Is Altec Lansing Worth Buying? A Breakdown of Their Top Audio and Gaming Gear

Altec Lansing offers genuine value in the mid-range audio and gaming market, with products that prioritise practical features over luxury pricing. Their current range focuses on wireless convenience and gaming functionality, making them a sensible choice for everyday users rather than audiophiles or esports professionals.

Why Altec Lansing?

Altec Lansing has been manufacturing audio equipment since 1927, originally building speaker systems for cinemas and public address use. That heritage in speaker design informs their modern approach: straightforward functionality, proven durability, and pricing that doesn't assume you have deep pockets. They specialise in wireless audio and gaming peripherals targeting the consumer market—not studio professionals or competitive gamers willing to spend £200+ on a single headset. Their philosophy centres on accessibility: active noise cancellation under £35, true wireless earbuds around £50, and gaming keyboards at £40. They're not chasing premium positioning; they're solving real problems at realistic prices.

Top Picks

Altec Lansing Nanophones ANC Wireless Active Noise Canceling On-Ear Headphones (Icy Blue) — £33.59

Best for commuters and office workers seeking affordable noise cancellation without breaking the budget. These over-ear headphones deliver active noise cancelling technology typically found in products costing twice the price, with Bluetooth connectivity and a compact foldable design. The Icy Blue finish is a nice touch for those preferring something beyond black or silver. At this price point, they're a straightforward bargain for tube journeys or open-plan offices.

Altec Lansing Nanobuds Sport 2.0 Wireless Ambient Sound Earbuds (Black) — £52.99

Best for active listeners who want ambient sound and durability without full isolation. Unlike noise-cancelling models, these earbuds let you hear your surroundings while delivering Bluetooth audio—ideal for runners, cyclists, and outdoor workers. The "Sport 2.0" branding signals durability improvements over the original, and ambient sound is often overlooked compared to active noise cancellation, yet it's genuinely useful for staying aware during exercise. At £52.99, they sit comfortably between budget basics and premium fitness earbuds.

Altec Lansing MS550 Semi-Mechanical E-Sports Grade RGB Gaming Keyboard — £40.00

Best for casual gaming and budget-conscious builders. Semi-mechanical switches split the difference between membrane keyboards (soft, quiet) and full mechanical (responsive, clicky), offering faster actuation than rubber domes without the noise or £100+ price tag. RGB lighting is included—standard on gaming peripherals at this price. It won't impress competitive esports players (who demand consistency across thousands of keystrokes), but it's perfectly functional for console and PC gaming on a budget.

Quick Comparison

| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Nanophones ANC On-Ear | £33.59 | Budget noise cancellation | Active noise cancelling at sub-£35 price | | Nanobuds Sport 2.0 | £52.99 | Active listening outdoors | Ambient sound passthrough (not isolation) | | MS550 Gaming Keyboard | £40.00 | Casual gaming on a budget | Semi-mechanical switches + RGB |

What to Look For When Choosing Altec Lansing Products

• Battery life and Bluetooth range: Altec's wireless products are lightweight on unnecessary features—focus on claimed battery life (check product specs for hours between charges) and whether 10m Bluetooth range suits your space.
• Passive vs. active features: The Nanophones use active noise cancellation (requires charging), whilst Nanobuds Sport 2.0 rely on passive ambient sound (no battery drain for that feature). Choose based on whether you're isolating or monitoring.
• Build materials and durability claims: At these prices, Altec uses polymer housings and standard connectors. Sport 2.0 earbuds explicitly target durability for exercise; if longevity matters, that's worth the extra investment.
• Keyboard switch type and actuation: Semi-mechanical switches (MS550) sit between membrane and mechanical—faster response than budget membrane keyboards (typically 4-5mm actuation) but quieter than full mechanical (1.5-2mm actuation). Decide whether speed or silence matters more for your setup.

The Bottom Line

Altec Lansing's strength lies in eliminating compromise at realistic prices: the Nanophones ANC at £33.59 is the standout value pick, delivering functional noise cancellation for commuters and office workers without demanding a premium. If you prioritise portability and outdoor use, the Nanobuds Sport 2.0 (£52.99) justify their slightly higher cost through ambient sound and durability. The MS550 keyboard (£40) is competent but faces stiffer competition in the budget gaming market. Overall, Altec is worth buying if you value practical features and honesty about price tier over brand prestige—perfect for everyday users, students, and budget-conscious households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Altec Lansing good value for money?

Yes, particularly for wireless audio and gaming peripherals under £60. Altec's pricing positions them as a mid-range brand that avoids luxury markup; you get proven functionality (active noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, RGB lighting) without paying for brand heritage alone. Compared to similarly-priced competitors, they're competitive rather than exceptional.

How does Altec Lansing's noise cancellation compare to Sony or Bose?

Altec's active noise cancelling works well for steady background noise (traffic, office hum, aircraft drone) but won't match the refinement of £150+ models from Sony or Bose. At £33.59, the Nanophones prioritise value and practicality over science-grade isolation; expect 70-80% noise reduction rather than the 95%+ of premium over-ears. For commuting and offices, it's sufficient. For frequent air travel, you'll notice the difference.

Are Altec Lansing products suitable for gaming?

The MS550 keyboard is capable for casual gaming, esports streaming, and everyday typing. Semi-mechanical switches provide faster response than membrane keyboards, though serious competitive gamers often prefer full mechanical switches (Cherry MX, SteelSeries) for consistency. The Nanophones and Nanobuds aren't gaming-focused—they lack gaming headset features like microphone boom or 7.1 surround sound, but they work fine for solo play or co-op gaming on a budget.

What warranty and support does Altec Lansing offer?

Altec typically offers a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty on audio products and peripherals, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Support is straightforward but not premium—phone lines and email rather than dedicated chat. For peace of mind, confirm warranty terms at the point of purchase, as coverage varies by retailer and region.