Christmas, birthday, name day or an apology – we don't care about the reason. We only care that you buy from us. But since we're exceptionally honest (and because Henri needs money for his Alfa repairs), we'll help you choose right.
Buying headphones for another person is a bit like buying shoes for someone else. It's easy to get wrong. This guide is written for you, standing in front of the shop – or more likely scrolling your phone on the sofa – wondering what on earth to buy.
First question: over-ears or earbuds?
This is the most important choice, and you can usually figure it out without an interrogation.
Over-ear headphones are the right call if the recipient:
- Sits still a lot – at the office, at home, on the train
- Values sound quality above all else
- Doesn't mind having something big on their head
- Wants to shut the world out (ANC works more effectively in over-ear models)
Earbuds are the way to go if the recipient:
- Moves around a lot – runs, hits the gym, cycles
- Doesn't like anything bulky on their head
- Wants headphones that fit in a pocket
- Is the type who leaves headphones on the table and needs a small case
If you don't know which one, go with earbuds. NL25 is a safer gift because very few people don't use earbuds. Over-ear headphones are more divisive.
Which model for whom?
Here's the Valco lineup simplified for the gift buyer:
"I want the best and I don't care about the budget" – VMK25.2
Jasse's latest creation. Sound quality is best in class, ANC works, and the build lasts. This is the "buy once, get it repaired if needed" model. The recipient will either hug you or suspect you've done something terrible.
"They need to be good, but I'm not taking out a loan" – VMK20
Fabric-covered, comfortable, more affordable. The sound is still Jasse's handiwork. A good pick if you know the recipient likes over-ear headphones but the VMK25.2 price feels steep for a gift.
"The recipient moves around a lot" – NL25
Earbuds with ANC. Fit in your pocket, stay in your ears, and the sound is great. This is the safest choice if you know absolutely nothing about the recipient's preferences.
"Budget is tight" – NL21 or VMK15
NL21 is a solid pair of basic earbuds without ANC. VMK15 is the most affordable over-ear model. Both are perfectly decent gifts. No need to feel embarrassed.
"Not headphones – something for the cabin/beach" – Nordell MK3
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Survives a downpour and probably also your uncle spilling a long drink on it. Two units work together in stereo, but one is plenty.
Why Valco and not some big brand?
- Price. You pay half of what Sony's or Bose's flagship costs, and you get at least as good sound quality. Jasse's ears are insured – that's the level of precision these are tuned with.
- Repairability. If the recipient sits on the headphones next Christmas, we'll fix them in Kajaani. Sony headphones go in the bin.
- Finnish. Every purchase funds 14 people's salaries, Henri's Alfa repairs, and 0.000001% of our Death Star. You don't even know the name of Sony's CEO.
When should you pick something else?
Let's be honest.
If the recipient is the type who only buys Apple products and uses an iPhone, iPad and Mac, AirPods Max or AirPods Pro integrate into the Apple ecosystem in a way we simply can't match. We don't like admitting it, but it's true.
If the recipient travels 200 days a year and ANC is absolutely critical, the Sony WH-1000XM5's noise cancelling is a hair ahead. Then again, the difference is small, and Sony's headphones cost considerably more and aren't repairable.
If the recipient specifically wants a status symbol – well, go ahead and buy Bose or Sony. We sell headphones, not logos.
Summary
- You know nothing about the recipient: NL25. Safe choice.
- Recipient sits a lot and values sound: VMK25.2.
- Budget is limited: VMK15 or NL21.
- Cabin gift or outdoorsy person: Nordell MK3.
- Recipient lives in the Apple ecosystem: Consider AirPods, but know that you're paying for the logo.
And if you still get it wrong – no worries. We have a 30-day return policy. The recipient can swap for a different model, or you can keep them yourself and buy the recipient socks instead. Socks never go wrong.
Thanks for your money. The Death Star won't build itself.
