’re great for what they are! 

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, House of Marley’s Positive Vibration Frequency headphones undoubtedly stand out in the crowded mid-tier market for their unique eco-conscious design and surprisingly robust sound output. For a tag that reads just under a hundred bucks, it’s quite impressive what the HoM team has managed to put together. While they might not check every box for audiophiles or those craving absolute premium build quality, they hold their own in aesthetics, performance, and comfort, and that’s saying something.

It’s essential, though, as always, to approach gear with clear expectations. Given the eco-conscious ethos, attractive design, and overall performance, these headphones are a steal for their price point. But they won’t replace those top-tier models for serious sound enthusiasts. These cans might be your next favorite pair for the average listener who’s out to snag some stylish, responsible, and impressive gear without breaking the bank. Hats off to the House of Marley; they’ve brought something fresh, and we’re here for it.

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