Master & Dynamic’s MW08 earplugs combine premium material and hybrid ANC

Master & Dynamic is no stranger to true wireless earbuds. The company already has three models on hand, including the functional MW07 Plus. The most recent version launched in 2019, so M&D had to unveil an updated model at any time. Today, the company does exactly that with the MW08. The true $ 299 wireless earbuds hold a similar overall design to their predecessors, but this time the company opted for new materials, hybrid active noise suppression (ANC), surround sound modes and slightly larger drivers.

On the outside, the main difference between the MW08 and its predecessor is the material used to manufacture it. While the MW07 Plus has an acetate cap, this new model is ceramic with an aluminum band that holds the antenna around the rim. The end result is a more polished look and aesthetics that better match Master & Dynamic’s headphones – products that typically blend aluminum, leather and other textures. The MW08 is also noticeably smaller than the MW07 Plus, and the company has attached the fitting wing that came with the previous model.

On-board controls are still here, with a multifunction button on the right earbud to play / break, skip tracks, connect and voice assistant. A volume knob on the left side of the earpiece also activates and deactivates ambient sound and ANC, depending on which side you hold. Master & Dynamic has added an additional microphone to each earplug for a total of three on each side. The company says that this setup offers ‘superior wind reduction’ to make calls sound clear and distinct. Of course, almost every over-the-counter business promises promises on the quality of the calls, so this is something for which I should test the benefits during our review.

The included boot is still shiny stainless steel (color varies with some earphone color options), but instead of opening like a can of Altoids, the hinge is now at the top edge. This means that the case is on its short side, rather than lying flat. To accommodate the new opening, the USB-C connector has been moved to the right.

Master & Dynamic discussed the basics regarding ANC on the MW07 Plus, but the function is much more robust on the MW08. These new earbuds offer hybrid active sound suppression in two modes: ANC Max and All Day ANC. The MW08 also offers two surround sound modes, Voice and Awareness, so you have an alternative option if your environment needs it. The company also opted for slightly larger 11mm Beryllium drivers to power its ‘distinctive sound’ in the new model – compared to the 10mm units in the MW07 Plus. Previously, Master & Dynamic had not yet offered an accompaniment program for its earplugs. With the MW08, the company will debut M&D Connect: mobile software that displays battery levels, except you can choose ANC and ambient sound modes and more. Unfortunately, the company says that the app is not compatible with the MW07 Plus.

In terms of battery life, the MW08 can charge up to 12 hours and there is another 30 hours of listening time with the accompanying charging bay. A fast charge feature gives you 50 percent battery life in 15 minutes, while full charge lasts 45 minutes. In addition, wireless charging offers the ability to fill things up without reaching a cable. Finally, if you need to take the MW08 to a workout, the earbuds are water resistant as IPX5. More specifically, it should withstand sweat and moisture, but you want to avoid dipping it completely.

The MW08 is available in black, white, blue and brown on March 30 for $ 299 – the same price as the MW07 Plus when it was launched. The existing model will remain in the product range, and Master & Dynamic will lower the price to $ 249 when the MW08 starts shipping at the end of the month.

Update 23/03/21 21:45 ET: This message has been updated to clarify the wireless charging details on the MW08.