Black Shark Fengming S1: New headset echoes AirPods Max design and promises exceptional ANC

Some readers may have heard of Black Shark, a brand affiliated with Xiaomi. We have reviewed the company’s smartphones in the past. Black Shark recently released a new over-ear headset designed to deliver great audio quality whilst bearing a fairly strong resemblance to the AirPods Max (available here on Amazon). It currently retails for ¥379 (about $53) in China, though its price and availability in the US and Europe have yet to be revealed.

Long battery life and ANC

The built-in 1,000 mAh battery reportedly provides up to 155 hours of listening time. Enabling active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces battery life to around 80 hours. Black Shark claims the ANC system can suppress up to 52 dB of ambient noise, though its actual performance will, of course, vary depending on the noise frequency. The headset also employs five microphones to minimise background noise (such as traffic) during phone calls for enhanced voice clarity.

Gaming mode available

The Fengming S1 uses Bluetooth 6.0 for data transmission. According to Black Shark, it includes a dedicated mode that reduces audio latency to 60 ms, which could be particularly helpful during gaming sessions. It also supports a form of spatial audio for a more immersive surround sound experience. Rotatable earcups make it easier to store and carry the headset.