Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Headphones – Review
By Steve Crabtree, October 2026
Finding a decent pair of everyday over-ear headphones shouldn’t be complicated. Far too often, you’re forced to pick between cheap, rattly plastic or shelling out half a month’s wages for big-brand flagships. I needed a reliable pair to soundtrack the daily routine, shut out annoying people in the background, and deliver proper sound.
That’s how the Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 landed on my desk. They offer striking looks, hybrid active noise cancellation, and a 100-hour battery life at a sensible price. I was keen to see how they handled the real world, from evening dog walks to the gym, and to late-night telly sessions…
What’s in the box
- Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 wireless over-ear headphones
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Carrying pouch
- Quick start guide
“Premium look, sensible controls”
Straight out of the packaging, the Clam Ace 2 make a good first impression. They look clean, modern, and genuinely premium in the hand. The finish feels durable, and the plush ear cushions give them an upscale appearance that easily rivals more expensive cans.
What really won me over, after the quick set up and the first go, was the control setup. Too many modern designs rely on finicky touch sensors that misread your taps or sometimes freeze up when your hands are cold. Fresh ‘n Rebel have stuck with proper buttons on the earcup that you push in, give a reassuring, definite click.
Even better is the volume wheel. Adjusting the audio level with a physical twist rather than tapping a sensor is brilliant. You know exactly how much you’ve tweaked it without having to guess or fumble around blindly.
“Dialling into the audio”
The sound performance is right up there. Out of the box, you get a warm, well-rounded soundstage with plenty of presence. The bass hits firmly without drowning out vocals or muddying up the guitars. Shed Seven, Jungle and Manics…all sounded fantastic.
To unlock their full potential, you’ll want to pair them straight with the app. The app features personal sound calibration powered by Audiodo, alongside customizable equalizer presets. Running through the quick audio profile tailored the frequency balance specifically to my ears, lifting the clarity right across the board.
Out and about
I initially gave them a run-out during a gym session, but they didn’t quite work for me there. During high-tempo training on the treadmill, they felt just a touch heavy on the head, and a little uncomfortable. When you’re training, you don’t want to notice your headphones are there, and I did with these.
Everywhere else though, they’ve been absolutely perfect. They have quickly become my go-to companion for daily walks with the dog. The Adaptive Hybrid ANC effectively silences passing traffic and barking, while the dedicated noise cancelling keeps outdoor listening crystal clear.
Back at home, the Bluetooth connection pairs seamlessly with the TV. Settling down to watch a film with immersive audio while everyone else is doing something else has been a huge plus. No lag or sync issues. Nice.
What Fresh ‘n Rebel says
“Designed for work, travel and everyday listening, the Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 headphones combine premium sound with all-day comfort and an impressive 100-hour battery life. Featuring Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling to reduce background distractions and an Ambient Sound Mode for when users need to stay aware of their surroundings, they’re ideal for commuting, travelling or working on the move. Personalised sound can be tailored via the My Sound app, while Bluetooth multipoint connectivity makes it easy to switch between two devices. With soft over-ear cushions, a foldable design and a handy carry pouch included, the Clam Ace 2 delivers premium features without the premium price tag.”
The verdict
I’m genuinely chuffed with the Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2. They offer detailed, punchy audio, solid noise cancellation, and a build quality that feels built to last. The tactile buttons and physical volume dial are a breath of fresh air in an era of awkward touch swipes.
While they might skip high-impact gym sessions, they hit every other mark for me. Whether you’re in the house, or out and about they deliver top-tier comfort and very decent sound. If you’re after a stylish, reliable set of over-ears with monstrous battery life, these are a cracking bit of kit.
The Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Headphones are available from argos.co.uk. RRP: £89.99
Give Steve music, give him food, give him theatre, tech or travel… and he’s a happy man. He’s been writing professionally since 2003, turning to journalism in 2017 when it offered him the chance to enjoy a lot of his existing passions, and learn some new ones at the same time. Steve can be found spending many of his summer nights watching bands at The Piece Hall in his hometown of Halifax, or enjoying a bite to eat and a drink with his wife anywhere in Yorkshire at any time of year. Random fact: He does the best impression of Zippy and George from Rainbow that anyone has ever heard.
