Overview
At a glance, not much separates the Cambridge A100 SE true wireless in-ear headphones from their older A100 stablemates — and that’s because not much does.
Overview
The most obvious difference on first acquaintance is the addition of a deep blue finish — and when you glance at the spec-sheet, it’s the addition of Dolby Audio functionality that justifies the 'SE' in the model name.
Overview
Which means that the A100 SE are, at the asking price, a lavishly specified pair of wireless earbuds for the best budget earbuds market. Class A/B amplification, aptX Lossless and LDAC codec compatibility, 10mm dynamic drivers featuring recycled Neodymium, adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation, and nearly 40 hours of battery life from the buds and their charging case are high up on the list of highlights.
Overview
And in practice, the way the A100 SE perform is almost all gain and very little pain. They are spacious and organised, control a soundstage well, offer plenty of detail, balance their frequency response and tonality well, and include voice, touch and app as control options.
Overview
A price-comparable alternative such as the JBL Live Beam 4 can go even further where battery life is concerned, and have a more naturalistic way with rhythmic expression — the A100 SE are just slightly lumpy in this regard — but ultimately they’re different rather than obviously better. Finding something obviously better than the Cambridge A100 SE at this price point is going to prove tricky.
Cambridge A100 SE review: Price and release date
Released on October 2, 2026.
$149 / £129 / AU$249.
The A100 SE earbuds arrived on October 2, 2026, building directly upon their older siblings.
The original Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 arrived in June 2025 to a resounding five-star review, prompting the manufacturer to drop 'Audio' and 'Melomania' from its naming conventions.
While the price of these new earbuds is modest, the arrival of the new model means the older set can now be found for around $99 / £79.
Cambridge A100 SE review: Features
Class A/B amplification.
Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC compatibility.
39 hours maximum battery life.
The Cambridge A100 SE feature a very worthwhile feature set that punches well above its class.
The inclusion of Class A/B amplification derived from the company’s full-size integrated amplifiers delivers genuine hi-fi credibility. Compatibility with cutting-edge aptX Lossless and LDAC Bluetooth codecs ensures support for the largest wireless streams possible. Snapdragon Sound with a dual-core 240MHz Qualcomm Kalimba DSP delivers ultra-low latency, while dual-point connectivity allows seamless switching between two source devices. Audio is driven by 10mm full-range dynamic drivers utilizing recycled Neodymium.
Three Qualcomm cVc microphones per earbud manage voice assistant interactions, calls, and the adaptive hybrid noise-cancellation system. With ANC active, playback reaches over 21 hours combined with the charging case, rising to roughly 39 hours with ANC disabled. An IPX5 water resistance rating ensures durability across various everyday environments.
Cambridge A100 SE review: Sound quality
Open, detailed and controlled sound.
Good sense of dynamic variation.
Not the most naturalistic where rhythms are concerned.
The sensation of music playing directly inside your head can be oppressive with some earbuds, but the A100 SE avoid this. Even without Dolby Audio engaged they offer an open and airy presentation, becoming even more spacious when the mode is active.
The source review notes that the earbuds create and control a soundstage effectively, offering impressive width and absolute authority over individual elements. Instruments maintain clear separation without losing musical cohesion.
Testing with high-resolution FLAC files demonstrated an even-handed frequency response and tonality. With flat EQ settings, the frequency range remains smooth and undramatic, avoiding artificial coloration compared to price-comparable rivals.
Detail retrieval is handled competently, capturing minor variations in timbre and texture across complex mixes. Harmonics and dynamic attack are given appropriate weighting.
Rhythmic expression is the sole minor drawback; while tempos do not drag, the delivery is slightly stiff and upright rather than completely fluid.
Cambridge A100 SE review: Design
Choice of three finishes.
App and touch control.
Dolby Audio functionality.
Cambridge has adopted the stem-style design approach popularized by Apple for the A100 SE.
The earbuds and charging case are manufactured to an acceptable standard using standard plastics. Alongside the reviewed dark blue finish, traditional black and white options are available.
Capacitive touch surfaces on each earbud handle playback, calls, ANC cycling, and voice assistants, though responsiveness can occasionally require patience.
The Melomania Connect companion app offers a more reliable control method, enabling Dolby Audio toggling, touch control remapping, and firmware updates.
A seven-band EQ with presets and custom user settings is included in the app alongside wear-detection toggles and a gaming mode.
Audible feedback options include standard tones and various languages, alongside a distinctive comedic voice option.
Cambridge A100 SE review: value
Great specification.
Some proper performance highlights.
Unique audio feedback options.
In a highly competitive market, Cambridge has equipped the A100 SE to represent exceptional value for money.
Advanced amplification, extensive Bluetooth codecs, and a spacious, dynamic presentation make the asking price entirely justified, with only minor touch control quirks and stiff rhythm handling counting against them.
Buy them if…
You appreciate an open soundstage with genuine spatial depth, particularly when Dolby Audio mode is enabled.
You enjoy long listening sessions and require earbuds with exceptional battery stamina.
You appreciate customizable audio feedback and unique voice prompts.
Don’t buy them if…
You are easily frustrated by touch controls that require patience during operation.
You prioritize rhythm-focused delivery above all else and expect absolute fluency in tempo expression.
You are looking for a luxury look and feel from premium construction materials.
Cambridge A100 SE review: Also consider
The JBL Live Beam 4 serves as a strong price-comparable alternative, offering a more convincing rhythmic delivery and up to 48 hours of battery life.
While the JBL alternative lags slightly behind in active noise cancellation and spatial audio effect, it matches the Cambridge model in overall capability.
Apple's AirPods with wireless charging also compete in this tier for iPhone users, though they lack equivalent high-resolution codec support and battery stamina.
