I bought a $20 retro headset, and it took me straight back to the '90s

Published Oct 29, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT Harish started his tech journey at a very young age by tweaking Windows XP installations, and that hobby ignited an enthusiasm that led him into the world of PC modding. After picking up a Bachelor's degree in computer science, he decided to pursue his passion by covering PC hardware at VR-Zone, where he reviewed motherboards, video cards, and DRAM modules. Then came the Nexus 4, and it served as the catalyst to explore Android's burgeoning ecosystem, and he pivoted to writing about mobile tech. In over a decade of covering Android as a Senior Editor at Android Central, he has used pretty much every single major phone released globally, giving him an unrivaled view into Google's mobile platform. His specialty is Chinese brands; he's charted the growth of all the major Chinese manufacturers from their inception, and he uses that knowledge to share unique insights. In addition to mobile, he writes about enthusiast audio products, networking hardware, and storage servers, leveraging his engineering background and extensive experience testing mobile hardware to evaluate the latest in tech. As a '90s kid, I took my Walkman everywhere I went. One thing I remember vividly was the headset: Sony made a range of on-ear headsets with orange ear pads and a thin, mostly decorative headband. These things were everywhere, and the Walkman paired with the headset defined '90s music culture. If you're craving a bit of nostalgia, you'll be glad to know that you can buy a headset that mimics the look and feel (and sound) of Sony's yesteryear models. The Snowsky Wind Pro costs just $21 on Amazon, and the on-ear headset has an unmistakably retro design. This isn't any random brand either; Snowsky is a sub-label of Fiio, one of China's biggest IEM and DAC manufacturers. Retro tech in general is making a comeback, and Fiio has leaned heavily into this category, releasing the CP13 cassette player, TT13 vinyl player, and the DM13 CD player. Having used these with my collection of cassettes, CDs, and vinyl records over the course of the last year, I can state with some confidence that if you've got analog music and need a new player for any medium, they're a great choice. Retro design done right So light you won't even notice it Coming back to the Snowsky Wind Pro, the wired on-ear model is a faithful recreation of retro headsets, down to the orange ear pads. There's also a black model, but the silver version with the orange pads was the one that immediately drew my attention, so I went with that model. Oh, and regardless of which model you buy, you get two sets of additional ear cushions bundled in the package. Weighing just 77g, the Wind Pro is one of the lightest headsets I've used (it's a stark contrast to the 490g Audeze Maxwell that I have on my desk). While it is ostensibly a budget product, you don't get that feeling while using it; Fiio went with a metal headband, and the stainless steel design is quite durable, and it has a decent amount of adjustability. Then there are the ear pads; they're highly comfortable in daily use and have a breathable design, so you don't feel any heat building up even with extended use — this wasn't a problem at all in my testing. The braided cable provides much-needed durability, and I didn't see any issues in this area after three months of use. The cable has in-line controls to change music playback, and it comes with a mic as well. Sounds good to me Come for the design, stay for everything else It may not look like it, but the Wind Pro sounds much better than I imagined. Fiio used a custom 40mm dynamic driver that's designed to minimize resonance via a composite diaphragm, and you get good bass extension and control. The semi-open on-ear design is unmistakably retro, and while there is some audio leakage, it isn't anywhere as noticeable as an open-ear headset, so you can easily use the headset outdoors. Connectivity is via a standard 3.5mm jack, so you can easily use the Wind Pro with any manner of retro gear. If you're looking to use the Wind Pro with your phone, you'll need a dongle DAC. Fiio makes several of these, and the KA11 gets my vote; it does a reliable job and costs just $32. Another option would be to wait; Fiio hints at a USB-C model of the Wind Pro on its product page, and while I don't see this version on retailer sites just yet, it could just be a matter of time. I tested it with my Fiio M23 digital music player, along with the CP13 cassette player, DM13 CD player, and the Steam Deck. With just 16Ω and 100dB/mW sensitivity, the headset is effortless to drive; you can plug it into any source. The headset does a good job with bass in general, with good sub-bass extension and a satisfying rumble. Mids sound clean and well-articulated, and the treble has a lot of energy, but there were a few instances where I noticed some sibilance. It's the soundstage where the Wind Pro distinguishes itself; you get a wide presence that you just don't associate with a headset of this size, and it instantly makes a difference. The Wind Pro combines retro charm with modern convenience On the whole, the Wind Pro is a straightforward recommendation if you want a retro-styled headset with modern drivers and vibrant sound. It's so good that I ended up buying three in total; at $21, it's basically an impulse purchase, and I liked the sound quality and portability so much that I bought one for my wife and toddler as well. I have dozens of headsets in the house, starting from $20 entry-level Bluetooth models to $2,000 enthusiast options. When it comes to sheer joy, there isn't anything that comes close to the Wind Pro. Yes, a lot of that has to do with the nostalgia, but Fiio did a great job in general; it sounds much better than it has any right to, you don't even notice you're wearing it, and it has proven to be more durable than I initially imagined. Snowsky Wind Pro The Wind Pro brings retro styling with modern drivers, and it sounds better than its price tag suggests.