Classic dilemma. Two headphones, one wallet. Let's go through what actually differs here, no marketing fluff.
What sets these two apart?
The VMK20 was Valco's first seriously good noise cancelling headphones. The VMK25.2 is its successor, where Jasse and the rest of the crew poured in everything they learned from the VMK20. It's not that the VMK20 is bad, it's still a damn good headphone. The VMK25 is just better.
Here are the concrete differences:
Bluetooth and connection:
- VMK20: Bluetooth 5.0, aptX HD, SBC, AAC
- VMK25.2: Bluetooth 5.4, aptX, SBC, AAC
In the interest of honesty: neither supports LDAC. The VMK25.2, however, does support aptX Lossless once you update its firmware with the Valco Updater app (Android). The VMK20 stays on aptX HD, which still pushes plenty of data. So this round goes to the VMK25.2: newer Bluetooth 5.4, a more stable connection, and lossless audio after the update.
Noise cancellation (ANC):
- VMK20: 4 microphones, ADI chipset, dedicated ANC button
- VMK25.2: hybrid ANC and Jasse's DSP tuning on a Qualcomm chip; modes are ANC on, transparency mode, and off
The VMK20's ANC is honestly quite solid for everyday noise. The VMK25 takes it further, especially in the mid frequencies where things like office chatter live. Neither will make you deaf. For kids yelling, only a wall and music turned all the way up will help.
Battery:
- VMK20: 1050 mAh, about 45 hours of listening
- VMK25.2: Bigger battery, longer life, 55 hours
The VMK20's 45 hours is already an absurd number. You could fly from Helsinki to Tokyo and back without charging. The VMK25.2 stretches it even further.
Design and materials:
- VMK20: Fabric covering (Lauri Lumpeen design), about 250 g
- VMK25.2: Updated build, new materials
The VMK20's fabric surface is a distinctive choice that splits opinions. Some love it, some want a more traditional faux leather. Both sit well on the head.
Which one should you buy?
This comes down to two things: budget and needs.
Choose the VMK20 if:
- You want good noise cancelling headphones for less
- You appreciate the aptX HD codec and a classic
- You like the fabric-covered design
- 45h battery life is enough (and it really is)
Choose the VMK25.2 if:
- You want the latest Bluetooth (5.4), multipoint, and a wireless boom mic
- You need stronger noise cancellation
- You want the perks that come with the newer Bluetooth version
- You're ready to chip in a bigger contribution toward the Death Star fund
If you still can't decide
Go check out valcoaudio.com and you'll find the exact specs for both models side by side. If you'd rather talk to an actual human about it, drop us a line at info@valco.fi. We'll tell you honestly which one suits you, even if that means recommending the cheaper model.
Whichever you pick, you get headphones you can actually repair instead of tossing in the bin after a year and a half. That's how we stand apart from the big corporations, and that's how we're slowly but surely funding that Death Star.
