There are headphones built for audiophiles, and there are headphones built for attention. The MorningBlues VWS X1 walks the line between both worlds. That is to say they are a modular, screen-equipped system that feels as much a statement piece as it does a sound machine. It’s ambitious, eccentric, and surprisingly well-engineered, but it also demands patience and a bit of tech tolerance to get the most from it.
Design and Build: Bold, Heavy, and Magnetic
As I quickly learned, the MorningBlues VWS X1 isn’t just a headset. It’s almost like an ecosystem made up of three parts: the main headphones (VWS Block X1), two detachable “Dynamic Screen” modules (Touchscreen F1), and a portable charging case. Each piece carries its own model number and battery, and the whole system works together to deliver what MorningBlues calls a “Visual Wearable Style.”
The headphones themselves are unapologetically substantial. Constructed from a mix of metal and plastic, they look industrial, if not a touch futuristic, with a brushed silver finish that hints at their premium build.
The VWS X1 blends expressive OLED visuals with genuinely refined audio, giving you a headset that feels as much a creative canvas as it does a daily driver.
The earcups don’t fold, but they do feature plush memory-foam pads and a generously cushioned headband to offset the weight. And that weight is significant: about 380 grams once the two detachable OLED screens are magnetically attached. That puts it in the same range as some of the heavier over-ear headphones on the market.
Surprisingly, in use, the comfort is better than expected. The clamping force is moderate, the padding feels deep and soft, and the weight distribution helps keep it stable over long sessions. It’s obviously not feather-light, but it’s far from cumbersome. Wear these for an hour or two and you won’t feel burdened by them.
The Visual Element: Screens That Steal the Show
Those two 2.2-inch OLED panels are the VWS X1’s signature feature, the “Visual” part of the name. They attach magnetically to each earcup, lighting up with customizable content controlled through the MorningBlues app.
Users can upload static images, looping GIFs, or short videos, and choose from different modes like Vibe Portraits, Music Mode, or DIY Space. There’s even a simple Flashlight mode that turns the screens into colorful strobes.
It’s all about pure expression here. It’s a mix of art, identity, and spectacle, and feels right at home in a post-Fortnite world. Some wearers might treat it as a fashion flex; others use it as digital signage for streaming or cosplay setups. The screens aren’t just for show either. They’re touch-sensitive, allowing quick gestures to change brightness or skip tracks.
There are trade-offs with this cool stuff, though. Each screen has its own battery and needs separate charging, which means technically you’re managing multiple devices. And while the display quality is solid, the current app limits some of what could be done. For example, it can’t yet sync album art in real time or play long video clips. I would love to see the former employed just so one might show everyone how eclectic and refined their music taste really is.
Connectivity and Controls
The core of the system runs on a Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset, bringing Bluetooth 5.4 support to the main headphones and Bluetooth 5.3 to the screens. When everything’s paired, the setup effectively creates three concurrent Bluetooth connections, one for the headset, and one for each screen.
It’s an unusual design, but it allows for real independence between the audio and the visuals. The main headset supports aptX HD, AAC, and SBC, ensuring solid wireless fidelity with most devices. There’s also multipoint connectivity, meaning it can handle a phone and a laptop at the same time.
For those who still prefer wires, a 3.5 mm port is tucked discreetly into one of the cups. There’s no cable in the box, but it works for passive listening when the batteries are drained. It’s a welcome failsafe to have in such a power-hungry system.
Software Setup: Not Exactly Plug-and-Play
Pairing the VWS X1 feels more like onboarding a small ecosystem than syncing headphones. It goes something like this:
- Power on the main headset and pair it with your phone over Bluetooth.
- Download and register in the MorningBlues app.
- Add the “Block X1” to the app.
- Follow additional steps to connect each touchscreen module separately.
Once everything’s talking, the app more or less becomes command central. It lets you switch ANC modes, tweak EQ presets, manage visual themes, and update firmware. The interface is minimal and surprisingly stable, but the initial pairing is a bit complex. I suppose it’s the price of admission for something this modular.
Audio Performance: Balanced, Refined, and Surprisingly Detailed
Under the aesthetic flair, the VWS X1 still has to deliver as a headphone, right? It does. The sound comes from 40 mm dynamic drivers tuned with a balanced, slightly V-shaped profile.
Bass has punch and texture without spilling over into muddiness. It’s tight and measured rather than overwhelming, more refined than the chest-rattling low end some brands chase.
Mids are clean and articulate, though upper mids can take a backseat at times, particularly with vocal-forward tracks. Instruments, however, carry warmth and detail that make extended listening pleasant.
Highs are smooth and airy, bringing the right amount of sparkle to keep things lively. They don’t ever get to where things feel harsh or induce some sort of fatigue.
After a few days of playing around I found them generally clean even, and largely enjoyable across multiple genres.
ANC, Transparency, and Call Quality
The MorningBlues VWS X1 offers three modes: Normal, Transparency, and ANC. The noise cancellation is strong, handling steady hums and low-frequency rumbles with confidence. It won’t dethrone the bigger names, but it doesn’t feel far off. For travel or office use, it performs impressively well.
Transparency mode works fine for quick conversations or awareness outdoors, though voices sound a bit processed.
Call quality relies on a six-microphone array with Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise reduction. On paper, it’s excellent, and early impressions suggest clean voice pickup. Unfortunately, I cannot judge performance in loud environments as I’ve not had that many calls with these on.
Battery Life and Charging Ecosystem
Power management is both clever and complicated. Each element, the headset, the two screens, and the case, has its own battery.
- Headphones: Up to 60 hours (ANC off) or 35 hours (ANC on).
- Screens: Roughly nine hours per charge.
- Charging case: 2,500 mAh battery, capable of recharging each component twice.
The math is simple: the screens will die long before the headphones do. The portable case is the solution. It’s not just for storage, but for constant topping-off. This modular energy model feels futuristic, but it also introduces a bit of “battery anxiety” if you plan long listening sessions with visuals active.
Price and Value
At $599, or occasionally (and currently) discounted to $449, the MorningBlues VWS X1 sits directly against flagship ANC models from brands like Sony, Master & Dynamic, and Bose. Purely in audio terms, it’s not a better buy. But that’s not what it’s trying to be.
This is wearable art, or a conversation piece for those who value individuality and aesthetics as much as sound. The OLED displays make it unlike anything else in its class, and for a certain audience, that uniqueness is exactly what justifies the price.
It’s up to you to decide whether they’re worth that sort of money. How much does the visual flair and aesthetics matter to you? To me, not much, and as such, it’s a tough one for me to justify. With that said, I appreciate what these are trying to do, and where they fit. Besides, I have to give credit for trying something that most others aren’t doing.
MorningBlues includes a 12-month warranty and a 30-day return policy, both standard for the category. Given the modular design and multiple batteries, long-term durability will be worth watching.
Final Thoughts
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.
Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
The MorningBlues VWS X1 is an experiment that mostly succeeds. It’s not the easiest to set up, nor the lightest to wear, but it’s undeniably distinctive. Audio quality is solid, ANC is competitive, and the build feels premium. What sets it apart is its personality, in that it’s a customizable visual identity in a world of black plastic sameness.
For those who want headphones that look as expressive as they sound, the VWS X1 delivers a rare blend of creativity and competence. For everyone else, the novelty may not outweigh the complexity. Keep your eyes on these and if you can snag them for something under $400 and I would immediately recommend. As it is now, it’s a personal qualification and ultimately your call.
