Rankings
The TOZO NC20 combines hybrid adaptive ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio, and an ultra-light 3.7 g earbud design with up to 80 hours of total battery life. High-resolution streaming can significantly drain the battery and the companion app may be finicky. Targeted at travelers and audiophiles who value noise cancellation and high-resolution sound in a lightweight package.
The Soundcore P31i offers ultra-light comfort, adaptive ANC and a 50-hour total battery life, making it ideal for commuters and travelers. Its bass-heavy tuning and limited transparency mode data may deter audiophiles seeking a balanced sound. Best suited for users who prioritize ANC and long endurance over detailed spec transparency.
The SoundPEATS C30 combines powerful 52 dB hybrid ANC with LDAC Hi-Res audio and up to 52 hours of total playback, making it a feature-rich budget option. LDAC disables some features like multipoint, and the transparency mode is less natural. Perfect for Android users wanting strong ANC and long battery at a low price.
The Nothing Ear earbuds combine 11 mm ceramic drivers, hybrid ANC up to 45 dB, and LDAC/LHDC support with wireless charging and a lightweight design. While the ANC doesn't reach its claimed attenuation and volume is modest, they excel in sound quality and feature set. Perfect for users who prioritize audio fidelity and customization over maximum ANC.
EarFun Air Pro 4+ packs a dual-driver system, strong ANC and ultra-low latency, offering a feature-rich experience at a budget price point. Variability in size specifications, the need for firmware updates for some features, and ANC depth below flagship levels are notable trade-offs. Ideal for Android users seeking high-resolution audio, gaming latency and translation capabilities without a premium price.
The Pi8 earbuds deliver premium sound fidelity with carbon-cone drivers and adaptive ANC, plus a versatile retransmission case. Their main drawbacks are limited battery life with ANC and a bass-forward signature. Ideal for audiophiles and travelers who value high-resolution codecs over all-day endurance.
The QCY MeloBuds Pro deliver hybrid adaptive ANC up to 46 dB, LDAC high-resolution audio and a six-mic array in a lightweight 4 g design. The trade-off is reduced battery life with ANC on and a plastic case that isn't waterproof. They suit budget-conscious audiophiles and frequent callers who value premium sound and strong ANC.
The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite provides a 13 mm driver with LDAC support, mild ANC, and a lightweight open-fit design for comfortable all-day wear. Its ANC is modest, and the fit can be slippery during intense activity. Best suited for budget-conscious users seeking good bass and low-latency gaming.
The EarFun Air 2 are true-wireless earbuds offering 10 mm drivers, IPX7 waterproofing and up to 35 hours of total playback with fast charging. They lack active noise cancellation and advanced codecs, which may limit audiophile appeal. Ideal for active users seeking long battery life and rugged durability.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 hours | 10 hours | 9.5 hours | — | 11 hoursbest | — | 8 hours | 6.5 hours | — | |
35 hours | 50 hours | 32 hours | 24.75 hours | 52 hours | — | 30 hours | — | 80 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 90 minutes | 120 minutes | 10 minutes | 5 minutesbest | 10 minutes | 120 minutes | 60 minutes | 15 minutes | — |
| ↓ lower better | 45 g | 59 g | 56.5 g | 40 gbest | — | 44 g | 44 g | 290 g | — |
15 metersbest | — | — | 10 meters | — | 10 meters | — | — | — | |
10 mm | 11 mm | 11 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 13 mmbest | 12 mm | — | |
4 | 6best | 3 | 6best | 6best | 6best | 4 | 6best | 6best | |
— | — | — | — | — | 18 Ωbest | — | — | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(3) | |||||||||
Battery Life (Earbuds) (hours) | 7 hours | 10 hours | 9.5 hours | 6-8.5 hours | 11 hours | 7.5-10 hours | 8 hours | 6.5 hours | — |
Battery Life (With Case) (hours) | 35 hours | 50 hours | 32 hours | 24.75 hours | 52 hours | 42-52 hours | 30 hours | 13.5-24 hours | 80 hours |
Charging Time (minutes) | 90 minutes | 120 minutes | 10 minutes | 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 120 minutes | 60 minutes | 15 minutes | — |
Connectivity(2) | |||||||||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.1 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
Bluetooth Range (meters) | 15 meters | — | — | 10 meters | — | 10 meters | — | — | — |
Build & Design(3) | |||||||||
IP Rating | IPX7 | IP55 | IP54 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IP54 | — | — | IPX8 |
Total Weight (including case) (g) | 45 g | 59 g | 56.5 g | 40 g | — | 44 g | 44 g | 290 g | — |
Fit Type | In-ear | — | — | in-ear | — | — | open-fit | In-ear | in-ear |
Audio(5) | |||||||||
Supported Audio Codecs | LDAC, SBC, AAC | LDAC | LDAC, LHDC 5.0, AAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX LL, LDAC, LC3 | AAC, LDAC | LDAC, aptX Adaptive | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, SBC, AAC | LDAC |
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | true |
Driver Size (mm) | 10 mm | 11 mm | 11 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 13 mm | 12 mm | — |
Frequency Response (Hz) | — | 20-20000 Hz | — | 20-2500 Hz | — | 20-40000 Hz | — | — | — |
Microphone Count | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
General(1) | |||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | 1.5 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1 years | 2 years | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the EarFun Air for its impressive battery endurance, IPX7 waterproofing, comfortable lightweight fit, solid build with wireless charging, and a lively sound signature that delivers punchy bass and clear mids. However, they note the lack of active noise cancellation, an EQ app, and advanced Bluetooth codecs as drawbacks that keep the earbuds from competing with higher-end models.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for long battery life, comfortable secure fit, and reliable waterproof performance during workouts. They also appreciate clear call quality and the convenience of single-ear mode, while recurring complaints focus on bass becoming muddy at high volumes, occasional touch-control misfires, and the absence of ANC or an app for sound tuning.
“pronounced punchy bass, clean mids/highs... solid build, IPX7, wireless charging... secure controls”
“Exceptional battery (real-world 6-7 hours)”
“strong value proposition at their price point.”
Select the Air Pro if ANC and codec support are priorities; otherwise, the standard Air offers better waterproofing, lighter weight, and lower cost.
Professional reviewers commend the P31i for their feather-light comfort, powerful bass from the 11 mm titanium-coated drivers, and a highly effective adaptive ANC that outperforms the prior P30i. They also note the lack of deep technical data and third-party benchmarks, which limits a full performance assessment.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the earbuds' ultra-light weight, punchy bass, and long battery life, while expressing mild concerns about fit stability and the scarcity of detailed user-generated feedback.
Professional reviewers commend the Nothing Ear earbuds for their standout sound quality, high-resolution codec support, and a well-implemented app that adds deep customization. While battery life and wireless charging are praised, the ANC is noted as underperforming relative to its marketing claims, and the maximum volume is considered modest for very loud environments.
Everyday users appreciate the lightweight comfort, effective passive isolation, and the convenience of customizable pinch controls, but they frequently mention that the ANC does not match premium rivals and that the earbuds could be louder in noisy settings. The transparent case's fingerprint-prone finish also draws regular complaints.
Professional reviewers commend the MeloBuds Pro for delivering a compelling mix of high-end features-46 dB hybrid ANC, LDAC support, and a 12 mm driver-at a price that undercuts many competitors. They praise the lightweight ergonomics, six-mic ENC system, and premium glossy finish, while noting drawbacks such as limited ANC-on battery life, a non-water-proof plastic case, and the fact that LDAC benefits depend on compatible source devices.
Everyday users appreciate the comfort of the 4 g earbuds, the compact case, solid ANC performance, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. Common praise centers on the premium look and durability, while recurring complaints focus on the reduced battery life with ANC active, the charging case's lack of waterproofing, and concerns about its long-term plastic durability.
Professional reviewers consider the Air Pro 4 a budget disruptor, lauding its premium codec support (aptX Lossless, LDAC), 50 dB adaptive ANC, six-mic AI call processing, 10 mm drivers and 50 ms ultra-low latency. They note the solid, compact case, fast charging and wireless-charging capability as strong points, while acknowledging that the ANC still trails flagship units and that some features need a firmware update.
Everyday users echo the experts' enthusiasm for the long battery life, solid fit and IPX5 durability, often highlighting the low latency for gaming and the convenience of wireless charging. The most common praise centers on value-for-money, while recurring concerns involve occasional ANC variability and the need for firmware updates to unlock newer features.
Professional reviewers praise the C30 for delivering premium-class ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio and exceptional battery life at a sub-$50 price point, though they note LDAC disables several useful modes.
Everyday users, though few in number, consistently highlight the earbuds' value-for-money, strong ANC silence and long battery life, with no major complaints due to limited review volume.
Professional reviewers consider the Air5 Lite a standout budget option, lauding its 13 mm driver, LDAC support, robust AI microphones and low-latency gaming mode, while noting the ANC is modest and the treble can become harsh at high volumes.
Everyday users consistently praise the lightweight comfort, strong bass response, and effective call performance, but they also flag occasional ear fatigue, slip-prone fit, limited ANC and occasional app glitches.
Professional reviewers highlight the Pi8's flagship-grade audio fidelity, noting the carbon-cone drivers and aptX Lossless support deliver lifelike clarity. They also commend the stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection, adaptive ANC, and the innovative retransmission case, while pointing out the bass-forward tuning and modest ANC-on battery life as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the detailed, immersive sound and the comfort of the earbuds, especially appreciating the ANC for travel and the case's ability to act as a wired audio source. Common complaints revolve around the relatively short battery life with ANC enabled, a bass-heavy signature that some find overwhelming, and the case's susceptibility to scratches and fingerprints.
Professional reviewers commend the NC20 for delivering studio-grade sound with crisp highs, deep bass, and a DLC diaphragm that enhances high-frequency detail. The hybrid adaptive ANC is praised for its real-time responsiveness, while the lightweight, ergonomic build and IPX8 waterproofing earn marks for comfort and durability. Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint connectivity and six-mic AI call processing are highlighted as strong features, though the LDAC codec's power draw and occasional app or connectivity quirks are noted as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the NC20's feather-light comfort, impressive sound clarity, and the massive 80-hour total battery claim, often calling the audio "amazing" and the fit "barely noticeable" after an hour. Portability and waterproofing receive frequent praise, while the main pain points revolve around faster battery drain when using LDAC and frustrations with the companion app's initial setup.
