A classic dilemma. Two headphones, one wallet. Let's go through what the real differences are – without the marketing fluff.
What sets these two apart?
VMK20 was Valco's first serious noise-cancelling headphone. VMK25.2 is its successor, into which Jasse and the rest of the crew put everything learned from VMK20. It's not that VMK20 is bad – it's still a damn good headphone. VMK25 is just better.
Here are the concrete differences:
Bluetooth and connectivity:
- VMK20: Bluetooth 5.0, APTX LL, SBC, AAC
- VMK25.2: Bluetooth 5.4, APTX Adaptive, APTX Lossless, LDAC, SBC, AAC
In practice, VMK25.2 supports almost every codec out there. If you have an Android phone and want LDAC-quality wireless audio, VMK25.2 is the right choice. VMK20's APTX Low Latency, on the other hand, is handy for gaming.
Noise cancelling (ANC):
- VMK20: 4 microphones, ADI chipset, separate ANC button
- VMK25.2: 6 microphones, more advanced algorithm, multiple ANC levels
To be honest, VMK20's ANC is perfectly decent for everyday noise. VMK25 takes it further – especially in the mid frequencies where, for example, office chatter lives. Neither will make you deaf. For kids' screaming, only a wall and music at full blast will help.
Battery:
- VMK20: 1050 mAh, about 45 hours of listening
- VMK25.2: Bigger battery, longer life
The VMK20's 45 hours is already an insane figure. You can fly from Helsinki to Tokyo and back without charging. VMK25.2 stretches it even further.
Design and materials:
- VMK20: Fabric covering (Lauri Lumme's design), about 250 g
- VMK25.2: Updated structure, new materials
The VMK20's fabric surface is a distinctive choice that divides opinion. Some love it; others prefer a more traditional faux leather. Both fit well on the head.
Which one should you buy?
This depends on two things: budget and needs.
Choose VMK20 if:
- You want good noise-cancelling headphones for less
- You don't need LDAC support or the latest codecs
- You like the fabric-covered design
- A 45h battery life is enough (and it is)
Choose VMK25.2 if:
- You want the best possible wireless sound quality (LDAC, APTX Adaptive)
- You need more powerful noise cancelling
- You want the benefits of the latest Bluetooth version
- You need to chip in more for funding the Death Star
If you still can't decide
Go take a look at https://valco.fi – there you'll find the exact specs of the models side by side. If you'd like to discuss it with a human, send a message to info@valco.fi. We'll tell you honestly which one suits you, even if that means recommending the cheaper model.
Whichever you choose, you'll get headphones that can be repaired and don't need to be thrown away after a year and a half. That's how we stand out from those big corporations – and that's how we are slowly but surely funding that Death Star.
