Reviews by regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi
Price: £79.99
Review Reference: RC174
Manufacturer Specification:
Methodology Summary:
All my reviews include binaural sound and ANC samples recorded in real-world environments, as well as frequency response measurements. For this review, I tested ANC effectiveness in a busy coffee shop with direct comparisons to similarly priced competitors, and evaluated call quality across various indoor and outdoor scenarios.
INTRO
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Creative Aurvana Ace 2, one of the first mainstream TWS to feature solid-state XMEMS driver technology, and a release that showcased both Creative's strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. Whilst the xMEMS implementation demonstrated clear advantages, with snappy transients and a treble that was both detailed and well-sculptured, the dynamic driver selection wasn't the most cohesive, and the ANC and overall stability of the device (mostly down to the buggy Qualcomm chipset deployed) weren't quite up to the job, at least in a set with a retail price of over £100.
Creative has now followed up with the Aurvana Ace Mimi – not a direct successor (hence not being called Ace 3), more a variation on a theme with some notable differences. The headline feature is the integration of Mimi sound personalization technology, which provides a hearing test to customize audio based on your specific hearing capabilities. Mimi are the world leaders in this space, with Nothing, Beyerdynamic, Focal and many other partners scrambling to adopt their developments into their value propositions, but for this to be a real success Creative would have to 'right a few wrongs' - at the very least provide a stable operating environment off the bat. Does the Aurvana Ace Mimi meet expectations? Well, kinda - read on for my thoughts on why you may or may not consider this a viable next purchase option.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The Mimi (as we will refer to them going forward) have adopted the same shell as the Ace 2, which is good and bad news depending on how highly you rated that design. I found them to be quite comfortable, thanks to the shallow fit and smaller footprint to the oval nozzle, that sits somewhere between the Earfun Air Pro 4 and Realme Buds Air 6 Pro in terms of size and footprint.
While the build quality isn't exceptional, and truth be told a bit disappointing compared to others at a similar price from the likes of Huawei and OnePlus, the comfort level is sufficient, even good, for daily use, and the improved ear tip material brings better stability than the previous model.
The earbuds maintained their position reliably during my exercise testing, passing the 100 jumping jacks test with no issues. The IPX5 water and sweat resistance rating makes them suitable for workouts, though without proper waterproofing, I wouldn't recommend them for swimming or extremely heavy rain. I have seen some reviews complaining about their performance in windy conditions, but I suspect this is more down to fit and seal than anything Creative have done in terms of the design. I'm in the UK, not Cape Verde, and whilst we get wind from time to time, it isn't enough to really notice the extremities in performance - the Mimi seemed to be as good (and bad) as everyone else.
The case design is reasonably portable with a decent finish, though the hinge mechanism is problematic, sometimes slamming shut unexpectedly. Creative has upgraded the accessories, including a drawstring bag, which I've used a grand total of zero times since!
Touch controls on the Ace Mimi work OK, but can at times be a source of frustration. You have to hit them at the right point to ensure you don't fail to register - not always easy given the 'shoulder-style' indent at the top of the stem - and the default control system isn't particularly intuitive. They do offer fairly good customization through the app, although there are limitations. The "Custom Buttons" section allows you to configure double tap, triple tap, and long tap gestures. Most functions are available for double and triple taps (except volume control), while long press is limited to volume adjustment or no function at all. Unfortunately, single touch, like Edifier, is not an option, which reduces accidental touches but adds a layer of restriction some users might find annoying.
ANC & Transparency
The active noise cancellation is somewhat disappointing, actually performing slightly worse than the Ace 2 and falling behind similarly priced competitors. The binaural testing revealed relatively weak performance, particularly with mid-range frequencies and voices, with an average noise reduction of around 21dB, compared to 28dB on the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4. Lower-frequency sounds are handled OK for the most part, but for Creative to neglect to make improvements here when practically every review on the Ace 2 criticized its ANC calls into question why Creative even bothered to release this model, especially with the FCC approvals in progress for the Ace 3.
On the positive side, transparency mode is cleaner than the previous model with minimal occlusion effect when speaking. Environmental sounds come through clearly, making conversations easy to follow without removing the earbuds. It's again behind the likes of Huawei and OnePlus, but it's a clear improvement over the Ace 2.
Sound
The dual driver configuration pairs an XMEMS solid-state driver handling mids and treble with a 10mm dynamic driver for bass. This results in excellent performance in the mid and high frequencies, where the XMEMS technology shines with fast transients, detailed instrument separation, and natural-sounding yet highly polished treble extension that combines air and precision without hitting hitting the point of fatigue. If you listen to tracks heavy on percussion, you'll notice that the trebles aren't perfect - there's a slight scratchiness at higher volumes, but overall it's a big improvement from single DD's or the unnatural taste of balanced armatures.
The bass response, while slightly improved over the Ace 2 with reduced mid-bass bloat, still lacks the punch and definition to match the precision of the mids and highs. Bass notes tend to linger a bit longer than ideal, creating a slight disconnect between the tight, articulate upper frequencies and the softer, less defined low end. It sounds like Creative simply adjusted the variables to improve the tuning, rather than use a different dynamic driver, so whilst the end result is slightly-more cohesive than the Ace 2, it still isn't ideal.
In the sub-£150 category, though, the Mimi still rank well in my audio league table, thanks to a sensible tuning and outstanding level of customisation, both hearing and preference-based, but it's still slightly disappointing that the improvement over the Ace 2 is incremental rather than transformative. A different dynamic driver implementation could have elevated the overall performance further, so they've left us longing for more here really, which is a shame.
The Mimi personalization and EQ (both custom and preset-based) is where the Mimi really stand out from the crowd, with both accessible through the Creative app. The Mimi process involves a 4-minute hearing test (best done in a quiet environment) where you hold your finger on a circle and release when you can no longer hear the frequency being played. After completion, it generates a profile for each ear with a visualization of your hearing abilities across frequencies. The resulting profile creates a sound signature compensating for your specific hearing deficiencies, with a slider to adjust the intensity and three presets for further customization. Importantly, this isn't based on tonal preference but on hearing capability, so you may still want to use the EQ for personal taste adjustments.
For me, it made a tangible difference to the listening experience. For those with high-frequency hearing loss (like myself, from years of playing at clubs and festivals), the combination of the xMEMS plus Mimi is a winner - with my specific hearing profile, it significantly enhanced detail retrieval in the upper frequencies without causing fatigue, providing a better foundation for further EQ adjustments. A notable limitation is that the Mimi profile is stored in the app rather than on the earbuds themselves, meaning the personalization doesn't work when connected to devices without the Creative app – a limitation Creative doesn't mention in their marketing.
On the hearing preference side, the app's 10-band custom EQ is well implemented with strategically placed frequency points and a generous ±9dB adjustment range. Creative includes numerous music and gaming presets with helpful visual representations of how each preset modifies the frequency response that you can then use a baseline to fine-tune further. Overall, you get a very helpful level of control over the sound that is thoroughly well-implemented.
Call Quality
The Mimi, like the Ace 2 before them, deliver fairly good call performance across various environments, giving you an acceptable balance of noise reduction and voice tone and weight. The noise reduction algorithm works consistently in both indoor and outdoor settings, though voice clarity isn't optimal, meaning your voice can sound authoritative but slightly muffled, even in quiet conditions. Despite this minor issue, calls remain intelligible in all tested scenarios, making the earbuds fairly reliable for communication in controlled environments.
Codecs & Connectivity
Unlike the Ace 2, the Mimi doesn't use a Qualcomm chipset, so it lacks aptX-Lossless support, maxing out at LDAC instead. Whilst spec-sheet nerds might take umbrage here, the real-life difference is negligible - even separating LDAC and AAC in a blind test is difficult, so distinguishing between two hi-res codecs is an absolute non-issue. For Creative, the number of users with phones that support LDAC is much higher than the aptX family, which will appeal to those who overblow the importance of bitrate.
My experience using LC3 was far better this time however - a stark contrast from the buggy and frustrating time I had with the Ace 2, which often wouldn't even register in the app and had weird side issues like an abnormally-low mic volume, disconnections when the mic wasn't in use (like with DuoLingo, between rounds) and the inability to control the volume your phone (only the buds). As I said at the time, this appeared to be a Qualcomm issue, since I noticed the same problems with other buds with the same chipset, but regardless, Creative managed something fairly stable first time around this time, as opposed to ten firmware updates later.
This stability comes with an unexpected benefit: extremely low latency, measuring around 60ms even without gaming mode activated. With gaming mode engaged, latency becomes virtually imperceptible, and when you combine this with the litany of gaming presets, you get a pretty handy set for PubG mobile addicts.
Multipoint connectivity also feels more reliable than on the Ace 2, though the app still lacks a device list for managing connections, and the Mimi still lack a few features, like wear detection and a 'find my buds' mode.
Battery Life
Battery performance shows improvement over the Ace 2, offering approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes with ANC enabled – about 45 minutes more than its predecessor. It's hardly market-leading stuff, but it's about what we come to expect these days. The problem, though, is that unlike many of its competitors, who offer a similar single use performance but then give you a couple of hours boost from their 'quick-charge' feature, the Mimi neither support this nor a reduced charge time, with the industry-standard 60 minutes to fully charge the buds (and even longer for the case) meaning you're possibly going to be without them for a period during the working day - not ideal. The case does support wireless charging, which is always a welcome feature, although at the cost of time, which may already be at a premium. You get three additional charge cycles with the case.
Summary
The Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi represents an interesting sidestep rather than an upgrade from the Ace 2. Its greatest strengths lie in the implementation of the Mimi sound personalization technology and the improved stability of both codec performance and, to a degree, the app and multipoint, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not really enough, with many of the Ace 2's shortcomings still in play.
The XMEMS driver technology continues to impress with exceptional mid and high-frequency performance, though the bass response still leaves room for improvement that could, and probably should, have been remedied with an alternative dynamic driver. The personalization features are genuinely useful, especially for those with specific hearing characteristics, though the limitation of profiles being stored in the app rather than on the earbuds is disappointing.
Despite a far more stable LC3 implementation and better battery life bringing them close to their competitors, ANC performance and charging speed remain mediocre, and they lack many 'bread-and-butter' features that we expect to see at this price - notably quick charge, wear detection and spatial audio.
Whilst I enjoy using the Mimi, and do rate them as a solid (although slightly-overpriced) option (especially for those with specific hearing needs). This feels like a lazy and slightly unimaginative release. I love that Creative have pioneered the xMEMS tech and tried to push the industry forward, embracing innovation faster than many of the more recognisable names in TWS, but we have all become a bit fatigued from releases that only offer incremental improvements, and sadly, this is one of those.
This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of products I review. When products are provided for free (as sometimes happens), there is no creative input into my reviews, no payment exchanged, and no terms imposed upon me - any brands requesting this are politely told to do one! Creative did send me this model free of charge, but the models that I compared Mimi to were also sent to me for free, so there's no conflict of interest. Full disclaimer on my YouTube page.
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi
Price: £79.99
Review Reference: RC174
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Creative
- Model: Aurvana Ace Mimi
- Driver: XMEMS solid-state driver + 10mm dynamic driver (hybrid dual driver)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Codecs: LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC
- ANC: Yes
- App Support: Yes (Creative app with Mimi personalization, support for SXFI)
- Multipoint: Yes
- Volume Control: Yes (long press)
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- Mics: 6-mic array + ENC
- Water Resistance: IPX5
- Earbud Weight: 4.5g
- Earbud Dimensions: 34mm stem
- Battery Life: ~4h50m with ANC (7 hours without ANC advertised)
- Total Battery Life: Up to 28 hours
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Charge Time: ~60 minutes (buds)
- Includes: Earbuds, charging case, XS, S, M, L, XL eartips, drawstring bag, USB-C charging cable, quick start guide
Methodology Summary:
All my reviews include binaural sound and ANC samples recorded in real-world environments, as well as frequency response measurements. For this review, I tested ANC effectiveness in a busy coffee shop with direct comparisons to similarly priced competitors, and evaluated call quality across various indoor and outdoor scenarios.
INTRO
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Creative Aurvana Ace 2, one of the first mainstream TWS to feature solid-state XMEMS driver technology, and a release that showcased both Creative's strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. Whilst the xMEMS implementation demonstrated clear advantages, with snappy transients and a treble that was both detailed and well-sculptured, the dynamic driver selection wasn't the most cohesive, and the ANC and overall stability of the device (mostly down to the buggy Qualcomm chipset deployed) weren't quite up to the job, at least in a set with a retail price of over £100.
Creative has now followed up with the Aurvana Ace Mimi – not a direct successor (hence not being called Ace 3), more a variation on a theme with some notable differences. The headline feature is the integration of Mimi sound personalization technology, which provides a hearing test to customize audio based on your specific hearing capabilities. Mimi are the world leaders in this space, with Nothing, Beyerdynamic, Focal and many other partners scrambling to adopt their developments into their value propositions, but for this to be a real success Creative would have to 'right a few wrongs' - at the very least provide a stable operating environment off the bat. Does the Aurvana Ace Mimi meet expectations? Well, kinda - read on for my thoughts on why you may or may not consider this a viable next purchase option.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The Mimi (as we will refer to them going forward) have adopted the same shell as the Ace 2, which is good and bad news depending on how highly you rated that design. I found them to be quite comfortable, thanks to the shallow fit and smaller footprint to the oval nozzle, that sits somewhere between the Earfun Air Pro 4 and Realme Buds Air 6 Pro in terms of size and footprint.
While the build quality isn't exceptional, and truth be told a bit disappointing compared to others at a similar price from the likes of Huawei and OnePlus, the comfort level is sufficient, even good, for daily use, and the improved ear tip material brings better stability than the previous model.
The earbuds maintained their position reliably during my exercise testing, passing the 100 jumping jacks test with no issues. The IPX5 water and sweat resistance rating makes them suitable for workouts, though without proper waterproofing, I wouldn't recommend them for swimming or extremely heavy rain. I have seen some reviews complaining about their performance in windy conditions, but I suspect this is more down to fit and seal than anything Creative have done in terms of the design. I'm in the UK, not Cape Verde, and whilst we get wind from time to time, it isn't enough to really notice the extremities in performance - the Mimi seemed to be as good (and bad) as everyone else.
The case design is reasonably portable with a decent finish, though the hinge mechanism is problematic, sometimes slamming shut unexpectedly. Creative has upgraded the accessories, including a drawstring bag, which I've used a grand total of zero times since!
Touch controls on the Ace Mimi work OK, but can at times be a source of frustration. You have to hit them at the right point to ensure you don't fail to register - not always easy given the 'shoulder-style' indent at the top of the stem - and the default control system isn't particularly intuitive. They do offer fairly good customization through the app, although there are limitations. The "Custom Buttons" section allows you to configure double tap, triple tap, and long tap gestures. Most functions are available for double and triple taps (except volume control), while long press is limited to volume adjustment or no function at all. Unfortunately, single touch, like Edifier, is not an option, which reduces accidental touches but adds a layer of restriction some users might find annoying.
ANC & Transparency
The active noise cancellation is somewhat disappointing, actually performing slightly worse than the Ace 2 and falling behind similarly priced competitors. The binaural testing revealed relatively weak performance, particularly with mid-range frequencies and voices, with an average noise reduction of around 21dB, compared to 28dB on the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4. Lower-frequency sounds are handled OK for the most part, but for Creative to neglect to make improvements here when practically every review on the Ace 2 criticized its ANC calls into question why Creative even bothered to release this model, especially with the FCC approvals in progress for the Ace 3.
On the positive side, transparency mode is cleaner than the previous model with minimal occlusion effect when speaking. Environmental sounds come through clearly, making conversations easy to follow without removing the earbuds. It's again behind the likes of Huawei and OnePlus, but it's a clear improvement over the Ace 2.
Sound
The dual driver configuration pairs an XMEMS solid-state driver handling mids and treble with a 10mm dynamic driver for bass. This results in excellent performance in the mid and high frequencies, where the XMEMS technology shines with fast transients, detailed instrument separation, and natural-sounding yet highly polished treble extension that combines air and precision without hitting hitting the point of fatigue. If you listen to tracks heavy on percussion, you'll notice that the trebles aren't perfect - there's a slight scratchiness at higher volumes, but overall it's a big improvement from single DD's or the unnatural taste of balanced armatures.
The bass response, while slightly improved over the Ace 2 with reduced mid-bass bloat, still lacks the punch and definition to match the precision of the mids and highs. Bass notes tend to linger a bit longer than ideal, creating a slight disconnect between the tight, articulate upper frequencies and the softer, less defined low end. It sounds like Creative simply adjusted the variables to improve the tuning, rather than use a different dynamic driver, so whilst the end result is slightly-more cohesive than the Ace 2, it still isn't ideal.
In the sub-£150 category, though, the Mimi still rank well in my audio league table, thanks to a sensible tuning and outstanding level of customisation, both hearing and preference-based, but it's still slightly disappointing that the improvement over the Ace 2 is incremental rather than transformative. A different dynamic driver implementation could have elevated the overall performance further, so they've left us longing for more here really, which is a shame.
The Mimi personalization and EQ (both custom and preset-based) is where the Mimi really stand out from the crowd, with both accessible through the Creative app. The Mimi process involves a 4-minute hearing test (best done in a quiet environment) where you hold your finger on a circle and release when you can no longer hear the frequency being played. After completion, it generates a profile for each ear with a visualization of your hearing abilities across frequencies. The resulting profile creates a sound signature compensating for your specific hearing deficiencies, with a slider to adjust the intensity and three presets for further customization. Importantly, this isn't based on tonal preference but on hearing capability, so you may still want to use the EQ for personal taste adjustments.
For me, it made a tangible difference to the listening experience. For those with high-frequency hearing loss (like myself, from years of playing at clubs and festivals), the combination of the xMEMS plus Mimi is a winner - with my specific hearing profile, it significantly enhanced detail retrieval in the upper frequencies without causing fatigue, providing a better foundation for further EQ adjustments. A notable limitation is that the Mimi profile is stored in the app rather than on the earbuds themselves, meaning the personalization doesn't work when connected to devices without the Creative app – a limitation Creative doesn't mention in their marketing.
On the hearing preference side, the app's 10-band custom EQ is well implemented with strategically placed frequency points and a generous ±9dB adjustment range. Creative includes numerous music and gaming presets with helpful visual representations of how each preset modifies the frequency response that you can then use a baseline to fine-tune further. Overall, you get a very helpful level of control over the sound that is thoroughly well-implemented.
Call Quality
The Mimi, like the Ace 2 before them, deliver fairly good call performance across various environments, giving you an acceptable balance of noise reduction and voice tone and weight. The noise reduction algorithm works consistently in both indoor and outdoor settings, though voice clarity isn't optimal, meaning your voice can sound authoritative but slightly muffled, even in quiet conditions. Despite this minor issue, calls remain intelligible in all tested scenarios, making the earbuds fairly reliable for communication in controlled environments.
Codecs & Connectivity
Unlike the Ace 2, the Mimi doesn't use a Qualcomm chipset, so it lacks aptX-Lossless support, maxing out at LDAC instead. Whilst spec-sheet nerds might take umbrage here, the real-life difference is negligible - even separating LDAC and AAC in a blind test is difficult, so distinguishing between two hi-res codecs is an absolute non-issue. For Creative, the number of users with phones that support LDAC is much higher than the aptX family, which will appeal to those who overblow the importance of bitrate.
My experience using LC3 was far better this time however - a stark contrast from the buggy and frustrating time I had with the Ace 2, which often wouldn't even register in the app and had weird side issues like an abnormally-low mic volume, disconnections when the mic wasn't in use (like with DuoLingo, between rounds) and the inability to control the volume your phone (only the buds). As I said at the time, this appeared to be a Qualcomm issue, since I noticed the same problems with other buds with the same chipset, but regardless, Creative managed something fairly stable first time around this time, as opposed to ten firmware updates later.
This stability comes with an unexpected benefit: extremely low latency, measuring around 60ms even without gaming mode activated. With gaming mode engaged, latency becomes virtually imperceptible, and when you combine this with the litany of gaming presets, you get a pretty handy set for PubG mobile addicts.
Multipoint connectivity also feels more reliable than on the Ace 2, though the app still lacks a device list for managing connections, and the Mimi still lack a few features, like wear detection and a 'find my buds' mode.
Battery Life
Battery performance shows improvement over the Ace 2, offering approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes with ANC enabled – about 45 minutes more than its predecessor. It's hardly market-leading stuff, but it's about what we come to expect these days. The problem, though, is that unlike many of its competitors, who offer a similar single use performance but then give you a couple of hours boost from their 'quick-charge' feature, the Mimi neither support this nor a reduced charge time, with the industry-standard 60 minutes to fully charge the buds (and even longer for the case) meaning you're possibly going to be without them for a period during the working day - not ideal. The case does support wireless charging, which is always a welcome feature, although at the cost of time, which may already be at a premium. You get three additional charge cycles with the case.
Summary
The Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi represents an interesting sidestep rather than an upgrade from the Ace 2. Its greatest strengths lie in the implementation of the Mimi sound personalization technology and the improved stability of both codec performance and, to a degree, the app and multipoint, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not really enough, with many of the Ace 2's shortcomings still in play.
The XMEMS driver technology continues to impress with exceptional mid and high-frequency performance, though the bass response still leaves room for improvement that could, and probably should, have been remedied with an alternative dynamic driver. The personalization features are genuinely useful, especially for those with specific hearing characteristics, though the limitation of profiles being stored in the app rather than on the earbuds is disappointing.
Despite a far more stable LC3 implementation and better battery life bringing them close to their competitors, ANC performance and charging speed remain mediocre, and they lack many 'bread-and-butter' features that we expect to see at this price - notably quick charge, wear detection and spatial audio.
Whilst I enjoy using the Mimi, and do rate them as a solid (although slightly-overpriced) option (especially for those with specific hearing needs). This feels like a lazy and slightly unimaginative release. I love that Creative have pioneered the xMEMS tech and tried to push the industry forward, embracing innovation faster than many of the more recognisable names in TWS, but we have all become a bit fatigued from releases that only offer incremental improvements, and sadly, this is one of those.
This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of products I review. When products are provided for free (as sometimes happens), there is no creative input into my reviews, no payment exchanged, and no terms imposed upon me - any brands requesting this are politely told to do one! Creative did send me this model free of charge, but the models that I compared Mimi to were also sent to me for free, so there's no conflict of interest. Full disclaimer on my YouTube page.
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Edge
Price: £79.99
Review Reference: RC173
Manufacturer Specification:
INTRO
I'm back with another Moondrop review, licking my wounds after the Moca fiasco
In case you missed the disastrous firmware roll-out that bricked a huge proportion of our units, well, that's what happened......within a day of me giving them my seal of approval! This left me under no illusions that I should wait a couple of month before giving my thoughts on the Edge, their newest over-ear ANC headphones, so here we are!
Moondrop has established themselves in the IEM market with more discerning tuning at competitive prices, but their journey into the wireless audio space has been a bit bumpy to say the least. Whereas the likes of SoundPEATS, Soundcore, QCY, Edifier and Earfun churn releases out without too many (if any) stability issues, but struggle getting the sound right, the reverse is true of Moondrop, which, whilst expected given their background, is an excuse that will only wash for so long. The Edge represents their entry into the competitive under-£100 over-ear headphone market, but in this review I was paying very close attention to the stability and overall experience as much as the usual key parameters - sound, ANC, comfort, call performance, etc. as a result.
As always, the YouTube version of this review contains binaural sound and ANC samples recorded in real-world environments, as well as frequency response measurements of each of the individual sound presets. These review elements add a layer of objectivity to key aspects alongside my subjective thoughts. For this review, I tested the ANC effectiveness in both a busy coffee shop and walking through a town center on a weekend, with direct comparisons to some of their similarly-priced and specced competitors.
Hopefully, some of you will find this summary review useful - if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The Edge immediately stands out from the crowd with a design that deviates from the Sony WH1000 clones that dominate this price segment. The aesthetic is clean and modern with a very pleasing contour that sits well against the head. If you were really picky, you could say they took a bit of inspiration from Marshall Major, but there's enough about the look here that gives Moondrop a relative uniqueness. Build quality is generally good, though some elements like the hinge mechanism and headband adjustments feel a bit stiff.
The headband features adequate padding, and the ear cups have taller-than-average openings - great news for those with bigger ears who often find their ears pressing against the cushions in other models. It's a shame they aren't a touch wider, but it's good enough. The ear cushions themselves are soft with appropriate recoil, though I found that they caused my ears and overall body temperature to heat up more quickly than most during extended listening sessions. The yokes extend around 2.8cm either side.
Controls consist of a four-button configuration that works well enough but has a counter-intuitive layout - notably with the volume up button positioned at the bottom, contrary to most other headphone models. It' daft stuff like this that Moondrop shouldn't really be getting wrong - I realise that the design process sometimes leaves these smaller brands with some limitations in terms of off-the-shelf components they can use, and maybe it's too simplistic to expect them to source a control unit that fits the right way around, but the end result is unnecessary frustration.
The buttons are tactile with the multi-function button flush in the center and the others slightly raised, though they can be difficult to distinguish by touch alone. Without control customization options, you're stuck with this arrangement, too.
I tested them briefly in the gym and found them a little large and sweaty. They're much better suited to the commute and everyday use, but again, be careful if you're wearing plenty of layers and running for the train as your body temperature will soon resemble a McDonalds Apple Pie with the Edge doing nothing to help cool you down! The clamping force is moderate, requiring the typical stretching over a chair arm to achieve optimal comfort for my chunky head. They're reasonably comfortable with glasses, though you do sacrifice some isolation.
ANC & Transparency
The Edge delivers mixed ANC performance depending on the environment. In indoor settings like coffee shops with indistinct chatter, it struggles somewhat with voices, as you would expect for a budget set. For general ambient noise reduction outdoors during commutes or walking, it performs quite well, giving similar results to the Earfun Wave Pro and Edifier W820NB+.
The transparency mode lets through more environmental noise than competitors like QCY, which actually filter the ambient sound to make voices clearer. The Edge's approach is more natural but less refined, simply amplifying external sounds without much processing. Still, for walking and hearing your general surroundings, it does the job effectively.
In my binaural testing across multiple environments, the Edge showed consistent performance that should satisfy most users, especially for outdoor use, even if it doesn't set any new standards for noise cancellation in this price bracket. I know from various conversations with Moondrop (and other brands) that balancing ANC with preventing EQ shift as much as possible is a challenge, and I think Moondrop struck a pretty good balance here.
Sound
It's in the audio department that Moondrop typically show their best side, and the Edge continues this tradition. Moondrop decided to go back to 2020 when beryllium drivers came into fashion, and this additional stiffness and lower distortion is evident against their cheaper competitors, and a characteristic far more relevant than the hi-res codecs that the Edge supports. The tuning aims for a balanced sound with natural timbre - a notable departure from the V-shaped, bass-heavy signature common in this price range - and it makes the Edge a good choice for inoffensive listening sessions that are more about longevity than excitement.
The default "Reference" preset delivers a well-balanced sound where instruments come through clearly without being overshadowed by excessive bass, but it might feel a little lightweight to those who prefer a more energetic feel. Vocals are smooth and natural, avoiding the shouty female vocals that plague competitors like the Earfun Wave Pro. Bass is left wanting a little - for those who prefer a bit more slam, the "Extra Bass" preset adds some welcome punch without compromising the overall balance.
Compared to competitors like QCY H3 Pro, Edifier WH700NB, and SoundPEATS Space, the frequency response shows a more balanced approach with less extreme bass emphasis and a smoother treble. At higher volumes, all of those models exhibit more artifacts and distortion than the Edge. The tuning is undoubtedly among the best you'll find under £100 right out of the box.
My only minor criticism would be that the Edge could benefit from slightly more air in the upper treble region to artificially expand the soundstage further, but this is a small complaint in the grand scheme of things that can be amended in EQ....well, it could have been, if Moondrop had given us the option :|
The Moondrop app offers five preset EQ options, though only two ("Reference" and "Extra Bass") are truly useful - the other three produce strange sound signatures that seem oddly implemented. There's also three gain settings to boost volume if needed, though sadly no custom EQ option. It responded fairly well using Wavelet, but iOS users are going to be stuck with what they're given - which could be a lot worse, but for over £50 it's an oversight that feels too far a departure from an appropriate level of customisation.
Call Quality
The Edge performs surprisingly well for calls, with clear voice reproduction in most environments. It only struggled significantly in the busy coffee shop scene where nearby conversations caused some issues. In outdoor and general indoor environments, call quality was perfectly acceptable and above average for over-ear headphones in this price range.
Battery Life
Battery performance is moderate compared to competitors - I measured approximately 40 hours with ANC off and 32 hours with ANC on, which falls short of alternatives like the SoundPEATS Space that nearly double this runtime. The quick charge feature provides 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging, which helps mitigate the shorter overall battery life, it just means you carrying a USB-C cable around with you and 'hoping for a spare port'!
Other Features
Multipoint connectivity is supported but not enabled by default - you'll need to activate the "one bring two" option in the app's function settings. Once enabled, it works well by pausing your primary device and playing the secondary device, with connection switching taking just a couple of seconds. It works most of the time, but there's no device list in the app, which leaves you sometimes wondering what you're connected to.
Gaming latency is, somewhat surprisingly, impressively low when using the dedicated low latency mode (activated by triple-tapping the ANC button or via the app). Testing showed latency dropping from about 320ms to just over 50ms, making it perfectly suitable for casual gaming, but at the expense of reduced battery life.
The Edge comes in an attractive presentation box that includes a soft carrying case with Moondrop branding. While these presentation touches are nice, I think most people would have taken a lower price tag instead. The waifu-style voice prompts remain, by the way - not an issue for me, but I know others aren't necessarily so keen.
Ommissions
A notable omission is the lack of any wired connection options. This is pretty disappointing and maybe even a deal-breaker, especially when you consider that lower-cost competitors like the QCY H3 Pro support it through both 3.5mm jack and USB-C wired modes. This could have offered the perfect remedy for the less-than-stellar battery life.
Summary
Even despite the calamitous situation with their Moca, die-hard Moondrop fans will still be attracted to the Edge, and the attractive design should also curry favour with those who look for aesthetics in their favoured cans. While it doesn't excel in every category, it delivers a well-rounded experience that emphasizes audio quality over gimmicks - the balanced, natural sound signature is a refreshing alternative to the bass-heavy tuning common at this price point, and will appeal to listeners seeking a more palatable audio experience without spending hours trying to tweak the EQ.
Thankfully, the stability issues aren't anything like as pervasive here. I'm on firmware 1.2.2, and have found the product to be quite stable throughout. The app is still sloppy to say the least though, with a delayed connection initiation that seems to be worse on iOS than Android.
At around £70/$85, it sits at a slightly higher price point than many competitors. Whether it justifies this with its balanced tuning, improved driver performance and distinctive aesthetic, will ultimately be down to you and your personal preference. The drawbacks - including the lack of wired options, absence of custom EQ, counter-intuitive controls, and moderate battery life - should be considered against your specific needs. They wouldn't be deal-breakers for me, but their not insignificant enough to be at least worthy of consideration.
This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of products I review. When products are provided for free (as sometimes happens), there is no creative input into my reviews, no payment exchanged, and no terms imposed upon me - any brands requesting this are politely told to do one! Moondrop did send me this model free of charge, but the models that I compared Edge to were also sent to me for free, so there's no conflict of interest. Full disclaimer on my YouTube page.
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Edge
Price: £79.99
Review Reference: RC173
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Moondrop
- Model: Edge
- Driver: 40mm Beryllium-plated dynamic driver
- Codecs: LDAC, SBC, AAC
- ANC: Yes
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes (needs activation in app)
- Gaming Mode: Yes (triple tap ANC button or via app)
- Battery Life: ~32h with ANC on, ~40h with ANC off
- Quick Charge: 4 hours playback from 5 minutes charging
- Bluetooth Version: 5.4
- Colors: Grey, Cream
- Includes: Soft carrying case with Moondrop branding
INTRO
I'm back with another Moondrop review, licking my wounds after the Moca fiasco
In case you missed the disastrous firmware roll-out that bricked a huge proportion of our units, well, that's what happened......within a day of me giving them my seal of approval! This left me under no illusions that I should wait a couple of month before giving my thoughts on the Edge, their newest over-ear ANC headphones, so here we are!Moondrop has established themselves in the IEM market with more discerning tuning at competitive prices, but their journey into the wireless audio space has been a bit bumpy to say the least. Whereas the likes of SoundPEATS, Soundcore, QCY, Edifier and Earfun churn releases out without too many (if any) stability issues, but struggle getting the sound right, the reverse is true of Moondrop, which, whilst expected given their background, is an excuse that will only wash for so long. The Edge represents their entry into the competitive under-£100 over-ear headphone market, but in this review I was paying very close attention to the stability and overall experience as much as the usual key parameters - sound, ANC, comfort, call performance, etc. as a result.
As always, the YouTube version of this review contains binaural sound and ANC samples recorded in real-world environments, as well as frequency response measurements of each of the individual sound presets. These review elements add a layer of objectivity to key aspects alongside my subjective thoughts. For this review, I tested the ANC effectiveness in both a busy coffee shop and walking through a town center on a weekend, with direct comparisons to some of their similarly-priced and specced competitors.
Hopefully, some of you will find this summary review useful - if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The Edge immediately stands out from the crowd with a design that deviates from the Sony WH1000 clones that dominate this price segment. The aesthetic is clean and modern with a very pleasing contour that sits well against the head. If you were really picky, you could say they took a bit of inspiration from Marshall Major, but there's enough about the look here that gives Moondrop a relative uniqueness. Build quality is generally good, though some elements like the hinge mechanism and headband adjustments feel a bit stiff.
The headband features adequate padding, and the ear cups have taller-than-average openings - great news for those with bigger ears who often find their ears pressing against the cushions in other models. It's a shame they aren't a touch wider, but it's good enough. The ear cushions themselves are soft with appropriate recoil, though I found that they caused my ears and overall body temperature to heat up more quickly than most during extended listening sessions. The yokes extend around 2.8cm either side.
Controls consist of a four-button configuration that works well enough but has a counter-intuitive layout - notably with the volume up button positioned at the bottom, contrary to most other headphone models. It' daft stuff like this that Moondrop shouldn't really be getting wrong - I realise that the design process sometimes leaves these smaller brands with some limitations in terms of off-the-shelf components they can use, and maybe it's too simplistic to expect them to source a control unit that fits the right way around, but the end result is unnecessary frustration.
The buttons are tactile with the multi-function button flush in the center and the others slightly raised, though they can be difficult to distinguish by touch alone. Without control customization options, you're stuck with this arrangement, too.
I tested them briefly in the gym and found them a little large and sweaty. They're much better suited to the commute and everyday use, but again, be careful if you're wearing plenty of layers and running for the train as your body temperature will soon resemble a McDonalds Apple Pie with the Edge doing nothing to help cool you down! The clamping force is moderate, requiring the typical stretching over a chair arm to achieve optimal comfort for my chunky head. They're reasonably comfortable with glasses, though you do sacrifice some isolation.
ANC & Transparency
The Edge delivers mixed ANC performance depending on the environment. In indoor settings like coffee shops with indistinct chatter, it struggles somewhat with voices, as you would expect for a budget set. For general ambient noise reduction outdoors during commutes or walking, it performs quite well, giving similar results to the Earfun Wave Pro and Edifier W820NB+.
The transparency mode lets through more environmental noise than competitors like QCY, which actually filter the ambient sound to make voices clearer. The Edge's approach is more natural but less refined, simply amplifying external sounds without much processing. Still, for walking and hearing your general surroundings, it does the job effectively.
In my binaural testing across multiple environments, the Edge showed consistent performance that should satisfy most users, especially for outdoor use, even if it doesn't set any new standards for noise cancellation in this price bracket. I know from various conversations with Moondrop (and other brands) that balancing ANC with preventing EQ shift as much as possible is a challenge, and I think Moondrop struck a pretty good balance here.
Sound
It's in the audio department that Moondrop typically show their best side, and the Edge continues this tradition. Moondrop decided to go back to 2020 when beryllium drivers came into fashion, and this additional stiffness and lower distortion is evident against their cheaper competitors, and a characteristic far more relevant than the hi-res codecs that the Edge supports. The tuning aims for a balanced sound with natural timbre - a notable departure from the V-shaped, bass-heavy signature common in this price range - and it makes the Edge a good choice for inoffensive listening sessions that are more about longevity than excitement.
The default "Reference" preset delivers a well-balanced sound where instruments come through clearly without being overshadowed by excessive bass, but it might feel a little lightweight to those who prefer a more energetic feel. Vocals are smooth and natural, avoiding the shouty female vocals that plague competitors like the Earfun Wave Pro. Bass is left wanting a little - for those who prefer a bit more slam, the "Extra Bass" preset adds some welcome punch without compromising the overall balance.
Compared to competitors like QCY H3 Pro, Edifier WH700NB, and SoundPEATS Space, the frequency response shows a more balanced approach with less extreme bass emphasis and a smoother treble. At higher volumes, all of those models exhibit more artifacts and distortion than the Edge. The tuning is undoubtedly among the best you'll find under £100 right out of the box.
My only minor criticism would be that the Edge could benefit from slightly more air in the upper treble region to artificially expand the soundstage further, but this is a small complaint in the grand scheme of things that can be amended in EQ....well, it could have been, if Moondrop had given us the option :|
The Moondrop app offers five preset EQ options, though only two ("Reference" and "Extra Bass") are truly useful - the other three produce strange sound signatures that seem oddly implemented. There's also three gain settings to boost volume if needed, though sadly no custom EQ option. It responded fairly well using Wavelet, but iOS users are going to be stuck with what they're given - which could be a lot worse, but for over £50 it's an oversight that feels too far a departure from an appropriate level of customisation.
Call Quality
The Edge performs surprisingly well for calls, with clear voice reproduction in most environments. It only struggled significantly in the busy coffee shop scene where nearby conversations caused some issues. In outdoor and general indoor environments, call quality was perfectly acceptable and above average for over-ear headphones in this price range.
Battery Life
Battery performance is moderate compared to competitors - I measured approximately 40 hours with ANC off and 32 hours with ANC on, which falls short of alternatives like the SoundPEATS Space that nearly double this runtime. The quick charge feature provides 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging, which helps mitigate the shorter overall battery life, it just means you carrying a USB-C cable around with you and 'hoping for a spare port'!
Other Features
Multipoint connectivity is supported but not enabled by default - you'll need to activate the "one bring two" option in the app's function settings. Once enabled, it works well by pausing your primary device and playing the secondary device, with connection switching taking just a couple of seconds. It works most of the time, but there's no device list in the app, which leaves you sometimes wondering what you're connected to.
Gaming latency is, somewhat surprisingly, impressively low when using the dedicated low latency mode (activated by triple-tapping the ANC button or via the app). Testing showed latency dropping from about 320ms to just over 50ms, making it perfectly suitable for casual gaming, but at the expense of reduced battery life.
The Edge comes in an attractive presentation box that includes a soft carrying case with Moondrop branding. While these presentation touches are nice, I think most people would have taken a lower price tag instead. The waifu-style voice prompts remain, by the way - not an issue for me, but I know others aren't necessarily so keen.
Ommissions
A notable omission is the lack of any wired connection options. This is pretty disappointing and maybe even a deal-breaker, especially when you consider that lower-cost competitors like the QCY H3 Pro support it through both 3.5mm jack and USB-C wired modes. This could have offered the perfect remedy for the less-than-stellar battery life.
Summary
Even despite the calamitous situation with their Moca, die-hard Moondrop fans will still be attracted to the Edge, and the attractive design should also curry favour with those who look for aesthetics in their favoured cans. While it doesn't excel in every category, it delivers a well-rounded experience that emphasizes audio quality over gimmicks - the balanced, natural sound signature is a refreshing alternative to the bass-heavy tuning common at this price point, and will appeal to listeners seeking a more palatable audio experience without spending hours trying to tweak the EQ.
Thankfully, the stability issues aren't anything like as pervasive here. I'm on firmware 1.2.2, and have found the product to be quite stable throughout. The app is still sloppy to say the least though, with a delayed connection initiation that seems to be worse on iOS than Android.
At around £70/$85, it sits at a slightly higher price point than many competitors. Whether it justifies this with its balanced tuning, improved driver performance and distinctive aesthetic, will ultimately be down to you and your personal preference. The drawbacks - including the lack of wired options, absence of custom EQ, counter-intuitive controls, and moderate battery life - should be considered against your specific needs. They wouldn't be deal-breakers for me, but their not insignificant enough to be at least worthy of consideration.
This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of products I review. When products are provided for free (as sometimes happens), there is no creative input into my reviews, no payment exchanged, and no terms imposed upon me - any brands requesting this are politely told to do one! Moondrop did send me this model free of charge, but the models that I compared Edge to were also sent to me for free, so there's no conflict of interest. Full disclaimer on my YouTube page.
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Huawei FreeArc
Price: £79.99 (launch), £99.99 MSRP
Review Reference: RC172
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide
YouTube Review:
Intro
Those who have been following my channel for a while will need no introduction into why I'm such a big fan of open-ear earbuds - they give you better situational awareness, allowing you to hear traffic when you're out running or cycling far better than using transparency mode on traditional TWS (essential in London!) and are also pretty useful in an office-environment, where you can hear co-workers shouting across the office to you (and not complaining that you're wearing earbuds when they're trying to get your attention). They're also guaranteed not to fall out when you're out for a run regardless of the size or shape of your ears, which can't always be said for standard in-ear TWS, with the ear hooks giving you added stability and preventing them for flying off in your trail when you're racing to get home.
There are obviously some compromises to this style of earbud that experienced head-fiers will be aware of, but just in case you're new to this style, the lack of seal means that you're not going to get active noise cancellation, and the sound is likely to be less immersive, with basslines dissipating before the sound reaches your ear canal. Usually there's a bit of sound leakage as well, so for most of us this will be a complement rather than a replacement for our traditional TWS.
I've tested so many different models of this type I've lost count - I've even got my own playlist dedicated to them. The latest that I've tested over the last couple of months is Huawei's brand new release, the FreeArc - a set that looks pretty decent on paper, albeit with a bit of an unoriginal design. Could they dethrone the Shokz OpenFit Air as my all-time favourite so far?
Design & Comfort
Huawei have called their design the 'C-Bridge', comprising of a thin aluminium alloy wire giving you a bit of flexibility and malleability, with a skin-friendly liquid silicone finish around the ear hook to prevent irritation. They apparently based this design on an ergonomic analysis of over 10,000 auricle curves. It's such a shame that they didn't make mine 10,001, because unfortunately it doesn't really fit my ears as well as it does the models in their marketing material.
The problem area is here - the tragus. Mine sticks out quite a bit, so when I activate the touch controls it presses against it repeatedly and it actually makes it feel really uncomfortable, giving a sharp stabbing pain every time I touch it. I should add here that I really am 'auricle curve 10,001' - this isn't going to be the case with everyone, but I can only go by my own experience and when using the controls, at least, it doesn't feel ideal.
Whilst Huawei recognised that pressure on the tragus is a bad thing and they've tried to obviate it with their design, they haven't done it quite as well as Shokz, who added additional curvature to the outer edge, removing any pressure whatsoever, nor SoundPEATS with their GoFree2, which adds more of that skin-friendly coating to the whole section that touches your skin.
Other than the unit bashing against my tragus, the controls are quite responsive and intuitive. Just like with their FreeBuds Pro series, you can swipe up and down to control the volume. Huawei do give you some degree of customisation when it comes to the controls in their app, but there are some limitations - notably swipe, which can't really be changed to anything other than turning it off altogether, and press and hold, which gives you voice assistant or nothing. But hey, at least the thought was there. Sweat and water obscuring the touch controls has been a problem for me with sets I've tried previously (Shokz, in particular) but other than the swipe volume control, I didn't notice any degradation in my ability to initiate them in these types of scenario.
Thankfully, the design issue I experienced personally above is only really isolated to when you're using the controls - I didn't notice that pressure when I was doing cardio because they fit securely and don't bounce against your ear in motion, and this added stability is useful when you're doing floor and bench work as well. In an office or sedentary use case, where you have more time to actually think about the fact you're wearing earbuds, you might notice they're there more than some, but in the majority of use cases they're pretty comfortable, with no pinch around the ear hook area. Their IP57 rating means you're getting plenty of protection from sweat and the elements - much more than the aforementioned Shokz and SoundPEATS offerings.
The thin profile to the ear hooks mean that you can wear them successfully with cycling glasses and a helmet without any problems. I run about two or three times a week, so I've done about 50km with the FreeArc now and over 200km on the bike, with a lot of that around particularly noisy areas like airports and train stations, and it gave me plenty of opportunity to test whether that maximum volume was going to be loud enough in really busy scenes. Most of the time I didn't have to push the volume above 80%, even with badly-recorded podcasts, but in case you really need to push it temporarily, you have an option in the app to boost the volume. Just be mindful that this additional headroom is there to compensate for poor recordings - it takes the max volume up to just under 100dB-A - not a recommended setting for any sustainable period.
The buds slot into the case in the same orientation as the Shokz OpenFit Air, who Huawei seem to have taken inspiration from in more than a few ways. The case isn't quite as portable, but with open earbuds, it usually isn't. One area where Huawei do differentiate themselves is the reverse soundwave technologies they've used to try and mitigate a common problem with open earbuds - sound leakage. Whilst it does an okay job, it's kind of offset by that higher maximum volume - it is still quite audible from about a meter away. If you're out in the open, no one's going to hear you, but if you're sat in a very quiet room, then they will be able to at least hear that you're listening to something.
Sound
I know sound is subjective, but for me the Huawei are amongst the best sounding open earbuds I've tested. Compared to the Shokz OpenFit Air, it's a much more musical presentation with more body to the sound, especially with vocals, which sound really nasal on the OpenFit Air by comparison. The trebles are smoother and less peaky, but still have more detail and precision. This kind of tuning is really important when you're listening to these for long bike rides where you can't easily adjust the volume.
Whilst the Shokz's sub-bass does extend a little bit deeper, at least according to the measurements, that isn't really going to be noticeable in real life. I included binaural sound samples in the YouTube version of the review, so you can hear how they sound for yourself, and compare them to the Shokz. If you listen closely, you could hear a little bit of distortion on the mid-bass on the Shokz, whereas on the Huawei it was completely clean.
It's a similar story when you compare it to some of their competition. FIIL's GS has the deepest bass hit, although again, it isn't necessarily as easily discernible, and although on very close inspection both they and OneOdio's OpenRock X noticeably have a little bit more thump to the sound, this will vary depending on how it positions relative to your ear anatomy.
If you're one of those people that prioritises bass slam over musicality, there is always the option of selecting the Elevate preset within Huawei's app. The app gives you four different presets as well as a 10-band custom EQ, so lots of ability to customize the sound. All of these measurements are hosted on my GitHub and Squiglink - links are at the top of this review.
Calls
As always, I recommend checking out the call samples in the YouTube version of this review. Most of the time, you're pretty coherent - it isn't anywhere near the level of their FreeBuds Pro series, though, with quite a bit of ambient noise leaking into your call. They perform better in outdoor, open spaces, combatting traffic and city environmental noise better than nearby conversations.
Connectivity & Other Features
Their Bluetooth 5.2 chipset feels like a little bit of a blast from the past, but connectivity is really strong - I was able to walk around the office around 20-30m away without any disconnections or interruptions. Huawei claim you can move up to 400m away from the source - the max I managed was far less, so I suspect this is accounting for clear line of sight with no other frequencies getting in your way.
There's no hi-res codecs - it's AAC only, which isn't really a problem for this sort of earbud, especially since it helps preserve battery life. There are no in-ear detection sensors, which is expected due to the form factor. Multipoint works well, reliably and with a device list allowing you to nominate a prioritised device. Other notable inclusions are a low audio latency mode, which took latency down from 172 milliseconds to 57, so actually pretty good for casual gaming, and a 'find my earbuds' option, which isn't particularly loud, but welcome none the same.
Battery Life
'Solid if unspectacular' is how I determined it in the pros and cons above - I got just under 7 hours on a single charge, and 10 minutes back in the case gives you an additional 3 hours play time. This trounces the Shokz, which lagged nearly 2 hours behind them, but is still short of some of their competitors. FIIL's GS gave me 3 hours more, and 1MORE's S50 abd Soundcore's Aerofit Pro another hour on top of that. 7 hours will be enough for most of us, but ultramarathon runners might still want to look elsewhere. The 3 additional charge cycles from the case are pretty standard, and the buds charge back to full pretty quickly, around 40-60 minutes will get you back to the full 28 hours.
Summary
When you're looking to purchase a set of open earbuds, there's going to be some key criteria that you're going to have on your hit list. The first is comfort, and there's a tick in the box there, although take note of my point about the pressure on the tragus when you're activating the controls if that area of your ear is a little bit larger like mine. Adding in a customisation element like OneOdio, Tozo, SoundPEATS etc have usually adds more weight and 'clunkiness' to the design - Huawei's lightweight, targeted design is a little more one-dimensional of course, but if it fits you well, you're in for a treat.
Sound is also going to be pretty high on the agenda, and the FreeArc definitely fares favourably compared with its competition in this area. It's a mature tuning that suits all music styles reasonably well. Of course, you don't get the depth of traditional-fitting TWS, but open earbuds have certainly come a long way, and the FreeArc are a very clear representation of that progress. The added volume will also remove the frustrations that many of their competitors have, with the additional headroom facilitated through Huawei's app. Battery life is good enough for most, if not best in class, and it would have been nice to have seen wireless charging, but for me it's not a deal breaker. Other parameters we look for - a decent app experience, some degree of customisation, good latency, acceptable call performance and good connectivity, are all accounted for too.
The price, alongside the sound, is the most attractive proposition here. At a launch price of £79.99, they're good value. They're cheaper (and IMO, more reliable) than offerings from their key competition in this field, the likes of OneOdio, 1MORE and Oladance, all of whom feel quite overpriced by comparison. It also feels like a more polished experience than the likes of Soundcore, Earfun and SoundPEATS, who they are closer to in terms of cost.
The FreeArc may lack a little originality, but the sound and higher-than-usual maximum volume, coupled with Huawei's reliability and build quality, should see this release get more universal approval than many open earbuds - if you're looking at a first set of open-ears in particular, this feels like a safe choice overall.
Squiglink: regancipher
Measurements: github
Socials: Biolink
Model: Huawei FreeArc
Price: £79.99 (launch), £99.99 MSRP
Review Reference: RC172
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Huawei
- Model: FreeArc
- Driver: High Sensitivity 17mmx12mm DD
- Mic: 4 mic ENC
- ANC: N/A
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: Yes (some limitations)
- Low-Latency Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: No
- Earbud Weight: 8.87g
- Case Dimensions: 68mm {maximum} (width) x 27mm (height) x 68mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 510mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 3 hours playtime from 10 minutes chargetime
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 60 minutes (buds and case), 40 minutes (buds only)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 7 hours
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 28 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.2
- Water Resistance: IP57
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide
YouTube Review:
Intro
Those who have been following my channel for a while will need no introduction into why I'm such a big fan of open-ear earbuds - they give you better situational awareness, allowing you to hear traffic when you're out running or cycling far better than using transparency mode on traditional TWS (essential in London!) and are also pretty useful in an office-environment, where you can hear co-workers shouting across the office to you (and not complaining that you're wearing earbuds when they're trying to get your attention). They're also guaranteed not to fall out when you're out for a run regardless of the size or shape of your ears, which can't always be said for standard in-ear TWS, with the ear hooks giving you added stability and preventing them for flying off in your trail when you're racing to get home.
There are obviously some compromises to this style of earbud that experienced head-fiers will be aware of, but just in case you're new to this style, the lack of seal means that you're not going to get active noise cancellation, and the sound is likely to be less immersive, with basslines dissipating before the sound reaches your ear canal. Usually there's a bit of sound leakage as well, so for most of us this will be a complement rather than a replacement for our traditional TWS.
I've tested so many different models of this type I've lost count - I've even got my own playlist dedicated to them. The latest that I've tested over the last couple of months is Huawei's brand new release, the FreeArc - a set that looks pretty decent on paper, albeit with a bit of an unoriginal design. Could they dethrone the Shokz OpenFit Air as my all-time favourite so far?
Design & Comfort
Huawei have called their design the 'C-Bridge', comprising of a thin aluminium alloy wire giving you a bit of flexibility and malleability, with a skin-friendly liquid silicone finish around the ear hook to prevent irritation. They apparently based this design on an ergonomic analysis of over 10,000 auricle curves. It's such a shame that they didn't make mine 10,001, because unfortunately it doesn't really fit my ears as well as it does the models in their marketing material.
The problem area is here - the tragus. Mine sticks out quite a bit, so when I activate the touch controls it presses against it repeatedly and it actually makes it feel really uncomfortable, giving a sharp stabbing pain every time I touch it. I should add here that I really am 'auricle curve 10,001' - this isn't going to be the case with everyone, but I can only go by my own experience and when using the controls, at least, it doesn't feel ideal.
Whilst Huawei recognised that pressure on the tragus is a bad thing and they've tried to obviate it with their design, they haven't done it quite as well as Shokz, who added additional curvature to the outer edge, removing any pressure whatsoever, nor SoundPEATS with their GoFree2, which adds more of that skin-friendly coating to the whole section that touches your skin.
Other than the unit bashing against my tragus, the controls are quite responsive and intuitive. Just like with their FreeBuds Pro series, you can swipe up and down to control the volume. Huawei do give you some degree of customisation when it comes to the controls in their app, but there are some limitations - notably swipe, which can't really be changed to anything other than turning it off altogether, and press and hold, which gives you voice assistant or nothing. But hey, at least the thought was there. Sweat and water obscuring the touch controls has been a problem for me with sets I've tried previously (Shokz, in particular) but other than the swipe volume control, I didn't notice any degradation in my ability to initiate them in these types of scenario.
Thankfully, the design issue I experienced personally above is only really isolated to when you're using the controls - I didn't notice that pressure when I was doing cardio because they fit securely and don't bounce against your ear in motion, and this added stability is useful when you're doing floor and bench work as well. In an office or sedentary use case, where you have more time to actually think about the fact you're wearing earbuds, you might notice they're there more than some, but in the majority of use cases they're pretty comfortable, with no pinch around the ear hook area. Their IP57 rating means you're getting plenty of protection from sweat and the elements - much more than the aforementioned Shokz and SoundPEATS offerings.
The thin profile to the ear hooks mean that you can wear them successfully with cycling glasses and a helmet without any problems. I run about two or three times a week, so I've done about 50km with the FreeArc now and over 200km on the bike, with a lot of that around particularly noisy areas like airports and train stations, and it gave me plenty of opportunity to test whether that maximum volume was going to be loud enough in really busy scenes. Most of the time I didn't have to push the volume above 80%, even with badly-recorded podcasts, but in case you really need to push it temporarily, you have an option in the app to boost the volume. Just be mindful that this additional headroom is there to compensate for poor recordings - it takes the max volume up to just under 100dB-A - not a recommended setting for any sustainable period.
The buds slot into the case in the same orientation as the Shokz OpenFit Air, who Huawei seem to have taken inspiration from in more than a few ways. The case isn't quite as portable, but with open earbuds, it usually isn't. One area where Huawei do differentiate themselves is the reverse soundwave technologies they've used to try and mitigate a common problem with open earbuds - sound leakage. Whilst it does an okay job, it's kind of offset by that higher maximum volume - it is still quite audible from about a meter away. If you're out in the open, no one's going to hear you, but if you're sat in a very quiet room, then they will be able to at least hear that you're listening to something.
Sound
I know sound is subjective, but for me the Huawei are amongst the best sounding open earbuds I've tested. Compared to the Shokz OpenFit Air, it's a much more musical presentation with more body to the sound, especially with vocals, which sound really nasal on the OpenFit Air by comparison. The trebles are smoother and less peaky, but still have more detail and precision. This kind of tuning is really important when you're listening to these for long bike rides where you can't easily adjust the volume.
Whilst the Shokz's sub-bass does extend a little bit deeper, at least according to the measurements, that isn't really going to be noticeable in real life. I included binaural sound samples in the YouTube version of the review, so you can hear how they sound for yourself, and compare them to the Shokz. If you listen closely, you could hear a little bit of distortion on the mid-bass on the Shokz, whereas on the Huawei it was completely clean.
It's a similar story when you compare it to some of their competition. FIIL's GS has the deepest bass hit, although again, it isn't necessarily as easily discernible, and although on very close inspection both they and OneOdio's OpenRock X noticeably have a little bit more thump to the sound, this will vary depending on how it positions relative to your ear anatomy.
If you're one of those people that prioritises bass slam over musicality, there is always the option of selecting the Elevate preset within Huawei's app. The app gives you four different presets as well as a 10-band custom EQ, so lots of ability to customize the sound. All of these measurements are hosted on my GitHub and Squiglink - links are at the top of this review.
Calls
As always, I recommend checking out the call samples in the YouTube version of this review. Most of the time, you're pretty coherent - it isn't anywhere near the level of their FreeBuds Pro series, though, with quite a bit of ambient noise leaking into your call. They perform better in outdoor, open spaces, combatting traffic and city environmental noise better than nearby conversations.
Connectivity & Other Features
Their Bluetooth 5.2 chipset feels like a little bit of a blast from the past, but connectivity is really strong - I was able to walk around the office around 20-30m away without any disconnections or interruptions. Huawei claim you can move up to 400m away from the source - the max I managed was far less, so I suspect this is accounting for clear line of sight with no other frequencies getting in your way.
There's no hi-res codecs - it's AAC only, which isn't really a problem for this sort of earbud, especially since it helps preserve battery life. There are no in-ear detection sensors, which is expected due to the form factor. Multipoint works well, reliably and with a device list allowing you to nominate a prioritised device. Other notable inclusions are a low audio latency mode, which took latency down from 172 milliseconds to 57, so actually pretty good for casual gaming, and a 'find my earbuds' option, which isn't particularly loud, but welcome none the same.
Battery Life
'Solid if unspectacular' is how I determined it in the pros and cons above - I got just under 7 hours on a single charge, and 10 minutes back in the case gives you an additional 3 hours play time. This trounces the Shokz, which lagged nearly 2 hours behind them, but is still short of some of their competitors. FIIL's GS gave me 3 hours more, and 1MORE's S50 abd Soundcore's Aerofit Pro another hour on top of that. 7 hours will be enough for most of us, but ultramarathon runners might still want to look elsewhere. The 3 additional charge cycles from the case are pretty standard, and the buds charge back to full pretty quickly, around 40-60 minutes will get you back to the full 28 hours.
Summary
When you're looking to purchase a set of open earbuds, there's going to be some key criteria that you're going to have on your hit list. The first is comfort, and there's a tick in the box there, although take note of my point about the pressure on the tragus when you're activating the controls if that area of your ear is a little bit larger like mine. Adding in a customisation element like OneOdio, Tozo, SoundPEATS etc have usually adds more weight and 'clunkiness' to the design - Huawei's lightweight, targeted design is a little more one-dimensional of course, but if it fits you well, you're in for a treat.
Sound is also going to be pretty high on the agenda, and the FreeArc definitely fares favourably compared with its competition in this area. It's a mature tuning that suits all music styles reasonably well. Of course, you don't get the depth of traditional-fitting TWS, but open earbuds have certainly come a long way, and the FreeArc are a very clear representation of that progress. The added volume will also remove the frustrations that many of their competitors have, with the additional headroom facilitated through Huawei's app. Battery life is good enough for most, if not best in class, and it would have been nice to have seen wireless charging, but for me it's not a deal breaker. Other parameters we look for - a decent app experience, some degree of customisation, good latency, acceptable call performance and good connectivity, are all accounted for too.
The price, alongside the sound, is the most attractive proposition here. At a launch price of £79.99, they're good value. They're cheaper (and IMO, more reliable) than offerings from their key competition in this field, the likes of OneOdio, 1MORE and Oladance, all of whom feel quite overpriced by comparison. It also feels like a more polished experience than the likes of Soundcore, Earfun and SoundPEATS, who they are closer to in terms of cost.
The FreeArc may lack a little originality, but the sound and higher-than-usual maximum volume, coupled with Huawei's reliability and build quality, should see this release get more universal approval than many open earbuds - if you're looking at a first set of open-ears in particular, this feels like a safe choice overall.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Moca
Price: MSRP approx. $49
Website: Moondrop
Review Reference: RC159
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide, Certificate, Service Card, Wear Tips Card
3 x Ear Tips (SML)
YouTube Review Link & Methodology Summary:
All of my reviews contain binaural sound and ANC samples, as well as frequency response measurements. These review elements, I hope, add a layer of objectivity to the key aspects of the review alongside my own subjective thoughts. This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of sets I review both on Headfi and on YouTube. Moondrop sent me the Moca (and the Ultrasonic) for free, but there was no creative input into this review, and like all of the other brands I've reviewed over the years, I've bought many of their products out of my own pocket, including the Space Travel, Chu, Chu 2 and Aria 2.
INTRO
When it comes to TWS, Moondrop haven't quite yet been able to emulate their success in the IEM market. Their high-profile releases, including the Space Travel and Ultrasonic, demonstrate only too clearly both their strengths and weaknesses, with competition fierce in a product and price segment that has up until recently been dominated by tech manufacturers branching away from their core business of mobile phones (Realme, Oppo, OnePlus, etc) or the original wireless players that have churned out dozens more releases, and have perhaps had more opportunity to hone their craft, notably SoundPEATS, Soundcore and QCY.
Despite the Space Travel being an unprecedented success, with textbook tuning brought to a sub $25 set, more discerning buyers lamented their low maximum volume, connectivity issues, weak ANC, disappointing battery life and difficulty disconnecting from devices, not to mention the open charge case that divided opinion and ropey app support that disappeared as quickly as it arrived, and whilst Oppo and Realme may not have the rich history of audio engineering, these are the bread and butter elements they seemingly get right without any fuss with every release.
2024 has been a prolific year for them though, with the Golden Ages, Block and Ultrasonic all arriving over the last few months. All demonstrated gradual signs of improvement, but none have been able to address the issue of bringing strong, hybrid ANC without compromising audio integrity, and despite Moondrop's app getting a refresh, some of the basics have still tended to elude them.
Their latest attempt, the Moca, doesn't just set out to show Moondrop are learning and listening, it also brings some really nice innovations you don't always see at this price ($50), including photo-sensors for both wear detection and automatic transparency mode upon single earbud removal, a modified duct design to lessen the impact of wind, wireless charging, customisable controls and support for LE audio courtesy of the LC3 codec, not to mention the promise of great audio with the same drivers used here as those in the Aria 2. I've been testing them for around a month now, and whilst there's still a bit of a way to go to get the product to the maturity of some of their peers, they're definitely going in the right direction.
Design, Fit and Comfort
Moondrop seem to have a very set design brief when it comes to their TWS, with the earbuds and case both looking very familiar alongside their brothers and sisters. The case, while somewhat Soviet-bloc inspired in its aesthetics, now includes a proper lid with good hinge friction, though those with larger fingers might find bud extraction slightly cramped.
I saw one review claim the Moca look like they were made with the same plastic used to make buckets to clean toilets with, and whilst I wouldn't quite go that far, I do get where they're coming from. It's definitely function over form with this one.
The case has a handy 'Quick disconnect' via button on the bottom, which compensates to a degree for the lack of multipoint connectivity - a notable omission and possibly a deal-breaker for some users. It is charged either wirelessly or via a USB-C port located alongside the red button.
The Moca maintains Moondrop's archetypal rectangular stem-based design, with an almost-identical stem length to the Block and Ultrasonic before it. At 44, how my wireless earbuds look is perhaps less of a concern than it might be too the average person in their target market, but even I have to admit they look and feel a bit bulky and cumbersome compared to the sleeker, more slimline offerings from the likes of OnePlus, Soundpeats and QCY.
The slightly oval-shaped tips should provide a satisfactory seal for most users, though some adjustment may be needed periodically for optimal fit. Stability testing showed excellent results, passing the 100 jumping jacks test easily, however, running performance was mixed, with occasional popping sounds in my left ear, due to the size of my ear canal on that ear being slightly too small for the Medium tips, but slightly too big for the Small size. The standardized nozzle size does at least allow for third-party tip compatibility (unlike the oversized nozzles on the likes of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, for example) but I haven't found any that improve upon the stock just yet.
ANC & Transparency
The Moca features improved hybrid ANC using both feed-forward and feedback microphones, plus an acoustic duct for better wind noise handling. It definitely shows, with the Moca working well in both commuting and every-day busy indoor environments. Subjectively, it is very quickly evident that they've souped up the ANC strength, and obective testing showed over 30% improvement in average noise reduction compared to the Ultrasonic, placing it in the top 10 of sub-$100 ANC performance.
It performs particularly well in lower frequencies, and whilst mid-range performance is slightly behind competitors like the Earfun Air 2 NC or Air Pro 4, it was better than I expected and still very credible.
I tested the ANC along with a few competitor products, using binaural simulated ears in a busy coffee shop, and recorded the following average noise reduction figures:
KZ Xtra - 36dB
Moondrop Moca - 31dB
Earfun Air 2NC - 31 dB
QCY MeloBuds Pro - 30dB
KZ Carol - 29dB
Moondrop Ultrasonic/Space Travel - 24dB
You've got some control over ANC in the app, although not a lot. You can modify the order through which modes are toggled, removing ANC off if you'd rather just keep ANC on and Transparency. There's no strength settings or mode customization, which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're usage is fairly routine. There's no adaptive mode either, which is a shame.
Transparency mode, while natural-sounding, struggles with detailed reproduction of nearby conversations compared to some competitors, and the lack of obvious venting means you don't get that automatic open feeling that the likes of Apple's Airpod Pro 2 is so majestic at achieving,
Sound
The Moca uses the same 10mm ceramic dome diaphragm dynamic drivers as the Aria 2, and it delivers a balanced and musical presentation that not only improves upon the Space Travel, but is amongst the most enjoyable of the 80+ sub $100 sets I've tested over the last five years.
Key audio characteristics include:
Audio-wise at least, the Moca ranks as one of the best-performing single-driver options in the budget TWS segment, not too far short of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. You can see my full league table, including scoring, in the YouTube review.
vs Moondrop Space Travel
The Moca are a marked improvement over the Space Travel in both soundstage and imaging, with more precise instrument placement and separation. Technically, the driver performance is better too, with lower distortion, particularly in the lower frequencies. The bass is faster and transients through the frequency range are cleaner. The Space Travel were a great set for the price, and some users might still find their dynamics preferable to the more reference-sounding approach of the default Moca tuning - thankfully, the Solis Bass preset gets very close to the MST profile, without detracting from the improved driver performance.
vs Ultrasonic
The Ultrasonic sits slap bang in between Space Travel's warmth and Moca's neutral reference sound. Ultrasonic offers more shimmery percussion, due to its balanced armature driver, while maintaining good tonality. The Ultrasonic does edge out slightly in technical capability too, and it's tangible, with instruments such as pianos where the strikes are more palpable. Where the Moca maybe have a slight edge is in guitar-centric genres, sounding a bit less congested in the lower midrange at times, making them arguably a shade more versatile.
Controls & Wear Detection
The Moondrop app does allow some customization to contend, though the implementation is somewhat counterintuitive, applying 'gestures to actions' rather than the more common approach of 'actions to gestures'. Notable omission is the inability to control volume through touch controls, and they aren't always the most reactive to touch either.
The photo sensors enable wear detection, automatically pausing playback and activating transparency mode when a bud is removed. While generally effective, it occasionally defaults to ANC off instead of transparency when no audio is playing, and doesn't automatically reactivate ANC when reinserting the bud. I did also have the odd issue where the bud forgets the EQ preset or last-selected ANC status after replacing and then removing from the case. Some additional customisation over wear detection in the app, as opposed to just 'on' or 'off', would have been welcome.
Battery Life
With the AAC codec, ANC on and making several calls, I got just short of 5.5 hours playtime, and around 6.5 hours with ANC off. However, having since noticed the bug that means removing one bud with no music playing seems to switch ANC off rather than initiating transparency, I may have to re-test this to make sure that figure is accurate, but either way, it's a significant improvement over the Space Travel, which delivered, at times, as low as 3 hours.
The case offers an additional 2-2.5 full charges and takes around 2 hours, a bit longer using the wireless charging feature. There's an LED on the case that denotes charging progress and status, which is handy. The lack of quick charge, however, is a bit of a shame, especially since many cheaper buds offer this convenient feature.
Call Quality
Call performance remains a weakness, typical of budget TWS. Like all of those that don't use bone conduction mics for your voice (such as those used by Samsung and Huawei in their flagship models), the MEMS mic and AI ENC algorithm setup struggles to distinguish your own voice from environmental noise, particularly evident in busy scenes, resulting in muffled voice transmission while still allowing some background noise through. Whilst the Moca did well enough in the 'daily commute' test that you can hear in the YouTube review, it struggled in the coffee shop and outdoor market scenes, for the reasons outlined above.
Other Features
Headline Potential Drawbacks/Deal-Breakers
You've got to give Moondrop some credit for clearly reading and listening to feedback on their previous releases, and addressing them quickly with the Moca. It successfully delivers powerful ANC and maintains Moondrop's reputation for acoustic performance, and at a competitive price. The higher volume, wear detection and wireless charging were all noted as shortcomings on previous releases and have all been added into this competitively-priced release, which also gives solid battery performance and a case lid that many users were pining for!
Some may lament the absence of multipoint, inability to adjust volume using the touch controls, mediocre call performance and latency, not to mention the unoriginal and dull design, but if these aspects aren't important to you and you're in the market for a sub $50 set, the Moca stand toe-to-toe, and even stand out from an audio perspective, against the other most impressive performers - the likes of QCY MeloBuds Pro, Earfun Air 2NC, SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and FIIL Key Pro.
Moondrop are clearly realising good sound alone isn't enough, and are making tangible improvements to the overall experience, but they've still got a little way to go.
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Moca
Price: MSRP approx. $49
Website: Moondrop
Review Reference: RC159
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Moondrop
- Model: MD-TWS-036
- Driver: 10mm TiN ceramic dome diaphragm dynamic driver
- Chipset: Bluetrum AB SDBC1600E
- Mic: 4 mics
- ANC: Yes, Hybrid
- Codecs: AAC, SBC, LC3
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: No
- Volume Control: No
- Gaming Mode: Yes (hold for 4s)
- Earbud Weight: 4.42g
- Earbud Dimensions: 32mm stem length
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 49.61g
- Case Charge Capacity: 380mAh
- Quick Charge: No
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Charge Time: 90-120 minutes
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 6 hours (ANC on)
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 21 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.4
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: Not certified
- Colours: Cream, Grey
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide, Certificate, Service Card, Wear Tips Card
3 x Ear Tips (SML)
YouTube Review Link & Methodology Summary:
All of my reviews contain binaural sound and ANC samples, as well as frequency response measurements. These review elements, I hope, add a layer of objectivity to the key aspects of the review alongside my own subjective thoughts. This is not a paid or brand-affiliated review. I do this as a hobby and buy the overwhelming majority of sets I review both on Headfi and on YouTube. Moondrop sent me the Moca (and the Ultrasonic) for free, but there was no creative input into this review, and like all of the other brands I've reviewed over the years, I've bought many of their products out of my own pocket, including the Space Travel, Chu, Chu 2 and Aria 2.
INTRO
When it comes to TWS, Moondrop haven't quite yet been able to emulate their success in the IEM market. Their high-profile releases, including the Space Travel and Ultrasonic, demonstrate only too clearly both their strengths and weaknesses, with competition fierce in a product and price segment that has up until recently been dominated by tech manufacturers branching away from their core business of mobile phones (Realme, Oppo, OnePlus, etc) or the original wireless players that have churned out dozens more releases, and have perhaps had more opportunity to hone their craft, notably SoundPEATS, Soundcore and QCY.
Despite the Space Travel being an unprecedented success, with textbook tuning brought to a sub $25 set, more discerning buyers lamented their low maximum volume, connectivity issues, weak ANC, disappointing battery life and difficulty disconnecting from devices, not to mention the open charge case that divided opinion and ropey app support that disappeared as quickly as it arrived, and whilst Oppo and Realme may not have the rich history of audio engineering, these are the bread and butter elements they seemingly get right without any fuss with every release.
2024 has been a prolific year for them though, with the Golden Ages, Block and Ultrasonic all arriving over the last few months. All demonstrated gradual signs of improvement, but none have been able to address the issue of bringing strong, hybrid ANC without compromising audio integrity, and despite Moondrop's app getting a refresh, some of the basics have still tended to elude them.
Their latest attempt, the Moca, doesn't just set out to show Moondrop are learning and listening, it also brings some really nice innovations you don't always see at this price ($50), including photo-sensors for both wear detection and automatic transparency mode upon single earbud removal, a modified duct design to lessen the impact of wind, wireless charging, customisable controls and support for LE audio courtesy of the LC3 codec, not to mention the promise of great audio with the same drivers used here as those in the Aria 2. I've been testing them for around a month now, and whilst there's still a bit of a way to go to get the product to the maturity of some of their peers, they're definitely going in the right direction.
Design, Fit and Comfort
Moondrop seem to have a very set design brief when it comes to their TWS, with the earbuds and case both looking very familiar alongside their brothers and sisters. The case, while somewhat Soviet-bloc inspired in its aesthetics, now includes a proper lid with good hinge friction, though those with larger fingers might find bud extraction slightly cramped.
I saw one review claim the Moca look like they were made with the same plastic used to make buckets to clean toilets with, and whilst I wouldn't quite go that far, I do get where they're coming from. It's definitely function over form with this one.
The case has a handy 'Quick disconnect' via button on the bottom, which compensates to a degree for the lack of multipoint connectivity - a notable omission and possibly a deal-breaker for some users. It is charged either wirelessly or via a USB-C port located alongside the red button.
The Moca maintains Moondrop's archetypal rectangular stem-based design, with an almost-identical stem length to the Block and Ultrasonic before it. At 44, how my wireless earbuds look is perhaps less of a concern than it might be too the average person in their target market, but even I have to admit they look and feel a bit bulky and cumbersome compared to the sleeker, more slimline offerings from the likes of OnePlus, Soundpeats and QCY.
The slightly oval-shaped tips should provide a satisfactory seal for most users, though some adjustment may be needed periodically for optimal fit. Stability testing showed excellent results, passing the 100 jumping jacks test easily, however, running performance was mixed, with occasional popping sounds in my left ear, due to the size of my ear canal on that ear being slightly too small for the Medium tips, but slightly too big for the Small size. The standardized nozzle size does at least allow for third-party tip compatibility (unlike the oversized nozzles on the likes of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, for example) but I haven't found any that improve upon the stock just yet.
ANC & Transparency
The Moca features improved hybrid ANC using both feed-forward and feedback microphones, plus an acoustic duct for better wind noise handling. It definitely shows, with the Moca working well in both commuting and every-day busy indoor environments. Subjectively, it is very quickly evident that they've souped up the ANC strength, and obective testing showed over 30% improvement in average noise reduction compared to the Ultrasonic, placing it in the top 10 of sub-$100 ANC performance.
It performs particularly well in lower frequencies, and whilst mid-range performance is slightly behind competitors like the Earfun Air 2 NC or Air Pro 4, it was better than I expected and still very credible.
I tested the ANC along with a few competitor products, using binaural simulated ears in a busy coffee shop, and recorded the following average noise reduction figures:
KZ Xtra - 36dB
Moondrop Moca - 31dB
Earfun Air 2NC - 31 dB
QCY MeloBuds Pro - 30dB
KZ Carol - 29dB
Moondrop Ultrasonic/Space Travel - 24dB
You've got some control over ANC in the app, although not a lot. You can modify the order through which modes are toggled, removing ANC off if you'd rather just keep ANC on and Transparency. There's no strength settings or mode customization, which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're usage is fairly routine. There's no adaptive mode either, which is a shame.
Transparency mode, while natural-sounding, struggles with detailed reproduction of nearby conversations compared to some competitors, and the lack of obvious venting means you don't get that automatic open feeling that the likes of Apple's Airpod Pro 2 is so majestic at achieving,
Sound
The Moca uses the same 10mm ceramic dome diaphragm dynamic drivers as the Aria 2, and it delivers a balanced and musical presentation that not only improves upon the Space Travel, but is amongst the most enjoyable of the 80+ sub $100 sets I've tested over the last five years.
Key audio characteristics include:
- Less emphasis on bass compared to typical budget TWS
- Fast, punchy, and detailed bass texture
- Clean mid-range with minimal bass bleed. Good detail and resonance to instruments.
- Natural vocal presentation, although deeper male vocals could have more body
- Good soundstage width - improvement over both MST and Ultrasonic
- Low distortion throughout the frequency range
- Smooth but detailed treble that offers enough texture to percussion without fatigue
- Slight EQ shift with ANC off, adding energy to vocals
Audio-wise at least, the Moca ranks as one of the best-performing single-driver options in the budget TWS segment, not too far short of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. You can see my full league table, including scoring, in the YouTube review.
vs Moondrop Space Travel
The Moca are a marked improvement over the Space Travel in both soundstage and imaging, with more precise instrument placement and separation. Technically, the driver performance is better too, with lower distortion, particularly in the lower frequencies. The bass is faster and transients through the frequency range are cleaner. The Space Travel were a great set for the price, and some users might still find their dynamics preferable to the more reference-sounding approach of the default Moca tuning - thankfully, the Solis Bass preset gets very close to the MST profile, without detracting from the improved driver performance.
vs Ultrasonic
The Ultrasonic sits slap bang in between Space Travel's warmth and Moca's neutral reference sound. Ultrasonic offers more shimmery percussion, due to its balanced armature driver, while maintaining good tonality. The Ultrasonic does edge out slightly in technical capability too, and it's tangible, with instruments such as pianos where the strikes are more palpable. Where the Moca maybe have a slight edge is in guitar-centric genres, sounding a bit less congested in the lower midrange at times, making them arguably a shade more versatile.
Controls & Wear Detection
The Moondrop app does allow some customization to contend, though the implementation is somewhat counterintuitive, applying 'gestures to actions' rather than the more common approach of 'actions to gestures'. Notable omission is the inability to control volume through touch controls, and they aren't always the most reactive to touch either.
The photo sensors enable wear detection, automatically pausing playback and activating transparency mode when a bud is removed. While generally effective, it occasionally defaults to ANC off instead of transparency when no audio is playing, and doesn't automatically reactivate ANC when reinserting the bud. I did also have the odd issue where the bud forgets the EQ preset or last-selected ANC status after replacing and then removing from the case. Some additional customisation over wear detection in the app, as opposed to just 'on' or 'off', would have been welcome.
Battery Life
With the AAC codec, ANC on and making several calls, I got just short of 5.5 hours playtime, and around 6.5 hours with ANC off. However, having since noticed the bug that means removing one bud with no music playing seems to switch ANC off rather than initiating transparency, I may have to re-test this to make sure that figure is accurate, but either way, it's a significant improvement over the Space Travel, which delivered, at times, as low as 3 hours.
The case offers an additional 2-2.5 full charges and takes around 2 hours, a bit longer using the wireless charging feature. There's an LED on the case that denotes charging progress and status, which is handy. The lack of quick charge, however, is a bit of a shame, especially since many cheaper buds offer this convenient feature.
Call Quality
Call performance remains a weakness, typical of budget TWS. Like all of those that don't use bone conduction mics for your voice (such as those used by Samsung and Huawei in their flagship models), the MEMS mic and AI ENC algorithm setup struggles to distinguish your own voice from environmental noise, particularly evident in busy scenes, resulting in muffled voice transmission while still allowing some background noise through. Whilst the Moca did well enough in the 'daily commute' test that you can hear in the YouTube review, it struggled in the coffee shop and outdoor market scenes, for the reasons outlined above.
Other Features
- High/low gain options for volume adjustment - very welcome. It means I can now hear every word of even poorly recorded podcasts while commuting, something you couldn't always do with the Space Travel.
- ~200ms real-world latency (with Gaming Mode selected) is suitable for video but not for any sort of competitive gaming
Headline Potential Drawbacks/Deal-Breakers
- Transparency mode could be cleaner and clearer
- No multipoint connectivity
- Limited and confusing control customization
- No quick charge capability
- I didn't test LC3, but if it is the same as the Ultrasonic then avoid it. Couldn't get the mic to work consistently using this mode, and the implementation is weird
- No certified IPX rating
You've got to give Moondrop some credit for clearly reading and listening to feedback on their previous releases, and addressing them quickly with the Moca. It successfully delivers powerful ANC and maintains Moondrop's reputation for acoustic performance, and at a competitive price. The higher volume, wear detection and wireless charging were all noted as shortcomings on previous releases and have all been added into this competitively-priced release, which also gives solid battery performance and a case lid that many users were pining for!
Some may lament the absence of multipoint, inability to adjust volume using the touch controls, mediocre call performance and latency, not to mention the unoriginal and dull design, but if these aspects aren't important to you and you're in the market for a sub $50 set, the Moca stand toe-to-toe, and even stand out from an audio perspective, against the other most impressive performers - the likes of QCY MeloBuds Pro, Earfun Air 2NC, SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and FIIL Key Pro.
Moondrop are clearly realising good sound alone isn't enough, and are making tangible improvements to the overall experience, but they've still got a little way to go.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Block
Price: MSRP approx. $20
Website: Moondrop
Review Reference: RC158
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide: Chinese
YouTube Review:
Introduction & Unboxing
After the success of the Space Travel proved that there's room in the budget wireless segment for one of the IEM world's big-hitters after all, Moondrop have followed up with another couple of releases addressing very different markets - the Ultrasonic and the Block.
Whilst the Ultrasonic flex hi-res codecs, app support, and a more premium set of features and functions, the Block by contrast are a simple set of TWS that are focused much more on delivering balanced sound in a niche form factor at a competitive price, than wowing us with their capabilities. If you're a TWS user that has been frustrated with the lack of options for those of you who hate the invasive feel of silicone tips, or perhaps you like to give your ear canals a rest once in a while, and maybe you even suffer from silicone allergies, then read on, because you're in the select group that Moondrop was targeting with this release.
The unboxing isn't much to speak of, with the manual representing a couple of paragraphs that don't really give too much away. You do get a USB-C charge cable though, which wasn't necessarily a given in this very streamlined offering.
Currently, they're available for around £13 - less than a couple of pints of lager here in London - and in three colours - pink, black and Space Travel-esque cream, and whilst this review does cover a lot of things I'm perhaps a little disappointed that Moondrop either skimped on or left out altogether, it's still a very good value proposition for those of you dead set on this form factor.
Design, Fit and Comfort
(Left - Block, Right - Ultrasonic)
As per the intro, there are many users out there who don't like the invasiveness of silicone being stuck in their ear canal for long periods of time. Equally, I regularly read of users complaining they never get a good fit with in-ear buds, and in this age of portable audio obsession, there's an increasing number of people now finding out they have a previously undiscovered allergy to silicone. For them, the Block are of the style of earbud that could solve those issues due to the absence of a silicone tip - a bit of a rarity despite the popularity of the Apple Airpod.
Over here on head-fi, we all understand and recognise the difference between semi in ear or flat-head style earbuds and in-ear, but a lot of users simply aren't interested enough to absorb the pros and cons. In ear offerings will tend to offer a more immersive audio experience and augment technologies like active noise cancellation, buy they also tend not to perform well in giving you consistent situational awareness so you can hear your surroundings at all times - perhaps in an office or walking or cycling through a busy area - so there are benefits, outside the obvious fit solutions, that may outweigh the drawbacks depending on your perspective.
The Block are a flathead, something you don't normally see in true wireless and they're kind of like a cross between the Apple AirPods Gen 3 and the VE Monk. The large speaker outputs just rest on your ear without creating a seal, and whilst I appreciate everyone's ear anatomy is different (so fit is going to be different for everyone) I found them just unbelievably comfortable, easy to adjust too, thanks to the elongated stems.
The block measure around 33mm in stem length, so are a medium in length - nothing too obtrusive. They are super stable, staying in my ears when I was on the treadmill, which I really wasn't expecting, and even more surprising was that they became the first and only set of non-in earbuds to pass the 100 jumping jacks test, outperforming Soundcore Liberty 4NC and the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro for example, both of which have got silicone tips. Sadly, you might have to limit gym use, though, as there's no documented IPX rating - one of the many corners that Moondrop have cut in order to keep the cost down.
Whilst there's lots to like and maybe even love about the design, I think it's fair to say that the controls isn't one of them. The Block feature capacitive touch controls which are activated at the top of the stem, and this makes them much less prone to accidental touches than the Space Travel were. Whilst the control scheme is simple enough, unfortunately there's no volume control and there's no support for the Block in the Moondrop Link app either so you can't customize the controls in any way, which is a real disappointment.
Whilst Moondrop have dispensed with the waifu voice prompts this time around, they have continued the tradition of a semi-open case which always runs the risk of getting lint in there and preventing your buds from charging.
There is a single LED at the front and this will light up when you replace the buds in the case to show that the buds are charging. There's no wireless charging, it's just a USB-C socket on the base. When you plug it in the LED will turn red to show that it's recharging and then turn white when it's finished. Sadly the case doesn't have a 'quick charge' feature, and it only recharges the buds an additional two and a half cycles. I got just over 5 hours playtime from a single charge which isn't too bad as far as semi-in earbuds go, but for some users that still might be a little short.
At 40mm (width) x 42mm (height) x 23.5mm (depth), this is Moondrop's smallest and most compact case yet, but like with the Space Travel, it can be a little bit fiddly getting the buds in and out. Whilst when you shake them, you'll see that the buds don't come flying out, for whatever reason sometimes I'd find the case in my bag with the bud at an angle like this, obviously not charging - a bit of an annoyance to say the least.
Features
The Block are, as we've established, a proper low budget set of earbuds, but even at this price point we usually see at least some premium features creep in, such as wear detection, multipoint connectivity, custom controls and EQ (or at least presets) and maybe even (as was the case with the Oppo Enco Air3) spatial audio. Sadly, you're getting none of that here, and whilst for some the simplicity might be welcome, I can't help feeling Moondrop maybe cut things a little too close to the bone.
The Block do support Bluetooth 5.4 and I found connection to be on the whole very stable. There's also a low latency mode which is activated by pressing either the touch controls 4 times.
Whilst this is a pretty rudimentary test, it does at least show you that there was a big improvement in terms of latency when I activated it. Being in my 40's and having better things to do (at least some of the time anyway!) I don't think you could call me a particularly big gamer, but I did give it a go for the purposes of the review and found the latency to be very good. If you're playing a game where positional audio is important personally I would just stick to using IEMs, as the staging on the Block is rather constrained.
Audio & Sound Signature
Moondrop have used 13mm composite biodiaphragm dynamic drivers here, with a focus on minimizing bass leakage, a real problem with open earbuds. They've also used a B&K 5128 HATS ear simulator to get the tuning absolutely spot on and this coupled with their audio engineering expertise left me quite intrigued as to how the Block were going to sound.
The graph isn't always the biggest indicator of what to expect, but I think it pretty much demonstrates the Block down to a tee. Many budget semi-in earbuds are incorrectly tuned with an in-ear mindset, often manifesting with overly-bright and fatiguing trebles, shrill vocals and a bass impact that is either gone by the time it hits your auditory senses, or distorts badly. The Block flies in the face of that approach, giving a slightly warm neutral relaxed sort of sound that controls both the lower and upper frequencies, and to be honest, everything in between. It's a testament to Moondrop's experience and expertise that they understand both the constraints and capabilities of the drivers in this form factor, and have tuned the Block accordingly - whether you like or dislike the sound, for me it's 'the right sound' and it fits with the whole ethos of this release.
The bass isn't particularly prominent or visceral, but there's a mild thump to it - certainly in the mid bass - to remind you that it's there. It adds some welcome warmth to the sound, something you rarely find in this form factor.
The midrange, as you can hear in my YouTube review (which includes binaural sound samples) is pretty transparent, with instruments and vocals sounding very natural. Vocals are reasonably clear and prominent, but they don't step forward from the rest of the arrangement too much, and this combined with the rolled off trebles gives the Block a very balanced, relaxed and non-fatiguing sort of sound profile that is going to be good for long listening sessions, and will appeal more to those who are treble sensitive and those who like something on in the background while they're doing something else that they're particularly focusing on.
These aren't the most exciting, energetic or immersive sounding TWS, and the staging is fairly moderate, but if you like a well-controlled, warm-neutral sort of sound, then the Block should certainly appeal to you.
Comparison to QCY HT10
On the graphs, while the QCY has a deeper and more harder hitting bass, because of the shape of the QCY that bass does dissipate a little bit and it affects the overall presentation with vocals sounding a bit like they're being sung through a can. On the flip side, it does give you a slightly more open sound. Both of these sound profiles have their pros and cons and the one that you like better will be purely down to personal preference.
Where the Block do fall a little way short of some of their competitors - like QCY - is that you can't customize the sound in any way because the Block aren't supported by the Moondrop Link app. If you want to tweak the sound you have to use a third party EQ like Wavelet. That's if you're on Android - if you're on iOS then you're not going to have any option.
Call Performance
In the marketing material Moondrop talk about 'dual-mic beamforming ENC', whatever that is! In reality, whilst it isn't the cleanest calling experience, the Block didn't do too bad for a budget set. I tested in a variety of different scenarios (you can hear them in the YouTube review) and in both busy outdoor and indoor scenes, there's a decent balance of noise reduction and not muffling your voice altogether. Your voice does come through reasonably clear, if a little bit thin, and as you would expect, it clipped a little bit as soon as you got some wind coming through, but this is completely normal for a budget set and certainly passable at the price.
vs QCY Ailybuds Pro Plus
Moondrop's competition at this sort of price point as we mentioned previously is the QCY Ailybuds Pro Plus. The QCY model do give you additional features like customizable controls, app support, custom EQ and basic active noise cancellation but typically these are between 40 and 50 percent more expensive so you have to weigh up if that extra cost is worth it to you. In terms of ergonomics, I found the Block to be a bit more stable in my ear, but the QCY offer IPX4 water and moisture resistance, giving you a little extra piece of mind if you expose them to the elements. The charge case is preferable on the QCY, and you also get longer overall battery life through the case.
If you're going for a primary set, you might probably favour the QCY, but if you want a backup set that just does the job, the Moondrop are a cost-effective alternative without all the bells and whistles.
vs Oppo Enco Air 3
The Oppo Enco Air 3 are also similarly priced, again a little bit more expensive but only just, and they give you a couple of extra features like spatial audio and multi-point. However, whilst they also give you added moisture resistance (IP54), they have an odd fit with the driver output pointing perpendicular - not conducive to great stability unless you have very small ears. Audio on the Oppo is surprisingly nice, with the midbass accentuated and the trebles rolled off similarly to the Block to give you a slightly more engaging out-of-the-box sound, but unlike the QCY you don't get a great deal of customisation through the otherwise excellent app, although it's still more than the Block. One minor drawback is that the Air 3 aren't available through Oppo's store on AliExpress - you'd have to get them through a third party, a risk you might not be willing to take.
vs Moondrop Space Travel
And what about against an in-ear product like something like the Moondrop Space Travel for example? Well, for me I think you would only go for the Block if you're looking for this particular form factor. Both of these products are tuned with their design in mind. With the Space Travel it's a much more immersive and open sound, the bass is more tactile and the upper mids are more forward, front and central. But no matter how good it sounds and how many features it has, if you're one of those people who doesn't like a silicone tip you'll go for the Block every time. The Block do have one other minor advantage - slightly longer single use battery life.
Neither the Block nor the Space Travel are particularly loud. Bear this in mind if you're planning on using them in especially noisy environments.
Summary
As I mentioned earlier and several times throughout this review, the Block are all about simplicity, good sound and an affordable price in a form factor where the number of credible options is rather limited. The lack of features will be welcome to some users who perhaps get a little bit confused by all the different button presses and different things that you have to activate in the app and maybe they just want a good sound and a comfortable fit, and the Block do definitely achieve that.
For many used to the plethora of features even with budget sets, however, especially as a primary option, the absence of even basic functionality like volume control, customizable EQ and quick charge might mean that Moondrop have cut this a little bit too close to the bone. That said, if you hate the invasiveness of those ear tips in your ear canal or maybe you're looking just for a secondary set that doesn't cost a lot and can give your ears a rest from the silicone, then the Block have definitely got their merits, and at the price it's really hard to argue with at least having them as your backup pair if all else fails.
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Socials: Biolink
Model: Moondrop Block
Price: MSRP approx. $20
Website: Moondrop
Review Reference: RC158
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Moondrop
- Model: Block MD-TWS-030
- Driver: 13mm Composite Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: Bluetrum AB SDBC1600E
- Mic: 4 mics with beamforming ENC
- ANC: No
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- App Support: No
- Multipoint: No
- Volume Control: No
- Gaming Mode: Yes (hold for 4s)
- Earbud Weight: 4.07g
- Earbud Dimensions: 32mm stem length
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 35.53g
- Case Dimensions: 40mm (width) x 42mm (height) x 23.5mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 300mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - No
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: 60 minutes (buds), 90 minutes (buds and case)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 6 hours
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 21 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.4
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: Not certified
- Colours: White, Black, Pink
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x Quick Guide: Chinese
YouTube Review:
Introduction & Unboxing
After the success of the Space Travel proved that there's room in the budget wireless segment for one of the IEM world's big-hitters after all, Moondrop have followed up with another couple of releases addressing very different markets - the Ultrasonic and the Block.
Whilst the Ultrasonic flex hi-res codecs, app support, and a more premium set of features and functions, the Block by contrast are a simple set of TWS that are focused much more on delivering balanced sound in a niche form factor at a competitive price, than wowing us with their capabilities. If you're a TWS user that has been frustrated with the lack of options for those of you who hate the invasive feel of silicone tips, or perhaps you like to give your ear canals a rest once in a while, and maybe you even suffer from silicone allergies, then read on, because you're in the select group that Moondrop was targeting with this release.
The unboxing isn't much to speak of, with the manual representing a couple of paragraphs that don't really give too much away. You do get a USB-C charge cable though, which wasn't necessarily a given in this very streamlined offering.
Currently, they're available for around £13 - less than a couple of pints of lager here in London - and in three colours - pink, black and Space Travel-esque cream, and whilst this review does cover a lot of things I'm perhaps a little disappointed that Moondrop either skimped on or left out altogether, it's still a very good value proposition for those of you dead set on this form factor.
Design, Fit and Comfort
(Left - Block, Right - Ultrasonic)
As per the intro, there are many users out there who don't like the invasiveness of silicone being stuck in their ear canal for long periods of time. Equally, I regularly read of users complaining they never get a good fit with in-ear buds, and in this age of portable audio obsession, there's an increasing number of people now finding out they have a previously undiscovered allergy to silicone. For them, the Block are of the style of earbud that could solve those issues due to the absence of a silicone tip - a bit of a rarity despite the popularity of the Apple Airpod.
Over here on head-fi, we all understand and recognise the difference between semi in ear or flat-head style earbuds and in-ear, but a lot of users simply aren't interested enough to absorb the pros and cons. In ear offerings will tend to offer a more immersive audio experience and augment technologies like active noise cancellation, buy they also tend not to perform well in giving you consistent situational awareness so you can hear your surroundings at all times - perhaps in an office or walking or cycling through a busy area - so there are benefits, outside the obvious fit solutions, that may outweigh the drawbacks depending on your perspective.
The Block are a flathead, something you don't normally see in true wireless and they're kind of like a cross between the Apple AirPods Gen 3 and the VE Monk. The large speaker outputs just rest on your ear without creating a seal, and whilst I appreciate everyone's ear anatomy is different (so fit is going to be different for everyone) I found them just unbelievably comfortable, easy to adjust too, thanks to the elongated stems.
The block measure around 33mm in stem length, so are a medium in length - nothing too obtrusive. They are super stable, staying in my ears when I was on the treadmill, which I really wasn't expecting, and even more surprising was that they became the first and only set of non-in earbuds to pass the 100 jumping jacks test, outperforming Soundcore Liberty 4NC and the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro for example, both of which have got silicone tips. Sadly, you might have to limit gym use, though, as there's no documented IPX rating - one of the many corners that Moondrop have cut in order to keep the cost down.
Whilst there's lots to like and maybe even love about the design, I think it's fair to say that the controls isn't one of them. The Block feature capacitive touch controls which are activated at the top of the stem, and this makes them much less prone to accidental touches than the Space Travel were. Whilst the control scheme is simple enough, unfortunately there's no volume control and there's no support for the Block in the Moondrop Link app either so you can't customize the controls in any way, which is a real disappointment.
Whilst Moondrop have dispensed with the waifu voice prompts this time around, they have continued the tradition of a semi-open case which always runs the risk of getting lint in there and preventing your buds from charging.
There is a single LED at the front and this will light up when you replace the buds in the case to show that the buds are charging. There's no wireless charging, it's just a USB-C socket on the base. When you plug it in the LED will turn red to show that it's recharging and then turn white when it's finished. Sadly the case doesn't have a 'quick charge' feature, and it only recharges the buds an additional two and a half cycles. I got just over 5 hours playtime from a single charge which isn't too bad as far as semi-in earbuds go, but for some users that still might be a little short.
At 40mm (width) x 42mm (height) x 23.5mm (depth), this is Moondrop's smallest and most compact case yet, but like with the Space Travel, it can be a little bit fiddly getting the buds in and out. Whilst when you shake them, you'll see that the buds don't come flying out, for whatever reason sometimes I'd find the case in my bag with the bud at an angle like this, obviously not charging - a bit of an annoyance to say the least.
Features
The Block are, as we've established, a proper low budget set of earbuds, but even at this price point we usually see at least some premium features creep in, such as wear detection, multipoint connectivity, custom controls and EQ (or at least presets) and maybe even (as was the case with the Oppo Enco Air3) spatial audio. Sadly, you're getting none of that here, and whilst for some the simplicity might be welcome, I can't help feeling Moondrop maybe cut things a little too close to the bone.
The Block do support Bluetooth 5.4 and I found connection to be on the whole very stable. There's also a low latency mode which is activated by pressing either the touch controls 4 times.
Whilst this is a pretty rudimentary test, it does at least show you that there was a big improvement in terms of latency when I activated it. Being in my 40's and having better things to do (at least some of the time anyway!) I don't think you could call me a particularly big gamer, but I did give it a go for the purposes of the review and found the latency to be very good. If you're playing a game where positional audio is important personally I would just stick to using IEMs, as the staging on the Block is rather constrained.
Audio & Sound Signature
Moondrop have used 13mm composite biodiaphragm dynamic drivers here, with a focus on minimizing bass leakage, a real problem with open earbuds. They've also used a B&K 5128 HATS ear simulator to get the tuning absolutely spot on and this coupled with their audio engineering expertise left me quite intrigued as to how the Block were going to sound.
The graph isn't always the biggest indicator of what to expect, but I think it pretty much demonstrates the Block down to a tee. Many budget semi-in earbuds are incorrectly tuned with an in-ear mindset, often manifesting with overly-bright and fatiguing trebles, shrill vocals and a bass impact that is either gone by the time it hits your auditory senses, or distorts badly. The Block flies in the face of that approach, giving a slightly warm neutral relaxed sort of sound that controls both the lower and upper frequencies, and to be honest, everything in between. It's a testament to Moondrop's experience and expertise that they understand both the constraints and capabilities of the drivers in this form factor, and have tuned the Block accordingly - whether you like or dislike the sound, for me it's 'the right sound' and it fits with the whole ethos of this release.
The bass isn't particularly prominent or visceral, but there's a mild thump to it - certainly in the mid bass - to remind you that it's there. It adds some welcome warmth to the sound, something you rarely find in this form factor.
The midrange, as you can hear in my YouTube review (which includes binaural sound samples) is pretty transparent, with instruments and vocals sounding very natural. Vocals are reasonably clear and prominent, but they don't step forward from the rest of the arrangement too much, and this combined with the rolled off trebles gives the Block a very balanced, relaxed and non-fatiguing sort of sound profile that is going to be good for long listening sessions, and will appeal more to those who are treble sensitive and those who like something on in the background while they're doing something else that they're particularly focusing on.
These aren't the most exciting, energetic or immersive sounding TWS, and the staging is fairly moderate, but if you like a well-controlled, warm-neutral sort of sound, then the Block should certainly appeal to you.
Comparison to QCY HT10
On the graphs, while the QCY has a deeper and more harder hitting bass, because of the shape of the QCY that bass does dissipate a little bit and it affects the overall presentation with vocals sounding a bit like they're being sung through a can. On the flip side, it does give you a slightly more open sound. Both of these sound profiles have their pros and cons and the one that you like better will be purely down to personal preference.
Where the Block do fall a little way short of some of their competitors - like QCY - is that you can't customize the sound in any way because the Block aren't supported by the Moondrop Link app. If you want to tweak the sound you have to use a third party EQ like Wavelet. That's if you're on Android - if you're on iOS then you're not going to have any option.
Call Performance
In the marketing material Moondrop talk about 'dual-mic beamforming ENC', whatever that is! In reality, whilst it isn't the cleanest calling experience, the Block didn't do too bad for a budget set. I tested in a variety of different scenarios (you can hear them in the YouTube review) and in both busy outdoor and indoor scenes, there's a decent balance of noise reduction and not muffling your voice altogether. Your voice does come through reasonably clear, if a little bit thin, and as you would expect, it clipped a little bit as soon as you got some wind coming through, but this is completely normal for a budget set and certainly passable at the price.
vs QCY Ailybuds Pro Plus
Moondrop's competition at this sort of price point as we mentioned previously is the QCY Ailybuds Pro Plus. The QCY model do give you additional features like customizable controls, app support, custom EQ and basic active noise cancellation but typically these are between 40 and 50 percent more expensive so you have to weigh up if that extra cost is worth it to you. In terms of ergonomics, I found the Block to be a bit more stable in my ear, but the QCY offer IPX4 water and moisture resistance, giving you a little extra piece of mind if you expose them to the elements. The charge case is preferable on the QCY, and you also get longer overall battery life through the case.
If you're going for a primary set, you might probably favour the QCY, but if you want a backup set that just does the job, the Moondrop are a cost-effective alternative without all the bells and whistles.
vs Oppo Enco Air 3
The Oppo Enco Air 3 are also similarly priced, again a little bit more expensive but only just, and they give you a couple of extra features like spatial audio and multi-point. However, whilst they also give you added moisture resistance (IP54), they have an odd fit with the driver output pointing perpendicular - not conducive to great stability unless you have very small ears. Audio on the Oppo is surprisingly nice, with the midbass accentuated and the trebles rolled off similarly to the Block to give you a slightly more engaging out-of-the-box sound, but unlike the QCY you don't get a great deal of customisation through the otherwise excellent app, although it's still more than the Block. One minor drawback is that the Air 3 aren't available through Oppo's store on AliExpress - you'd have to get them through a third party, a risk you might not be willing to take.
vs Moondrop Space Travel
And what about against an in-ear product like something like the Moondrop Space Travel for example? Well, for me I think you would only go for the Block if you're looking for this particular form factor. Both of these products are tuned with their design in mind. With the Space Travel it's a much more immersive and open sound, the bass is more tactile and the upper mids are more forward, front and central. But no matter how good it sounds and how many features it has, if you're one of those people who doesn't like a silicone tip you'll go for the Block every time. The Block do have one other minor advantage - slightly longer single use battery life.
Neither the Block nor the Space Travel are particularly loud. Bear this in mind if you're planning on using them in especially noisy environments.
Summary
As I mentioned earlier and several times throughout this review, the Block are all about simplicity, good sound and an affordable price in a form factor where the number of credible options is rather limited. The lack of features will be welcome to some users who perhaps get a little bit confused by all the different button presses and different things that you have to activate in the app and maybe they just want a good sound and a comfortable fit, and the Block do definitely achieve that.
For many used to the plethora of features even with budget sets, however, especially as a primary option, the absence of even basic functionality like volume control, customizable EQ and quick charge might mean that Moondrop have cut this a little bit too close to the bone. That said, if you hate the invasiveness of those ear tips in your ear canal or maybe you're looking just for a secondary set that doesn't cost a lot and can give your ears a rest from the silicone, then the Block have definitely got their merits, and at the price it's really hard to argue with at least having them as your backup pair if all else fails.
sofastreamer
very useful review, thank you!
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Earfun Air Pro 4
Product Page: Earfun
Price: £59.99 currently with Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC151
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
4 x Eartip Pairs (S, SM, M, L)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Back in May 2023, I gave my verdict on the Air Pro 4's predecessor, the Air Pro 3, and it's the first time I'd reviewed a product and genuinely wondered if I was missing something. The effusive and unequivocal praise from YouTubers and reviewers across the globe was directly at odds with what I was seeing and hearing - a bulky, angular earbud with decent ANC, but a horribly bloated sound signature that, contrary to claims by Gamesky et al, wasn't fixed with a firmware update (at least according to my identical FR measurements before and after)
Fast forward a year and Earfun got in touch with me to let me know they had fixed all of the things I'd highlighted with the Air Pro 4, and wanted me to try them out, so the following rambling is a collection of my thoughts, specifically whether they really have turned the ship around as they claimed.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The design, of both the buds and case, hasn't really changed. The case is slimmer, and definitely looks more attractive. It recharges the buds an additional 4 full cycles, and has a handy quick-charge feature, giving you 3 hours playtime from 5 minutes of juice. It also supports wireless charging.
The buds are slightly shorter this time (31mm) and have a slight curvature under the touch control area. They wear much better than the 3, but their fit is a little out-of-the-ordinary compared to other recent releases from other brands.
The likes of Realme and OnePlus have gone for a very shallow-fitting design with a slim eartip. Earfun on the other hand have gone with a larger, bulbous tip that fills the space in around your ear canal.
The result is, with the right tip size, very good stability for general use, cardio and jogging. I put a number of different TWS through the '100 jumping jack test' and not too many passed, but the Earfun could have gone to 200, maybe even 500 without budging.
The drawback of this design is that occlusion is very apparent, both when running and talking on calls. It's rather off-putting, and can only be mitigated with thinner third party tips. They are IPX5 rated, so you're fine for wearing outdoors and in the gym.
Controls & Wear Detection
Wear detection is very well-implemented and smooth. Controls are fully-customisable in the app - you can adjust single tap, double tap, triple tap and long press without any limitations. The touch control area is well-defined and the controls are responsive.
ANC & Ambient Mode
ANC sees an increase from 43dB to 50dB, and in all of my tests, I was pretty impressed. It isn't as strong as something like the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, at least in reducing the lower frequency sounds, which the Soundcore does very well, but in terms of a consistent noise reduction across the full-frequency spectrum, it does a good job. It even works in single mode.
Earfun have added multiple ANC modes, although none are more effective than leaving it on 'Strong'. The wind-noise reduction mode did an admirable job of handling the breeze whilst I was on the bike. Ambient mode is OK - it will let some nearby noise through, and it does so quite naturally, but I did have problems deciphering every word of nearby conversations, and there's no alternative strength settings for it - a bit of a disappointment when you've got budget options like the MeloBuds Pro from QCY which do.
EDIT - As of firmware 0.2.7, Earfun have added an additional transparency mode, boosting the default and adding a 'natural' option if you're a little too sensitive to the white noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is definitely a highlight, registering just short of 10 hours with ANC off and just over 7 with ANC on. This puts them up there with the likes of Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3, and they seem a little less sensitive to switching features on than those other models too, most notably the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, whose battery seems to empty the moment you use any of its features and functions. This is a fairly sizeable improvement from the Air Pro 3.
The additional 4 re-charges with the case takes the total battery life to quite an impressive number.
Sound
https://regancipher.squig.link/?share=Harman_2019_IE_v2_Target,Earfun_Air_Pro_4_ANC,Earfun_Air_Pro_3
This was the area I was looking for Earfun to rectify the most, and they delivered. The Air Pro 3 was way too bass-heavy for my liking - +15dB above their measurement at 1kHz - a punishing, relentless experience further soured by the peaks at 5KHz and 8kHz resulting in a scratchy, unnatural treble that I couldn't listen to for more than a couple of minutes without being offended.
Thankfully, Earfun delivered and have given us a much more balanced, Harman-hugging sound that combines tasteful warmth with reasonably transparent mids and a controlled treble that has enough bite to define percussion, whilst still offering a smooth, non-fatiguing listening experience. Male vocals stand out more, and nestle nicely among darker midtones, whilst female vocals are articulate without straying too far from their domain.
It is a straightforward sound that is pleasant and musical enough, but lacks a bit of immersion. Thankfully you can eek a bit more out of the sound with the very capable Earfun app, including over 30 presets, a 10-band custom EQ and a hearing test, which generates a profile based on the results.
Here are a couple of presets I've been trialling, mostly to good effect, although if you're treble sensitive you might want to stick to the default.
Call Quality
Not the strongest performance here, with the algorithms acting a little too aggressive and diffusing the sound of your own voice a little too much. In busy indoor scenes, in particular, it has difficulty separating your own voice from other voices without leaving you muffled to the point of incoherent. In the busiest scene in Borough Market in London, it actually did pretty well, where the variety of other sounds was greater, confusing the cVc algorithm much less.
The Air Pro 4 are OK for their price category when it comes to calls, but they fall some way behind the bone-conducting mics on the Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They do, however, allow you to switch to transparency mode during calls via the app (although not using the onboard controls, at least without the risk of cutting your caller off).
Other Features
The Air Pro 4 has some very well-implemented features, including:
The widespread codec support - including the aptX family as well as LDAC - is handy and doesn't restrict you from hi-res codecs based on the chipset of your phone.
Drawbacks
Overall it is a big improvement over the Air Pro 3, even if some of the changes feel slightly incremental. The fit, design and case are evolution rather than revolution, but they still represent an improvement. The ANC is stronger and more consistent, and the sound has moved away from the boomy consumer sound which the market has predominately now left behind to a much more palatable experience.
The Air Pro 4 is not quite a giant leap forward, but it's more than a couple of long steps. Despite a few minor quibbles, they are a good option at sub-$100, and their discounted launch price of £59.99 and the fact they are readily available on Amazon makes them a compelling option.
That Earfun have not only tried to improve the Air Pro 3 throughout the last year with several firmware updates, but were also professional and courteous in their approach when contacting me about the issues I'd experienced, let alone taken on board all of that negative feedback and rectified it, tells me that without question, if you're going to put your faith in a brand to deliver, Earfun are well worthy of it.
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Model: Earfun Air Pro 4
Product Page: Earfun
Price: £59.99 currently with Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC151
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Earfun
- Model: Air Pro 4
- Driver: 10mm composite diaphragm driver
- Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3091
- Mic: 6 mic AI ENC & cVc 8.0
- ANC: Yes - Up to 50dB with multiple modes & Adaptive ANC
- Codecs: LDAC, aptX-adaptive, aptX-lossless, AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: Yes
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 5.18g
- Earbud Dimensions: 31mm stem
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 53.43g
- Case Dimensions: 64mm {maximum} (width) x 50mm (height) x 30mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 350mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 3 hour playtime from 5min
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes (buds and case)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 11 hours (ANC off) 7.5 hours (ANC on)
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 52 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.4
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX5
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
4 x Eartip Pairs (S, SM, M, L)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Back in May 2023, I gave my verdict on the Air Pro 4's predecessor, the Air Pro 3, and it's the first time I'd reviewed a product and genuinely wondered if I was missing something. The effusive and unequivocal praise from YouTubers and reviewers across the globe was directly at odds with what I was seeing and hearing - a bulky, angular earbud with decent ANC, but a horribly bloated sound signature that, contrary to claims by Gamesky et al, wasn't fixed with a firmware update (at least according to my identical FR measurements before and after)
Fast forward a year and Earfun got in touch with me to let me know they had fixed all of the things I'd highlighted with the Air Pro 4, and wanted me to try them out, so the following rambling is a collection of my thoughts, specifically whether they really have turned the ship around as they claimed.
Design, Fit and Comfort
The design, of both the buds and case, hasn't really changed. The case is slimmer, and definitely looks more attractive. It recharges the buds an additional 4 full cycles, and has a handy quick-charge feature, giving you 3 hours playtime from 5 minutes of juice. It also supports wireless charging.
The buds are slightly shorter this time (31mm) and have a slight curvature under the touch control area. They wear much better than the 3, but their fit is a little out-of-the-ordinary compared to other recent releases from other brands.
The likes of Realme and OnePlus have gone for a very shallow-fitting design with a slim eartip. Earfun on the other hand have gone with a larger, bulbous tip that fills the space in around your ear canal.
The result is, with the right tip size, very good stability for general use, cardio and jogging. I put a number of different TWS through the '100 jumping jack test' and not too many passed, but the Earfun could have gone to 200, maybe even 500 without budging.
The drawback of this design is that occlusion is very apparent, both when running and talking on calls. It's rather off-putting, and can only be mitigated with thinner third party tips. They are IPX5 rated, so you're fine for wearing outdoors and in the gym.
Controls & Wear Detection
Wear detection is very well-implemented and smooth. Controls are fully-customisable in the app - you can adjust single tap, double tap, triple tap and long press without any limitations. The touch control area is well-defined and the controls are responsive.
ANC & Ambient Mode
ANC sees an increase from 43dB to 50dB, and in all of my tests, I was pretty impressed. It isn't as strong as something like the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, at least in reducing the lower frequency sounds, which the Soundcore does very well, but in terms of a consistent noise reduction across the full-frequency spectrum, it does a good job. It even works in single mode.
Earfun have added multiple ANC modes, although none are more effective than leaving it on 'Strong'. The wind-noise reduction mode did an admirable job of handling the breeze whilst I was on the bike. Ambient mode is OK - it will let some nearby noise through, and it does so quite naturally, but I did have problems deciphering every word of nearby conversations, and there's no alternative strength settings for it - a bit of a disappointment when you've got budget options like the MeloBuds Pro from QCY which do.
EDIT - As of firmware 0.2.7, Earfun have added an additional transparency mode, boosting the default and adding a 'natural' option if you're a little too sensitive to the white noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is definitely a highlight, registering just short of 10 hours with ANC off and just over 7 with ANC on. This puts them up there with the likes of Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3, and they seem a little less sensitive to switching features on than those other models too, most notably the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, whose battery seems to empty the moment you use any of its features and functions. This is a fairly sizeable improvement from the Air Pro 3.
The additional 4 re-charges with the case takes the total battery life to quite an impressive number.
Sound
https://regancipher.squig.link/?share=Harman_2019_IE_v2_Target,Earfun_Air_Pro_4_ANC,Earfun_Air_Pro_3
This was the area I was looking for Earfun to rectify the most, and they delivered. The Air Pro 3 was way too bass-heavy for my liking - +15dB above their measurement at 1kHz - a punishing, relentless experience further soured by the peaks at 5KHz and 8kHz resulting in a scratchy, unnatural treble that I couldn't listen to for more than a couple of minutes without being offended.
Thankfully, Earfun delivered and have given us a much more balanced, Harman-hugging sound that combines tasteful warmth with reasonably transparent mids and a controlled treble that has enough bite to define percussion, whilst still offering a smooth, non-fatiguing listening experience. Male vocals stand out more, and nestle nicely among darker midtones, whilst female vocals are articulate without straying too far from their domain.
It is a straightforward sound that is pleasant and musical enough, but lacks a bit of immersion. Thankfully you can eek a bit more out of the sound with the very capable Earfun app, including over 30 presets, a 10-band custom EQ and a hearing test, which generates a profile based on the results.
Here are a couple of presets I've been trialling, mostly to good effect, although if you're treble sensitive you might want to stick to the default.
Call Quality
Not the strongest performance here, with the algorithms acting a little too aggressive and diffusing the sound of your own voice a little too much. In busy indoor scenes, in particular, it has difficulty separating your own voice from other voices without leaving you muffled to the point of incoherent. In the busiest scene in Borough Market in London, it actually did pretty well, where the variety of other sounds was greater, confusing the cVc algorithm much less.
The Air Pro 4 are OK for their price category when it comes to calls, but they fall some way behind the bone-conducting mics on the Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They do, however, allow you to switch to transparency mode during calls via the app (although not using the onboard controls, at least without the risk of cutting your caller off).
Other Features
The Air Pro 4 has some very well-implemented features, including:
- Multipoint (and a device list within the app)
- Google Fastpair
- Game Mode (very low latency with aptX-adaptive)
- 'Find my Earbuds'
- The ability to change the voice prompt language (to Japanese or Mandarin) and volume
- The ability to specify which side (or both) the microphone is active
The widespread codec support - including the aptX family as well as LDAC - is handy and doesn't restrict you from hi-res codecs based on the chipset of your phone.
Drawbacks
- Occlusion (can be mitigated with flatter tips)
- Weak ambient mode
- Slightly disappointing call performance
- Soundstage is a tad constrained. Can be opened up a little in the app
Overall it is a big improvement over the Air Pro 3, even if some of the changes feel slightly incremental. The fit, design and case are evolution rather than revolution, but they still represent an improvement. The ANC is stronger and more consistent, and the sound has moved away from the boomy consumer sound which the market has predominately now left behind to a much more palatable experience.
The Air Pro 4 is not quite a giant leap forward, but it's more than a couple of long steps. Despite a few minor quibbles, they are a good option at sub-$100, and their discounted launch price of £59.99 and the fact they are readily available on Amazon makes them a compelling option.
That Earfun have not only tried to improve the Air Pro 3 throughout the last year with several firmware updates, but were also professional and courteous in their approach when contacting me about the issues I'd experienced, let alone taken on board all of that negative feedback and rectified it, tells me that without question, if you're going to put your faith in a brand to deliver, Earfun are well worthy of it.
jeromeoflaherty
Looks fantastic - I can't wait to try (and measure) mine.
disastermouse
How do these compare to the AirPods Pro 2?
The best TWS I ever heard was the HiFiMan Svanar, but they have massive connection issues whenever I leave my house, and Bluetooth connection issues are unacceptable for me.
The best TWS I ever heard was the HiFiMan Svanar, but they have massive connection issues whenever I leave my house, and Bluetooth connection issues are unacceptable for me.
jeromeoflaherty
I agree the Svanar Wireless with R2R DAC is fantastic. I have a pair of the Air Pro 4 and I will review it in a few days. It's excellent for the price (but it doesn't sound like the Svanar). I would say it is very close in most respects to the AirPods Pro 2 which given its about 1/3 of the price is a big achievement. I am getting some microphone issues which might be a simple firmware bug but I think it sounds fantastic and I like how I can use my own ear tips (I often prefer XL eartips to get a good seal with TWS sets.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Socials: Biolink
Model: QCY MeloBuds Pro
Product Page: QCY
Price: Approx. £25 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC148
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
3 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
QCY's HT05 Melobuds has long been one of my 'best value TWS under $30' picks, so I was very interested to see how the Pro version would stack up, especially since they added a bunch of desirable features usually seen only in much more expensive offerings, such as LDAC support, multipoint, quick charge, adaptive ANC and in-ear detection - all things that the HT05 lacked, and all things that would probably rank on the average users' 'like to have' list when purchasing a new TWS.
The Melobuds Pro (aka HT08) are, as is always the case with QCY, priced very competitively considering their specification. Currently I can pick them up for around £25 plus import duty from their official AliExpress store, so they're competing in the same price category as the likes of Moondrop Space Travel and Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro - two well-acclaimed sets, but two sets that fall some way short of the MeloBuds Pro in terms of features and specifications.
Design, Fit & Comfort
The Melobuds Pro has seen a complete redesign from the original HT05, taking a rather generic-looking and slightly bulky stem-based original and shortening the stem, rounding the top and removing the overt QCY branding and bright white LED. The new version also has a mirrored-finish to the outside, which will no doubt divide opinion depending on how you see things, but for me it is a much nicer looking TWS that is far more comfortable too.
The fit is quite similar to the VIVO TWS4 and SoundPEATS Air4 Pro. It is shallow-insertion, but the tips are slightly extended, so you get a nice balance of comfort and stability. I put them through the '100 jumping jack' test and they passed with flying colours - something many more expensive models such as Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Realme Buds Air 5 Pro failed to do. Their IPX5 rating makes them fine for gym and outdoor exercise use, and the occlusion effect isn't too pervasive when running either, making them a very solid all-rounder.
The case has had a total redesign too, with a gunmetal-style finish and the QCY logo screen-printed subtly on the front. There's a 'quick connect' button on the bottom along with a USB-C charge socket, and LED indicator at the base of the lid.
Both the HT08 and HT10 Ailybuds Pro+ cases share a similar look and profile. Both flip open at the front ala Xiaomi Buds 4, and it is a smart and intuitive design that looks much nicer than the somewhat dated original HT05.
Controls & Wear Detection
QCY give you loads of customisation options when it comes to the controls. Via their app, you can adjust single, double and triple tap to pretty much anything you want. Holding the right button down cycles through the ANC modes - and it's the one annoying thing that you can't customise which ANC modes it serves up. For example - if you want to move from ANC to transparency, you have to cycle 'ANC off' first, which I and a lot of other users prefer to turn off. The touch controls are pretty responsive and resistant to accidental touches though, and the absence of limitations is welcome and quite unusual.
However, whilst wear detection is a surprise and very welcome feature, it is a bit sensitive, sometimes triggering on slight adjustment. You do have a fair bit of customisation of the wear detection in the app though. By default, removing one or more bud will switch ANC off and pause whatever you're playing. You can toggle either of these criteria, select pause and play only for when both buds are removed, or switch it off altogether.
Battery Life
Single-use battery life falls a bit short of some of the longer-lasting sub $100 sets, registering around 7-7.5 hours with ANC off using AAC, but they are much less sensitive to switching on ANC, multipoint and LDAC than the likes of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, for example, which dropped down to 2.5 hours with everything switched on - whereas on the HT08, with ANC on I still regularly got over 6 hours, and around 4.5-5 hours with ANC on and LDAC. These are very respectable numbers - more than enough for the average user - and the bonus of 1 hour extra playtime from 10 minutes in the case more than makes up for the slightly below top-tier total playtime number. The case charges them around 4 full cycles, taking it to up to 34 hours, and takes around 90 minutes for a full recharge.
Sound
Sound was the big draw of the original HT05, and QCY haven't deviated too far from that winning formula, but it does differ a little. The bass bleeds less into the lower midrange, making the midbass sound faster and punchier. This plays a bit nicer with energetic genres - EDM, techno and pop - but it can leave baritone vocalists sounding a little thin by comparison. The out-of-the-box tuning on the original HT05 is smoother and warmer, and better suits those aforementioned genres.
The presence region is sharper-elevated too, which brings female vocals forward and gives them more bite than the original HT05, although losing a little of the lushness as a result. The HT05 has more treble extension than the MeloBuds Pro - this adds a little definition to percussion on the HT05, and softens the fatigue of the Melobuds Pro respectively.
Both are tuned smartly, with the Melobuds Pro a little more consumer-centric. I've included binaural samples and FR measurements in the YouTube link, so you can hear what each of these sound like and see it on the graphs at the same time.
There's a ten-band custom EQ and lots of presets, but I had some issues with the custom EQ in the app not doing quite what I wanted it to do based on the measurements in the upper trebles. It's here that the Melobuds Pro do need a little adjustment - as you can see from the graphs, they roll off much sooner than the original HT05, and the staging suffers as a result. If you adjust anything above 10k, you will hear some change but not as much as you should. I've reported this to QCY - hopefully we'll see a firmware upgrade fix imminently.
The MeloBuds Pro do support high-res audio via LDAC, however even on the setting which prioritises stability, I still couldn't reliably hold a connection in built-up areas. If you're at home, LDAC should be fine, but out-and-about you may want to prioritise AAC.
Overall, the sound is good and the tuning is satisfactory. I haven't found an 'optimum' custom EQ yet, but play around with those upper trebles a little and you won't go far wrong.
ANC & Transparency
ANC is a big improvement over the HT05. Adaptive ANC has been added to the options roster, and it works well most of the time. The maximum strength setting is better at handling both low- and mid- frequency sounds than the HT05, and with a bit of tip-rolling you will almost certainly get even better results. I switched to the larger, flatter tips of the SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and saw a minimum 10% improvement.
Transparency and wind-noise reduction modes are also pretty effective. Transparency has 6 strength levels and a vocal enhancement mode. Vocal enhancement is good for nearby conversations but anything further away will probably need level 5 or 6. From Level 5 onward, you start to lose naturalness, with quite a lot of white noise applied - it does the job, but it isn't especially easy-on-the-ear. Level 4 is the sweet spot, as below this you'll really struggle to make anything out. WNR is not as good as the 1MORE Q30 (still probably the best budget WNR mode I've ever tested) but it is adequate enough.
At this price point, the Melobuds Pro ANC is hard to beat. It falls slightly short of the better mid-range options like the Vivo TWS4, Soundpeats Air4 Pro and Soundcore Space A40, but outperforms OnePlus Buds 3 and Moondrop Space Travel comfortably. I included binaural ANC samples in the YouTube review if you wanna hear how it compares in a busy coffee shop.
Call Quality
Call Performance is actually quite impressive for a sub $50 set. They deal with the busy coffee shop and train station scenes I included in my YouTube review with relative ease, giving good clarity and tone to your own voice, whilst also effectively dealing with environmental sound. The only Achilles heel is wind - as is the case with most buds - but overall it is one of the best sub $50 sets for calls I've ever tested, and is reflective of improvements across the market in mic technology that we've all been crying out for. Please do listen to the samples to ensure it meets your requirements though, as call quality expectations vary wildly by user.
Other Features
The HT08 compete with the likes of Moondrop Space Travel and Rose Technics Earfree I3, as well as some of the Soundpeats buds such as Capsule3 Pro. They thrash the MST for ANC performance, battery life, call quality and stability, and it's a similar story with the Rose Technics offering. The Capsule3 Pro sound a bit more like the original HT05 and have strong ANC, but fall short in the features department, with no wear detection, LDAC, adaptive ANC nor customisable controls. So for me, there is some distance between them and their nearest competitor at this price - you'd have to spend quite a bit more on something like the Soundcore P40i or 1More Q30, and even then I'd say the HT08 still have quite a few advantages.
Summary
The HT08 MeloBuds Pro are easily the most complete option on the market right now for the price. Whilst they lack a bit of the polish of the likes of Soundcore and Realme, whose apps are better designed and glossier-looking, in terms of features and functions, most of which are well-implemented, the MeloBuds Pro are really hard to beat. Reassuringly, they also do all the basics well - QCY have improved ANC, call quality and battery life over the original, and the redesign makes them look and feel more modern and perform better in a variety of environments, from home office and the daily commute through to exercise.
I'd like to see the custom EQ fixed, the wear detection sensitivity toned down and the ability to determine which ANC modes are included in the button-cycle fixed before recommending these unequivocally, but even with these minor quibbles they are still a no-brainer at the price and a genuine contender for best budget TWS of 2024.
QCY Review Inventory:
HT07 Arcbuds
HT05 Melobuds ANC
T20 Ailypods
T18
G1
T17
T16
T13
HT03
T12
T11
About QCY:
Whilst not quite a household name outside of China yet, QCY are well-renowned in the budget TWS space for developing extraordinarily low cost earbuds that, whilst perhaps lacking some of the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands, deliver to the segment of the market where 'good enough is good enough', with solid reliability and tremendous value for money.
Part of the Hele Electronics Group, as well as designing their own products, they also OEM product for other vendors (Aukey, for example rebrand the T5), with three of their major customers being brands you will certainly recognise and in the global top 10 of the TWS market in 2019. In 2020, market research indicated they were the 4th biggest TWS vendor worldwide - no mean feat.
Despite a close relationship with SoC manufactuer Zhuhai Jieli, QCY are not afraid to mix and match components to suit their target market. This often sees a number of releases in quick succession - their T17S are an example of this, released subsequent to the T17, and differentiating with the use of the Qualcomm QCC3040 SoC, to support customers who require the added lower latency enabled by the aptX codecs that the Qualcomm chips support. They did a similar thing with the very popular T5, T8 and T9 - nice to see a vendor using an easy to follow naming convention! The G1 use the newest Pixart chip in order to reduce latency - horses for courses!
The QCY mission seems to be bringing music to the masses at a very affordable price - they are unlikely to top the charts for sound quality or features any time soon, but I think that's how they prefer it - their bang for buck is often unparalleled, with customers knowing they are getting value from a brand they can trust.
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YouTube: regancipher
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Socials: Biolink
Model: QCY MeloBuds Pro
Product Page: QCY
Price: Approx. £25 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC148
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: QCY
- Model: HT08 MeloBuds Pro
- Driver: 12mm Biofibre Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: WUQI WQ7XXXAX Series
- Mic: 6 mic AI ENC
- ANC: Yes - Up to 46dB with multiple modes & Adaptive ANC
- Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: Yes
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 4.3g
- Earbud Dimensions: 28.6mm stem length (33mm including shoulder)
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 40g
- Case Dimensions: 56.5mm {maximum} (width) x 51mm (height) x 28mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 350mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 1 hour playtime from 10min
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes (buds and case)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 8.5 hours (ANC off) 7.5 hours (ANC on) 4.5 hours (LDAC & ANC)
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 34/30 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX5
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
3 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
QCY's HT05 Melobuds has long been one of my 'best value TWS under $30' picks, so I was very interested to see how the Pro version would stack up, especially since they added a bunch of desirable features usually seen only in much more expensive offerings, such as LDAC support, multipoint, quick charge, adaptive ANC and in-ear detection - all things that the HT05 lacked, and all things that would probably rank on the average users' 'like to have' list when purchasing a new TWS.
The Melobuds Pro (aka HT08) are, as is always the case with QCY, priced very competitively considering their specification. Currently I can pick them up for around £25 plus import duty from their official AliExpress store, so they're competing in the same price category as the likes of Moondrop Space Travel and Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro - two well-acclaimed sets, but two sets that fall some way short of the MeloBuds Pro in terms of features and specifications.
Design, Fit & Comfort
The Melobuds Pro has seen a complete redesign from the original HT05, taking a rather generic-looking and slightly bulky stem-based original and shortening the stem, rounding the top and removing the overt QCY branding and bright white LED. The new version also has a mirrored-finish to the outside, which will no doubt divide opinion depending on how you see things, but for me it is a much nicer looking TWS that is far more comfortable too.
The fit is quite similar to the VIVO TWS4 and SoundPEATS Air4 Pro. It is shallow-insertion, but the tips are slightly extended, so you get a nice balance of comfort and stability. I put them through the '100 jumping jack' test and they passed with flying colours - something many more expensive models such as Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Realme Buds Air 5 Pro failed to do. Their IPX5 rating makes them fine for gym and outdoor exercise use, and the occlusion effect isn't too pervasive when running either, making them a very solid all-rounder.
The case has had a total redesign too, with a gunmetal-style finish and the QCY logo screen-printed subtly on the front. There's a 'quick connect' button on the bottom along with a USB-C charge socket, and LED indicator at the base of the lid.
Both the HT08 and HT10 Ailybuds Pro+ cases share a similar look and profile. Both flip open at the front ala Xiaomi Buds 4, and it is a smart and intuitive design that looks much nicer than the somewhat dated original HT05.
Controls & Wear Detection
QCY give you loads of customisation options when it comes to the controls. Via their app, you can adjust single, double and triple tap to pretty much anything you want. Holding the right button down cycles through the ANC modes - and it's the one annoying thing that you can't customise which ANC modes it serves up. For example - if you want to move from ANC to transparency, you have to cycle 'ANC off' first, which I and a lot of other users prefer to turn off. The touch controls are pretty responsive and resistant to accidental touches though, and the absence of limitations is welcome and quite unusual.
However, whilst wear detection is a surprise and very welcome feature, it is a bit sensitive, sometimes triggering on slight adjustment. You do have a fair bit of customisation of the wear detection in the app though. By default, removing one or more bud will switch ANC off and pause whatever you're playing. You can toggle either of these criteria, select pause and play only for when both buds are removed, or switch it off altogether.
Battery Life
Single-use battery life falls a bit short of some of the longer-lasting sub $100 sets, registering around 7-7.5 hours with ANC off using AAC, but they are much less sensitive to switching on ANC, multipoint and LDAC than the likes of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, for example, which dropped down to 2.5 hours with everything switched on - whereas on the HT08, with ANC on I still regularly got over 6 hours, and around 4.5-5 hours with ANC on and LDAC. These are very respectable numbers - more than enough for the average user - and the bonus of 1 hour extra playtime from 10 minutes in the case more than makes up for the slightly below top-tier total playtime number. The case charges them around 4 full cycles, taking it to up to 34 hours, and takes around 90 minutes for a full recharge.
Sound
Sound was the big draw of the original HT05, and QCY haven't deviated too far from that winning formula, but it does differ a little. The bass bleeds less into the lower midrange, making the midbass sound faster and punchier. This plays a bit nicer with energetic genres - EDM, techno and pop - but it can leave baritone vocalists sounding a little thin by comparison. The out-of-the-box tuning on the original HT05 is smoother and warmer, and better suits those aforementioned genres.
The presence region is sharper-elevated too, which brings female vocals forward and gives them more bite than the original HT05, although losing a little of the lushness as a result. The HT05 has more treble extension than the MeloBuds Pro - this adds a little definition to percussion on the HT05, and softens the fatigue of the Melobuds Pro respectively.
Both are tuned smartly, with the Melobuds Pro a little more consumer-centric. I've included binaural samples and FR measurements in the YouTube link, so you can hear what each of these sound like and see it on the graphs at the same time.
There's a ten-band custom EQ and lots of presets, but I had some issues with the custom EQ in the app not doing quite what I wanted it to do based on the measurements in the upper trebles. It's here that the Melobuds Pro do need a little adjustment - as you can see from the graphs, they roll off much sooner than the original HT05, and the staging suffers as a result. If you adjust anything above 10k, you will hear some change but not as much as you should. I've reported this to QCY - hopefully we'll see a firmware upgrade fix imminently.
The MeloBuds Pro do support high-res audio via LDAC, however even on the setting which prioritises stability, I still couldn't reliably hold a connection in built-up areas. If you're at home, LDAC should be fine, but out-and-about you may want to prioritise AAC.
Overall, the sound is good and the tuning is satisfactory. I haven't found an 'optimum' custom EQ yet, but play around with those upper trebles a little and you won't go far wrong.
ANC & Transparency
ANC is a big improvement over the HT05. Adaptive ANC has been added to the options roster, and it works well most of the time. The maximum strength setting is better at handling both low- and mid- frequency sounds than the HT05, and with a bit of tip-rolling you will almost certainly get even better results. I switched to the larger, flatter tips of the SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and saw a minimum 10% improvement.
Transparency and wind-noise reduction modes are also pretty effective. Transparency has 6 strength levels and a vocal enhancement mode. Vocal enhancement is good for nearby conversations but anything further away will probably need level 5 or 6. From Level 5 onward, you start to lose naturalness, with quite a lot of white noise applied - it does the job, but it isn't especially easy-on-the-ear. Level 4 is the sweet spot, as below this you'll really struggle to make anything out. WNR is not as good as the 1MORE Q30 (still probably the best budget WNR mode I've ever tested) but it is adequate enough.
At this price point, the Melobuds Pro ANC is hard to beat. It falls slightly short of the better mid-range options like the Vivo TWS4, Soundpeats Air4 Pro and Soundcore Space A40, but outperforms OnePlus Buds 3 and Moondrop Space Travel comfortably. I included binaural ANC samples in the YouTube review if you wanna hear how it compares in a busy coffee shop.
Call Quality
Call Performance is actually quite impressive for a sub $50 set. They deal with the busy coffee shop and train station scenes I included in my YouTube review with relative ease, giving good clarity and tone to your own voice, whilst also effectively dealing with environmental sound. The only Achilles heel is wind - as is the case with most buds - but overall it is one of the best sub $50 sets for calls I've ever tested, and is reflective of improvements across the market in mic technology that we've all been crying out for. Please do listen to the samples to ensure it meets your requirements though, as call quality expectations vary wildly by user.
Other Features
- The ability to switch to transparency mode during a call - a lot of more expensive buds don't have this! Bravo QCY
- Calling in single mode - possible, and very welcome
- Find my Earbuds - works, provided they are connected!
- Multipoint - works well, but no device list and can't be used with LDAC on. Pause your primary, play your secondary and with very little delay it kicks in. Auto switches on phone calls
- LDAC - OK at home, but I found it to be too glitchy out in public, especially with streaming services
- Low latency mode - latency is already pretty good, but this will definitely help, especially if you're using LDAC. I'm not a gamer, and if I ever do play games I use wired buds as even the 80ms delay QCY and others report is too much for my liking. Perfectly fine for causal gaming and videos though.
- Spatial Sound - same as most of the other budget brands, seems to artificially open up the sound but gives it a metallic timbre. Haven't used this a great deal since
- Timed shut down - very useful if you use them to fall asleep with, saving battery as a result. Size means they probably aren't for side sleepers though
- QCY app is a bit 'Windows XP-looking' but has some good functionality overall, including the underrated 'channel re-balance' feature
- Custom EQ accuracy
- Overly-sensitive wear detection
- No ability to remove ANC modes from button-toggle
The HT08 compete with the likes of Moondrop Space Travel and Rose Technics Earfree I3, as well as some of the Soundpeats buds such as Capsule3 Pro. They thrash the MST for ANC performance, battery life, call quality and stability, and it's a similar story with the Rose Technics offering. The Capsule3 Pro sound a bit more like the original HT05 and have strong ANC, but fall short in the features department, with no wear detection, LDAC, adaptive ANC nor customisable controls. So for me, there is some distance between them and their nearest competitor at this price - you'd have to spend quite a bit more on something like the Soundcore P40i or 1More Q30, and even then I'd say the HT08 still have quite a few advantages.
Summary
The HT08 MeloBuds Pro are easily the most complete option on the market right now for the price. Whilst they lack a bit of the polish of the likes of Soundcore and Realme, whose apps are better designed and glossier-looking, in terms of features and functions, most of which are well-implemented, the MeloBuds Pro are really hard to beat. Reassuringly, they also do all the basics well - QCY have improved ANC, call quality and battery life over the original, and the redesign makes them look and feel more modern and perform better in a variety of environments, from home office and the daily commute through to exercise.
I'd like to see the custom EQ fixed, the wear detection sensitivity toned down and the ability to determine which ANC modes are included in the button-cycle fixed before recommending these unequivocally, but even with these minor quibbles they are still a no-brainer at the price and a genuine contender for best budget TWS of 2024.
QCY Review Inventory:
HT07 Arcbuds
HT05 Melobuds ANC
T20 Ailypods
T18
G1
T17
T16
T13
HT03
T12
T11
About QCY:
Whilst not quite a household name outside of China yet, QCY are well-renowned in the budget TWS space for developing extraordinarily low cost earbuds that, whilst perhaps lacking some of the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands, deliver to the segment of the market where 'good enough is good enough', with solid reliability and tremendous value for money.
Part of the Hele Electronics Group, as well as designing their own products, they also OEM product for other vendors (Aukey, for example rebrand the T5), with three of their major customers being brands you will certainly recognise and in the global top 10 of the TWS market in 2019. In 2020, market research indicated they were the 4th biggest TWS vendor worldwide - no mean feat.
Despite a close relationship with SoC manufactuer Zhuhai Jieli, QCY are not afraid to mix and match components to suit their target market. This often sees a number of releases in quick succession - their T17S are an example of this, released subsequent to the T17, and differentiating with the use of the Qualcomm QCC3040 SoC, to support customers who require the added lower latency enabled by the aptX codecs that the Qualcomm chips support. They did a similar thing with the very popular T5, T8 and T9 - nice to see a vendor using an easy to follow naming convention! The G1 use the newest Pixart chip in order to reduce latency - horses for courses!
The QCY mission seems to be bringing music to the masses at a very affordable price - they are unlikely to top the charts for sound quality or features any time soon, but I think that's how they prefer it - their bang for buck is often unparalleled, with customers knowing they are getting value from a brand they can trust.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Hidizs MS3
Price: £93.49 - Hidizs direct
Review Reference: RC121
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
9 x Pair spare tips (3 x vocal SML, 3 x bass SML, 3 x balanced SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Hidizs Branded Carry Pouch
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Firstly, happy new year to everyone here at Headfi, and a big up to me for my 100th Headfi review! Today we're taking a look at the HIDIZS MS3. HIDIZS are, in their words "an acoustic brand focused on recreating natural and authentic sound, capturing the essence and emotions of musical performances". Having been founded by a musician with expertise in psychoacoustics, their approach claims to 'recognize that each listener has a unique auditory perception, aiming to respect those differences, focusing not just on technical excellence, but also perceived sound, too.'. Thank goodness for that!!
This approach has clearly paid dividends though, earning three consecutive VGP 'golden prize' awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and generally being recognised here at Headfi and in the wider market as a brand you can trust. Whether it's IEMs, DAPs, DACs or amps, their products tend to be characterised by high quality craftsmanship, operating at the less budget-conscious end of the market, augmented by a strong market position courtesy of over a decade establishing the HIDIZS brand.
The Mermaid MS3 have been around a little while - released almost 6 months ago now - but they probably haven't quite had the fanfare they deserve, despite killer 'shark fin' aesthetics theming the plates and connectors, and outrageous build quality accompanying a competitive launch price that has now been reduced even further. At time of writing, the MS3 are available from HIDIZS direct for just £78.99 - an absolute steal given their impressive hardware. (EDIT - price has gone back up to £93.49 - still a great deal!)
Whilst much has already been said about the MS3 already in the below reviews here on Headfi, we've since seen some very popular IEM releases perhaps stealing the limelight from the MS3 somewhat, so now seems like an opportune moment to revisit and see how well they've aged, and assess whether and to whom they offer a good option in this uber-competitive space.
Unboxing
The Mermaid MS3 come in an impressively-authoritative outer enclosure which oozes understated quality. There's no wild mermaid-or-otherwise-theming - instead you get a sharp image of the MS3 and a brief summary of the driver arrangement. It's a pretty large, heavy enclosure which provided the contents with ample protection on their long journey over to the UK!
Inside, on the first floor you get a pretty nice selection of eartips and a first glimpse of the other two replaceable pneumatic sound tuning filters. The stock-fitted rose gold are listed as 'balanced', reflecting Hidizs' signature style, and are targeted at listeners of pop and folk. 'Charm Red' is their bassy, energetic filter, better suited for rock and metal, whereas 'Quiet Silver' is marketed for classical music lovers. I'll go into more detail on whether these are accurate representations in the Audio & Sound Signature section.
The eartips are all actually pretty usable. They're targeted at comfort over isolation and are very soft, unravelling when you remove them. I guess the best compliment is I didn't switch them out straight away, and have been using the vocal tips without complaint throughout my testing regime and beyond.
The MS3 also come with a carry pouch, and thankfully, a cable! The cable is incredibly impressive - probably the best freebie cable I've ever seen with a sub $200 set - it's a 4 core, 192 strand OFC cable at the standard length of 1.2m. It's so thick that the thumb pull barely budges over the top of it! The cable terminates to either 3.5 or 4.4mm depending on how you order, and at the other end you've got red and blue marked 'shark fin' detachable 0.28mm 2pin plugs.
The pouch is OK, although a little less impressive. It comes in faux leather effect material with metallic hinges keeping it shut. It's serviceable, but isn't going to offer your tuning filters any real protection.
Overall it's a pretty decent unboxing experience that aligns to its price. It will satisfy those who don't have a load of accessories already in their inventory, but for those of us with hefty existing collections, we aren't going to see too much in the way of tangible benefit, the excellent cable aside.
Design & Build Quality
If the unboxing was arguably a shade underwhelming, the same cannot be said for the design and build quality of the MS3, which tick every box as far as aesthetics and ergonomics go. If an IEM could ever be sexy, then the MS3 is probably the one you'd get permission to break your marital vows for! Granted, it bears more than a passing resemblance to their big brother, the MS5, but they aren't just a lift-and-shift - despite being a fraction of the cost, for me the MS3 are a better look and fit.
Working in the aviation industry, I was intrigued to see that the MS3 are crafted from 'aviation aluminium alloy' shells, carved by five-axis CNC. The panel is particularly eye-catching, with its black oxidation treatment and three-dimensional 'flame' style design.
The immediate first impression of the MS3 is its unmistakeable quality. The shells, despite weighing over 7g, do not feel especially heavy thanks to their well-proportioned, ergonomic dimensions, but they do feel incredibly well made. The faceplate measures 19mm wide and just over 22mm high - sure, they aren't quite as dainty as something like the Simgot EA1000, but they're still small enough to barely be noticed in the ear. Their teardrop-shaped profile rests subtly against the antihelix and around the concha, and combines tastefully with the polished rose-gold outer edge to present an alluring visual experience. The look is enhanced further by the self-styled shark-fin connectors - a fairly minor inclusion but one that doesn't go unnoticed. There's only a very slight reinforcement in the ear hook, which works well in preventing it from pulling when you're on the move and doesn't cause any discomfort or irritation.
The insides of the IEM feature a very shallow graduation upwards and outwards from the nozzle. The curvature is so slight that it's quite hard to see without the spotlight, but it's enough optimise the balance of fit and the need to create sufficient isolation. The depth of the IEM tops out at just under 24mm, and whilst this makes it a little deeper insertion than some of the competition, the whole belies the part - there's very little feeling of presence or occlusion. There's a tuning hole on the inside, and a plastic shield protecting the connectors - and it is this attention to detail that is quite symbolic when it comes to the MS3 - everything about the design is very deliberate and thoughtful.
With the nozzle undressed, you get a little glimpse of the balanced armature. The filters are quite small and fiddly, but unscrewing and replacing them isn't too much of an ordeal.
The filters, complete with o-ring to optimise sound delivery, are a bit fiddly, but again HIDIZS' attention to detail is reflected here, with orings around the edge to optimise the seal. All three filter types use differing thicknesses of what appears to be black foam on the inside.
The fit, at least for my odd-shaped ears and shallow ear canals, is quite perfect. HIDIZS have absolutely nailed the ergonomics, and it helps that they look pretty good too.
Audio & Sound Signature
The MS3 is a fun, energetic IEM which showcases HIDIZS' own take(s) on Harman, and its certainly enough to give them their own, vibrant character.
The MS3 boasts a hybrid driver configuration of a single DMDC 3rd Generation PEEK driver handling the bass, and two Knowles SWFK-31736 composite balanced armatures dealing with the mids and highs. HIDIZS redesigned the the crossover point, using tantalum capacitors for their higher frequency response and lower equivalent series resistance, with the aim of delivering higher resolution, better, more accurate treble extension and wider sound field performance ability, but despite this, driver cohesion steps aside in favour of powerful, slightly boomy lower frequencies, crispy trebles (sometimes a little too crispy), dynamics and quite impressive technicalities.
With a judicious sub-bass extension, the MS3 provides low-frequency physicality without one-note boom, benefitting tracks leaning on synthetic or acoustic bass texture alike. It's definitely not in the basshead realms, but there's enough power to lend bass guitars increased resonance and electronic kick drums a floor-shaking 'first few rows' immersion. That power tends to linger and then disperse a little inconsistently though - whilst the initial impact is certainly there, it can dissipate a tad unsatisfyingly.
There is plenty of midbass presence, categorised by a little bleed from the upper bass regions into the midrange - enough to add warmth and richness to the sound, but it can sometimes border on a little sloppy. On more bassy reproductions, the power and resonance can sound a shade uncontrolled, especially with wider bore tips and on lower quality sources, blurring it a little. It does improve somewhat after a lengthy burn-in and with careful tip selection. Bass is energetic, fun and enjoyable, more than it is clean and textured.
Departing the bass region, the MS3 midrange begins a smooth downward slope, crossing the Harman target at 400Hz. The trajectory continues descending further, reaching a +4dB valley at 800Hz relative to target before rising back upwards.
The prolonged dip through the lower mids provides a relaxed warmth. Male vocals have fair depth and texture, but join cellos and horns in a set-back, mildly recessed staging. Acoustic guitars, pianos and strings for the most part sound lifelike and enjoyable, although violins can extend to strident in solo. The mid-mids see a quantifiable recession, before an elevated upper midrange presents. The lift at 1.5kHz injects crisp presence to higher guitar tones and adds clarity and presence to female voices, which are much more forward than male vocals, although they do fall short in depth and sweetness compared to some of the smoother sets on the market. On female vocals and percussive tracks, you do get a little taste of the BA timbre, with a little splash to cymbals too. Depending on the vocalist, the sound can thin out a tad. Vocals are probably not the strong suit of the MS3, but the mids are generally well-done with good note weight and, for the most part, decent transparency.
Ascending into upper frequencies beyond 3kHz the MS3 Gold takes a decisively assertive stance, at times crossing +10dB over the Harman Target, opening out the sound and bringing crunchiness and energy to percussive elements. This begins mildly at 5kHz before aggressive elevation persists spanning from 7kHz to 15kHz - no relaxation or restraint here. The fulsome lower and middle treble emphasis adds substantial shimmer and detail portrayal to guitar work, but notes don't always decay with crisp decisiveness - it is, for the most part, a clean treble delivery, but its slightly peaky nature, whilst adding bite to accentuate transients, can sometimes also present a metallic sheen over percussive elements. This is especially evident on tribal house and funk tracks layered with drums.
The mid treble is more intense than most Harman-inspired sets, and whilst not always orthodox-sounding, the MS3 is one of the more resolving sets around the $100 mark. Detail retrieval is very strong at this price bracket, and imaging is also excellent. Instrument separation is better in the mid and higher frequencies, as you would expect, and the positioning, imaging and layering are all very strong. Staging is a tad constrained, although wider than it is deep, and the MS3 have good dynamics. HIDIZS have struck a nice balance here between delivering detail and precision, whilst at the same time bringing a healthy dose of warmth, fun and energy.
The MS3 comes with two other 'funny' filters to offer alternative sound signatures - one slightly more than the other! The silver nozzle doesn't seem to be a particularly wide deviation from the stock rose gold, but its an even brighter sound, adding further detail and punchiness to the trebles, but also thinning out vocals more. It's a hotter sound, and on higher volumes, this filter does reveal a bit too much low level sibilance though. If you're treble sensitive this is probably one to avoid, but does certainly strut its stuff with classical music on mid volumes.
The red filter is a far bigger deviation, boosting the bass, smoothing out the 5k peak and moving and enhancing the 7.5kHz peak to 8kHz. It shifts the tone a bit from bright to slightly darker and loosens the reigns even further. Basslines are richer (although less controlled) but not as punchy as the Gold filter. The note weight is a bit thicker and the sound overall a little smoother, with a more intimate presentation. I particularly enjoyed this filter with vocal jazz, soul and melodic techno where the warmer sound smooths out the vocals and the trebles are much more rounded and less edgy.
It's always nice to get very usable filter options - and all three are definitely that - but the stark deviation from red to gold has me wondering what a filter somewhere in the middle of the two would have offered. As always seems to be the case!
The Simgot EM6L are another hybrid driver option at around a similar price, sporting 4 BA's as opposed to 2. They also retail at $109 - roughly the launch price of the MS3. Putting the audio to one side, the build quality of the MS3 feels a bit more sturdy and more premium. The EM6L are slightly smaller and more lightweight, but both wear equally comfortably. Both are straightforward to drive, although the EM6L definitely benefit from a bit more oomph.
The EM6L sound is a bit smoother and warmer throughout. With the centre point of the bass at around 45Hz rather than 80Hz, the EM6L has a little more rumble. Both models bleed a little into the midrange, although it's perhaps a little more obvious on the MS3. With its more recessed midrange, vocals are a bit thinner and at times shoutier on the MS3, which is more susceptible to low treble sibilance, regardless of filter. The mids are more transparent on the EM6L - they are a bit more natural and musical than the MS3. Trebles are safer on the EM6L, remaining a little truer to Harman throughout the upper registers. The EM6L have a slightly faster transient response, but the MS3 are more fun and energetic. The MS3 have three filter options, whereas with the EM6L you're stuck with its default sound - not that that is a bad thing, mind. Both models punch above their weight in technical performance though, with the EM6L offering arguably slightly better imaging and the MS3 a marginally wider sound field.
Both are great choices, but the MS3 at the current price might represent a more competitive value proposition for those who value the added versatility. If you prefer a more natural tone and timbre, you'll probably favour the EM6L.
Summary
The HIDIZS MS3 has aged pretty well, faring well against the competition especially at their current reduced price. The unboxing and overall presentation is very good, albeit a carry case would have added gloss. The build quality of the IEM is first class and punches well above its category. It is a very versatile and comfortable IEM that offers good isolation and is straightforward to drive.
The sound represent HIDIZS' take on Harman nicely with a well-done v-shape and triple driver crossover. The bass is more about power than precision, and its energy and vibrance lend itself well across genres, particularly to pop and EDM. The midrange is recessed, but the thicker note weight and added warmth presents well on soul and RnB. If you prefer classical music, you'll probably be less enamoured. The elevated upper mid register gives pianos and strings crispness and detail. The trebles are reasonably clean and not overdone, with good exclamation to percussion and cymbals - but the BA timbre is definitely tangible here. The technical performance of the MS3 is a particular highlight, with great imaging and separation for a sub $100 set.
MS3 is a good choice in its price bracket, and the three very usable filters bring added versatility. If you seek a balance of a wider soundstage, good technicalities and energy, and favour this over a natural tone and timbre, then this might be one to add to your collection. Given this retailed at $169 at one point, the current offer price at HIDIZ is an absolute steal.
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Hidizs MS3
Price: £93.49 - Hidizs direct
Review Reference: RC121
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Hidizs
- Model: Mermaid MS3
- Driver: 10.2mm Dual Magnetic Circuit Dual Cavity Gen3 PEEK+PU Dynamic Driver and 2 x Knowles SWFK-31736 Composite Balanced Armature Driver
- Tuning: Three filters - Gold, Silver and Red
- IEM Weight: 7.41g
- IEM Dimensions: 22.6mm (height) x 19.1mm (width) x 24mm (max depth)
- Shell: Aviation Aluminium Alloy CNC Integral Molding Shell
- Impedance: 18Ω±15% (at 1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 112dB/Vrms (at 1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Cable: High Purity Oxygen-Free Copper 4-Strand Mixed Braiding 1.2m
- Connector: 0.78 2 Pin Gold Plated Socket
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
9 x Pair spare tips (3 x vocal SML, 3 x bass SML, 3 x balanced SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Hidizs Branded Carry Pouch
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Firstly, happy new year to everyone here at Headfi, and a big up to me for my 100th Headfi review! Today we're taking a look at the HIDIZS MS3. HIDIZS are, in their words "an acoustic brand focused on recreating natural and authentic sound, capturing the essence and emotions of musical performances". Having been founded by a musician with expertise in psychoacoustics, their approach claims to 'recognize that each listener has a unique auditory perception, aiming to respect those differences, focusing not just on technical excellence, but also perceived sound, too.'. Thank goodness for that!!
This approach has clearly paid dividends though, earning three consecutive VGP 'golden prize' awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and generally being recognised here at Headfi and in the wider market as a brand you can trust. Whether it's IEMs, DAPs, DACs or amps, their products tend to be characterised by high quality craftsmanship, operating at the less budget-conscious end of the market, augmented by a strong market position courtesy of over a decade establishing the HIDIZS brand.
The Mermaid MS3 have been around a little while - released almost 6 months ago now - but they probably haven't quite had the fanfare they deserve, despite killer 'shark fin' aesthetics theming the plates and connectors, and outrageous build quality accompanying a competitive launch price that has now been reduced even further. At time of writing, the MS3 are available from HIDIZS direct for just £78.99 - an absolute steal given their impressive hardware. (EDIT - price has gone back up to £93.49 - still a great deal!)
Whilst much has already been said about the MS3 already in the below reviews here on Headfi, we've since seen some very popular IEM releases perhaps stealing the limelight from the MS3 somewhat, so now seems like an opportune moment to revisit and see how well they've aged, and assess whether and to whom they offer a good option in this uber-competitive space.
Unboxing
The Mermaid MS3 come in an impressively-authoritative outer enclosure which oozes understated quality. There's no wild mermaid-or-otherwise-theming - instead you get a sharp image of the MS3 and a brief summary of the driver arrangement. It's a pretty large, heavy enclosure which provided the contents with ample protection on their long journey over to the UK!
Inside, on the first floor you get a pretty nice selection of eartips and a first glimpse of the other two replaceable pneumatic sound tuning filters. The stock-fitted rose gold are listed as 'balanced', reflecting Hidizs' signature style, and are targeted at listeners of pop and folk. 'Charm Red' is their bassy, energetic filter, better suited for rock and metal, whereas 'Quiet Silver' is marketed for classical music lovers. I'll go into more detail on whether these are accurate representations in the Audio & Sound Signature section.
The eartips are all actually pretty usable. They're targeted at comfort over isolation and are very soft, unravelling when you remove them. I guess the best compliment is I didn't switch them out straight away, and have been using the vocal tips without complaint throughout my testing regime and beyond.
The MS3 also come with a carry pouch, and thankfully, a cable! The cable is incredibly impressive - probably the best freebie cable I've ever seen with a sub $200 set - it's a 4 core, 192 strand OFC cable at the standard length of 1.2m. It's so thick that the thumb pull barely budges over the top of it! The cable terminates to either 3.5 or 4.4mm depending on how you order, and at the other end you've got red and blue marked 'shark fin' detachable 0.28mm 2pin plugs.
The pouch is OK, although a little less impressive. It comes in faux leather effect material with metallic hinges keeping it shut. It's serviceable, but isn't going to offer your tuning filters any real protection.
Overall it's a pretty decent unboxing experience that aligns to its price. It will satisfy those who don't have a load of accessories already in their inventory, but for those of us with hefty existing collections, we aren't going to see too much in the way of tangible benefit, the excellent cable aside.
Design & Build Quality
If the unboxing was arguably a shade underwhelming, the same cannot be said for the design and build quality of the MS3, which tick every box as far as aesthetics and ergonomics go. If an IEM could ever be sexy, then the MS3 is probably the one you'd get permission to break your marital vows for! Granted, it bears more than a passing resemblance to their big brother, the MS5, but they aren't just a lift-and-shift - despite being a fraction of the cost, for me the MS3 are a better look and fit.
Working in the aviation industry, I was intrigued to see that the MS3 are crafted from 'aviation aluminium alloy' shells, carved by five-axis CNC. The panel is particularly eye-catching, with its black oxidation treatment and three-dimensional 'flame' style design.
The immediate first impression of the MS3 is its unmistakeable quality. The shells, despite weighing over 7g, do not feel especially heavy thanks to their well-proportioned, ergonomic dimensions, but they do feel incredibly well made. The faceplate measures 19mm wide and just over 22mm high - sure, they aren't quite as dainty as something like the Simgot EA1000, but they're still small enough to barely be noticed in the ear. Their teardrop-shaped profile rests subtly against the antihelix and around the concha, and combines tastefully with the polished rose-gold outer edge to present an alluring visual experience. The look is enhanced further by the self-styled shark-fin connectors - a fairly minor inclusion but one that doesn't go unnoticed. There's only a very slight reinforcement in the ear hook, which works well in preventing it from pulling when you're on the move and doesn't cause any discomfort or irritation.
The insides of the IEM feature a very shallow graduation upwards and outwards from the nozzle. The curvature is so slight that it's quite hard to see without the spotlight, but it's enough optimise the balance of fit and the need to create sufficient isolation. The depth of the IEM tops out at just under 24mm, and whilst this makes it a little deeper insertion than some of the competition, the whole belies the part - there's very little feeling of presence or occlusion. There's a tuning hole on the inside, and a plastic shield protecting the connectors - and it is this attention to detail that is quite symbolic when it comes to the MS3 - everything about the design is very deliberate and thoughtful.
With the nozzle undressed, you get a little glimpse of the balanced armature. The filters are quite small and fiddly, but unscrewing and replacing them isn't too much of an ordeal.
The filters, complete with o-ring to optimise sound delivery, are a bit fiddly, but again HIDIZS' attention to detail is reflected here, with orings around the edge to optimise the seal. All three filter types use differing thicknesses of what appears to be black foam on the inside.
The fit, at least for my odd-shaped ears and shallow ear canals, is quite perfect. HIDIZS have absolutely nailed the ergonomics, and it helps that they look pretty good too.
Audio & Sound Signature
The MS3 is a fun, energetic IEM which showcases HIDIZS' own take(s) on Harman, and its certainly enough to give them their own, vibrant character.
The MS3 boasts a hybrid driver configuration of a single DMDC 3rd Generation PEEK driver handling the bass, and two Knowles SWFK-31736 composite balanced armatures dealing with the mids and highs. HIDIZS redesigned the the crossover point, using tantalum capacitors for their higher frequency response and lower equivalent series resistance, with the aim of delivering higher resolution, better, more accurate treble extension and wider sound field performance ability, but despite this, driver cohesion steps aside in favour of powerful, slightly boomy lower frequencies, crispy trebles (sometimes a little too crispy), dynamics and quite impressive technicalities.
With a judicious sub-bass extension, the MS3 provides low-frequency physicality without one-note boom, benefitting tracks leaning on synthetic or acoustic bass texture alike. It's definitely not in the basshead realms, but there's enough power to lend bass guitars increased resonance and electronic kick drums a floor-shaking 'first few rows' immersion. That power tends to linger and then disperse a little inconsistently though - whilst the initial impact is certainly there, it can dissipate a tad unsatisfyingly.
There is plenty of midbass presence, categorised by a little bleed from the upper bass regions into the midrange - enough to add warmth and richness to the sound, but it can sometimes border on a little sloppy. On more bassy reproductions, the power and resonance can sound a shade uncontrolled, especially with wider bore tips and on lower quality sources, blurring it a little. It does improve somewhat after a lengthy burn-in and with careful tip selection. Bass is energetic, fun and enjoyable, more than it is clean and textured.
Departing the bass region, the MS3 midrange begins a smooth downward slope, crossing the Harman target at 400Hz. The trajectory continues descending further, reaching a +4dB valley at 800Hz relative to target before rising back upwards.
The prolonged dip through the lower mids provides a relaxed warmth. Male vocals have fair depth and texture, but join cellos and horns in a set-back, mildly recessed staging. Acoustic guitars, pianos and strings for the most part sound lifelike and enjoyable, although violins can extend to strident in solo. The mid-mids see a quantifiable recession, before an elevated upper midrange presents. The lift at 1.5kHz injects crisp presence to higher guitar tones and adds clarity and presence to female voices, which are much more forward than male vocals, although they do fall short in depth and sweetness compared to some of the smoother sets on the market. On female vocals and percussive tracks, you do get a little taste of the BA timbre, with a little splash to cymbals too. Depending on the vocalist, the sound can thin out a tad. Vocals are probably not the strong suit of the MS3, but the mids are generally well-done with good note weight and, for the most part, decent transparency.
Ascending into upper frequencies beyond 3kHz the MS3 Gold takes a decisively assertive stance, at times crossing +10dB over the Harman Target, opening out the sound and bringing crunchiness and energy to percussive elements. This begins mildly at 5kHz before aggressive elevation persists spanning from 7kHz to 15kHz - no relaxation or restraint here. The fulsome lower and middle treble emphasis adds substantial shimmer and detail portrayal to guitar work, but notes don't always decay with crisp decisiveness - it is, for the most part, a clean treble delivery, but its slightly peaky nature, whilst adding bite to accentuate transients, can sometimes also present a metallic sheen over percussive elements. This is especially evident on tribal house and funk tracks layered with drums.
The mid treble is more intense than most Harman-inspired sets, and whilst not always orthodox-sounding, the MS3 is one of the more resolving sets around the $100 mark. Detail retrieval is very strong at this price bracket, and imaging is also excellent. Instrument separation is better in the mid and higher frequencies, as you would expect, and the positioning, imaging and layering are all very strong. Staging is a tad constrained, although wider than it is deep, and the MS3 have good dynamics. HIDIZS have struck a nice balance here between delivering detail and precision, whilst at the same time bringing a healthy dose of warmth, fun and energy.
The MS3 comes with two other 'funny' filters to offer alternative sound signatures - one slightly more than the other! The silver nozzle doesn't seem to be a particularly wide deviation from the stock rose gold, but its an even brighter sound, adding further detail and punchiness to the trebles, but also thinning out vocals more. It's a hotter sound, and on higher volumes, this filter does reveal a bit too much low level sibilance though. If you're treble sensitive this is probably one to avoid, but does certainly strut its stuff with classical music on mid volumes.
The red filter is a far bigger deviation, boosting the bass, smoothing out the 5k peak and moving and enhancing the 7.5kHz peak to 8kHz. It shifts the tone a bit from bright to slightly darker and loosens the reigns even further. Basslines are richer (although less controlled) but not as punchy as the Gold filter. The note weight is a bit thicker and the sound overall a little smoother, with a more intimate presentation. I particularly enjoyed this filter with vocal jazz, soul and melodic techno where the warmer sound smooths out the vocals and the trebles are much more rounded and less edgy.
It's always nice to get very usable filter options - and all three are definitely that - but the stark deviation from red to gold has me wondering what a filter somewhere in the middle of the two would have offered. As always seems to be the case!
The Simgot EM6L are another hybrid driver option at around a similar price, sporting 4 BA's as opposed to 2. They also retail at $109 - roughly the launch price of the MS3. Putting the audio to one side, the build quality of the MS3 feels a bit more sturdy and more premium. The EM6L are slightly smaller and more lightweight, but both wear equally comfortably. Both are straightforward to drive, although the EM6L definitely benefit from a bit more oomph.
The EM6L sound is a bit smoother and warmer throughout. With the centre point of the bass at around 45Hz rather than 80Hz, the EM6L has a little more rumble. Both models bleed a little into the midrange, although it's perhaps a little more obvious on the MS3. With its more recessed midrange, vocals are a bit thinner and at times shoutier on the MS3, which is more susceptible to low treble sibilance, regardless of filter. The mids are more transparent on the EM6L - they are a bit more natural and musical than the MS3. Trebles are safer on the EM6L, remaining a little truer to Harman throughout the upper registers. The EM6L have a slightly faster transient response, but the MS3 are more fun and energetic. The MS3 have three filter options, whereas with the EM6L you're stuck with its default sound - not that that is a bad thing, mind. Both models punch above their weight in technical performance though, with the EM6L offering arguably slightly better imaging and the MS3 a marginally wider sound field.
Both are great choices, but the MS3 at the current price might represent a more competitive value proposition for those who value the added versatility. If you prefer a more natural tone and timbre, you'll probably favour the EM6L.
Summary
The HIDIZS MS3 has aged pretty well, faring well against the competition especially at their current reduced price. The unboxing and overall presentation is very good, albeit a carry case would have added gloss. The build quality of the IEM is first class and punches well above its category. It is a very versatile and comfortable IEM that offers good isolation and is straightforward to drive.
The sound represent HIDIZS' take on Harman nicely with a well-done v-shape and triple driver crossover. The bass is more about power than precision, and its energy and vibrance lend itself well across genres, particularly to pop and EDM. The midrange is recessed, but the thicker note weight and added warmth presents well on soul and RnB. If you prefer classical music, you'll probably be less enamoured. The elevated upper mid register gives pianos and strings crispness and detail. The trebles are reasonably clean and not overdone, with good exclamation to percussion and cymbals - but the BA timbre is definitely tangible here. The technical performance of the MS3 is a particular highlight, with great imaging and separation for a sub $100 set.
MS3 is a good choice in its price bracket, and the three very usable filters bring added versatility. If you seek a balance of a wider soundstage, good technicalities and energy, and favour this over a natural tone and timbre, then this might be one to add to your collection. Given this retailed at $169 at one point, the current offer price at HIDIZ is an absolute steal.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Model: IKKO OH300
Price: £49.68 - Amazon UK (currently £32.00 at IKKO)
Review Reference: RC120
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x narrow bore SML, 3 x wide bore SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
YouTube Review:
Introduction
IKKO are a brand that likes to do things their own way, refusing to flood the market with release after release and shunning the Harman profile that typifies your average budget IEM release these days. Their individualistic approach has seen them pick up a string of VGP awards over the last few years, including for the OH10 - a very popular IEM with the Headfi community. The OH300 joins the OH10S in branching away from the original OH10, retaining a similar fun, energetic sound but bringing a rather unique-looking photochromic glass faceplate to enhance the visuals. The OH300 is the budget-friendly option, sporting a single LCP driver and retailing for around £50 - a price bracket where the competition is fierce - but they definitely have their merits. If you like a fun, bassy sound and don't mind their slightly larger profile then these could be a plum choice.
Unboxing
The OH300 come in a small, bold outer enclosure which showcase the design of the buds, along with the Hi-Res Audio logo. It is a simplistic, uncluttered styling that extends further into the overall unboxing experience, and it gives you that first glimpse of the photochromic design that symbolises the raison d'etre of this release.
Unperturbed by many of their competitors' more extravagant, themed affairs, IKKO have kept the overall unboxing experience simple, with accessories kept to the bare minimum. You're getting 6 sets of eartips - 3 SML in wide bore, 3 SML in narrow, an instruction manual and a high purity copper cable. There's no carry case nor pouch, so if you're the kind of buyer that likes to get a load of freebies in the box, prepare to be a little disappointed. Fortunately, the accessories are serviceable, although due to the shape of the OH300 you may still look to roll those tips anyway.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing to address when examining the design is the OH300's signature - their photochromic glass faceplates, designed to safeguard the circuitry components from ultraviolet damage in sunlight. This has the added bonus of presenting a blue hue in strong light, and whilst it does certainly differentiate the OH300 from other IEMs, the effect isn't quite as startling in the flesh. Nevertheless, the shells are very well designed with good build quality and QC.
Looking away from the plate, the rest of the shell is predominantly plastic, but don't let that put you off. The OH300 is a beefy, robust IEM with a custom 'feel' to the inside. They're a relatively heavy IEM - over 5g - and they're also a deep insertion design with a pretty long nozzle, bringing their overall width to over 25mm. The semi-transparent smoked look enables the internals to be seen with a close look. It's an attractive overall design that is certainly eye-catching, and the brass nozzles reflect solid craftsmanship - the OH300 feel much higher quality than many of their competitors at a similar price.
The cable and connectors are also respectable quality - the latter being a 2 pin QDC type. The ear hooks are augmented by a silicone sleeve that gives them a little more malleability and hold. The price-performance parity is about right here, although the absence of chin slider again on the cable is a minor quibble.
The teardrop shape of the IEM has an ergonomic geometric to it, following the contours of your antihelix and sitting quite naturally against your concha. The ear hook coils pull quite tightly, but I didn't feel any discomfort - instead walking around outdoors I felt a sense of confidence that the hooks wouldn't come loose - something that should be bare minimum, but isn't always the case.
The only slight disappointment for me with the design is how bulky they are, which may or may not be a problem for you depending on your ear anatomy. The 25.5mm depth and long nozzle mean they don't really fit my shallow ear canals particularly well, and whilst they do provide excellent isolation, the deep fit could at times feel a little awkward for me. I could still use the OH300 for a few hours at a time without any issue, but any more than that and I'd need to give my ears a little rest. Bear in mind, my ear canals are definitely not as deep as the average ear - I often have this problem with IEMs, and the ill-fitting look you see above is not so much reflected in real life.
Audio & Sound Signature
The OH300 are the first non-Harman set I've listened to for a while, and after a brief period of readjustment I was able to enjoy what they had to offer - a fun, warm, bouncy v-shape sound that excel particularly with non-complex, energetic genres such as pop, EDM and R&B, where the relaxed treble can combined with polite upper-mids and an enriched low end, offering good detail without fatigue.
A broad +6dB lift spanning 80Hz up through 500Hz injects plenty of warmth and body. The slope ascent brings acoustic instruments forward with woody resonance and injects electronic genres with atmospheric depth. The enlarged bass presence remains tight and punchy thanks to the restrained mid-bass - its a richer, colourful bass rather than a more physical rumble. The bass is punchy and energetic, and whilst this isn't a basshead set, if you like a richer, slightly thicker tone then the OH300 should have enough in the locker for you.
Though the midrange the OH300 takes a politer stance, the sound retains sharpness and clarity, at least when the volume is a little higher. While male vocals shine around 300Hz, a notable -3dB dip at 800Hz can pull some female artists voices and guitars back in the mix. This reduces clarity and intimacy at lower volumes, yet prevents hardness or fatigue at higher levels. Overall the mid contour sounds smooth rather than articulate - atmospheric instruments like strings focus on tone over texture. Vocals maintain intelligibility if not constant presence. The laidback upper-mids likely contribute to the OH300's genre versatility, though critical listeners may want more midrange energy. I tend to prefer a more prominent midrange due to the style of music I favour - progressive house, melodic techno, opera and vocal jazz - but for more energetic listening I found myself enjoying what the OH300 had to offer far more than I thought I would.
As per previous, treble takes a slightly more laidback stance than some of the brighter sets that have passed through the RC test bench, rolling off the extension and dialing brilliance back considerably compared to target, counter-balancing other frequencies nicely to set the tone. A relaxed downward slope prevents vocal sizzle or cymbal sting in exchange for fatigue-free listening. There's no hardness present - rather a graceful triangle decay delivering adequate air and sparkle without fatigue. Ikko have boxed clever here - arranging the treble in a slightly different way to the OH10S due to the absence of BA.
There's enough detail to satisfy non-critical listening, and whilst the OH300 sounds best when enjoying the heart of the music, rather than analyzing every last detail, that isn't to say the sound is blurred or incoherent. Imaging is accurate with a hint of precision - placement is very good for a sub $50 set here, and with its natural staging and tonality, it is unquestionable that IKKO have put their years of experience into the tuning, eeking out strong performance from a relatively bare-bones driver arrangement.
So how do the OH300 compare to other similarly priced buds? At time of writing, in the UK you can pick up the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 for around £7 less than the OH300, but I personally wouldn't bother. Listening to aggressive hip hop or EDM, the Zero 2 stomps with authoritative slam thanks to its +7dB boost at 40Hz. The boosted sub-bass force shouldn't be understated, allowing synthesizers to growl fiercely while kicks punch with physical impact, but it sounds rather pillowy and bleeds more into the midrange, obscuring details and congesting the sound. Ambient electronica loses its sparkling clarity and jazz pianos sound a shade boomy, lacking the crispness of the OH300. The OH300 provides cleaner mids along with smoother, more fatigue-free treble. Its smoother sound won't rattle ear drums, but instrumentation remains more intelligible across genres without the coarseness that blights the Zero:2. Fans of vocal-centric pop and acoustic styles will almost certainly prefer the OH300's smooth tuning, whereas bassheads will probably favour the less refined Zero:2.
The EPZ Q5 are close to the MSRP of the OH300, and are another Harman-diffuse field set which impressed me. The Q5 are a more musical set, with a dialled-down midbass and upper mid-register extension that suits my preferred styles - melodic techno, vocal jazz, etc by bringing an even cleaner, more cohesive sound to instruments and vocals, and particularly percussion, which has more bite and granularity. However, whilst the bass is clean and reasonably well-textured, bringing a slightly quicker attack and decay, it lacks a little robustness compared to the fuller, thicker sound of the OH300. Non-complex vocal arrangements and rock and metal can both paradoxically sound a bit echoey on the Q5, whereas the sound is fuller and more dynamic on the OH300. Both sets benefit from great imaging for the money, and both are amongst the best picks at around this price, depending on your preferred genre.
Summary
The OH300 are a continuation of IKKO's excellent work with their OH10 and OH10S, and represent a solid addition to their portfolio and a good option in the crowded budget category, especially at their current reduced price of £32.
The photochromic effect is probably more gimmick than tangible benefit, but it makes for an attractive, albeit slightly bulky IEM that offers great isolation and is straightforward to drive. The build quality and craftsmanship are high, despite the predominantly plastic, and whilst the lack of accessories may not appeal to beginners who perhaps don't have carry-cases or pouches and rooms full of spare tips, the cable and tips they do come with are serviceable.
Whilst lacking the theming of some of their competitors, the OH300 may not seem quite as exciting a choice, but they deliver good performance, build quality and finishing, and their engaging, dynamic sound will register with those who enjoy punchy-sounding baselines and a smoother treble.
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Model: IKKO OH300
Price: £49.68 - Amazon UK (currently £32.00 at IKKO)
Review Reference: RC120
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: IKKO
- Model: OH300
- Driver: 10mm liquid crystal dynamic driver
- IEM Weight: 5.22g
- IEM Dimensions: 24.2mm (height) x 17.0mm (width) x 25.5mm (max depth)
- Shell: CNC+PC+ Photochromic Color-Changing Glass
- Impedance: 32Ω±15% (at 1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 107dB/Vrms (at 1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable: High Purity Oxygen-Free Single Crystal Copper
- Connector: 0.78 2 Pin QDC with 3.5mm jack
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x narrow bore SML, 3 x wide bore SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
YouTube Review:
Introduction
IKKO are a brand that likes to do things their own way, refusing to flood the market with release after release and shunning the Harman profile that typifies your average budget IEM release these days. Their individualistic approach has seen them pick up a string of VGP awards over the last few years, including for the OH10 - a very popular IEM with the Headfi community. The OH300 joins the OH10S in branching away from the original OH10, retaining a similar fun, energetic sound but bringing a rather unique-looking photochromic glass faceplate to enhance the visuals. The OH300 is the budget-friendly option, sporting a single LCP driver and retailing for around £50 - a price bracket where the competition is fierce - but they definitely have their merits. If you like a fun, bassy sound and don't mind their slightly larger profile then these could be a plum choice.
Unboxing
The OH300 come in a small, bold outer enclosure which showcase the design of the buds, along with the Hi-Res Audio logo. It is a simplistic, uncluttered styling that extends further into the overall unboxing experience, and it gives you that first glimpse of the photochromic design that symbolises the raison d'etre of this release.
Unperturbed by many of their competitors' more extravagant, themed affairs, IKKO have kept the overall unboxing experience simple, with accessories kept to the bare minimum. You're getting 6 sets of eartips - 3 SML in wide bore, 3 SML in narrow, an instruction manual and a high purity copper cable. There's no carry case nor pouch, so if you're the kind of buyer that likes to get a load of freebies in the box, prepare to be a little disappointed. Fortunately, the accessories are serviceable, although due to the shape of the OH300 you may still look to roll those tips anyway.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing to address when examining the design is the OH300's signature - their photochromic glass faceplates, designed to safeguard the circuitry components from ultraviolet damage in sunlight. This has the added bonus of presenting a blue hue in strong light, and whilst it does certainly differentiate the OH300 from other IEMs, the effect isn't quite as startling in the flesh. Nevertheless, the shells are very well designed with good build quality and QC.
Looking away from the plate, the rest of the shell is predominantly plastic, but don't let that put you off. The OH300 is a beefy, robust IEM with a custom 'feel' to the inside. They're a relatively heavy IEM - over 5g - and they're also a deep insertion design with a pretty long nozzle, bringing their overall width to over 25mm. The semi-transparent smoked look enables the internals to be seen with a close look. It's an attractive overall design that is certainly eye-catching, and the brass nozzles reflect solid craftsmanship - the OH300 feel much higher quality than many of their competitors at a similar price.
The cable and connectors are also respectable quality - the latter being a 2 pin QDC type. The ear hooks are augmented by a silicone sleeve that gives them a little more malleability and hold. The price-performance parity is about right here, although the absence of chin slider again on the cable is a minor quibble.
The teardrop shape of the IEM has an ergonomic geometric to it, following the contours of your antihelix and sitting quite naturally against your concha. The ear hook coils pull quite tightly, but I didn't feel any discomfort - instead walking around outdoors I felt a sense of confidence that the hooks wouldn't come loose - something that should be bare minimum, but isn't always the case.
The only slight disappointment for me with the design is how bulky they are, which may or may not be a problem for you depending on your ear anatomy. The 25.5mm depth and long nozzle mean they don't really fit my shallow ear canals particularly well, and whilst they do provide excellent isolation, the deep fit could at times feel a little awkward for me. I could still use the OH300 for a few hours at a time without any issue, but any more than that and I'd need to give my ears a little rest. Bear in mind, my ear canals are definitely not as deep as the average ear - I often have this problem with IEMs, and the ill-fitting look you see above is not so much reflected in real life.
Audio & Sound Signature
The OH300 are the first non-Harman set I've listened to for a while, and after a brief period of readjustment I was able to enjoy what they had to offer - a fun, warm, bouncy v-shape sound that excel particularly with non-complex, energetic genres such as pop, EDM and R&B, where the relaxed treble can combined with polite upper-mids and an enriched low end, offering good detail without fatigue.
A broad +6dB lift spanning 80Hz up through 500Hz injects plenty of warmth and body. The slope ascent brings acoustic instruments forward with woody resonance and injects electronic genres with atmospheric depth. The enlarged bass presence remains tight and punchy thanks to the restrained mid-bass - its a richer, colourful bass rather than a more physical rumble. The bass is punchy and energetic, and whilst this isn't a basshead set, if you like a richer, slightly thicker tone then the OH300 should have enough in the locker for you.
Though the midrange the OH300 takes a politer stance, the sound retains sharpness and clarity, at least when the volume is a little higher. While male vocals shine around 300Hz, a notable -3dB dip at 800Hz can pull some female artists voices and guitars back in the mix. This reduces clarity and intimacy at lower volumes, yet prevents hardness or fatigue at higher levels. Overall the mid contour sounds smooth rather than articulate - atmospheric instruments like strings focus on tone over texture. Vocals maintain intelligibility if not constant presence. The laidback upper-mids likely contribute to the OH300's genre versatility, though critical listeners may want more midrange energy. I tend to prefer a more prominent midrange due to the style of music I favour - progressive house, melodic techno, opera and vocal jazz - but for more energetic listening I found myself enjoying what the OH300 had to offer far more than I thought I would.
As per previous, treble takes a slightly more laidback stance than some of the brighter sets that have passed through the RC test bench, rolling off the extension and dialing brilliance back considerably compared to target, counter-balancing other frequencies nicely to set the tone. A relaxed downward slope prevents vocal sizzle or cymbal sting in exchange for fatigue-free listening. There's no hardness present - rather a graceful triangle decay delivering adequate air and sparkle without fatigue. Ikko have boxed clever here - arranging the treble in a slightly different way to the OH10S due to the absence of BA.
There's enough detail to satisfy non-critical listening, and whilst the OH300 sounds best when enjoying the heart of the music, rather than analyzing every last detail, that isn't to say the sound is blurred or incoherent. Imaging is accurate with a hint of precision - placement is very good for a sub $50 set here, and with its natural staging and tonality, it is unquestionable that IKKO have put their years of experience into the tuning, eeking out strong performance from a relatively bare-bones driver arrangement.
So how do the OH300 compare to other similarly priced buds? At time of writing, in the UK you can pick up the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 for around £7 less than the OH300, but I personally wouldn't bother. Listening to aggressive hip hop or EDM, the Zero 2 stomps with authoritative slam thanks to its +7dB boost at 40Hz. The boosted sub-bass force shouldn't be understated, allowing synthesizers to growl fiercely while kicks punch with physical impact, but it sounds rather pillowy and bleeds more into the midrange, obscuring details and congesting the sound. Ambient electronica loses its sparkling clarity and jazz pianos sound a shade boomy, lacking the crispness of the OH300. The OH300 provides cleaner mids along with smoother, more fatigue-free treble. Its smoother sound won't rattle ear drums, but instrumentation remains more intelligible across genres without the coarseness that blights the Zero:2. Fans of vocal-centric pop and acoustic styles will almost certainly prefer the OH300's smooth tuning, whereas bassheads will probably favour the less refined Zero:2.
The EPZ Q5 are close to the MSRP of the OH300, and are another Harman-diffuse field set which impressed me. The Q5 are a more musical set, with a dialled-down midbass and upper mid-register extension that suits my preferred styles - melodic techno, vocal jazz, etc by bringing an even cleaner, more cohesive sound to instruments and vocals, and particularly percussion, which has more bite and granularity. However, whilst the bass is clean and reasonably well-textured, bringing a slightly quicker attack and decay, it lacks a little robustness compared to the fuller, thicker sound of the OH300. Non-complex vocal arrangements and rock and metal can both paradoxically sound a bit echoey on the Q5, whereas the sound is fuller and more dynamic on the OH300. Both sets benefit from great imaging for the money, and both are amongst the best picks at around this price, depending on your preferred genre.
Summary
The OH300 are a continuation of IKKO's excellent work with their OH10 and OH10S, and represent a solid addition to their portfolio and a good option in the crowded budget category, especially at their current reduced price of £32.
The photochromic effect is probably more gimmick than tangible benefit, but it makes for an attractive, albeit slightly bulky IEM that offers great isolation and is straightforward to drive. The build quality and craftsmanship are high, despite the predominantly plastic, and whilst the lack of accessories may not appeal to beginners who perhaps don't have carry-cases or pouches and rooms full of spare tips, the cable and tips they do come with are serviceable.
Whilst lacking the theming of some of their competitors, the OH300 may not seem quite as exciting a choice, but they deliver good performance, build quality and finishing, and their engaging, dynamic sound will register with those who enjoy punchy-sounding baselines and a smoother treble.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Socials: Biolink
Model: EPZ G10
Price: £46.91 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC119
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x flat style SML, 3 x medium bore SML)
1 x Carry Case
1 x Microfiber cleaning cloth
YouTube Review:
Introduction
EPZ have had quite the year, raising their heads above the parapet of relative Chifi obscurity to elevate their profile enough to force the usual suspects into raising their game substantially if they hope to maintain market share going into 2024. I recently reviewed their G10, and was wowed with what I encountered - EPZ don't just deliver good audio hardware, but they make the whole consumer experience enjoyable, with themed unboxing experiences and relatively decent accessories given their price bracket.
The 5 in Q5 I'm sure represents the 'Five Years of Glory and Prosperity' that have followed EPZ building their brand out in 2019. Whilst they are relative newcomers to the market - they aren't strangers to the scene, having been originally founded much earlier, focusing mostly on OEM manufacture of shells and audio components. Realising that they could probably carve themselves a niche in this saturated marketplace - that's exactly what they've done - and we're now seeing the fruits of their labour, with high quality products thanks to their experience and expertise, with nicely engineered shells and the use of their own in-house drivers delivering excellent value for money and audio that belies the relatively lowly price tag.
The Q5 are another Harman-diffuse-field set with a slight w-shape sound, and great build quality and ergonomics, albeit with more than a hint of homage paid to Meze Audio's Advar. If you can get over the stylistics, you're left with a very technically capable IEM that excels with some genres in particular. Whilst it perhaps isn't quite up there with the G10 in terms of bang-for-buck, the Q5 are one of my favourite sets of 2023 for their straightforward driveability, excellent comfort and mature, natural sound.
Unboxing
Theming is something we've grown somewhat accustomed to with Chifi releases throughout 2023. It isn't enough any more to deliver a Harman sound without a story - and with EPZ here, it manifests in quite the unboxing, which takes the unravelling of a few layers to get access to the goodies. Eventually, you're greeted with the first of a few accessories - the EPZ carry case. It's fairly unremarkable, measuring 100mm wide, 72mm high and 36mm deep, but there's enough room for the sleek shells of the Q5 and their cable, as well as room in the side pocket for the array of spare tips.
And it is quite the array. EPZ have included a SML selection in both flat and NiceHCK 7-style rounder, medium-bore tips. The latter are similar to those included with the G10, and whilst they worked on that model, they don't jive well with the Q5, for me at least. I'll talk about their positional sensitivity later, but the experience initially wasn't great for me until I switched the tips to the Azla Sednaearfit Crystal ones - this mitigated the driver flex I was experiencing with the former, and ill-fit and comfort with the latter. Don't take my word for it though - tips are a very subjective experience, and at least EPZ have given you a couple of options here.
Also in the box are a somewhat hard-to-read manual, a QC approval card and an EPZ-branded microfibre cleaning cloth, which helps no end with the inevitable finger-marks which plague the black version I'm testing here.
Finally, there's a 1.2m MMCX 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable, and it's a good one too. Overall, a pretty nice package for those who don't have boxes and boxes of this stuff already - if you're entering this hobby and you're looking for a set that can get you up and running quickly, EPZ are a brand that you can't really go wrong with.
Design and Build Quality
The Q5 are very slim-profile, stage-style IEMs that feature a high-quality glossy piano-black finish and concave funnel-style void with a tuning aperture in the centre. Sure it's a homage to the Advar, but they're $600 IEMs - whilst they may look similar on paper, and maybe even on the screen, in reality, an homage is really all it is. Despite that, the Q5 do possess their own impressive build quality and finish, although as you would expect, it's a long way from the precision engineering on its look-a-like.
The Q5 are a low profile, slimline IEM, measuring 20.3mm wide, around 18mm high and around 20.3mm in depth. There's a nice curvature to the outside, and the macro shot here reveals the persistence in underlining the 5 year anniversary theming, with the message 'EPZ AUDIO - STARTED IN 2019' circling the tuning hole. They're lightweight too - weighing in at just over 4g, which is slightly below average for 3d printed resin shells, no doubt aided by the carbon drivers.
Here's evidence of where the cleaning cloth comes in handy! The inside of the dermatologically-friendly 3d printed resin shell has very subtle curves, but despite this, it ensures a snug, comfy fit with decent isolation, matching up with the antihelix area quite well.
As mentioned previously, it's a single pin MMCX connector which marries the cable and the IEM, which is kinda expected being a stage-style IEM. MMCX ensures a little more flexibility in the wearing, but you do have the rather tiresome 5-20 minute spell the first few times you connect (and remove them) where you 'find the bite' and are able to get them to click into place rather than pretend they're connected and then suddenly release. Once connected, they work well with a more active user.
The nozzles and MMCX connector have a matching brassy finish. The nozzle is medium insertion, so not too invasive, but sufficient isolation with good noise cancelling properties without feeling too stuffy.
The connectors display the L (or R) on the outside to denote which is which. As you see here, it's an ultra-ergonomic design that in truth probably fits Kemar better than it does me! The ear hooks are super comfy, although I did notice they had a habit of coming loose the first few times I wore them. After getting used to them, they have remained in place ever since.
Overall, it is a super-comfy, lightweight, ergonomic IEM with good fit for prolonged use. Isolation is also good enough to ensure that the Q5 are a versatile, go-to set which work well for both home and active use.
Audio & Sound Signature
The Q5 sport a dual cavity, dual magnet 10mm dynamic driver, developed in-house by EPZ. The back of the box shows the frequency response - a mild W shaped sound that, like the G10 and many others in its price category, follows the Harman 2019 target curve, however it has enough nuances to the sound to stamp its own authority and position it for some music styles more than others. For vocal jazz, opera, blues, movie soundtracks, and particularly melodic techno, the Q5 are very well positioned. For rock and metal, they're perhaps not quite so well suited, and when we look at the graphs, there are plenty of hints as to why that might be.
As I mentioned in my review of the G10, the Q5 has a moreish sound that does bring me back to it quite often. Its sound signature aligns to my preferred music style - Anjunabeats - with a slightly elevated lower frequency response, warmth and natural tonality and solid texture to the midbass. The subtle boost at 80JHz injects warmth and body, and as with the G10 steers clear of one-note thump. Kick drums are clean and tight, fast and punchy. The bass is tactile and tangible, and not coloured or blurred, leaning into midbass rhythm over subbass rumble. Its mix of mid bass punch and top-end air produce a sound with momentum and spaciousness. You still get full lows to anchor the sound, but details shine through with the Q5's fast transient response. For deep, progressive vocal house from the likes of Eli & Fur, the Q5 are really in their element - bass conveys power more than prominence. They aren't basshead IEMs, but the texture is above average in its bracket.
Through the midrange, the Q5 captivate - for the most part. Lower mids accentuate 300Hz for male vocals, which sound natural and buttery. Move over to opera, and tenors in particular resonate emotion with expression, power and weight. The Q5 are a very musical set, endowed with transparency- strings receive added spice and detail and synths have a rounder attack. As the response ascends, so does the energy - the upper mid lift places female vocals brightly atop mixes. Mostly, female vocals are silky in their presentation, augmented by the warm, organic, immersive sound signature.
Where the Q5 don't excel is rock. The peak at 5k can result in perception of low treble sibilance. Whilst the Q5 don't wilt at a congested arrangement, more complex, energetic rock tracks don't flex the Q5's surprisingly excellent imaging. Guitars can have a metallic overtone - the only real blot on the copybook of an otherwise believable, honest-to-the-source presentation. The trebles are otherwise slightly-south-of-neutral, dialling back brilliance in favour of realism with a graceful triangle decay of sparkle and space without fatigue. Its a polite treble response that gives sufficient attack and texture to percussion and sizzle to cymbals to offer a happy medium of detail and energy that makes prolonged listening enjoyable, and rarely fatiguing.
Imaging on the Q5 is a particular highlight. Layering and coherency impress for a single DD budget set - they're a smooth, musical IEM with accurate and precise placement and good width to the soundstage. Resolution here is much better than I'm used to experiencing at sub £50. The Q5 are a real gem, with technicalities that make a mockery of their price and are a real statement of intent from EPZ in this respect.
However, their positionally-sensitive nature is worthy of a mention here. It takes a while to organise the Q5 into optimum position, with optimum tips too. There is a slight brightness to the Q5 that is more detectable with more simple styles of music. This is amplified unless the Q5 are pointed in their prime position. It took me quite a while to work out what that was. It also took quite a bit of tip rolling to get the sound spot on too. This is quite subjective, but is reflective of my own experience with the Q5.
Comparing them to the G10, the Q5 are a more lively listen. Thanks to the increased lower mid-focus, male vocals exude more creaminess, and are unmatched by their more linear little sister. The G10 is smooth, but the Q5 have crisper note presentation. Strings have more rosiny bite and cymbals more shimmer than the G10, but on rock and 80s the G10 offer slightly greater versatility, negating the metallic overtone on more congested performances.
The Q5 cost a bit more than the G10, and whilst musically the Q5 are superior, the G10 will appeal to those on a strict budget with their excellent bang-for-buck.
The Zero2 are the darling of reviewers across Headfi and YouTube, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. It feels a bit like they went too far the other way from the Zero, and the result is a coarser, boomier, less-resolving affair with more rumble but inferior staging and technicalities. Next to the thunderously bass-soaked Zero2, the Q5 may underwhelm for those who feel the need for low-end power. Listening to thumping hip hop or aggressive EDM, the Zero 2 stomps mightily thanks to the boosted 40Hz slam, whilst synth growls shudder, but switching genres quickly reveals the Zero2's weaknesses. Ambient electronica loses its glistening atmosphere, smothered in blurry echo. The Q5 by comparison projecting clear and true, with its euphonic, more accurate and faithful midband reproduction, augmented by added air and vastly superior microdetail.
The Zero2 cost quite a bit less than the Q5, but the Q5 are worth every extra penny a far better value proposition.
The Simgot EA500LM are even warmer than the Q5, with a little more subbass rumble and thump, whilst delivering great texture and depth within their price category. The subbass extension makes them a more discerning basshead set than the Zero2, with a thicker note weight than the Q5. From a treble perspective, the LM sharing a similarly bright yet natural presentation to the Q5, rarely teetering on the fatiguing. The staging is more intimate on the EA500LM, but their improved technical performance means they cope slightly better with more congested arrangements, making up for the notably inferior width with slightly superior depth and height. The LM also offer some added versatility by including additional nozzles for alternative tunings.
Summary
This is the second EPZ set I've been testing over the last few weeks, and again, it doesn't fail to impress. Both of EPZ's single DD releases in 2023 have showcased their abilities to deliver modern, Harman-df tuning with above average technicalities, whilst also projecting what buyers want in terms of the ergonomics and overall package. Both the G10 and Q5 are ideal for newcomers feeling their way into the hobby, with build quality and overall package that offer great value for money and longevity.
Due to the way the stock tips engaged with my ears, it took a little tip rolling to mitigate driver flex and maximise comfort and audio delivery, but once I did I was extremely happy with the Q5. Some will no doubt take exception to the Advar-homage appearance and MMCX cable, but these are very minor quibbles as far as I'm concerned. The Q5 is a very solid choice in the sub £50 category, and outperforms many IEMs priced much higher by the names we know, but perhaps are falling out of love with.
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Model: EPZ G10
Price: £46.91 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC119
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: EPZ
- Model: Q5
- Driver: 10mm self-developed dual-magnetic circuit, dual-cavity ceramic carbon nano-composite diaphragm
- IEM Weight: 4.17g
- IEM Dimensions: 18mm (height) x 20.3mm (width) x 20.3mm (max depth)
- Shell: 3D printed resin shell & acoustic cavity
- Impedance: 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 109dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable: 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable
- Connector: MMCX Single Pin with 3.5mm jack
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x flat style SML, 3 x medium bore SML)
1 x Carry Case
1 x Microfiber cleaning cloth
YouTube Review:
Introduction
EPZ have had quite the year, raising their heads above the parapet of relative Chifi obscurity to elevate their profile enough to force the usual suspects into raising their game substantially if they hope to maintain market share going into 2024. I recently reviewed their G10, and was wowed with what I encountered - EPZ don't just deliver good audio hardware, but they make the whole consumer experience enjoyable, with themed unboxing experiences and relatively decent accessories given their price bracket.
The 5 in Q5 I'm sure represents the 'Five Years of Glory and Prosperity' that have followed EPZ building their brand out in 2019. Whilst they are relative newcomers to the market - they aren't strangers to the scene, having been originally founded much earlier, focusing mostly on OEM manufacture of shells and audio components. Realising that they could probably carve themselves a niche in this saturated marketplace - that's exactly what they've done - and we're now seeing the fruits of their labour, with high quality products thanks to their experience and expertise, with nicely engineered shells and the use of their own in-house drivers delivering excellent value for money and audio that belies the relatively lowly price tag.
The Q5 are another Harman-diffuse-field set with a slight w-shape sound, and great build quality and ergonomics, albeit with more than a hint of homage paid to Meze Audio's Advar. If you can get over the stylistics, you're left with a very technically capable IEM that excels with some genres in particular. Whilst it perhaps isn't quite up there with the G10 in terms of bang-for-buck, the Q5 are one of my favourite sets of 2023 for their straightforward driveability, excellent comfort and mature, natural sound.
Unboxing
Theming is something we've grown somewhat accustomed to with Chifi releases throughout 2023. It isn't enough any more to deliver a Harman sound without a story - and with EPZ here, it manifests in quite the unboxing, which takes the unravelling of a few layers to get access to the goodies. Eventually, you're greeted with the first of a few accessories - the EPZ carry case. It's fairly unremarkable, measuring 100mm wide, 72mm high and 36mm deep, but there's enough room for the sleek shells of the Q5 and their cable, as well as room in the side pocket for the array of spare tips.
And it is quite the array. EPZ have included a SML selection in both flat and NiceHCK 7-style rounder, medium-bore tips. The latter are similar to those included with the G10, and whilst they worked on that model, they don't jive well with the Q5, for me at least. I'll talk about their positional sensitivity later, but the experience initially wasn't great for me until I switched the tips to the Azla Sednaearfit Crystal ones - this mitigated the driver flex I was experiencing with the former, and ill-fit and comfort with the latter. Don't take my word for it though - tips are a very subjective experience, and at least EPZ have given you a couple of options here.
Also in the box are a somewhat hard-to-read manual, a QC approval card and an EPZ-branded microfibre cleaning cloth, which helps no end with the inevitable finger-marks which plague the black version I'm testing here.
Finally, there's a 1.2m MMCX 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable, and it's a good one too. Overall, a pretty nice package for those who don't have boxes and boxes of this stuff already - if you're entering this hobby and you're looking for a set that can get you up and running quickly, EPZ are a brand that you can't really go wrong with.
Design and Build Quality
The Q5 are very slim-profile, stage-style IEMs that feature a high-quality glossy piano-black finish and concave funnel-style void with a tuning aperture in the centre. Sure it's a homage to the Advar, but they're $600 IEMs - whilst they may look similar on paper, and maybe even on the screen, in reality, an homage is really all it is. Despite that, the Q5 do possess their own impressive build quality and finish, although as you would expect, it's a long way from the precision engineering on its look-a-like.
The Q5 are a low profile, slimline IEM, measuring 20.3mm wide, around 18mm high and around 20.3mm in depth. There's a nice curvature to the outside, and the macro shot here reveals the persistence in underlining the 5 year anniversary theming, with the message 'EPZ AUDIO - STARTED IN 2019' circling the tuning hole. They're lightweight too - weighing in at just over 4g, which is slightly below average for 3d printed resin shells, no doubt aided by the carbon drivers.
Here's evidence of where the cleaning cloth comes in handy! The inside of the dermatologically-friendly 3d printed resin shell has very subtle curves, but despite this, it ensures a snug, comfy fit with decent isolation, matching up with the antihelix area quite well.
As mentioned previously, it's a single pin MMCX connector which marries the cable and the IEM, which is kinda expected being a stage-style IEM. MMCX ensures a little more flexibility in the wearing, but you do have the rather tiresome 5-20 minute spell the first few times you connect (and remove them) where you 'find the bite' and are able to get them to click into place rather than pretend they're connected and then suddenly release. Once connected, they work well with a more active user.
The nozzles and MMCX connector have a matching brassy finish. The nozzle is medium insertion, so not too invasive, but sufficient isolation with good noise cancelling properties without feeling too stuffy.
The connectors display the L (or R) on the outside to denote which is which. As you see here, it's an ultra-ergonomic design that in truth probably fits Kemar better than it does me! The ear hooks are super comfy, although I did notice they had a habit of coming loose the first few times I wore them. After getting used to them, they have remained in place ever since.
Overall, it is a super-comfy, lightweight, ergonomic IEM with good fit for prolonged use. Isolation is also good enough to ensure that the Q5 are a versatile, go-to set which work well for both home and active use.
Audio & Sound Signature
The Q5 sport a dual cavity, dual magnet 10mm dynamic driver, developed in-house by EPZ. The back of the box shows the frequency response - a mild W shaped sound that, like the G10 and many others in its price category, follows the Harman 2019 target curve, however it has enough nuances to the sound to stamp its own authority and position it for some music styles more than others. For vocal jazz, opera, blues, movie soundtracks, and particularly melodic techno, the Q5 are very well positioned. For rock and metal, they're perhaps not quite so well suited, and when we look at the graphs, there are plenty of hints as to why that might be.
As I mentioned in my review of the G10, the Q5 has a moreish sound that does bring me back to it quite often. Its sound signature aligns to my preferred music style - Anjunabeats - with a slightly elevated lower frequency response, warmth and natural tonality and solid texture to the midbass. The subtle boost at 80JHz injects warmth and body, and as with the G10 steers clear of one-note thump. Kick drums are clean and tight, fast and punchy. The bass is tactile and tangible, and not coloured or blurred, leaning into midbass rhythm over subbass rumble. Its mix of mid bass punch and top-end air produce a sound with momentum and spaciousness. You still get full lows to anchor the sound, but details shine through with the Q5's fast transient response. For deep, progressive vocal house from the likes of Eli & Fur, the Q5 are really in their element - bass conveys power more than prominence. They aren't basshead IEMs, but the texture is above average in its bracket.
Through the midrange, the Q5 captivate - for the most part. Lower mids accentuate 300Hz for male vocals, which sound natural and buttery. Move over to opera, and tenors in particular resonate emotion with expression, power and weight. The Q5 are a very musical set, endowed with transparency- strings receive added spice and detail and synths have a rounder attack. As the response ascends, so does the energy - the upper mid lift places female vocals brightly atop mixes. Mostly, female vocals are silky in their presentation, augmented by the warm, organic, immersive sound signature.
Where the Q5 don't excel is rock. The peak at 5k can result in perception of low treble sibilance. Whilst the Q5 don't wilt at a congested arrangement, more complex, energetic rock tracks don't flex the Q5's surprisingly excellent imaging. Guitars can have a metallic overtone - the only real blot on the copybook of an otherwise believable, honest-to-the-source presentation. The trebles are otherwise slightly-south-of-neutral, dialling back brilliance in favour of realism with a graceful triangle decay of sparkle and space without fatigue. Its a polite treble response that gives sufficient attack and texture to percussion and sizzle to cymbals to offer a happy medium of detail and energy that makes prolonged listening enjoyable, and rarely fatiguing.
Imaging on the Q5 is a particular highlight. Layering and coherency impress for a single DD budget set - they're a smooth, musical IEM with accurate and precise placement and good width to the soundstage. Resolution here is much better than I'm used to experiencing at sub £50. The Q5 are a real gem, with technicalities that make a mockery of their price and are a real statement of intent from EPZ in this respect.
However, their positionally-sensitive nature is worthy of a mention here. It takes a while to organise the Q5 into optimum position, with optimum tips too. There is a slight brightness to the Q5 that is more detectable with more simple styles of music. This is amplified unless the Q5 are pointed in their prime position. It took me quite a while to work out what that was. It also took quite a bit of tip rolling to get the sound spot on too. This is quite subjective, but is reflective of my own experience with the Q5.
Comparing them to the G10, the Q5 are a more lively listen. Thanks to the increased lower mid-focus, male vocals exude more creaminess, and are unmatched by their more linear little sister. The G10 is smooth, but the Q5 have crisper note presentation. Strings have more rosiny bite and cymbals more shimmer than the G10, but on rock and 80s the G10 offer slightly greater versatility, negating the metallic overtone on more congested performances.
The Q5 cost a bit more than the G10, and whilst musically the Q5 are superior, the G10 will appeal to those on a strict budget with their excellent bang-for-buck.
The Zero2 are the darling of reviewers across Headfi and YouTube, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. It feels a bit like they went too far the other way from the Zero, and the result is a coarser, boomier, less-resolving affair with more rumble but inferior staging and technicalities. Next to the thunderously bass-soaked Zero2, the Q5 may underwhelm for those who feel the need for low-end power. Listening to thumping hip hop or aggressive EDM, the Zero 2 stomps mightily thanks to the boosted 40Hz slam, whilst synth growls shudder, but switching genres quickly reveals the Zero2's weaknesses. Ambient electronica loses its glistening atmosphere, smothered in blurry echo. The Q5 by comparison projecting clear and true, with its euphonic, more accurate and faithful midband reproduction, augmented by added air and vastly superior microdetail.
The Zero2 cost quite a bit less than the Q5, but the Q5 are worth every extra penny a far better value proposition.
The Simgot EA500LM are even warmer than the Q5, with a little more subbass rumble and thump, whilst delivering great texture and depth within their price category. The subbass extension makes them a more discerning basshead set than the Zero2, with a thicker note weight than the Q5. From a treble perspective, the LM sharing a similarly bright yet natural presentation to the Q5, rarely teetering on the fatiguing. The staging is more intimate on the EA500LM, but their improved technical performance means they cope slightly better with more congested arrangements, making up for the notably inferior width with slightly superior depth and height. The LM also offer some added versatility by including additional nozzles for alternative tunings.
Summary
This is the second EPZ set I've been testing over the last few weeks, and again, it doesn't fail to impress. Both of EPZ's single DD releases in 2023 have showcased their abilities to deliver modern, Harman-df tuning with above average technicalities, whilst also projecting what buyers want in terms of the ergonomics and overall package. Both the G10 and Q5 are ideal for newcomers feeling their way into the hobby, with build quality and overall package that offer great value for money and longevity.
Due to the way the stock tips engaged with my ears, it took a little tip rolling to mitigate driver flex and maximise comfort and audio delivery, but once I did I was extremely happy with the Q5. Some will no doubt take exception to the Advar-homage appearance and MMCX cable, but these are very minor quibbles as far as I'm concerned. The Q5 is a very solid choice in the sub £50 category, and outperforms many IEMs priced much higher by the names we know, but perhaps are falling out of love with.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Socials: Biolink
Model: EPZ G10
Price: £29.50 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC118
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Purple Light Torch
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x wide bore SML, 3 x double flange SML)
1 x Headphone Splitter for PC Gaming
1 x Carry Pouch
YouTube Review:
Introduction
EPZ are another of 2023's IEM 'winners', with a number of high-quality, low-cost releases that have shaken up the IEM market and genuinely given the usual suspects something to think about. Marketed as a 'gaming IEM' by EPZ, the 'Symphony Dragon' have a hidden 'colour changing' secret encapsulated into their impressive shell design, and this branding extends to some thoughtful accessories which combine with the impressive bang-for-buck build and Harman diffuse-field tuning to deliver a real contender in the rather congested sub $40 pool of entry-level IEMs, and a package that many will find a better bet than the basic 'cable and tip' offerings from many of their contemporaries.
Unboxing
Like many of the 'new breed' of Chinese IEM manufacturers, EPZ have leaned heavily on theming to differentiate themselves from the army of alternative Harman-diffuse-field options on the market, and it makes for a very pleasant unboxing experience. The G10 come in a small gift-box style outer enclosure which show off some of the key features - their PU & LCP driver arrangement, the 3D printed resin shell, and the fluorescent green panel which truly gives EPZ a notable niche.
On the top of the box you'll see the words 'Symphony Dragon' etched in English and Chinese, and in EPZ's marketing material, they call the G10 'Phantom Dragon'. Which one is it? Who knows, but clearly the sacred 'Dragon' bit is important, and no doubt this has some meaning attached to the positioning of the G10 as a 'gaming IEM'.
EPZ have included a highly impressive and diverse array of accessories in the box, design to augment and enhance the consumer experience. Firstly, you've got a very welcome and well proportioned miniature carry-pouch. The soft drawstring bag keeps the IEM and accessories nicely protected - this was very useful when taking a few sets of IEMs out for the day for testing and a very welcome addition.
Also included is a 3.5mm splitter cable. This is aimed at gamers who want to separate out the mic and headphones for a PC sound card, and again it's a really nice addition that doesn't cost the earth to include, but is one of those things you easily misplace and then find you have to buy another one from Amazon for an inflated next-day-delivery price. There's some spare tips - similar to the NiceHCK 07 ones I've used in previous reviews - as well as three sets of fat-top double-flange ones.
Hang on - what's this, a mini torch?! Yep, this is where the 'Phantom' is unleashed! The resin shell of the G10 has a fluorescent panel which changes colour when UV light is shined on it, morphing from dark grey to green and gold, the effect of which I'll show you a little later on in the review.
Finally, they've included a 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable, with 360 degree directional mic & control unit. The cable is pretty decent quality for a freebie, and the three-button control unit is another welcome inclusion. The outer buttons control volume, and the centre button is double-tapped to cycle tracks backwards, triple tapped to go forwards, and held down to activate voice assistant. The ear hooks are comfortable enough, but a little loose - I did find they would come loose periodically when on the move. The cable is a 2-pin 0.78mm - my preferred style over the increasingly-popular MMCX cable that EPZ used on the Q5.
Design and Build Quality
The G10 are miniature, nicely finished IEMs with a rounded-edge finish to the outer edges, similar in size and finish to the Cadenza - measuring 22mm high, 17mm wide and with a depth of just over 20mm. This puts them slightly deeper-than-average in terms of insertion depth, but shallow enough to not feel especially invasive. The build quality feels extremely high for a budget IEM - far better than your average $30-40 set. Atop the grey-with-a-purple-hint marbled-looking plates is the EPZ logo, with a large gold G in the middle - not the prettiest accompaniment to an otherwise very attractive looking shell, but probably necessary to fully compliment the colour-changing UV effect.
The inside of the G10 is subtly rounded, giving you above-average isolation but very good comfort and longevity. I tested the G10 over four hours today, walking around town in the rain and eating lunch in a cafe. After the initial feeling of knowing the IEMs were there, this went away very quickly, and it was only a little while after I got home that I felt my ears had earned a respite! There's a small vent on the bottom of the IEM close to the nozzle to augment tuning, and a pressure release vent at the top.
The buds are quite lightweight - weighing just under 4.5g - but they don't feel remotely cheap. It's a very well proportioned IEM.
Whilst the fit is very comfortable, it took me a while to get the optimised angle to ensure the G10 sound best. They are quite positionally-sensitive - I found a light amount of pressure to the bottom of the IEM to angle them slightly inwards did the trick. Once in place, the fit and seal were very stable. It is a great option for comfortable, casual listening.
Here's how the shells look when exposed to UV. When paired with a Panerai watch you don't half stand out at glow-in-the-dark golf! EPZ's 'Phantom Dragon' is a nice touch, but in truth a bit of a gimmick. Normal light doesn't charge the effect - it has to be UV light, so without the torch it isn't going to flex very often. My partner asked me if the factory applied the wrong lume!
You do get a couple of extra minutes with the glow, but it isn't a long-lasting effect. Still, a nice differentiator, and the green tips sync up with the design tastefully.
Audio & Sound Signature
The G10 is similarly-tuned to other Harman/diffuse field sets in the market, such as the EW100, Chu2 and Cadenza, but the G10 particularly stands out with female vocal tracks due to its slightly-elevated upper midrange and leaner bass response.
The G10 registers a subtle dip of approximately -4dB compared to the moderate Harman contour under 80Hz. This results in a well-defined, controlled but punchy bass response that circumvents the risk of one-note booms heard in TWS and IEMs of yesteryear. Whilst it misses the visceral sensation of something like the super-textured (and much more expensive) EA1000, the G10 optimises the constraints of its hardware - kick drums have a natural thump and fast decay and electronic basslines move with finesse. There is enough mid-bass impact to prevent the G10 sounding cold or analytical, and it avoids bloat or bleed.
Within the midrange, the G10 adheres closely to the Harman curve, ensuring a faithful representation of vocals and instruments. Its near-flat response from around 200Hz to 2kHz results in a quite natural timbre. Instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings have realistic tonality and dynamics. However, the real strength of the G10 is also its weakness. In female vocal tracks, you get a very clean delivery that accentuates powerful vocals in complex arrangements, but can leave less accomplished vocalists in more simplistic tracks sounding a little cold and thin. If you like Madonna, Adele, Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson - these type of vocalists shine in their bigger performances in particular.
The trebles here are accurate and natural - smooth and coherent with no harshness. Cymbals and percussion have enough shimmer instead of clash, and aggressive snares still have snap but not bite. Considering the price bracket, the G10 has good resolution - this translates particularly well to Jazz, soul and other brass-heavy genres. There's a good amount of space in the staging, with moderate depth. This particularly excels in gaming - as you would expect - where you get quite good transparency and accurate imaging. I'm not really a big gamer, but I tested them out with some casual gaming and could understand why they were marketed in this way.
Overall it's a really pleasant, transparent sound with good musicality - trebles are subtly crispy, bass is tight and punch, vocals are clean and powerful. The G10 is very straightforward to drive, too.
The G10 would be a standout set were it not for the EPZ 'jewel in the crown' - the Q5. When paired with the Azla Xelastec Crystal tips, the Q5 are one of my go-to sets. While the G10 and Q5 share excellent balance overall, the Q5 differs in some subtle ways. It has slightly boosted mid-bass lending drums and synths a rounder attack that makes the Q5 a bit more versatile. Female vocals are smoother on the Q5, although on rare occasions the vocals can sound masked. The trebles are more detailed, whilst retaining the smoothness that characterises the G10, but if you're especially treble-sensitive, you may prefer the G10. Imaging is slightly better on the Q5, and the staging is a little less wide, but better depth and height. The G10 is a better set for gaming - as you would expect - but the Q5 has better musicality and better technicalities.
The Zero:2 is the darling of YouTubers right now as you would expect, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. It feels a bit like they went too far the other way from the Zero, and the result is a coarser, boomier, less-resolving affair with more rumble but inferior staging and technicalities. Whilst the Zero2 undoubtedly brings bigger bass energy and a richer note weight, it achieves this at the cost of balance - compared to the G10, you hear significantly amplified lows, which might favour simplistic electronic tracks, but the bloated bass can overpower guitars in rock tracks, and vocals can lose intelligibility in more complex arrangements. Without a reference point the bass can impress initially, but switching to the G10 (or Q5) reveals more accurate tonality and realistic dynamics across instruments and frequencies. Cymbals and hi-hats can also lose their glimmer on the Zero2, sounding dull or hazy compared to the G10's smoother top end. Genres like EDM and hip hop, where energy triumphs over clarity, are the Zero2's forte, while pop vocals and acoustic fare can come off a shade muddied compared with the brighter, cleaner G10.
Summary
The G10 is another very pleasant surprise from EPZ, who are quickly developing quite the portfolio of options across each price category. Despite being marketed as a 'Gaming IEM' and clearly demonstrating a prowess in this area, they also excel in casual listening - EPZ did Harman particularly well here within the confines of a single LCP driver, delivering nicely-weighted, punchy bass, a smooth midrange and clean trebles with above-average detail.
The G10 also offers a nice unboxing - much better than you're getting with some of the usual suspects. The accessories range from serviceable to 'an added bonus', and the unnecessary but eye-catching gimmick of UV-sensitive shells gives the G10 a bit of character, even if the novelty wears off as quickly as the effect itself!
Whilst the UV effect will catch the headlines, instead, focus on the impressive build quality and design which make the G10 a very comfortable and a good choice for long listening sessions. In a very congested market, the G10 is priced a little cheaper and offers a little more than many of its contemporaries, making it a very good choice for gamers, or those starting or looking to upgrade their IEM journey.
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Model: EPZ G10
Price: £29.50 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC118
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: EPZ
- Model: G10
- Driver: 10mm Dual Cavity DMC PU + LCP dome composite diaphragm
- IEM Weight: 4.38g
- IEM Dimensions: 22.2mm (height) x 17.1mm (width) x 20.1mm (max depth)
- Shell: 3D printed resin cavity with carbon fibre fluorescent panel
- Impedance: 32Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 100dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable: 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated with 360 degree directional mic & control unit
- Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Purple Light Torch
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x wide bore SML, 3 x double flange SML)
1 x Headphone Splitter for PC Gaming
1 x Carry Pouch
YouTube Review:
Introduction
EPZ are another of 2023's IEM 'winners', with a number of high-quality, low-cost releases that have shaken up the IEM market and genuinely given the usual suspects something to think about. Marketed as a 'gaming IEM' by EPZ, the 'Symphony Dragon' have a hidden 'colour changing' secret encapsulated into their impressive shell design, and this branding extends to some thoughtful accessories which combine with the impressive bang-for-buck build and Harman diffuse-field tuning to deliver a real contender in the rather congested sub $40 pool of entry-level IEMs, and a package that many will find a better bet than the basic 'cable and tip' offerings from many of their contemporaries.
Unboxing
Like many of the 'new breed' of Chinese IEM manufacturers, EPZ have leaned heavily on theming to differentiate themselves from the army of alternative Harman-diffuse-field options on the market, and it makes for a very pleasant unboxing experience. The G10 come in a small gift-box style outer enclosure which show off some of the key features - their PU & LCP driver arrangement, the 3D printed resin shell, and the fluorescent green panel which truly gives EPZ a notable niche.
On the top of the box you'll see the words 'Symphony Dragon' etched in English and Chinese, and in EPZ's marketing material, they call the G10 'Phantom Dragon'. Which one is it? Who knows, but clearly the sacred 'Dragon' bit is important, and no doubt this has some meaning attached to the positioning of the G10 as a 'gaming IEM'.
EPZ have included a highly impressive and diverse array of accessories in the box, design to augment and enhance the consumer experience. Firstly, you've got a very welcome and well proportioned miniature carry-pouch. The soft drawstring bag keeps the IEM and accessories nicely protected - this was very useful when taking a few sets of IEMs out for the day for testing and a very welcome addition.
Also included is a 3.5mm splitter cable. This is aimed at gamers who want to separate out the mic and headphones for a PC sound card, and again it's a really nice addition that doesn't cost the earth to include, but is one of those things you easily misplace and then find you have to buy another one from Amazon for an inflated next-day-delivery price. There's some spare tips - similar to the NiceHCK 07 ones I've used in previous reviews - as well as three sets of fat-top double-flange ones.
Hang on - what's this, a mini torch?! Yep, this is where the 'Phantom' is unleashed! The resin shell of the G10 has a fluorescent panel which changes colour when UV light is shined on it, morphing from dark grey to green and gold, the effect of which I'll show you a little later on in the review.
Finally, they've included a 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable, with 360 degree directional mic & control unit. The cable is pretty decent quality for a freebie, and the three-button control unit is another welcome inclusion. The outer buttons control volume, and the centre button is double-tapped to cycle tracks backwards, triple tapped to go forwards, and held down to activate voice assistant. The ear hooks are comfortable enough, but a little loose - I did find they would come loose periodically when on the move. The cable is a 2-pin 0.78mm - my preferred style over the increasingly-popular MMCX cable that EPZ used on the Q5.
Design and Build Quality
The G10 are miniature, nicely finished IEMs with a rounded-edge finish to the outer edges, similar in size and finish to the Cadenza - measuring 22mm high, 17mm wide and with a depth of just over 20mm. This puts them slightly deeper-than-average in terms of insertion depth, but shallow enough to not feel especially invasive. The build quality feels extremely high for a budget IEM - far better than your average $30-40 set. Atop the grey-with-a-purple-hint marbled-looking plates is the EPZ logo, with a large gold G in the middle - not the prettiest accompaniment to an otherwise very attractive looking shell, but probably necessary to fully compliment the colour-changing UV effect.
The inside of the G10 is subtly rounded, giving you above-average isolation but very good comfort and longevity. I tested the G10 over four hours today, walking around town in the rain and eating lunch in a cafe. After the initial feeling of knowing the IEMs were there, this went away very quickly, and it was only a little while after I got home that I felt my ears had earned a respite! There's a small vent on the bottom of the IEM close to the nozzle to augment tuning, and a pressure release vent at the top.
The buds are quite lightweight - weighing just under 4.5g - but they don't feel remotely cheap. It's a very well proportioned IEM.
Whilst the fit is very comfortable, it took me a while to get the optimised angle to ensure the G10 sound best. They are quite positionally-sensitive - I found a light amount of pressure to the bottom of the IEM to angle them slightly inwards did the trick. Once in place, the fit and seal were very stable. It is a great option for comfortable, casual listening.
Here's how the shells look when exposed to UV. When paired with a Panerai watch you don't half stand out at glow-in-the-dark golf! EPZ's 'Phantom Dragon' is a nice touch, but in truth a bit of a gimmick. Normal light doesn't charge the effect - it has to be UV light, so without the torch it isn't going to flex very often. My partner asked me if the factory applied the wrong lume!
You do get a couple of extra minutes with the glow, but it isn't a long-lasting effect. Still, a nice differentiator, and the green tips sync up with the design tastefully.
Audio & Sound Signature
The G10 is similarly-tuned to other Harman/diffuse field sets in the market, such as the EW100, Chu2 and Cadenza, but the G10 particularly stands out with female vocal tracks due to its slightly-elevated upper midrange and leaner bass response.
The G10 registers a subtle dip of approximately -4dB compared to the moderate Harman contour under 80Hz. This results in a well-defined, controlled but punchy bass response that circumvents the risk of one-note booms heard in TWS and IEMs of yesteryear. Whilst it misses the visceral sensation of something like the super-textured (and much more expensive) EA1000, the G10 optimises the constraints of its hardware - kick drums have a natural thump and fast decay and electronic basslines move with finesse. There is enough mid-bass impact to prevent the G10 sounding cold or analytical, and it avoids bloat or bleed.
Within the midrange, the G10 adheres closely to the Harman curve, ensuring a faithful representation of vocals and instruments. Its near-flat response from around 200Hz to 2kHz results in a quite natural timbre. Instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings have realistic tonality and dynamics. However, the real strength of the G10 is also its weakness. In female vocal tracks, you get a very clean delivery that accentuates powerful vocals in complex arrangements, but can leave less accomplished vocalists in more simplistic tracks sounding a little cold and thin. If you like Madonna, Adele, Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson - these type of vocalists shine in their bigger performances in particular.
The trebles here are accurate and natural - smooth and coherent with no harshness. Cymbals and percussion have enough shimmer instead of clash, and aggressive snares still have snap but not bite. Considering the price bracket, the G10 has good resolution - this translates particularly well to Jazz, soul and other brass-heavy genres. There's a good amount of space in the staging, with moderate depth. This particularly excels in gaming - as you would expect - where you get quite good transparency and accurate imaging. I'm not really a big gamer, but I tested them out with some casual gaming and could understand why they were marketed in this way.
Overall it's a really pleasant, transparent sound with good musicality - trebles are subtly crispy, bass is tight and punch, vocals are clean and powerful. The G10 is very straightforward to drive, too.
The G10 would be a standout set were it not for the EPZ 'jewel in the crown' - the Q5. When paired with the Azla Xelastec Crystal tips, the Q5 are one of my go-to sets. While the G10 and Q5 share excellent balance overall, the Q5 differs in some subtle ways. It has slightly boosted mid-bass lending drums and synths a rounder attack that makes the Q5 a bit more versatile. Female vocals are smoother on the Q5, although on rare occasions the vocals can sound masked. The trebles are more detailed, whilst retaining the smoothness that characterises the G10, but if you're especially treble-sensitive, you may prefer the G10. Imaging is slightly better on the Q5, and the staging is a little less wide, but better depth and height. The G10 is a better set for gaming - as you would expect - but the Q5 has better musicality and better technicalities.
The Zero:2 is the darling of YouTubers right now as you would expect, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. It feels a bit like they went too far the other way from the Zero, and the result is a coarser, boomier, less-resolving affair with more rumble but inferior staging and technicalities. Whilst the Zero2 undoubtedly brings bigger bass energy and a richer note weight, it achieves this at the cost of balance - compared to the G10, you hear significantly amplified lows, which might favour simplistic electronic tracks, but the bloated bass can overpower guitars in rock tracks, and vocals can lose intelligibility in more complex arrangements. Without a reference point the bass can impress initially, but switching to the G10 (or Q5) reveals more accurate tonality and realistic dynamics across instruments and frequencies. Cymbals and hi-hats can also lose their glimmer on the Zero2, sounding dull or hazy compared to the G10's smoother top end. Genres like EDM and hip hop, where energy triumphs over clarity, are the Zero2's forte, while pop vocals and acoustic fare can come off a shade muddied compared with the brighter, cleaner G10.
Summary
The G10 is another very pleasant surprise from EPZ, who are quickly developing quite the portfolio of options across each price category. Despite being marketed as a 'Gaming IEM' and clearly demonstrating a prowess in this area, they also excel in casual listening - EPZ did Harman particularly well here within the confines of a single LCP driver, delivering nicely-weighted, punchy bass, a smooth midrange and clean trebles with above-average detail.
The G10 also offers a nice unboxing - much better than you're getting with some of the usual suspects. The accessories range from serviceable to 'an added bonus', and the unnecessary but eye-catching gimmick of UV-sensitive shells gives the G10 a bit of character, even if the novelty wears off as quickly as the effect itself!
Whilst the UV effect will catch the headlines, instead, focus on the impressive build quality and design which make the G10 a very comfortable and a good choice for long listening sessions. In a very congested market, the G10 is priced a little cheaper and offers a little more than many of its contemporaries, making it a very good choice for gamers, or those starting or looking to upgrade their IEM journey.
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Model: 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
Price: £49.99 (Currently £39.99 at Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC117
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
3 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Sticker
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Not one to flood the market with release after release, when one does arrive from 1More it usually delivers. In 2023, they've registered only a handful of new releases - SoundPEATS and Soundcore have both churned out about 6 stem-based models alone since the Aero arrived last November - but whilst they may be low on quantity, each release has been categorised by strong performance and competitive pricing - offering a very compelling choice in this ultra-competitive market.
The PistonBuds Pro Q30 aren't the first PistonBuds Pro, and they aren't the first Q30, so it might be difficult finding them through the usual search engine methods! They are a sub $50 stem-based TWS with quite the feature set for the price - including up to 42dB adaptive ANC, 10mm DLC drivers, Spatial Audio, in-ear detection, IPX5 moisture resistance and 6 mics with AI ENC.
There's quite the competition at this price, with the Soundcore Space A40 and SoundPEATS Air4 Pro already established, and low-cost alternatives like QCY HT05 and Moondrop Space Travel offering good performance at an even lower price.
Even so, the Q30 are quickly becoming a favourite of mine, combining the best bits of many of their alternatives, and applying the famed Luca Bignardi tuning 'cherry-on-top' to make them a strong option if you're on a budget, but can push the boat out a little beyond the usual $30 suspects.
Unboxing
The Q30 come in a small, well-presented exterior cardboard enclosure that takes a little patience (and/or long nails) to open! Inside, there's the usual fare of a small USB A to C charge cable, Small and Large tip pairs to complement the factory fitted Medium, and an instruction manual in around 15 different languages. It's quite the professional unboxing experience, albeit without the storytelling magic they included on the Fit Open S50.
Charge Case
The charge case is an adroit-looking affair, standing just over 4cm tall and measuring 6cm across and 2.4cm in depth. It's finished in matte black across the body, and already there are a few shiny scuff marks. On top of the lid, there's a shiny 'glass table style' contrast, with a transparent layer protecting the 1More logo.
It isn't especially heavy, weighing just over 40g fully loaded, and its shallow depth makes it a good candidate for popping in your pocket whilst you're out and about, without weighing you down or feeling overly obtrusive. There's a small LED built into the front, which glows green when the battery is at 80-100%, turning amber at 80% then red at 20%. The USB socket is located, alongside a reset button, at the base. This means you can't stand it up whilst it is plugged in, and it doesn't support wireless charging either.
It's a familiar sight when you open the cockpit - the buds stand back-to-back, with the tips pointing outwards. The narrow frame of the case - a benefit in terms of portability - becomes an annoyance when it comes to usability - you have to pinch your fingertips a little to grip the buds and manage to prise them away from the strong magnets and out of the case. From a usability perspective, it's not ideal - probably the least impressive thing about the Q30 as a package - but 1More are far from alone in this respect, with the much-lauded Moondrop Space Travel, amongst others, offering a similar experience. With time, you'll learn to pinch from the cylindrical area, as demonstrated in my YouTube review, and those frustrations will magically disappear.
The case does support hall-switch mode though, meaning the connection takes place the moment you open the lid, rather than a few seconds after you plonk them in your ears, so when you're setting them up for the first time you have this nice juxtaposition of the buds standing there in front of you in the case whilst you browse the visual user guide in the app, and it makes for a very pleasant first impression.
Design & Ergonomics
The Q30 are an interesting-looking stem-based TWS, with a very short stem (29mm) and a stick-like outer frame that abandons the integrated, 'curved top' approach adopted by Apple, SoundPEATS, and many others. The benefit of a non-integrated design is that you can adjust by pinching your forefinger on the top and thumb on the bottom without registering accidental touches on the touch controls, located towards the top. This makes wearing and adjusting the buds considerably less frustrating.
The design is matte black and gold, with gold tips to the top of the cylinders and the 1More logo etched across the centre of them. There's a hole for the ambient mics at the top, and an opening for the voice mic at the bottom. The nozzles are quite large - similar to the Huawei FreeBuds Pro series - so you'll likely need a larger tip than usual to keep them in place. I sized up to the largest stock tip, and this did the trick for me.
I found the Q30 to be quite comfortable, and great for long listening sessions. The profile does mean they will stick out a little, similar in that respect to the Moondrop Space Travel, but they're shorter and protrude slightly less than the MST. Neither are aesthetic stunners, but the shorter stem at least makes them a little less obvious.
They're also quite lightweight - under 5g each - and IPX5 rated, so using them at the gym or on the daily commute shouldn't shorten the lifespan. I did try them in the gym and whilst out for a run - they're usable, but the constant pounding against the tarmac loosened the grip, making them rather impractical after a while. For weights or resistance bar sessions, they're a far better fit, but check out my review on the S50 if you're looking for something for exercise - they're a much better tailored option.
The controls are a little limited, but the touch controls are well-positioned, minimising accidental touches, and they're capacitive too - meaning if you wear a hood or beanie with them, they aren't going to register every time you move your head. Double-tap is for play or pause and call functions, holding the left side cycles your ANC modes. Triple-tap by default hails voice assistant. Both double- and triple-tap are customisable in the app, allowing you to add volume control, although you'll still be left unable to cycle through your tracks. If you don't care too much for what you're listening to, this shouldn't be an issue, but I know some will bemoan the restricted customisation options - if you're one of those people, do bear this in mind.
ANC
The Q30 take the usual blanket ANC and tailor it into something usable, with a choice of manual ANC setting options depending on your scene, as well as their 'QuietMax' Adaptive ANC, providing a customisable and comfortable experience respectively.
The maximum strength of the ANC (deep mode) is listed as 42dB in strength. In reality, I found it competed with the likes of SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and Soundcore Liberty 4NC, and blew away the Soundcore Space A40 and Moondrop Space Travel. On the daily commute, it's particularly impressive, reducing traffic and road noises comfortably. Even in indoor settings, mechanical keyboard clicks are reduced to taps.
The selection of modes are also quite useful. Wind Noise Reduction, in particular, is incredibly effective - reducing wind noise substantially whilst still retaining some noise reduction. Adaptive mode also worked pretty well and basically instant, ramping up the noise reduction based on the complexity of the scene.
Transparency on this model is OK - whilst voices sound very natural close by (and at a reasonable distance), I could hear a low-rumble white noise undertone. I'm not a big transparency user anyway, but this is something worth bearing in mind if you're especially sensitive to it
Audio & Sound Signature
The Q30 are a bassy, Harman-inspired TWS that deliver a warm, engaging sound thanks to the 10mm DLC drivers and Luca Bignardi tuning that is applied to each and every 1More release.
The lower frequencies are boosted, especially the midbass. The subbass has plenty of depth and a sizeable amount of thump, and big room house tracks like Oliver Heldens' Gecko sound rumbling and thick, although the decay is probably a shade excessive for my tastes. Despite the fat left in the bass, there's still decent harmonic performance, and it doesn't sound too boxy or bloated. This tuning particularly favours EDM, pop and hip hop, but if you're a fan of rock and 80's tracks that are heavy on synths and bass guitars, have in mind they might not sound as natural as they could. The DLC driver does a good job of minimising distortion.
The mids are quite balanced, leaning towards the Harman target's neutral response, with decent extension in the upper registers. Vocals, guitars and pianos articulate well, with clarity and presence, giving a balanced reproduction of instruments and voices. Male vocals have good depth and body, but sit back a little. Female vocals are more forward and gaspy, but rarely sound too shouty. It's a pretty smooth and natural midrange sound.
The trebles also try to follow the target curve as much as possible, giving decent definition to synths, cymbals, hats and strings and providing a little air and sparkle. Percussion has good texture, and whilst the detail is good for a budget set - don't expect too much. It's a single driver arrangement in a TWS, so you aren't going to get supremely textured bass and sparkly trebles - instead the Q30 are tuned with energy, warmth and vibrance in mind. This translates well to most music styles, offering a versatile listening experience, and this versatility extends further in the 1More Music app, which gives you 12 preset EQ's as well as a ten band custom equaliser.
If the bass is too heavy for you - how about 'Bass Reducer'? This gives you a 7dB notch in the subbass and around 3dB in the midbass, retaining some warmth but losing the subwoofer-style sound that characterises this set. It's a good alternative if you're bass sensitive. 'Acoustic' inverts the bass, giving you an elevated subbass but rolling off the low and midbass before crossing over at around 200Hz and elevating the midrange by 3dB up to around 500Hz. The presets aren't amazing - but they're usable - and worth a play around with to see if any of them take your fancy, before embarking on tuning them yourself.
There's one other audio option available - Spatial Audio. 1More recommends using this with optimised sources - such as panoramic music or films - but you can apply it to normal listening and you will notice the difference, giving a more immersive experience. Testing it with Yusef Lateef's Bishop School, it enhanced the experience sizeable, opening out the staging with the flutes, vocals and percussion separating around me. It's definitely one of the more usable Spatial modes out there, enhancing the experience where applicable, as opposed to being a gimmick nobody should consider using (ahem, Soundcore). Spatial Mode also has the perhaps intended consequence that the pronounced low frequency response is tightened up quite a bit - it's become my de facto method of using these buds, something I never thought I would say!
Another popular model in this price category is the SoundPEATS Air4 Pro, and the Q30 show some similarities in the tuning, with both loosely following Harman 2019, albeit with much less lower frequency response on the Air4 Pro. This is quite noticeable, with the Air4 Pro sounding a bit cleaner and sharper, whereas the Q30 has the subwoofer-style bass of the Engine4. If you prefer a brighter sound, the Air 4 Pro may well be a better bet. The Air4 Pro have a thinner nozzle too - this may or may not be a preferred fit for you. Check out my review on the Air and try to decide which fit suits you best, as there is no right or wrong answer here - fit is very subjective.
One of the budget buds that has left reviewers salivating this year is the Moondrop Space Travel, and again, there's plenty of similarities. The Q30 has more robust bass response, and a slightly more natural upper midrange. Both suffer a little with congested tracks, but even so remain excellent budget options. The Q30 are probably worth paying the extra due to the amount of useful additional features, as well as the vastly superior battery life.
Call Quality
The Q30 has 6 microphones and boasts AI environmental noise reduction, designed to provide clearer, more intelligible voice calls. In quiet rooms, the Q30 did pretty well, recreating my voice without any issues. Both outdoors and indoors, though, whilst the noise reduction was very evident, it was perhaps a little too evident, softening my voice to the point I wasn't always fully comprehensible.
I've included a few voice call samples in my YouTube review, where you'll note that wind noise was handled pretty well.
Other Features
The Q30 have a bunch of features usually reserved for more expensive offerings - not just Spatial Audio, which we've already covered. They also have good Multipoint connectivity, moving from phone to laptop quickly and efficiently when the need arises. This is activated by simply toggling it in the 'Experimental Features' section of the 1More app.
I've covered much of the app throughout this and previous reviews, but it's a 'no frills' experience - there's no need to sign up to anything you don't want to, everything is displayed very clearly (including case battery level, which a lot of apps don't offer), and whilst there's not a huge amount of customisation in the way something like the Technics AZ80 and their app give you, what you can change is done efficiently and effectively. You've got lots of straightforward control over sound and ANC, some control customisation and can toggle smart playback. The default setting for smart playback is auto-pause and auto-play - i.e. when you take a single earbud out, your track will pause, and when you put it back in your ear, it will resume playback. You can switch this off, or set it to auto-pause only. It's one of the better-done in-ear-detection options on the market - one of the few I actually leave switched on.
Connectivity is Bluetooth 5.3, and again, no issues whatsoever with drop outs or anything like that, even in congested areas. Latency is excellent - I saw no delay in lip synchronisation on videos and even casual gaming was OK without gaming mode. Toggle gaming mode, and basic games like Roblox and PubG get close to synchronisation. I'm not a gamer by any means, but I do usually notice misalignment issues, but the Q30 seemed to perform to my expectations.
Battery Life
Battery life is often the Achilles heel with budget sets, and whilst the Q30 did give me just short of 7 hours with ANC switched off (Spatial switched on), with ANC and multipoint both activated, I only got just shy of 4.5 hours. Whilst this isn't bad by any means, bear in mind that the use of these additional features, as well as making and taking calls, will erode your total battery life with the case to around the 18-20 hour mark.
That said, 1More have offset this a little by including an excellent Quick Charge feature - giving you two hours of playtime from 10 minutes plugged in - and have also reduced the total charge time down to 1 hour. For me, I can't think of too many real-life instances where I regularly don't have access to a USB socket for an hour over a prolonged period of time, so this more than balances out the slightly-below-average total battery life.
Summary
The Q30 are a very solid choice in the sub $50 category, giving you a step up from the better performing $30 sets with the inclusion of some very useful features, such as (effective) Wind Noise Reduction, Quick Charge, Spatial Audio and comprehensive sound customisation in the 1More Music app.
The Harman-inspired tuning gives you a warm, mild v-shape sound that translates well to most music styles, and ANC is also very good for the money. Call Quality isn't bad - handling those environmental sounds well, albeit a bit aggressively. Overall, the Q30 are definitely worthy of consideration if your budget is tight, but not too tight.
Other 1More Regancipher Reviews:
Fit Open S50
ComfoBuds 2
Comfobuds Pro
Comfobuds
Colorbuds
Omthing Airfree
Stylish
About 1More:
In the past years, as a professional headphones brand, 1MORE has won many international awards, including 38 International Design Awards (such as iDEA, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, iF Design Awards and etc.), 12 CES Awards, 3 EHA Awards and 19 VGP Awards.
In addition, many of 1MORE’s headphones have been receiving awards from top-tier media outlets across the world and are being highly recommended by those editors who rigorously tested our products to ensure they meet the highest standards in the headphone market. These media include but are not limited to Forbes, Rolling Stone, WIRED, Digital Trends, CNET and more.
4-time Grammy Award-winning Sound Engineer Luca Bignardi uniquely tunes all of 1MORE’s headphones to deliver a precise representation of the artist’s intended sound.
1MORE has branches in the US, the UK and China. Our channels reach 40 countries and regions, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
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Model: 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
Price: £49.99 (Currently £39.99 at Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC117
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: 1More
- Model: PistonBuds Pro Q30 EC305
- Driver: 10mm DLC Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: Not known
- Mic: 6 mic AI ENC
- ANC: Yes - Up to 42dB with multiple modes
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: Yes (limited)
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 4.74g
- Earbud Dimensions: 28.6mm stem length
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 41.5g
- Case Dimensions: 61.1mm {maximum} (width) x 42.7mm (height) x 23.8mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 410mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 2 hours playtime from 10min
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 60 minutes (buds and case)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 7.5 hours (ANC off) 5 hours (ANC on)
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 30/20 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX5
- Firmware Version Tested: V1.0.2
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
3 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Sticker
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Not one to flood the market with release after release, when one does arrive from 1More it usually delivers. In 2023, they've registered only a handful of new releases - SoundPEATS and Soundcore have both churned out about 6 stem-based models alone since the Aero arrived last November - but whilst they may be low on quantity, each release has been categorised by strong performance and competitive pricing - offering a very compelling choice in this ultra-competitive market.
The PistonBuds Pro Q30 aren't the first PistonBuds Pro, and they aren't the first Q30, so it might be difficult finding them through the usual search engine methods! They are a sub $50 stem-based TWS with quite the feature set for the price - including up to 42dB adaptive ANC, 10mm DLC drivers, Spatial Audio, in-ear detection, IPX5 moisture resistance and 6 mics with AI ENC.
There's quite the competition at this price, with the Soundcore Space A40 and SoundPEATS Air4 Pro already established, and low-cost alternatives like QCY HT05 and Moondrop Space Travel offering good performance at an even lower price.
Even so, the Q30 are quickly becoming a favourite of mine, combining the best bits of many of their alternatives, and applying the famed Luca Bignardi tuning 'cherry-on-top' to make them a strong option if you're on a budget, but can push the boat out a little beyond the usual $30 suspects.
Unboxing
The Q30 come in a small, well-presented exterior cardboard enclosure that takes a little patience (and/or long nails) to open! Inside, there's the usual fare of a small USB A to C charge cable, Small and Large tip pairs to complement the factory fitted Medium, and an instruction manual in around 15 different languages. It's quite the professional unboxing experience, albeit without the storytelling magic they included on the Fit Open S50.
Charge Case
The charge case is an adroit-looking affair, standing just over 4cm tall and measuring 6cm across and 2.4cm in depth. It's finished in matte black across the body, and already there are a few shiny scuff marks. On top of the lid, there's a shiny 'glass table style' contrast, with a transparent layer protecting the 1More logo.
It isn't especially heavy, weighing just over 40g fully loaded, and its shallow depth makes it a good candidate for popping in your pocket whilst you're out and about, without weighing you down or feeling overly obtrusive. There's a small LED built into the front, which glows green when the battery is at 80-100%, turning amber at 80% then red at 20%. The USB socket is located, alongside a reset button, at the base. This means you can't stand it up whilst it is plugged in, and it doesn't support wireless charging either.
It's a familiar sight when you open the cockpit - the buds stand back-to-back, with the tips pointing outwards. The narrow frame of the case - a benefit in terms of portability - becomes an annoyance when it comes to usability - you have to pinch your fingertips a little to grip the buds and manage to prise them away from the strong magnets and out of the case. From a usability perspective, it's not ideal - probably the least impressive thing about the Q30 as a package - but 1More are far from alone in this respect, with the much-lauded Moondrop Space Travel, amongst others, offering a similar experience. With time, you'll learn to pinch from the cylindrical area, as demonstrated in my YouTube review, and those frustrations will magically disappear.
The case does support hall-switch mode though, meaning the connection takes place the moment you open the lid, rather than a few seconds after you plonk them in your ears, so when you're setting them up for the first time you have this nice juxtaposition of the buds standing there in front of you in the case whilst you browse the visual user guide in the app, and it makes for a very pleasant first impression.
Design & Ergonomics
The Q30 are an interesting-looking stem-based TWS, with a very short stem (29mm) and a stick-like outer frame that abandons the integrated, 'curved top' approach adopted by Apple, SoundPEATS, and many others. The benefit of a non-integrated design is that you can adjust by pinching your forefinger on the top and thumb on the bottom without registering accidental touches on the touch controls, located towards the top. This makes wearing and adjusting the buds considerably less frustrating.
The design is matte black and gold, with gold tips to the top of the cylinders and the 1More logo etched across the centre of them. There's a hole for the ambient mics at the top, and an opening for the voice mic at the bottom. The nozzles are quite large - similar to the Huawei FreeBuds Pro series - so you'll likely need a larger tip than usual to keep them in place. I sized up to the largest stock tip, and this did the trick for me.
I found the Q30 to be quite comfortable, and great for long listening sessions. The profile does mean they will stick out a little, similar in that respect to the Moondrop Space Travel, but they're shorter and protrude slightly less than the MST. Neither are aesthetic stunners, but the shorter stem at least makes them a little less obvious.
They're also quite lightweight - under 5g each - and IPX5 rated, so using them at the gym or on the daily commute shouldn't shorten the lifespan. I did try them in the gym and whilst out for a run - they're usable, but the constant pounding against the tarmac loosened the grip, making them rather impractical after a while. For weights or resistance bar sessions, they're a far better fit, but check out my review on the S50 if you're looking for something for exercise - they're a much better tailored option.
The controls are a little limited, but the touch controls are well-positioned, minimising accidental touches, and they're capacitive too - meaning if you wear a hood or beanie with them, they aren't going to register every time you move your head. Double-tap is for play or pause and call functions, holding the left side cycles your ANC modes. Triple-tap by default hails voice assistant. Both double- and triple-tap are customisable in the app, allowing you to add volume control, although you'll still be left unable to cycle through your tracks. If you don't care too much for what you're listening to, this shouldn't be an issue, but I know some will bemoan the restricted customisation options - if you're one of those people, do bear this in mind.
ANC
The Q30 take the usual blanket ANC and tailor it into something usable, with a choice of manual ANC setting options depending on your scene, as well as their 'QuietMax' Adaptive ANC, providing a customisable and comfortable experience respectively.
The maximum strength of the ANC (deep mode) is listed as 42dB in strength. In reality, I found it competed with the likes of SoundPEATS Air4 Pro and Soundcore Liberty 4NC, and blew away the Soundcore Space A40 and Moondrop Space Travel. On the daily commute, it's particularly impressive, reducing traffic and road noises comfortably. Even in indoor settings, mechanical keyboard clicks are reduced to taps.
The selection of modes are also quite useful. Wind Noise Reduction, in particular, is incredibly effective - reducing wind noise substantially whilst still retaining some noise reduction. Adaptive mode also worked pretty well and basically instant, ramping up the noise reduction based on the complexity of the scene.
Transparency on this model is OK - whilst voices sound very natural close by (and at a reasonable distance), I could hear a low-rumble white noise undertone. I'm not a big transparency user anyway, but this is something worth bearing in mind if you're especially sensitive to it
Audio & Sound Signature
The Q30 are a bassy, Harman-inspired TWS that deliver a warm, engaging sound thanks to the 10mm DLC drivers and Luca Bignardi tuning that is applied to each and every 1More release.
The lower frequencies are boosted, especially the midbass. The subbass has plenty of depth and a sizeable amount of thump, and big room house tracks like Oliver Heldens' Gecko sound rumbling and thick, although the decay is probably a shade excessive for my tastes. Despite the fat left in the bass, there's still decent harmonic performance, and it doesn't sound too boxy or bloated. This tuning particularly favours EDM, pop and hip hop, but if you're a fan of rock and 80's tracks that are heavy on synths and bass guitars, have in mind they might not sound as natural as they could. The DLC driver does a good job of minimising distortion.
The mids are quite balanced, leaning towards the Harman target's neutral response, with decent extension in the upper registers. Vocals, guitars and pianos articulate well, with clarity and presence, giving a balanced reproduction of instruments and voices. Male vocals have good depth and body, but sit back a little. Female vocals are more forward and gaspy, but rarely sound too shouty. It's a pretty smooth and natural midrange sound.
The trebles also try to follow the target curve as much as possible, giving decent definition to synths, cymbals, hats and strings and providing a little air and sparkle. Percussion has good texture, and whilst the detail is good for a budget set - don't expect too much. It's a single driver arrangement in a TWS, so you aren't going to get supremely textured bass and sparkly trebles - instead the Q30 are tuned with energy, warmth and vibrance in mind. This translates well to most music styles, offering a versatile listening experience, and this versatility extends further in the 1More Music app, which gives you 12 preset EQ's as well as a ten band custom equaliser.
If the bass is too heavy for you - how about 'Bass Reducer'? This gives you a 7dB notch in the subbass and around 3dB in the midbass, retaining some warmth but losing the subwoofer-style sound that characterises this set. It's a good alternative if you're bass sensitive. 'Acoustic' inverts the bass, giving you an elevated subbass but rolling off the low and midbass before crossing over at around 200Hz and elevating the midrange by 3dB up to around 500Hz. The presets aren't amazing - but they're usable - and worth a play around with to see if any of them take your fancy, before embarking on tuning them yourself.
There's one other audio option available - Spatial Audio. 1More recommends using this with optimised sources - such as panoramic music or films - but you can apply it to normal listening and you will notice the difference, giving a more immersive experience. Testing it with Yusef Lateef's Bishop School, it enhanced the experience sizeable, opening out the staging with the flutes, vocals and percussion separating around me. It's definitely one of the more usable Spatial modes out there, enhancing the experience where applicable, as opposed to being a gimmick nobody should consider using (ahem, Soundcore). Spatial Mode also has the perhaps intended consequence that the pronounced low frequency response is tightened up quite a bit - it's become my de facto method of using these buds, something I never thought I would say!
Another popular model in this price category is the SoundPEATS Air4 Pro, and the Q30 show some similarities in the tuning, with both loosely following Harman 2019, albeit with much less lower frequency response on the Air4 Pro. This is quite noticeable, with the Air4 Pro sounding a bit cleaner and sharper, whereas the Q30 has the subwoofer-style bass of the Engine4. If you prefer a brighter sound, the Air 4 Pro may well be a better bet. The Air4 Pro have a thinner nozzle too - this may or may not be a preferred fit for you. Check out my review on the Air and try to decide which fit suits you best, as there is no right or wrong answer here - fit is very subjective.
One of the budget buds that has left reviewers salivating this year is the Moondrop Space Travel, and again, there's plenty of similarities. The Q30 has more robust bass response, and a slightly more natural upper midrange. Both suffer a little with congested tracks, but even so remain excellent budget options. The Q30 are probably worth paying the extra due to the amount of useful additional features, as well as the vastly superior battery life.
Call Quality
The Q30 has 6 microphones and boasts AI environmental noise reduction, designed to provide clearer, more intelligible voice calls. In quiet rooms, the Q30 did pretty well, recreating my voice without any issues. Both outdoors and indoors, though, whilst the noise reduction was very evident, it was perhaps a little too evident, softening my voice to the point I wasn't always fully comprehensible.
I've included a few voice call samples in my YouTube review, where you'll note that wind noise was handled pretty well.
Other Features
The Q30 have a bunch of features usually reserved for more expensive offerings - not just Spatial Audio, which we've already covered. They also have good Multipoint connectivity, moving from phone to laptop quickly and efficiently when the need arises. This is activated by simply toggling it in the 'Experimental Features' section of the 1More app.
I've covered much of the app throughout this and previous reviews, but it's a 'no frills' experience - there's no need to sign up to anything you don't want to, everything is displayed very clearly (including case battery level, which a lot of apps don't offer), and whilst there's not a huge amount of customisation in the way something like the Technics AZ80 and their app give you, what you can change is done efficiently and effectively. You've got lots of straightforward control over sound and ANC, some control customisation and can toggle smart playback. The default setting for smart playback is auto-pause and auto-play - i.e. when you take a single earbud out, your track will pause, and when you put it back in your ear, it will resume playback. You can switch this off, or set it to auto-pause only. It's one of the better-done in-ear-detection options on the market - one of the few I actually leave switched on.
Connectivity is Bluetooth 5.3, and again, no issues whatsoever with drop outs or anything like that, even in congested areas. Latency is excellent - I saw no delay in lip synchronisation on videos and even casual gaming was OK without gaming mode. Toggle gaming mode, and basic games like Roblox and PubG get close to synchronisation. I'm not a gamer by any means, but I do usually notice misalignment issues, but the Q30 seemed to perform to my expectations.
Battery Life
Battery life is often the Achilles heel with budget sets, and whilst the Q30 did give me just short of 7 hours with ANC switched off (Spatial switched on), with ANC and multipoint both activated, I only got just shy of 4.5 hours. Whilst this isn't bad by any means, bear in mind that the use of these additional features, as well as making and taking calls, will erode your total battery life with the case to around the 18-20 hour mark.
That said, 1More have offset this a little by including an excellent Quick Charge feature - giving you two hours of playtime from 10 minutes plugged in - and have also reduced the total charge time down to 1 hour. For me, I can't think of too many real-life instances where I regularly don't have access to a USB socket for an hour over a prolonged period of time, so this more than balances out the slightly-below-average total battery life.
Summary
The Q30 are a very solid choice in the sub $50 category, giving you a step up from the better performing $30 sets with the inclusion of some very useful features, such as (effective) Wind Noise Reduction, Quick Charge, Spatial Audio and comprehensive sound customisation in the 1More Music app.
The Harman-inspired tuning gives you a warm, mild v-shape sound that translates well to most music styles, and ANC is also very good for the money. Call Quality isn't bad - handling those environmental sounds well, albeit a bit aggressively. Overall, the Q30 are definitely worthy of consideration if your budget is tight, but not too tight.
Other 1More Regancipher Reviews:
Fit Open S50
ComfoBuds 2
Comfobuds Pro
Comfobuds
Colorbuds
Omthing Airfree
Stylish
About 1More:
In the past years, as a professional headphones brand, 1MORE has won many international awards, including 38 International Design Awards (such as iDEA, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, iF Design Awards and etc.), 12 CES Awards, 3 EHA Awards and 19 VGP Awards.
In addition, many of 1MORE’s headphones have been receiving awards from top-tier media outlets across the world and are being highly recommended by those editors who rigorously tested our products to ensure they meet the highest standards in the headphone market. These media include but are not limited to Forbes, Rolling Stone, WIRED, Digital Trends, CNET and more.
4-time Grammy Award-winning Sound Engineer Luca Bignardi uniquely tunes all of 1MORE’s headphones to deliver a precise representation of the artist’s intended sound.
1MORE has branches in the US, the UK and China. Our channels reach 40 countries and regions, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
regancipher
@tronth thanks! I added a bit more on the Air4 Pro comparison, including a link to my review of them. Both are very good, it comes down to your preferred sound and fit really as ANC strength and call quality are quite similar
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Model: Simgot EA1000
Price: $219.99 - Linsoul
Review Reference: RC114
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable High-Purity Litz-style OFC Silver Cable (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Magnetic Carry Case
1 x Warranty Card
3 x Interchangeable Nozzles (three target curves)
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Are SIMGOT the IEM brand of the year? It's hard to argue with an incredible run of releases throughout 2023 that has culminated in, quite possibly their piece de resistance, the EA1000.
Fermat's Last Theorem, stated in 1637, perplexed mathematicians for over three centuries. It proposed: no three positive integers a, b, and c satisfy the equation an + bn = cn for any integer value of n greater than 2. Many brilliant minds failed to prove this elusive theorem over the years until finally, in 1995, Andrew Wiles presented his (corrected proof). I was in senior school back in 1993 when he had his first stab at it, and I remember at the time my school making a seriously big deal about it - if you saw the alumni from where I went to school, you'll probably understand why, but put it this way - I doubt any of them are furiously trying to recount the details to help them review their latest set of IEM's now thirty years later!!
The EA1000 pays homage to this mathematical mystery, as SIMGOT's journey to master their own house sound (finally with a deviation away from Harman!) echoes the unwavering persistence required to prove Fermat's theorem...ish! After honing their craft with previous models like the EM2R, EA500 and EW200, SIMGOT have rounded off the year presenting the EA1000 as an encapsulation of their learnings - a beautifully crafted IEM that might just resolve the equation of <$200 = supreme audio fidelity! Wiles was knighted for his travails, and even earned the 2016 Abel Prize - I'm pretty sure SIMGOT would be happy with IEM of the year in the New Year's Honours List, and at least as far as I'm concerned, they're looking pretty damn good for it!
The EA1000 includes some pretty impressive tech. It isn't cheap - $219.99 - and you would be forgiven for being slightly taken aback at what is, on paper, a single DD arrangement. However, this is where cutting through marketing bullsh*t is essential - firstly, they've used 'SPGD Technology', a special diaphragm manufacturing process which results in a high rigidity, lightweight diaphragm coloured in purple-gold. As you'll see later, the macros bear testament to its existence at least! Secondly, DMDC, or dual-magnetic and dual-chamber driver technology is geared up to provide exceptional dynamic range and precision high-frequency performance. Finally, the 1DD plus 1PR architecture means the pairing of a single, 10mm full-range dynamic driver and a passive radiator for a more responsive full range with improved stability and driveability.
They've also chucked in replaceable nozzles, giving you three target curves:
Gold Nozzle, Gold Curve: SIMGOT-Golden 2023 Curve
Red and Steel Nozzle, Red Curve: Harman 2019 Curve (pre-fitted)
Black and Steel Nozzle, Blue Curve: SIMGOT-Classic Curve
So essentially, you've got a single DD which breaks away from the usual production process and materials. You've got a passive radiator to get more from the lower frequencies, and you've got an overall arrangement that is designed to enhance clarity and imaging, giving you a fuller, more precise sound. And to top it off, you've got three different sound profiles in the box based on your personal preference.
The EA1000, or at least the tech they've included, is over three years in the making. Was it worth the wait? Let's find out....
Unboxing
To unveil the true beauty of the EA1000, I suggest watching my YouTube review, because still images really don't do it justice. The shiny, 'milk tray' purple and gold outer exterior mirrors the purple-gold diaphragm technology I waxed lyrical about in the intro, and the focus on the front is very much the theme SIMGOT have applied to the release - Fermat's Last Theorem.
This theming continues as you peel back the layers of the box to reveal the array of accessories, which include six pairs of eartips, a stunning, shimmery high purity silver-plated OFC Litz-structure cable, the three detachable nozzles I mentioned in the intro and some coloured rings to denote and identify the nozzle.
The carry-case has a magnetic, flip-open lid. It's leather-look, with the SIMGOT branding on the top.
The back continues the theming with the expression 'Salute to Art and Science'. The case is a decent size, measuring 97 x 71 x 38mm.
There's plenty of space inside the case to fit the IEM, the cable, the spare tips and the spare nozzles, which come fitted into a screw plate so they won't be easily damaged if stored inside. Here you see the shimmering properties of the cable in the sunlight.
The theming continues, with the warranty card not able to escape a brush with Fermat!
Build Quality and Design
In my review of the EM6L, one of my minor quibbles was the resin design, which lacked a little curvature on the inside. With the EA1000, SIMGOT remedied both of those issues effortlessly. Despite weighing just under 11g per IEM, the EA1000 is a delicate, lightweight, beautifully designed IEM that combines a fingerprint-magnet-high polished steel body and patterned crystal glass faceplate with an elegant profile that looks as good in the ear as it does resting precariously on a railway bridge above!
On the inside, note the improved curvature, which we also saw in the EA500. This gives the EA1000 better fit and improved isolation. Here you also get your first glimpse of the passive radiator, and what the IEM looks like with the nozzle removed.
While we have the IEM open, here you see the Puple-Gold SDPGD driver in all it's glory.
Move to the outside and you'll find a slightly recessed 2-pin connection terminal and the 'Fermat' insignia. Whilst testing the sound with each of the nozzles, I got a few snaps - here is the EA1000 with the gold nozzles fitted. I enjoyed all of the sound signatures, as I'll come onto in the Audio & SS section, but whilst the gold nozzle looked the best, it wasn't my favourite of the three sound signatures sadly.
Removing and replacing the nozzles is a simple and pain-free process. The stock and black options have some black foam at the base of the filter, whereas the gold has a thin membrane with a hole in the middle. Removable nozzle mounts and filters allow endless sound fine-tuning without compromising comfort. Each earpiece contains threaded nozzle sockets, letting users swap between included targets with ease. The nozzles themselves integrate securely while permitting adjustment.
Here you get a glimpse of the fit of the EA1000. There's no pressure on the tragus at all - the line you see here is from me pulling the ear hook back. It's an extremely subtle design which doesn't protrude regardless of side or front profile. The ear hooks are quite loose - this makes them super comfy, but it impresses on you to get the fit right from your tip selection. I've tried a few different tips and so far none fit better than the stock.
The IEM measures 22mm (height) x 17mm (width) x 20.7mm (max depth) - it's noticeably leaner looking than the EM6L, but very similar in dimensions to the EA500.
Looking closely at the construction, it's very evident that no corners were cut. The metallic shells exude precision craftsmanship with their lustrous chamfered edges, and their robust but streamlined profile strikes an ideal balance between aesthetics and durability. Both the EM6L and EA1000 rank among my most comfortable IEM's, making them both ideal for long listening sessions, with the EA1000 edging it thanks to that more tailored inside profile. They aren't as bulky as many of their competitors, and the nozzle length and depth seems to be optimal for a non-invasive, fully-immersive experience.
Audio & Sound Signature
As per the intro, SIMGOT claim to have leveraged innovative driver technologies to deliver pristine audio reproduction. At the heart sits its new purple-gold sputtered diaphragm, crafted through a complex multi-layer deposition process for optimal rigidity and low mass. This enables the 10mm dynamic driver to resolve the finest details and dynamics with minimal distortion.
The diaphragm pairs with a dual-magnet motor system for enhanced control across frequencies. This dual-magnetic circuitry widens the dynamic range and transient response compared to traditional single-magnet designs. Treble reproduction sees particular improvements, providing crispness without harshness.
A rear 6mm passive radiator adds tactile bass texture and natural ambience. It resonates symbiotically with the front dynamic driver to augment low-frequency presence and dimensional realism through its added airflow interaction. The effect is addictive, highly detailed bass that is palpable yet controlled. There are no coherence issues due to the unorthodox but highly effective driver arrangement.
The three filters provide three different sound signatures, as shown here in the FR measurements above. Regardless of which filter is used, the EA1000 has a natural, accurate tone, even moreso than the EM6L, and the beauty of not using a BA. Natural tone has characterised all of SIMGOT's releases this year - even the low cost EW200 - but it hits new levels here due in no small part to the magnificent lower frequencies, masterfully facilitated by the passive rad.
The Red curve is the stock curve, based on the Harman 2019 target. Out of the box, the thing that hits you with the EA1000 is the vast, expansive soundstage that immediately places you at the centre of a disparately-assembled orchestra. The midrange on the EA1000 particularly impresses, with clarity and naturalism. Vocals dazzle with their intimacy and nuance, marrying richness with airy transparency in the upper registers. Instruments similarly feel lifelike with striking realism.
In Paul Wasabii's review I noticed he used Madonna's 'Holiday' as a reference track, and using that as an example, the cowbell, tams, shakers and other percussive elements in the intro expand before your horizon, with wah wah guitars entering from a distant point to the right with precision positioning. The wasp-style synth and bassline are lightweight but controlled and full of texture, and Madonna's vocals sound as sweet as they ever did, with her gasps perfectly evident.
Move over to 'All of Me' by John Legend and you get another glimpse of how well the midrange is handled on the EA1000. The piano intro sounds articulate - full but crisp at the same time, whilst John Legend's vocals dissipate around you with an engaging resonance at the centre. The midrange timbre is very natural - regardless of male or female vocals are clear and open with great depth. The midbass depth is dense but the bass is well controlled - there's no bleed or blur, everything is immaculately controlled.
Putting the bass through its paces with Hans Zimmer's Time showcases the impact of the passive radiator. The EA1000 isn't a bass canon, but the lower frequencies have magnificent depth and resonance. It is a thick and fast bass response that is tightly controlled - layers and layers are knitted together very smoothly and naturally. The boosted bass leaves a visceral impact without bloat or muddiness. Its outstanding texture and detail are rare among even pricier competitors.
The treble captivates with its smooth, effortless extension. Cymbals shimmer brightly without aggression. The added airiness provides a pristine top-end complement to the resonant bass, avoiding harshness or sibilance. The tightness, control and accurate decay and reverb are illustrated nicely in 'Good Times' by Chic, where you can even hear 'fingers' in the claps. Yusef Lateef's 'Bishop School' brings tambourines, horns and sweet-sounding flutes to life around you as the stage sweeps out before your very ears separating very clearly. Really incredible stuff.
The EA1000 are better served with jazz, classical, opera, and generally orchestrally-complex tracks than more energetic genres, where they can feel a little too immersive, leaving you to catch your breath a little.
Micro-details and technicalities, as you probably guessed, are top tier - especially so with the 'Red curve' filter. It's a transparent and analytical sound that still offers great dynamics. The 'Gold curve' nozzle expands the soundstage even further, but detracts a little from the depth. The sound is a bit too bright for my liking, with a cleaner, leaner and more analytical sound to it that dulls the bite of the trebles and boosts vocals. The black ring nozzle is a bit more sparkly with more energy - I can't quite decide which curve I prefer so I reserve the right to circle back to this review and edit in the future!
Summary
Once again, hats off to SIMGOT for a remarkable release that well and truly stamps their authority on the IEM market. They got pretty much everything right here, from the overall experience and accessories to the build and design, and most of all the sound signature. It's easily a five star review that remedies man of the 'areas of improvement' noted in their previous releases.
The soundstage and dynamic performance are so moreish that I haven't used anything else since I got them. They aren't for pure-bassheads and the presence of the upper mids may be a little much with the stock nozzles, but the three filter options means there's probably something for everyone here.
In the sub $200 category, there's quite a bit of competition for your hard earned dough, but the EA1000 convinces with a super-textured, airy bass, lush mids and sparkly-enough, natural trebles. Its expansive soundstage, natural timbre and excellent resolving capabilities all constitute top-tier performance, and the straightforward driveability and coherence put the icing on the cake for a well-presented, great looking, high performing IEM that cements SIMGOT's seat at the top table.
Is it my IEM of the year? So far, I think that's a resounding yes.
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Model: Simgot EA1000
Price: $219.99 - Linsoul
Review Reference: RC114
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Simgot
- Model: EA1000
- Driver: Second Generation DMDC 10mm Dynamic Driver, Sputter Decomposition Purple-Gold Diaphragm, 1PR
- IEM Weight: 10.97g
- IEM Dimensions: 22mm (height) x 17mm (width) x 20.7mm (max depth)
- Shell: High-polished full metal body with transparent crystal face plates
- Impedance: 16Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 127dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable High-Purity Litz-style OFC Silver Cable (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Magnetic Carry Case
1 x Warranty Card
3 x Interchangeable Nozzles (three target curves)
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Are SIMGOT the IEM brand of the year? It's hard to argue with an incredible run of releases throughout 2023 that has culminated in, quite possibly their piece de resistance, the EA1000.
Fermat's Last Theorem, stated in 1637, perplexed mathematicians for over three centuries. It proposed: no three positive integers a, b, and c satisfy the equation an + bn = cn for any integer value of n greater than 2. Many brilliant minds failed to prove this elusive theorem over the years until finally, in 1995, Andrew Wiles presented his (corrected proof). I was in senior school back in 1993 when he had his first stab at it, and I remember at the time my school making a seriously big deal about it - if you saw the alumni from where I went to school, you'll probably understand why, but put it this way - I doubt any of them are furiously trying to recount the details to help them review their latest set of IEM's now thirty years later!!
The EA1000 pays homage to this mathematical mystery, as SIMGOT's journey to master their own house sound (finally with a deviation away from Harman!) echoes the unwavering persistence required to prove Fermat's theorem...ish! After honing their craft with previous models like the EM2R, EA500 and EW200, SIMGOT have rounded off the year presenting the EA1000 as an encapsulation of their learnings - a beautifully crafted IEM that might just resolve the equation of <$200 = supreme audio fidelity! Wiles was knighted for his travails, and even earned the 2016 Abel Prize - I'm pretty sure SIMGOT would be happy with IEM of the year in the New Year's Honours List, and at least as far as I'm concerned, they're looking pretty damn good for it!
The EA1000 includes some pretty impressive tech. It isn't cheap - $219.99 - and you would be forgiven for being slightly taken aback at what is, on paper, a single DD arrangement. However, this is where cutting through marketing bullsh*t is essential - firstly, they've used 'SPGD Technology', a special diaphragm manufacturing process which results in a high rigidity, lightweight diaphragm coloured in purple-gold. As you'll see later, the macros bear testament to its existence at least! Secondly, DMDC, or dual-magnetic and dual-chamber driver technology is geared up to provide exceptional dynamic range and precision high-frequency performance. Finally, the 1DD plus 1PR architecture means the pairing of a single, 10mm full-range dynamic driver and a passive radiator for a more responsive full range with improved stability and driveability.
They've also chucked in replaceable nozzles, giving you three target curves:
Gold Nozzle, Gold Curve: SIMGOT-Golden 2023 Curve
Red and Steel Nozzle, Red Curve: Harman 2019 Curve (pre-fitted)
Black and Steel Nozzle, Blue Curve: SIMGOT-Classic Curve
So essentially, you've got a single DD which breaks away from the usual production process and materials. You've got a passive radiator to get more from the lower frequencies, and you've got an overall arrangement that is designed to enhance clarity and imaging, giving you a fuller, more precise sound. And to top it off, you've got three different sound profiles in the box based on your personal preference.
The EA1000, or at least the tech they've included, is over three years in the making. Was it worth the wait? Let's find out....
Unboxing
To unveil the true beauty of the EA1000, I suggest watching my YouTube review, because still images really don't do it justice. The shiny, 'milk tray' purple and gold outer exterior mirrors the purple-gold diaphragm technology I waxed lyrical about in the intro, and the focus on the front is very much the theme SIMGOT have applied to the release - Fermat's Last Theorem.
This theming continues as you peel back the layers of the box to reveal the array of accessories, which include six pairs of eartips, a stunning, shimmery high purity silver-plated OFC Litz-structure cable, the three detachable nozzles I mentioned in the intro and some coloured rings to denote and identify the nozzle.
The carry-case has a magnetic, flip-open lid. It's leather-look, with the SIMGOT branding on the top.
The back continues the theming with the expression 'Salute to Art and Science'. The case is a decent size, measuring 97 x 71 x 38mm.
There's plenty of space inside the case to fit the IEM, the cable, the spare tips and the spare nozzles, which come fitted into a screw plate so they won't be easily damaged if stored inside. Here you see the shimmering properties of the cable in the sunlight.
The theming continues, with the warranty card not able to escape a brush with Fermat!
Build Quality and Design
In my review of the EM6L, one of my minor quibbles was the resin design, which lacked a little curvature on the inside. With the EA1000, SIMGOT remedied both of those issues effortlessly. Despite weighing just under 11g per IEM, the EA1000 is a delicate, lightweight, beautifully designed IEM that combines a fingerprint-magnet-high polished steel body and patterned crystal glass faceplate with an elegant profile that looks as good in the ear as it does resting precariously on a railway bridge above!
On the inside, note the improved curvature, which we also saw in the EA500. This gives the EA1000 better fit and improved isolation. Here you also get your first glimpse of the passive radiator, and what the IEM looks like with the nozzle removed.
While we have the IEM open, here you see the Puple-Gold SDPGD driver in all it's glory.
Move to the outside and you'll find a slightly recessed 2-pin connection terminal and the 'Fermat' insignia. Whilst testing the sound with each of the nozzles, I got a few snaps - here is the EA1000 with the gold nozzles fitted. I enjoyed all of the sound signatures, as I'll come onto in the Audio & SS section, but whilst the gold nozzle looked the best, it wasn't my favourite of the three sound signatures sadly.
Removing and replacing the nozzles is a simple and pain-free process. The stock and black options have some black foam at the base of the filter, whereas the gold has a thin membrane with a hole in the middle. Removable nozzle mounts and filters allow endless sound fine-tuning without compromising comfort. Each earpiece contains threaded nozzle sockets, letting users swap between included targets with ease. The nozzles themselves integrate securely while permitting adjustment.
Here you get a glimpse of the fit of the EA1000. There's no pressure on the tragus at all - the line you see here is from me pulling the ear hook back. It's an extremely subtle design which doesn't protrude regardless of side or front profile. The ear hooks are quite loose - this makes them super comfy, but it impresses on you to get the fit right from your tip selection. I've tried a few different tips and so far none fit better than the stock.
The IEM measures 22mm (height) x 17mm (width) x 20.7mm (max depth) - it's noticeably leaner looking than the EM6L, but very similar in dimensions to the EA500.
Looking closely at the construction, it's very evident that no corners were cut. The metallic shells exude precision craftsmanship with their lustrous chamfered edges, and their robust but streamlined profile strikes an ideal balance between aesthetics and durability. Both the EM6L and EA1000 rank among my most comfortable IEM's, making them both ideal for long listening sessions, with the EA1000 edging it thanks to that more tailored inside profile. They aren't as bulky as many of their competitors, and the nozzle length and depth seems to be optimal for a non-invasive, fully-immersive experience.
Audio & Sound Signature
As per the intro, SIMGOT claim to have leveraged innovative driver technologies to deliver pristine audio reproduction. At the heart sits its new purple-gold sputtered diaphragm, crafted through a complex multi-layer deposition process for optimal rigidity and low mass. This enables the 10mm dynamic driver to resolve the finest details and dynamics with minimal distortion.
The diaphragm pairs with a dual-magnet motor system for enhanced control across frequencies. This dual-magnetic circuitry widens the dynamic range and transient response compared to traditional single-magnet designs. Treble reproduction sees particular improvements, providing crispness without harshness.
A rear 6mm passive radiator adds tactile bass texture and natural ambience. It resonates symbiotically with the front dynamic driver to augment low-frequency presence and dimensional realism through its added airflow interaction. The effect is addictive, highly detailed bass that is palpable yet controlled. There are no coherence issues due to the unorthodox but highly effective driver arrangement.
The three filters provide three different sound signatures, as shown here in the FR measurements above. Regardless of which filter is used, the EA1000 has a natural, accurate tone, even moreso than the EM6L, and the beauty of not using a BA. Natural tone has characterised all of SIMGOT's releases this year - even the low cost EW200 - but it hits new levels here due in no small part to the magnificent lower frequencies, masterfully facilitated by the passive rad.
The Red curve is the stock curve, based on the Harman 2019 target. Out of the box, the thing that hits you with the EA1000 is the vast, expansive soundstage that immediately places you at the centre of a disparately-assembled orchestra. The midrange on the EA1000 particularly impresses, with clarity and naturalism. Vocals dazzle with their intimacy and nuance, marrying richness with airy transparency in the upper registers. Instruments similarly feel lifelike with striking realism.
In Paul Wasabii's review I noticed he used Madonna's 'Holiday' as a reference track, and using that as an example, the cowbell, tams, shakers and other percussive elements in the intro expand before your horizon, with wah wah guitars entering from a distant point to the right with precision positioning. The wasp-style synth and bassline are lightweight but controlled and full of texture, and Madonna's vocals sound as sweet as they ever did, with her gasps perfectly evident.
Move over to 'All of Me' by John Legend and you get another glimpse of how well the midrange is handled on the EA1000. The piano intro sounds articulate - full but crisp at the same time, whilst John Legend's vocals dissipate around you with an engaging resonance at the centre. The midrange timbre is very natural - regardless of male or female vocals are clear and open with great depth. The midbass depth is dense but the bass is well controlled - there's no bleed or blur, everything is immaculately controlled.
Putting the bass through its paces with Hans Zimmer's Time showcases the impact of the passive radiator. The EA1000 isn't a bass canon, but the lower frequencies have magnificent depth and resonance. It is a thick and fast bass response that is tightly controlled - layers and layers are knitted together very smoothly and naturally. The boosted bass leaves a visceral impact without bloat or muddiness. Its outstanding texture and detail are rare among even pricier competitors.
The treble captivates with its smooth, effortless extension. Cymbals shimmer brightly without aggression. The added airiness provides a pristine top-end complement to the resonant bass, avoiding harshness or sibilance. The tightness, control and accurate decay and reverb are illustrated nicely in 'Good Times' by Chic, where you can even hear 'fingers' in the claps. Yusef Lateef's 'Bishop School' brings tambourines, horns and sweet-sounding flutes to life around you as the stage sweeps out before your very ears separating very clearly. Really incredible stuff.
The EA1000 are better served with jazz, classical, opera, and generally orchestrally-complex tracks than more energetic genres, where they can feel a little too immersive, leaving you to catch your breath a little.
Micro-details and technicalities, as you probably guessed, are top tier - especially so with the 'Red curve' filter. It's a transparent and analytical sound that still offers great dynamics. The 'Gold curve' nozzle expands the soundstage even further, but detracts a little from the depth. The sound is a bit too bright for my liking, with a cleaner, leaner and more analytical sound to it that dulls the bite of the trebles and boosts vocals. The black ring nozzle is a bit more sparkly with more energy - I can't quite decide which curve I prefer so I reserve the right to circle back to this review and edit in the future!
Summary
Once again, hats off to SIMGOT for a remarkable release that well and truly stamps their authority on the IEM market. They got pretty much everything right here, from the overall experience and accessories to the build and design, and most of all the sound signature. It's easily a five star review that remedies man of the 'areas of improvement' noted in their previous releases.
The soundstage and dynamic performance are so moreish that I haven't used anything else since I got them. They aren't for pure-bassheads and the presence of the upper mids may be a little much with the stock nozzles, but the three filter options means there's probably something for everyone here.
In the sub $200 category, there's quite a bit of competition for your hard earned dough, but the EA1000 convinces with a super-textured, airy bass, lush mids and sparkly-enough, natural trebles. Its expansive soundstage, natural timbre and excellent resolving capabilities all constitute top-tier performance, and the straightforward driveability and coherence put the icing on the cake for a well-presented, great looking, high performing IEM that cements SIMGOT's seat at the top table.
Is it my IEM of the year? So far, I think that's a resounding yes.
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Model: SoundPEATS Air4 Pro
Price: £79.99 (Currently £63.99 at Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC113
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
6 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
We knew this was coming, probably before SoundPEATS did! The Air4 Pro is here - SoundPEATS' iterative update to their Air3 Pro, a popular model, but it's fair to say probably not my favourite due to its slightly bloated sound signature, average call quality and rather weak ANC. Put it this way - when the Capsule3 Pro arrived, I called it 'what the Air3 Pro should have been'!
SoundPEATS' product ranges seem to be based on the chipset these days, with the Air4 and Air4 Pro both following the Air3 and Air3 Pro in selecting Qualcomm as their SoC of choice. That brings pros and cons - instead of LDAC, you're handed Qualcomm's confusing smorgasbord of 'Snapdragon Sound' features - from AptX Lossless (which isn't actually lossless, and isn't actually a codec) to AptX Voice (which isn't selectable anywhere - you just have to 'trust' that you're getting it!). But despite these reservations - it does seem to the be the direction of travel for most major manufacturers right now, and the logical progression for SoundPEATS with this release.
But aside the codec questions - there are more important conundrums to answer, such as how do they sound? How is the ANC? How is call quality? What are the features like? I'll aim to answer all of these questions - read on for my thoughts on the Air4 Pro.
Unboxing
The unboxing is a straightforward but smart affair. SoundPEATS have upped their game since the release of the Air3 Deluxe HS, and this one follows a similar pattern, in a harder-wearing enclosure with the visuals on the front and key parameters on the back. Inside the pack, you're getting a USB A-C charge cable, user manual (in seven different languages) and tips in Small and Large to go with the factory fitted Medium.
Charge Case
The charge case is unmistakeably 'SoundPEATS'! In two-tone black/grey with pink-ish gold accents on the back and around the USB charge socket at the base, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Air4 and Capsule 3 Pro cases. It's portable - at 64 x 48 x 24mm, it's around 15-20% smaller and lighter than the Capsule3 Pro case, weighing in at just under 40g.
The finish is nicer than the Capsule3 Pro and Air4 cases - the 'charcoal' effect looks better than the basic colour tone applied to the two former models, and they've also dialled down the amount of pink in the rose gold.
There's also a more contoured lip at the front of the lid to make the case easier to open with one hand. There's also a nice little cutout on the side that displays the 'Hear Your Imagination' tagline - I know some people think this stuff is a bit cheesy, but I quite like it - I think it gives the case a little more character without looking distatesful.
There's a reset button next to the type C charge socket, which you'll probably need if your phone is anything like mine when it comes to dealing with Qualcomm chip earbuds - a bit temperamental - which is surprising given it is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1! The case has hall switch mode, so it begins pairing the moment you open it, but if you want to reset the connection, holding the button down turns the LED on the front to white - it will flash a few times and then you're into pairing mode. The LED otherwise indicates your remaining battery life - Green means the case has above 50%, Yellow is between 49 and 10%, and if it's Red you'd better find a charger sharpish! Unfortunately, there's no Wireless Charging and no Quick Charge - it's around 90 minutes for a full charge.
It's a nice looking charge case that has improved portability, feels a bit more robust, and the added design features mitigate the generic-ness you would sense with some of their older cases. Here you see it again alongside the Capsule3 Pro case (left) and Air4 case (right), and the smaller profile compared with the Capsule3 Pro case is particularly evident here.
Ergonomics
The design of the Air4 Pro has seen only micro evolutions since the Air3 Pro. At 34mm, the stem length has edged ever-so-slightly longer, and the stem width is a bit thinner, but these are things you would probably only notice if you had each model side by side.
The other minor differences include the look of the inside of the bud, which is now shiny rather than matte (same as the Air4).
The touch control sensor area is very slightly larger than the Capsule3 Pro and Air3 Pro, but otherwise it's only very minor cosmetic differences. Here you see it alongside the Capsule3 Pro, Clear and Air4 (left to right). You'd be hard pushed picking it out of an identity parade without knowing its intimate details!
Touch controls have not changed from previous SoundPEATS 'ANC' releases - you've got volume control (single taps) but there's no option to cycle tracks back. The default controls with SoundPEATS are good, but the inability to be able to customise the controls to your personal preference is long overdue remediation. The sensors are responsive though, and aren't as prone to accidental touches as their semi-in-ear options.
The Air4 Pro, like their previous models, are very comfortable. The nozzles are oval-shaped, but there's enough of a gradient on the inner side to ensure they sit nicely in your ears initiating barely any fatigue when used over a prolonged period of time. They are marginally heavier than the Air3 Pro, but I used them in the gym and even on the treadmill - the stability is very good, but their assumed IPX4 rating means whilst getting caught in the rain won't cause them any problems, you probably shouldn't consider extreme sports with them.
I found the Air4 Pro absolutely fine for using over prolonged periods - they don't feel too invasive due to the shallow nozzle, and they're comfortable and very stable for in-ear stem designs too.
ANC
ANC on the Air4 Pro is the star of the show, and it's probably SoundPEATS strongest performer yet in this department. The Air4 Pro pretty much obliterate fans and air conditioning units indoors, and keyboard taps are also surprisingly a little more muffled. They are also the most proficient SoundPEATS release at dealing with traffic and road noises when you're out and about. You'll still hear something, but it's reduced to a higher frequency, white noise-style sound. Even with voices close-by, they are subdued substantially, and with music playing they're practically inaudible.
Transparency mode is also very good, although it doesn't feel like as big a stride forward as the ANC level. It's very natural sounding - if people are talking to you close-by, you'll be able to hear every word of the conversation, but if someone is talking to you 10-15m away in a busy environment, you may have to guess a few words. There's certainly no obvious lispiness to voices that you get with some transparency modes - everything sounds pretty much as it should.
If I'm scoring ANC on previous models based on Q4 2023 standards, I'd rate them as follows:
Air 4 Pro - 8/10
Mini Pro HS - 7.2/10
Capsule3 Pro - 7/10
Air 3 Pro - 6.5/10
Life - 5.5/10
You can hear a sample of their ANC on my 'Best under $100' video:
Audio & Sound Signature
SoundPEATS boast of their support for Snapdragon Sound, which amongst other things ensures CD-quality lossless(ish) sound, with 16-bit, 44.1kHz transmission combining with their 13mm ultra-fine biological fiber, pure wood pulp fiber and PU diaphragm dynamic drivers to deliver a high quality audio experience. Phew!
Both of SoundPEATS new releases have gone with a slightly different sound signature to their previous 'house sound', and the audio delivery is quite convincing, and definitely an improvement from my perspective. Their 'SoundPEATS Classic' sound signature has evolved quite a bit over time, and the new iteration of less onus on bass and a little more attention paid to the mids and highs is reflected in the Air4 Pro
The lower frequencies are, as always, accentuated, but unlike the Life and Capsule3 Pro, it isn't the point of emphasis. Instead, it's a slightly tighter, better textured bass response that doesn't lose that 'subwoofer'-style sound altogether, but it makes for a nicer balanced bass that is faster and doesn't bleed into the mids quite as much. It's less muddy and less boomy than pretty much every previous SoundPEATS release, but the bass doesn't sound disattached, and male vocals have a more balanced, less thunderous nature to them. Still, there is a subbass growl, and whilst the balance is definitely better, I still had to tweak the EQ to my preferred sound, which I'll share below.
The lower mids are also cleaner and leaner. The balance with the upper mids has changed, with the warm, thick sound of the Capsule3 Pro ditched in favour of a more forward upper midrange. As a result, both male and female vocals are a bit clearer, and there's better separation between the bass and low mid range. The more-forward vocal representation gives much more presence to tracks compared with the Mini Pro HS and Capsule3 Pro, but the improved balance means you're getting a more energetic sound without the buds sounding fatiguing.
I think SoundPEATS were hoping to move away from their historical v-shape sound even further by improving the midrange performance whilst still dealing with the driver and transmission constraints, and I think they've achieved that here. Vocals are definitely hotter than previous releases, but for me it's a welcome improvement over their most recent sound, which could feel a bit muffled from a vocal perspective.
Even accounting for the pinna gain at 8k, the trebles are crispier too. This balances really nicely with the tighter bass on pop and house tracks, because you're getting a bit more attack to kick drums giving them more punch and definition.
Like many releases in the sub $100 category, it isn't the most resolving sound. The staging is medium width, medium depth, but you can open up the sound a little with the following tweaks:
20Hz: +1
100Hz: +1
150Hz: 0
320Hz: -1
500Hz: -1
800Hz: 0
2.5kHz: +2
5.5kHz: +3
12kHz: +3
The out of the box sound on the Air4 Pro is far nicer than the Air3 Pro, and it's more detailed and more enjoyable than the Capsule3 Pro. With a few tweaks, you can adjust it to your personal preference using the EQ in the SoundPEATS app too.
Call Quality
The Air4 Pro claim 'crystal-clear call quality with AptX voice' - a Qualcomm-native technology as part of the Snapdragon Sound suite of features, which supports a 32kHz sampling rate and 16kHz flat frequency response. In other words, there's more bandwidth to allow your voice to sound a bit richer, and your voice is meant to sound less peaky and sibilant. This, combined with their environmental noise reduction, should bring better call quality than we've seen previously.
And experience with AptX-voice supported earbuds has indeed been very positive so far. Both the Edifier W220T and QCY T18 performed exceptionally well, and the Earfun Air Pro 3 didn't do too badly either on my 2023 Indoor and Outdoor comparison videos, so I was expecting another good performance here, and I wasn't too disappointed.
The Air4 Pro perform very well on outdoor calls in medium-busy environments, where you're perhaps walking through town with a bit of traffic noise and moderate environmental sound. Your voice comes through very clearly with great weight and tone. Introduce more environmental sound, and it doesn't remove the sound altogether, but it reduces the prominence of it whilst retaining good weight. You'll notice the definition in your voice softening a little, but I'm OK with that as you still sound very coherent. Introduce wind into the scene and you'll definitelty notice the odd gust as the algorithm adjusts to cope, but overall it's a strong performer outdoors, improving from the already pretty decent Capsule3 Pro.
In busy indoor scenes, it's a similar story, without being quite as effective. In my coffee shop tests, the ambient noise is dulled to a very distant sound, with indistinct chatter becoming, well, even less distinct! Again, the weight of your voice is retained and again the sharpness is softened a little. It isn't a revolutionary performance on calls, but it's good for the money, and an improvement from previous releases.
Features
The Air4 Pro have a host of codecs - AptX-Lossless, AptX-Adaptive, AptX, AAC & SBC. This makes them a great choice if you own a Snapdragon-based Android phone in particular, but if you own a Google Pixel or older phone, you'll still benefit from the presence of AptX. If you're lucky enough to have a newer Snapdragon phone, you'll definitely enjoy the solid latency performance - with gaming mode activated, the Air4 perform well on casual games, only falling a shade short on first-person shooters. Along with the Air4 and Air3 Pro, this is SoundPEATS' best gaming performance so far.
Multipoint is adequate. It's a bit of a faff to set it up (you need to disconnect from your primary device, then connect to the secondary, then reconnect to the primary) and to initiate you need to pause the primary device and the secondary device plays a second or two later. However, if you then pause the secondary device, playback does not resume on the primary device - I found I had to disconnect and reconnect again. There's no ability to see which devices are connected in the app, unlike the Realme/Oppo/OnePlus range, which is a shame - you may find yourself (like I did) hearing the 'Connected' voice prompt twice and wondering what else you're connected to!
There's no quick charge and no wireless charging, but SoundPEATS have re-introduced in-ear detection, and it works ok-ish. There's no selectable mode like you get with 1More for example, who give you the ability to choose between single ear or both ears, pause or pause/play, and it could be a bit random at times, but you can always switch it off if you find it annoying.
The SoundPEATS app is one we've discussed many times before, and having prioritised stability over features, is reasonably mature albeit a bit lacking. Adaptive EQ is back (and again, didn't really work for me). In case you haven't seen it, it's similar to Soundcore's 'Hear ID', with tones generated at different frequencies, requiring you to tap the screen when you hear something. At the end, you get a hearing curve customised to your hearing, but the reality is less exciting - stick to the equalisers and custom EQ.
The custom EQ section is very useful, with ten bands. It isn't parametric, but it does seem to give you the most customisation at the points where you probably need it the most. If you're on Android, you always have Wavelet to fall back on if you don't want to use the app.
The app also gives you the ability to toggle ANC and gaming mode, and you can also switch off touch controls altogether. It doesn't, as mentioned in the ergonomics section, give you the ability to customise controls, which is a little annoying and is perhaps something SoundPEATS should be looking to introduce sooner rather later, since even budget brands like Baseus and QCY can offer this now.
Bluetooth version is 5.3, and when connected to my Sony Xperia 1 IV I got an impressive 15m line of sight - a strong connection performance. Outdoors, even in congested areas, the Air4 seemingly prioritise connection, dropping the quality as opposed to intermittent dropouts when you try and push them to their distance limits.
One problem I did have with the Air4 Pro was compatibility. They wouldn't connect to one of my Windows 11 PC's, and to confuse matters further I had no issue connecting them to the same PC when I dual-booted Ubuntu. It's not a Windows issue because they connected to my laptop without a problem. I also had a few occasional glitches where the 'This device supports Snapdragon Sound' message you get on Android when you connect for the first time would flash up periodically, suggesting random disconnections, although these disconnections were never long enough to interrupt the music. I'm hoping we see a firmware update from SoundPEATS remedying this - alternatively I may have a duff set, let's see what feedback is like from the market.
Battery Life
Battery life has, on paper, not really improved from the Air3 Pro. The headline figure of 6.5 hours with ANC off is reasonably accurate, not least because they are quite loud and don't require the buds being pushed much more beyond 60-70% volume.
Second time around, I tested them in the office, with multipoint connecting me to my phone (using AptX-Adaptive at 96k) and laptop at the same time, and mixing watching YouTube videos with Teams calls and listening to a podcast in the gym, with ANC on the whole time. That time I got just over 4 hours before the 'Battery Low' message appeared, at which point one bud died immediately - so that's actually better than advertised, although I think if I'd been more active with them (i.e. using them constantly rather than intermittently) then you could probably chop 15-30 minutes extra from that. So overall, not terrible, but not great really - especially when you consider you can get much better battery performance from something like the Earfun Air Pro 3 - an inferior-sounding, but same chipset device.
It takes around 90 minutes for a full charge, and that gives you an additional 19 hours (total 26 hours with ANC off), but with ANC on you're talking a total of around 17-18 hours. That's pretty low compared to the EarFun Air Pro 3 (which use the same SoC), and whilst it is comparable to other Snapdragon Sound ANC buds - the likes of Final ZE8000 and Edifier NeoBuds S, for example, those models have a lot more technology to haul around. So overall, a bit of a disappointment from that perspective.
Summary
If you're assessing the Air4 Pro in isolation, SoundPEATS have done a great job of bringing a convincing budget AirPod Pro 2 alternative to the market that ticks a lot of boxes. The sound is enjoyable, ANC is excellent, calls are solid, and they're equipped with the latest technology that ensures you can maximise performance, particularly with newer Android Qualcomm-based devices, today and probably any time in the foreseeable future. They've included useful features like in-ear detection and Multipoint, and their app works on both Android and iOS, giving you lots of control over the EQ. Pretty, pretty, pretty good!
By the same token, SoundPEATS release a lot of products over the course of a year, and we're still waiting for some basic features like Quick Charge and customisable controls to be introduced. For me, acknowledging the need to include these fundamentals is key if SoundPEATS want to truly make a statement to that mid-tier market. Boxing off these basics and improving battery life should be high on the SoundPEATS agenda. Even so, overall, it's a strong release from SoundPEATS, and a big improvement over the Air3 Pro - highly recommended!
SoundPEATS Review Inventory:
SoundPEATS Air4
SoundPEATS Engine4
SoundPEATS RunFree Lite
SoundPEATS Life Classic
SoundPEATS Opera05
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro
SoundPEATS Mini Pro HS
SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS
SoundPEATS Air3 Pro
SoundPEATS Mini Pro
SoundPEATS H2
SoundPEATS T3
SoundPEATS Mini
SoundPEATS Air3
SoundPEATS TrueAir2+
SoundPEATS TrueAir 2
SoundPEATS H1
SoundPEATS T2
SoundPEATS Sonic
About SoundPEATS:
SoundPEATS seem to have become an overnight sensation, wiping up a large portion of budget TWS earbud market share with a business model that has served them (and Anker before them) exceptionally well - good distribution channels (via Amazon), good support, a catchy name and product that performs well at a very competitive price point. In reality, they have been around a long time - whilst Shenzhen SoundSOUL IT Co LTD is a different trading name to Ginto E-Commerce, they share the same business address (including room number) as them - you may know their brand name better as Dudios. With Dudios not sounding quite so cool as Soundpeats, maybe the brand transition has been instrumental in their success, but having been around since 2010 and patents in Bluetooth tech stretching back to 2015, they are not the plucky upstarts that some may think - they know their stuff, have a great network of contacts, and now a very solid brand in Europe, and deservedly so.
The thing that sets SoundPEATS apart from other vendors, and makes them my favourite budget earbud vendor, is that they are completely transparent over their components. Whether they use Realtek, Qualcomm or Airoha chips in their buds, they are totally open about it, and as a reviewer this really helps, because whilst I have, and do, dismantle buds to check the way that certain things have been implemented (such as the power management, mems mics, etc) and I really don't like having to do it with every set of earbuds, because they then become unusable.
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Model: SoundPEATS Air4 Pro
Price: £79.99 (Currently £63.99 at Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC113
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: SoundPEATS
- Model: Air4 Pro
- Driver: 13mm Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3071
- Mic: 6 mic ENC & AptX Voice
- ANC: Yes - Adaptive up to 45dB
- Codecs: AptX Lossless, AptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: No
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 4.53g
- Earbud Dimensions: 34mm stem length
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 39.95g
- Case Dimensions: 64mm {maximum} (width) x 48mm (height) x 24mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 330mAh
- Quick Charge: No
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes (buds and case)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 6.5 hours (ANC off) 4 hours (ANC on)
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 26 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Firmware Version Tested: V0.1.1
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
6 x Eartip Pairs (SML)
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
We knew this was coming, probably before SoundPEATS did! The Air4 Pro is here - SoundPEATS' iterative update to their Air3 Pro, a popular model, but it's fair to say probably not my favourite due to its slightly bloated sound signature, average call quality and rather weak ANC. Put it this way - when the Capsule3 Pro arrived, I called it 'what the Air3 Pro should have been'!
SoundPEATS' product ranges seem to be based on the chipset these days, with the Air4 and Air4 Pro both following the Air3 and Air3 Pro in selecting Qualcomm as their SoC of choice. That brings pros and cons - instead of LDAC, you're handed Qualcomm's confusing smorgasbord of 'Snapdragon Sound' features - from AptX Lossless (which isn't actually lossless, and isn't actually a codec) to AptX Voice (which isn't selectable anywhere - you just have to 'trust' that you're getting it!). But despite these reservations - it does seem to the be the direction of travel for most major manufacturers right now, and the logical progression for SoundPEATS with this release.
But aside the codec questions - there are more important conundrums to answer, such as how do they sound? How is the ANC? How is call quality? What are the features like? I'll aim to answer all of these questions - read on for my thoughts on the Air4 Pro.
Unboxing
The unboxing is a straightforward but smart affair. SoundPEATS have upped their game since the release of the Air3 Deluxe HS, and this one follows a similar pattern, in a harder-wearing enclosure with the visuals on the front and key parameters on the back. Inside the pack, you're getting a USB A-C charge cable, user manual (in seven different languages) and tips in Small and Large to go with the factory fitted Medium.
Charge Case
The charge case is unmistakeably 'SoundPEATS'! In two-tone black/grey with pink-ish gold accents on the back and around the USB charge socket at the base, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Air4 and Capsule 3 Pro cases. It's portable - at 64 x 48 x 24mm, it's around 15-20% smaller and lighter than the Capsule3 Pro case, weighing in at just under 40g.
The finish is nicer than the Capsule3 Pro and Air4 cases - the 'charcoal' effect looks better than the basic colour tone applied to the two former models, and they've also dialled down the amount of pink in the rose gold.
There's also a more contoured lip at the front of the lid to make the case easier to open with one hand. There's also a nice little cutout on the side that displays the 'Hear Your Imagination' tagline - I know some people think this stuff is a bit cheesy, but I quite like it - I think it gives the case a little more character without looking distatesful.
There's a reset button next to the type C charge socket, which you'll probably need if your phone is anything like mine when it comes to dealing with Qualcomm chip earbuds - a bit temperamental - which is surprising given it is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1! The case has hall switch mode, so it begins pairing the moment you open it, but if you want to reset the connection, holding the button down turns the LED on the front to white - it will flash a few times and then you're into pairing mode. The LED otherwise indicates your remaining battery life - Green means the case has above 50%, Yellow is between 49 and 10%, and if it's Red you'd better find a charger sharpish! Unfortunately, there's no Wireless Charging and no Quick Charge - it's around 90 minutes for a full charge.
It's a nice looking charge case that has improved portability, feels a bit more robust, and the added design features mitigate the generic-ness you would sense with some of their older cases. Here you see it again alongside the Capsule3 Pro case (left) and Air4 case (right), and the smaller profile compared with the Capsule3 Pro case is particularly evident here.
Ergonomics
The design of the Air4 Pro has seen only micro evolutions since the Air3 Pro. At 34mm, the stem length has edged ever-so-slightly longer, and the stem width is a bit thinner, but these are things you would probably only notice if you had each model side by side.
The other minor differences include the look of the inside of the bud, which is now shiny rather than matte (same as the Air4).
The touch control sensor area is very slightly larger than the Capsule3 Pro and Air3 Pro, but otherwise it's only very minor cosmetic differences. Here you see it alongside the Capsule3 Pro, Clear and Air4 (left to right). You'd be hard pushed picking it out of an identity parade without knowing its intimate details!
Touch controls have not changed from previous SoundPEATS 'ANC' releases - you've got volume control (single taps) but there's no option to cycle tracks back. The default controls with SoundPEATS are good, but the inability to be able to customise the controls to your personal preference is long overdue remediation. The sensors are responsive though, and aren't as prone to accidental touches as their semi-in-ear options.
The Air4 Pro, like their previous models, are very comfortable. The nozzles are oval-shaped, but there's enough of a gradient on the inner side to ensure they sit nicely in your ears initiating barely any fatigue when used over a prolonged period of time. They are marginally heavier than the Air3 Pro, but I used them in the gym and even on the treadmill - the stability is very good, but their assumed IPX4 rating means whilst getting caught in the rain won't cause them any problems, you probably shouldn't consider extreme sports with them.
I found the Air4 Pro absolutely fine for using over prolonged periods - they don't feel too invasive due to the shallow nozzle, and they're comfortable and very stable for in-ear stem designs too.
ANC
ANC on the Air4 Pro is the star of the show, and it's probably SoundPEATS strongest performer yet in this department. The Air4 Pro pretty much obliterate fans and air conditioning units indoors, and keyboard taps are also surprisingly a little more muffled. They are also the most proficient SoundPEATS release at dealing with traffic and road noises when you're out and about. You'll still hear something, but it's reduced to a higher frequency, white noise-style sound. Even with voices close-by, they are subdued substantially, and with music playing they're practically inaudible.
Transparency mode is also very good, although it doesn't feel like as big a stride forward as the ANC level. It's very natural sounding - if people are talking to you close-by, you'll be able to hear every word of the conversation, but if someone is talking to you 10-15m away in a busy environment, you may have to guess a few words. There's certainly no obvious lispiness to voices that you get with some transparency modes - everything sounds pretty much as it should.
If I'm scoring ANC on previous models based on Q4 2023 standards, I'd rate them as follows:
Air 4 Pro - 8/10
Mini Pro HS - 7.2/10
Capsule3 Pro - 7/10
Air 3 Pro - 6.5/10
Life - 5.5/10
You can hear a sample of their ANC on my 'Best under $100' video:
Audio & Sound Signature
SoundPEATS boast of their support for Snapdragon Sound, which amongst other things ensures CD-quality lossless(ish) sound, with 16-bit, 44.1kHz transmission combining with their 13mm ultra-fine biological fiber, pure wood pulp fiber and PU diaphragm dynamic drivers to deliver a high quality audio experience. Phew!
Both of SoundPEATS new releases have gone with a slightly different sound signature to their previous 'house sound', and the audio delivery is quite convincing, and definitely an improvement from my perspective. Their 'SoundPEATS Classic' sound signature has evolved quite a bit over time, and the new iteration of less onus on bass and a little more attention paid to the mids and highs is reflected in the Air4 Pro
The lower frequencies are, as always, accentuated, but unlike the Life and Capsule3 Pro, it isn't the point of emphasis. Instead, it's a slightly tighter, better textured bass response that doesn't lose that 'subwoofer'-style sound altogether, but it makes for a nicer balanced bass that is faster and doesn't bleed into the mids quite as much. It's less muddy and less boomy than pretty much every previous SoundPEATS release, but the bass doesn't sound disattached, and male vocals have a more balanced, less thunderous nature to them. Still, there is a subbass growl, and whilst the balance is definitely better, I still had to tweak the EQ to my preferred sound, which I'll share below.
The lower mids are also cleaner and leaner. The balance with the upper mids has changed, with the warm, thick sound of the Capsule3 Pro ditched in favour of a more forward upper midrange. As a result, both male and female vocals are a bit clearer, and there's better separation between the bass and low mid range. The more-forward vocal representation gives much more presence to tracks compared with the Mini Pro HS and Capsule3 Pro, but the improved balance means you're getting a more energetic sound without the buds sounding fatiguing.
I think SoundPEATS were hoping to move away from their historical v-shape sound even further by improving the midrange performance whilst still dealing with the driver and transmission constraints, and I think they've achieved that here. Vocals are definitely hotter than previous releases, but for me it's a welcome improvement over their most recent sound, which could feel a bit muffled from a vocal perspective.
Even accounting for the pinna gain at 8k, the trebles are crispier too. This balances really nicely with the tighter bass on pop and house tracks, because you're getting a bit more attack to kick drums giving them more punch and definition.
Like many releases in the sub $100 category, it isn't the most resolving sound. The staging is medium width, medium depth, but you can open up the sound a little with the following tweaks:
20Hz: +1
100Hz: +1
150Hz: 0
320Hz: -1
500Hz: -1
800Hz: 0
2.5kHz: +2
5.5kHz: +3
12kHz: +3
The out of the box sound on the Air4 Pro is far nicer than the Air3 Pro, and it's more detailed and more enjoyable than the Capsule3 Pro. With a few tweaks, you can adjust it to your personal preference using the EQ in the SoundPEATS app too.
Call Quality
The Air4 Pro claim 'crystal-clear call quality with AptX voice' - a Qualcomm-native technology as part of the Snapdragon Sound suite of features, which supports a 32kHz sampling rate and 16kHz flat frequency response. In other words, there's more bandwidth to allow your voice to sound a bit richer, and your voice is meant to sound less peaky and sibilant. This, combined with their environmental noise reduction, should bring better call quality than we've seen previously.
And experience with AptX-voice supported earbuds has indeed been very positive so far. Both the Edifier W220T and QCY T18 performed exceptionally well, and the Earfun Air Pro 3 didn't do too badly either on my 2023 Indoor and Outdoor comparison videos, so I was expecting another good performance here, and I wasn't too disappointed.
The Air4 Pro perform very well on outdoor calls in medium-busy environments, where you're perhaps walking through town with a bit of traffic noise and moderate environmental sound. Your voice comes through very clearly with great weight and tone. Introduce more environmental sound, and it doesn't remove the sound altogether, but it reduces the prominence of it whilst retaining good weight. You'll notice the definition in your voice softening a little, but I'm OK with that as you still sound very coherent. Introduce wind into the scene and you'll definitelty notice the odd gust as the algorithm adjusts to cope, but overall it's a strong performer outdoors, improving from the already pretty decent Capsule3 Pro.
In busy indoor scenes, it's a similar story, without being quite as effective. In my coffee shop tests, the ambient noise is dulled to a very distant sound, with indistinct chatter becoming, well, even less distinct! Again, the weight of your voice is retained and again the sharpness is softened a little. It isn't a revolutionary performance on calls, but it's good for the money, and an improvement from previous releases.
Features
The Air4 Pro have a host of codecs - AptX-Lossless, AptX-Adaptive, AptX, AAC & SBC. This makes them a great choice if you own a Snapdragon-based Android phone in particular, but if you own a Google Pixel or older phone, you'll still benefit from the presence of AptX. If you're lucky enough to have a newer Snapdragon phone, you'll definitely enjoy the solid latency performance - with gaming mode activated, the Air4 perform well on casual games, only falling a shade short on first-person shooters. Along with the Air4 and Air3 Pro, this is SoundPEATS' best gaming performance so far.
Multipoint is adequate. It's a bit of a faff to set it up (you need to disconnect from your primary device, then connect to the secondary, then reconnect to the primary) and to initiate you need to pause the primary device and the secondary device plays a second or two later. However, if you then pause the secondary device, playback does not resume on the primary device - I found I had to disconnect and reconnect again. There's no ability to see which devices are connected in the app, unlike the Realme/Oppo/OnePlus range, which is a shame - you may find yourself (like I did) hearing the 'Connected' voice prompt twice and wondering what else you're connected to!
There's no quick charge and no wireless charging, but SoundPEATS have re-introduced in-ear detection, and it works ok-ish. There's no selectable mode like you get with 1More for example, who give you the ability to choose between single ear or both ears, pause or pause/play, and it could be a bit random at times, but you can always switch it off if you find it annoying.
The SoundPEATS app is one we've discussed many times before, and having prioritised stability over features, is reasonably mature albeit a bit lacking. Adaptive EQ is back (and again, didn't really work for me). In case you haven't seen it, it's similar to Soundcore's 'Hear ID', with tones generated at different frequencies, requiring you to tap the screen when you hear something. At the end, you get a hearing curve customised to your hearing, but the reality is less exciting - stick to the equalisers and custom EQ.
The custom EQ section is very useful, with ten bands. It isn't parametric, but it does seem to give you the most customisation at the points where you probably need it the most. If you're on Android, you always have Wavelet to fall back on if you don't want to use the app.
The app also gives you the ability to toggle ANC and gaming mode, and you can also switch off touch controls altogether. It doesn't, as mentioned in the ergonomics section, give you the ability to customise controls, which is a little annoying and is perhaps something SoundPEATS should be looking to introduce sooner rather later, since even budget brands like Baseus and QCY can offer this now.
Bluetooth version is 5.3, and when connected to my Sony Xperia 1 IV I got an impressive 15m line of sight - a strong connection performance. Outdoors, even in congested areas, the Air4 seemingly prioritise connection, dropping the quality as opposed to intermittent dropouts when you try and push them to their distance limits.
One problem I did have with the Air4 Pro was compatibility. They wouldn't connect to one of my Windows 11 PC's, and to confuse matters further I had no issue connecting them to the same PC when I dual-booted Ubuntu. It's not a Windows issue because they connected to my laptop without a problem. I also had a few occasional glitches where the 'This device supports Snapdragon Sound' message you get on Android when you connect for the first time would flash up periodically, suggesting random disconnections, although these disconnections were never long enough to interrupt the music. I'm hoping we see a firmware update from SoundPEATS remedying this - alternatively I may have a duff set, let's see what feedback is like from the market.
Battery Life
Battery life has, on paper, not really improved from the Air3 Pro. The headline figure of 6.5 hours with ANC off is reasonably accurate, not least because they are quite loud and don't require the buds being pushed much more beyond 60-70% volume.
Second time around, I tested them in the office, with multipoint connecting me to my phone (using AptX-Adaptive at 96k) and laptop at the same time, and mixing watching YouTube videos with Teams calls and listening to a podcast in the gym, with ANC on the whole time. That time I got just over 4 hours before the 'Battery Low' message appeared, at which point one bud died immediately - so that's actually better than advertised, although I think if I'd been more active with them (i.e. using them constantly rather than intermittently) then you could probably chop 15-30 minutes extra from that. So overall, not terrible, but not great really - especially when you consider you can get much better battery performance from something like the Earfun Air Pro 3 - an inferior-sounding, but same chipset device.
It takes around 90 minutes for a full charge, and that gives you an additional 19 hours (total 26 hours with ANC off), but with ANC on you're talking a total of around 17-18 hours. That's pretty low compared to the EarFun Air Pro 3 (which use the same SoC), and whilst it is comparable to other Snapdragon Sound ANC buds - the likes of Final ZE8000 and Edifier NeoBuds S, for example, those models have a lot more technology to haul around. So overall, a bit of a disappointment from that perspective.
Summary
If you're assessing the Air4 Pro in isolation, SoundPEATS have done a great job of bringing a convincing budget AirPod Pro 2 alternative to the market that ticks a lot of boxes. The sound is enjoyable, ANC is excellent, calls are solid, and they're equipped with the latest technology that ensures you can maximise performance, particularly with newer Android Qualcomm-based devices, today and probably any time in the foreseeable future. They've included useful features like in-ear detection and Multipoint, and their app works on both Android and iOS, giving you lots of control over the EQ. Pretty, pretty, pretty good!
By the same token, SoundPEATS release a lot of products over the course of a year, and we're still waiting for some basic features like Quick Charge and customisable controls to be introduced. For me, acknowledging the need to include these fundamentals is key if SoundPEATS want to truly make a statement to that mid-tier market. Boxing off these basics and improving battery life should be high on the SoundPEATS agenda. Even so, overall, it's a strong release from SoundPEATS, and a big improvement over the Air3 Pro - highly recommended!
SoundPEATS Review Inventory:
SoundPEATS Air4
SoundPEATS Engine4
SoundPEATS RunFree Lite
SoundPEATS Life Classic
SoundPEATS Opera05
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro
SoundPEATS Mini Pro HS
SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS
SoundPEATS Air3 Pro
SoundPEATS Mini Pro
SoundPEATS H2
SoundPEATS T3
SoundPEATS Mini
SoundPEATS Air3
SoundPEATS TrueAir2+
SoundPEATS TrueAir 2
SoundPEATS H1
SoundPEATS T2
SoundPEATS Sonic
About SoundPEATS:
SoundPEATS seem to have become an overnight sensation, wiping up a large portion of budget TWS earbud market share with a business model that has served them (and Anker before them) exceptionally well - good distribution channels (via Amazon), good support, a catchy name and product that performs well at a very competitive price point. In reality, they have been around a long time - whilst Shenzhen SoundSOUL IT Co LTD is a different trading name to Ginto E-Commerce, they share the same business address (including room number) as them - you may know their brand name better as Dudios. With Dudios not sounding quite so cool as Soundpeats, maybe the brand transition has been instrumental in their success, but having been around since 2010 and patents in Bluetooth tech stretching back to 2015, they are not the plucky upstarts that some may think - they know their stuff, have a great network of contacts, and now a very solid brand in Europe, and deservedly so.
The thing that sets SoundPEATS apart from other vendors, and makes them my favourite budget earbud vendor, is that they are completely transparent over their components. Whether they use Realtek, Qualcomm or Airoha chips in their buds, they are totally open about it, and as a reviewer this really helps, because whilst I have, and do, dismantle buds to check the way that certain things have been implemented (such as the power management, mems mics, etc) and I really don't like having to do it with every set of earbuds, because they then become unusable.
Hernan
Very good review! Thanks!
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Model: 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50
Price: £149.99 (currently £127.99 Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC112
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x 1More Carry Case
4 x Sets of 'buffer' earloops (S/M/L & 'cover')
1 x User Manual
1 x QR for tech support
YouTube Review:
Introduction
2023 has definitely been the year of the sports wearable earbud, with manufacturers scrambling to bring the latest tech to their open-ear, air conduction and bone conduction products. Slightly late to the party is 1More, with two releases - the S30 and S50 - and the latter is what we are taking a look at today.
The S50 are the higher-priced of the two, retailing at around £127 (MSRP £150). They are towards the top end of this category in terms of cost, but with an impressive feature-set and intriguing design, I was very keen to see what they were like. Optimising sound, style and comfort for vendors in this space has been a challenge, with few managing to combine those facets sufficiently to offer an outright leader. Until now!
I won't spoil the review at this early stage too much - but the 1More Fit Open S50 are the most convincing sports earbud to date. Read on for my thoughts on why they have obliterated the competition by not only getting the basics right, but delivering a string of must-have's and desirables that more than justify their premium price tag.
Unboxing
When you're priced above $100, getting the unboxing experience right becomes arguably infinitely more important. Nobody wants to give a cheap tatty box as a gift, and whilst a smart unboxing won't trump how they sound, it's always nice to see the manufacturer paying attention to these areas. The 1More Fit comes in an impressive, large outer enclosure that screams 'no expense spared' - there's some images of the product on the front, and a full synopsis of the features and parameters on the back.
This isn't the first time I've reviewed a 1More product, and it isn't the first time I've seen these beautiful sketches of the product alongside some of the headline features. The way the box folds out to reveal this is typical of the effort and care that has gone into making the unboxing experience as extravagant as possible.
In terms of accessories, you're getting a little more than the usual USB cable and a manual. Because of the unique way that the S50 wear, you've got a variety of different 'tip-ish' fittings that can (but aren't necessary to) attach to the earbud, in small, medium and large. There's also a small ring adapter that basically substitutes for a full adapter, and allows you to wear them a little looser whilst still protecting the driver surround.
1More have also included a small carry bag, and this is ideal for carrying the tips in. If, like me, you end up liking at least two of the tip configurations, then this is a nice solution to ensure you can swap them over if you need to, wherever you are. There's also a USB A to C charge cable, a QR code to allow you to register the product, and a manual. The user guide is in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish and Russian, and makes use of diagrams and simple explanations to good effect.
Charge Case
Getting the charge case right for buds of this style is not something manufacturers have found easy, but 1More seem to have cracked it with an attractive-looking, but also portable case that features hall-switch mode, fast charge and wireless charging, as well as having an LED on the front to denote charge level.
The case is quite lightweight for its size - weighing just over 80g fully loaded - and measuring 86mm x 30mm x 565mm. It's one of the few cases that I can actually carry whilst out for a run - fitting in the front pocket of the vest I wear whilst out jogging.
It's finished in a light silver matte colour that shimmers nicely in the sunlight. There's also a matte black version available. At the front, the LED tells you roughly how much charge is remaining in the case - green means more than 80%, amber is 20-80%, red is below 20%. The case takes around 90 minutes for a full charge, but offers up to 2 hours playback for the earbuds from just 5 minutes plugged in. There's a USB socket (bevelled) at the back, and the case also supports Qi wireless charging, taking a bit longer to fully charge than wired, as is expected.
The case is straightforward enough to open - flip the lid at the front - and once inside you see more examples of the intelligent design. Each side bud sits in the corresponding side of the case with the control units sat together in the middle. There's a nice magnetic pull - not too strong but not too loose - pulling the buds in, and holding them firmly in place. The hinge has good strength to it too - it won't be slamming shut in the wind.
There's a reset pairing button in the centre. With both buds in the case, if you hold this down for 8 seconds, that will reset the pairing history. You can also triple tap this button, again with the buds in the case, to revert back from single to dual mode.
Ergonomics and Design
Open-ear designs like the S50 have become especially popular during 2023 as consumers have increasingly sought to separate out their use cases. IPX7 on every set of earbuds on the market isn't feasible, for example, but you would still want that peace of mind in certain scenarios - such as when you're out for a long walk exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time, or even doing extreme sports. This has seen a rise in models that support this increased IPX rating, but are also able to offer other features that work especially well in this kind of bud, such as long battery life and an ergonomic design that combines comfort, stability and the capability to hear your surroundings clearly without fumbling around to activate ambient mode.
Typically, these sorts of designs can be a little cumbersome, but the S50 is easily one of the most attractive-looking open ear sets I've see yet. In two-tone grey/silver, with the bottom areas in brush metallic to match the case, you've got the 1More logo across the side, and it's here that the touch controls are activated. Usually, I'm not a fan of touch controls on open ear buds, but on this model they work - 1More have removed single touch, which pretty much negates accidental touches altogether, and double-tap performs call functions as well as pausing and playing your audio. Triple tap is reserved for voice control, but this can be adjusted via the 1More app - and yes, you can choose for one of the configurations to give you volume control.
The memory wire that comprises the ear hook is soft and fairly malleable, and although you don't have a huge amount of adjustment with it, there's no pinch against the skin, and it's thin enough that it partners without any issues with glasses too.
Flip it around and you see there's a wear detection sensor on each earbud, and above you'll notice that I have fitted one of the 'tip-ish' ear tips that comes with the S50. These tips are not designed to go inside your ear canal in the way silicone tips do with IEM's, instead they are designed to negate and disperse the pressure of hard plastic against your ear that pretty much every other manufacturer has failed to accommodate.
I'm beta testing another manufacturers product currently, and I simply can't get on with it because the plastic where the driver expels is resting against my tragus and causing discomfort. It's these problems that 1More has overcome with this unique fitting that reminds me a little of when they solved the problem of half-in-ear buds causing discomfort with their original Comfobuds.
The tip is shaped to rest against your antihelix with a softer material, and give you a bit more stability. I found this to ensure the buds are extremely comfortable and stable in pretty much all environments.
Here you can see I tested the S50 out on the bike, with helmet and sunglasses. Absolutely no issues whatsoever - in fact, they are probably the most comfortable I've tried yet for cycling, and the tip actually serves another purpose here - preventing bounce back from the wind, which on other buds has made for a slightly frustrating experience.
Their IPX7 rating is pretty much best-in-class, allowing you to wear the buds in all conditions without having to worry about moisture eroding the life of the product.
The slim profile of the buds also means they are perfectly fine to use in the gym - for weights, they aren't going to get knocked out when you're doing shoulder press, for HIIT they stay nice and firm regardless of your position, and it's a similar thing with treadmill and spin. The 'no-pinch' ear hooks keep the buds in place with absolutely no discomfort at all.
The S50 are super-comfortable open ear buds, and they aren't too protrusive to look at either. I even used the S50 to listen to podcasts whilst falling asleep. You can switch the tips out for the slim rings, and this will allow to lie down on your side without the controls being activated or having any discomfort. The only drawback is the relatively high minimum volume level, which may prove to be a little too loud for some in this kind of scenario.
Audio & Sound Signature
Four-time Grammy Award winner Luca Bignardi has been 1More's long-term partner, assisting in tuning many of their key product releases over the years, and his magic touch is evident here again with the S50 punching above their weight for earbuds of this style.
Sound on the S50 is quite balanced for open ear buds, and the 'hifi-grade diamond-like carbon diaphragm' & PurePower 13.6mm dynamic drivers have been tuned with clarity and longevity in mind. This translates into a pleasant, moreish audio experience that has very quickly become my go-to for running and cycling, where I need good detail, sufficient volume and no excessive coarseness or sibilance.
Taking a look at the bass first, it is quite lean in the subbass in particular as you would expect. At 50-150Hz you've got a tight bass response that gives you a bit of body without ever sounding bloated or distorted. As far as open ear buds are concerned, what they lack in bass quantity they make up in bass quality - when listening to pop, house and techno, there's plenty of punch to kick drums and sufficient weight to basslines to prevent tracks sounding too thin or limp. With tracks with lots of midbass - bass guitars, etc., the sound is more smooth than excessively energetic. I tested with a variety of styles from the likes of Tears for Fears and other 80's rock bands, as well as the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Eric Clapton, and with all it was a similar experience - good harmonics to lower frequencies, and an articulate sound kept lean to avoid distortion and bleed. This translates well into open ear style, where you'll probably need high volumes at times to counteract your surroundings.
Move into the midrange and this is probably where the S50 shine the most. Pianos and guitars sound realistic, and vocals pop out sufficiently to place emphasis on them without ever sounding shrill or harsh. Male vocals separate out from instruments nicely. Female vocals still retain 'gaspy' qualities, and come to the fore more prominently than male vocals. The upper mids are quite elevated, and whilst the peak at 4.5k is probably accentuated due to pinna gain, the bigger picture is still valid, with vocals and instruments in those frequencies well represented with plenty of presence.
The trebles aren't ignored either. There's great texture to percussion in particular - snares, tams and castanets are audible, distinguishable, natural-sounding and retrievable. Claps can sound a shade subdued, but again this benefits the design because it prevents them sounding too harsh or peaky but at the same time retains definition. There's lots of air to the sound, making tracks sound very spacious.
The staging is very good considering the form factor - they have nice width with better-than-average depth and height. Imaging is comfortably the best of this form factor I've tried so far.
Comparing the sound to some other options on the market, the S50 sounds more natural and less fatiguing than the Soundcore Aerofit Pro. The Aerofit Pro can sound rather shrill with vocals on some tracks, and whilst the bass has a decent thud to it, there's not much in the way of detail. The S50 are cleaner and clearer.
Call Quality
Dealing with environmental noise on calls is another area where the S50 excel. They use a combination of 4 high-performance MEMS microphones and AI environmental noise reduction algorithms which they claim are capable of intelligently reducing ambient sound around you of up to 30dB.
In my busy indoor tests, the algorithm copes with indistinct chatter and mid-frequency sounds pretty well, with only particularly loud sounds overtaking your own voice, which comes through pretty much loud and clear, with decent weight.
Outdoors, the S50 are particularly strong. I tested the S50 first in general outdoor scenes where you've got a mixture of traffic and road sounds, as well as the elements, and it handled those sounds effortlessly. I also took them to a wind trap to see how they coped with that, and again it was an exemplary performance - of course some wind gets through, but not enough to derail your call.
If you're out for a run, hike or bike ride, taking a call with the S50 is definitely doable.
Connectivity and Other Features
Ok, where do we start! The S50 have lots of really nice additional features, and these are made possible thanks to the use of the newest in the range of Airoha chipsets, the AB1562E. This is a Bluetooth 5.3-supported chipset, and it provides rock solid connectivity. I had the buds connected to both my phone and laptop at work, and forgot I was connected to the laptop at one point (despite the fact I was connected to a teams call!). I wandered over to the water machine - a good 20m away at the other side of the office - and was still connected (just!) with the signal only starting to degrade as I approached it. Impressive stuff.
Other features are mostly delivered hand-in-hand with the 1MORE MUSIC app, which is tidy and easy to use application that doesn't try and do too much, but what it does, it does well. Also, there's no requirement for a username and password - a big benefit IMO.
Firstly, the app allows you to see the battery life of both the case and buds together on the main screen. It then gives you 7 options to select from:
Multipoint is very good on this model. It took me a little while to get both devices to connect, but once I did, switching between devices was extremely quick (almost instant). The earbuds are not multipoint enabled from the factory, so this is something you'll have to activate yourself.
Battery Life
Battery life on the S50 is not quite at the marathon levels of some open-ear offerings, but it's still excellent by earbud standards. In my own independent testing, I almost hit the 13 hour mark - this included a few calls and testing out low latency mode (two things that typically erode battery life quite a bit) as well as initiating and using Dual-Device connection. For the average user, 13 hours is going to be more than enough, and the ability to get an additional two hours playtime from 5 minutes of charge is a handy feature that shouldn't be underestimated.
The case can be charged wirelessly, and a full charge can be fulfilled in just 90 minutes. With a full charge, the case is capable of delivering an additional two charges - taking the total battery life to 38 hours. Whilst this isn't topping out in its category, it's still more than enough for the average user.
Summary
Having spent most of 2023 reviewing sports earbuds, it's fitting that as we approach the time of year where I'm probably going to be out running and cycling less, I find a model that finally ticks all of the boxes!! The S50 delivers both on paper and in the real world, doing the basics exceptionally well and delivering useful features that aren't simply a 'lift and shift' of the capabilities of the chip.
The sound is probably as good as it gets from an open-ear design. The lower frequencies are lean and clean and the imaging is great. For calls, they are probably the best of this style I've tested, handling environmental sound effortlessly thanks to the AI ENC and 4-mic combo. The comfort and ergonomics are great, and the case isn't too big or bulky. You've got long battery life, quick charge and Qi wireless charging too.
The additional features, such as multipoint and in-ear detection, are handy, and the app is also a trouble-free experience too. That they support moisture resistance up to IPX7 is a testament to the build quality, but also an indicator of the variety of use cases you should be able to find for the S50 - from being able to hear your surroundings in offices or coffee shops all the way through to weekend hikes, rough camping and maybe even to accompany you doing Tough Mudder.....you can see why these kind of earbuds are so important to me!
The S50 are by no means the cheapest open-ear design on the market, but they are the first where I've been genuinely satisfied with the whole package. An excellent return for 1More!
Other 1More Regancipher Reviews:
ComfoBuds 2
Comfobuds Pro
Comfobuds
Colorbuds
Omthing Airfree
Stylish
About 1More:
In the past years, as a professional headphones brand, 1MORE has won many international awards, including 38 International Design Awards (such as iDEA, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, iF Design Awards and etc.), 12 CES Awards, 3 EHA Awards and 19 VGP Awards.
In addition, many of 1MORE’s headphones have been receiving awards from top-tier media outlets across the world and are being highly recommended by those editors who rigorously tested our products to ensure they meet the highest standards in the headphone market. These media include but are not limited to Forbes, Rolling Stone, WIRED, Digital Trends, CNET and more.
4-time Grammy Award-winning Sound Engineer Luca Bignardi uniquely tunes all of 1MORE’s headphones to deliver a precise representation of the artist’s intended sound.
1MORE has branches in the US, the UK and China. Our channels reach 40 countries and regions, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50
Price: £149.99 (currently £127.99 Amazon UK)
Review Reference: RC112
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: 1More
- Model: EF906 S50
- Driver: 13.6mm Diamond-like Carbon Diaphragm & PurePower Driver
- Chipset: Airoha AB1562E
- Mic: 4 mic ENC
- ANC: No
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- App Support: Yes
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: Yes - double and triple tap
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- In-Ear Detection: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 8.53g
- Earbud Dimensions: 50.68mm x 38.27mm x 20.26mm
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 80.10g
- Case Dimensions: 86mm {maximum} (width) x 30mm (height) x 56.5mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 500mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 2 hours playtime from 15 minutes chargetime
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes (buds and case), 80 minutes (buds only)
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 11 hours
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 38 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX7
- Firmware Version Tested: V1.5.7
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x 1More Carry Case
4 x Sets of 'buffer' earloops (S/M/L & 'cover')
1 x User Manual
1 x QR for tech support
YouTube Review:
Introduction
2023 has definitely been the year of the sports wearable earbud, with manufacturers scrambling to bring the latest tech to their open-ear, air conduction and bone conduction products. Slightly late to the party is 1More, with two releases - the S30 and S50 - and the latter is what we are taking a look at today.
The S50 are the higher-priced of the two, retailing at around £127 (MSRP £150). They are towards the top end of this category in terms of cost, but with an impressive feature-set and intriguing design, I was very keen to see what they were like. Optimising sound, style and comfort for vendors in this space has been a challenge, with few managing to combine those facets sufficiently to offer an outright leader. Until now!
I won't spoil the review at this early stage too much - but the 1More Fit Open S50 are the most convincing sports earbud to date. Read on for my thoughts on why they have obliterated the competition by not only getting the basics right, but delivering a string of must-have's and desirables that more than justify their premium price tag.
Unboxing
When you're priced above $100, getting the unboxing experience right becomes arguably infinitely more important. Nobody wants to give a cheap tatty box as a gift, and whilst a smart unboxing won't trump how they sound, it's always nice to see the manufacturer paying attention to these areas. The 1More Fit comes in an impressive, large outer enclosure that screams 'no expense spared' - there's some images of the product on the front, and a full synopsis of the features and parameters on the back.
This isn't the first time I've reviewed a 1More product, and it isn't the first time I've seen these beautiful sketches of the product alongside some of the headline features. The way the box folds out to reveal this is typical of the effort and care that has gone into making the unboxing experience as extravagant as possible.
In terms of accessories, you're getting a little more than the usual USB cable and a manual. Because of the unique way that the S50 wear, you've got a variety of different 'tip-ish' fittings that can (but aren't necessary to) attach to the earbud, in small, medium and large. There's also a small ring adapter that basically substitutes for a full adapter, and allows you to wear them a little looser whilst still protecting the driver surround.
1More have also included a small carry bag, and this is ideal for carrying the tips in. If, like me, you end up liking at least two of the tip configurations, then this is a nice solution to ensure you can swap them over if you need to, wherever you are. There's also a USB A to C charge cable, a QR code to allow you to register the product, and a manual. The user guide is in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish and Russian, and makes use of diagrams and simple explanations to good effect.
Charge Case
Getting the charge case right for buds of this style is not something manufacturers have found easy, but 1More seem to have cracked it with an attractive-looking, but also portable case that features hall-switch mode, fast charge and wireless charging, as well as having an LED on the front to denote charge level.
The case is quite lightweight for its size - weighing just over 80g fully loaded - and measuring 86mm x 30mm x 565mm. It's one of the few cases that I can actually carry whilst out for a run - fitting in the front pocket of the vest I wear whilst out jogging.
It's finished in a light silver matte colour that shimmers nicely in the sunlight. There's also a matte black version available. At the front, the LED tells you roughly how much charge is remaining in the case - green means more than 80%, amber is 20-80%, red is below 20%. The case takes around 90 minutes for a full charge, but offers up to 2 hours playback for the earbuds from just 5 minutes plugged in. There's a USB socket (bevelled) at the back, and the case also supports Qi wireless charging, taking a bit longer to fully charge than wired, as is expected.
The case is straightforward enough to open - flip the lid at the front - and once inside you see more examples of the intelligent design. Each side bud sits in the corresponding side of the case with the control units sat together in the middle. There's a nice magnetic pull - not too strong but not too loose - pulling the buds in, and holding them firmly in place. The hinge has good strength to it too - it won't be slamming shut in the wind.
There's a reset pairing button in the centre. With both buds in the case, if you hold this down for 8 seconds, that will reset the pairing history. You can also triple tap this button, again with the buds in the case, to revert back from single to dual mode.
Ergonomics and Design
Open-ear designs like the S50 have become especially popular during 2023 as consumers have increasingly sought to separate out their use cases. IPX7 on every set of earbuds on the market isn't feasible, for example, but you would still want that peace of mind in certain scenarios - such as when you're out for a long walk exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time, or even doing extreme sports. This has seen a rise in models that support this increased IPX rating, but are also able to offer other features that work especially well in this kind of bud, such as long battery life and an ergonomic design that combines comfort, stability and the capability to hear your surroundings clearly without fumbling around to activate ambient mode.
Typically, these sorts of designs can be a little cumbersome, but the S50 is easily one of the most attractive-looking open ear sets I've see yet. In two-tone grey/silver, with the bottom areas in brush metallic to match the case, you've got the 1More logo across the side, and it's here that the touch controls are activated. Usually, I'm not a fan of touch controls on open ear buds, but on this model they work - 1More have removed single touch, which pretty much negates accidental touches altogether, and double-tap performs call functions as well as pausing and playing your audio. Triple tap is reserved for voice control, but this can be adjusted via the 1More app - and yes, you can choose for one of the configurations to give you volume control.
The memory wire that comprises the ear hook is soft and fairly malleable, and although you don't have a huge amount of adjustment with it, there's no pinch against the skin, and it's thin enough that it partners without any issues with glasses too.
Flip it around and you see there's a wear detection sensor on each earbud, and above you'll notice that I have fitted one of the 'tip-ish' ear tips that comes with the S50. These tips are not designed to go inside your ear canal in the way silicone tips do with IEM's, instead they are designed to negate and disperse the pressure of hard plastic against your ear that pretty much every other manufacturer has failed to accommodate.
I'm beta testing another manufacturers product currently, and I simply can't get on with it because the plastic where the driver expels is resting against my tragus and causing discomfort. It's these problems that 1More has overcome with this unique fitting that reminds me a little of when they solved the problem of half-in-ear buds causing discomfort with their original Comfobuds.
The tip is shaped to rest against your antihelix with a softer material, and give you a bit more stability. I found this to ensure the buds are extremely comfortable and stable in pretty much all environments.
Here you can see I tested the S50 out on the bike, with helmet and sunglasses. Absolutely no issues whatsoever - in fact, they are probably the most comfortable I've tried yet for cycling, and the tip actually serves another purpose here - preventing bounce back from the wind, which on other buds has made for a slightly frustrating experience.
Their IPX7 rating is pretty much best-in-class, allowing you to wear the buds in all conditions without having to worry about moisture eroding the life of the product.
The slim profile of the buds also means they are perfectly fine to use in the gym - for weights, they aren't going to get knocked out when you're doing shoulder press, for HIIT they stay nice and firm regardless of your position, and it's a similar thing with treadmill and spin. The 'no-pinch' ear hooks keep the buds in place with absolutely no discomfort at all.
The S50 are super-comfortable open ear buds, and they aren't too protrusive to look at either. I even used the S50 to listen to podcasts whilst falling asleep. You can switch the tips out for the slim rings, and this will allow to lie down on your side without the controls being activated or having any discomfort. The only drawback is the relatively high minimum volume level, which may prove to be a little too loud for some in this kind of scenario.
Audio & Sound Signature
Four-time Grammy Award winner Luca Bignardi has been 1More's long-term partner, assisting in tuning many of their key product releases over the years, and his magic touch is evident here again with the S50 punching above their weight for earbuds of this style.
Sound on the S50 is quite balanced for open ear buds, and the 'hifi-grade diamond-like carbon diaphragm' & PurePower 13.6mm dynamic drivers have been tuned with clarity and longevity in mind. This translates into a pleasant, moreish audio experience that has very quickly become my go-to for running and cycling, where I need good detail, sufficient volume and no excessive coarseness or sibilance.
Taking a look at the bass first, it is quite lean in the subbass in particular as you would expect. At 50-150Hz you've got a tight bass response that gives you a bit of body without ever sounding bloated or distorted. As far as open ear buds are concerned, what they lack in bass quantity they make up in bass quality - when listening to pop, house and techno, there's plenty of punch to kick drums and sufficient weight to basslines to prevent tracks sounding too thin or limp. With tracks with lots of midbass - bass guitars, etc., the sound is more smooth than excessively energetic. I tested with a variety of styles from the likes of Tears for Fears and other 80's rock bands, as well as the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Eric Clapton, and with all it was a similar experience - good harmonics to lower frequencies, and an articulate sound kept lean to avoid distortion and bleed. This translates well into open ear style, where you'll probably need high volumes at times to counteract your surroundings.
Move into the midrange and this is probably where the S50 shine the most. Pianos and guitars sound realistic, and vocals pop out sufficiently to place emphasis on them without ever sounding shrill or harsh. Male vocals separate out from instruments nicely. Female vocals still retain 'gaspy' qualities, and come to the fore more prominently than male vocals. The upper mids are quite elevated, and whilst the peak at 4.5k is probably accentuated due to pinna gain, the bigger picture is still valid, with vocals and instruments in those frequencies well represented with plenty of presence.
The trebles aren't ignored either. There's great texture to percussion in particular - snares, tams and castanets are audible, distinguishable, natural-sounding and retrievable. Claps can sound a shade subdued, but again this benefits the design because it prevents them sounding too harsh or peaky but at the same time retains definition. There's lots of air to the sound, making tracks sound very spacious.
The staging is very good considering the form factor - they have nice width with better-than-average depth and height. Imaging is comfortably the best of this form factor I've tried so far.
Comparing the sound to some other options on the market, the S50 sounds more natural and less fatiguing than the Soundcore Aerofit Pro. The Aerofit Pro can sound rather shrill with vocals on some tracks, and whilst the bass has a decent thud to it, there's not much in the way of detail. The S50 are cleaner and clearer.
Call Quality
Dealing with environmental noise on calls is another area where the S50 excel. They use a combination of 4 high-performance MEMS microphones and AI environmental noise reduction algorithms which they claim are capable of intelligently reducing ambient sound around you of up to 30dB.
In my busy indoor tests, the algorithm copes with indistinct chatter and mid-frequency sounds pretty well, with only particularly loud sounds overtaking your own voice, which comes through pretty much loud and clear, with decent weight.
Outdoors, the S50 are particularly strong. I tested the S50 first in general outdoor scenes where you've got a mixture of traffic and road sounds, as well as the elements, and it handled those sounds effortlessly. I also took them to a wind trap to see how they coped with that, and again it was an exemplary performance - of course some wind gets through, but not enough to derail your call.
If you're out for a run, hike or bike ride, taking a call with the S50 is definitely doable.
Connectivity and Other Features
Ok, where do we start! The S50 have lots of really nice additional features, and these are made possible thanks to the use of the newest in the range of Airoha chipsets, the AB1562E. This is a Bluetooth 5.3-supported chipset, and it provides rock solid connectivity. I had the buds connected to both my phone and laptop at work, and forgot I was connected to the laptop at one point (despite the fact I was connected to a teams call!). I wandered over to the water machine - a good 20m away at the other side of the office - and was still connected (just!) with the signal only starting to degrade as I approached it. Impressive stuff.
Other features are mostly delivered hand-in-hand with the 1MORE MUSIC app, which is tidy and easy to use application that doesn't try and do too much, but what it does, it does well. Also, there's no requirement for a username and password - a big benefit IMO.
Firstly, the app allows you to see the battery life of both the case and buds together on the main screen. It then gives you 7 options to select from:
- Smart Playback: The ability to toggle in-ear detection. You can choose auto-pause only, auto-play and pause, or switch it off. I found this feature to be very accurate.
- Custom Settings: Here you are able to customise the double and triple tap functions, with each side configurable separately.
- Low Latency: Gaming mode. Toggling this will give you a 'setup complete' message, and it reduces latency even further. I found latency to be excellent - easily achieving lip sync on my Sony Xperia 1 IV when watching videos. LL mode reduces this further, improving the performance for casual gamers.
- Equaliser: 12 presets in total. Bass Booster is a handy tweak that does improve the subbass performance and increases the overall volume. Most of the presets are useful - they don't alter the sound ridiculously - but I typically preferred to come back to the more neutral-sounding default 'Studio' preset. Sadly the app does not have a parametric EQ.
- OTA Firmware Upgrade: As it says, an opportunity to update your firmware.
- Quick Guide to Product: Graphical instructions
- Soothing Sounds: a series of ASMR-style sounds you can leave running. The only problem is they only run for 10 seconds before pausing for a second until then re-looping. Not ideal.
Multipoint is very good on this model. It took me a little while to get both devices to connect, but once I did, switching between devices was extremely quick (almost instant). The earbuds are not multipoint enabled from the factory, so this is something you'll have to activate yourself.
Battery Life
Battery life on the S50 is not quite at the marathon levels of some open-ear offerings, but it's still excellent by earbud standards. In my own independent testing, I almost hit the 13 hour mark - this included a few calls and testing out low latency mode (two things that typically erode battery life quite a bit) as well as initiating and using Dual-Device connection. For the average user, 13 hours is going to be more than enough, and the ability to get an additional two hours playtime from 5 minutes of charge is a handy feature that shouldn't be underestimated.
The case can be charged wirelessly, and a full charge can be fulfilled in just 90 minutes. With a full charge, the case is capable of delivering an additional two charges - taking the total battery life to 38 hours. Whilst this isn't topping out in its category, it's still more than enough for the average user.
Summary
Having spent most of 2023 reviewing sports earbuds, it's fitting that as we approach the time of year where I'm probably going to be out running and cycling less, I find a model that finally ticks all of the boxes!! The S50 delivers both on paper and in the real world, doing the basics exceptionally well and delivering useful features that aren't simply a 'lift and shift' of the capabilities of the chip.
The sound is probably as good as it gets from an open-ear design. The lower frequencies are lean and clean and the imaging is great. For calls, they are probably the best of this style I've tested, handling environmental sound effortlessly thanks to the AI ENC and 4-mic combo. The comfort and ergonomics are great, and the case isn't too big or bulky. You've got long battery life, quick charge and Qi wireless charging too.
The additional features, such as multipoint and in-ear detection, are handy, and the app is also a trouble-free experience too. That they support moisture resistance up to IPX7 is a testament to the build quality, but also an indicator of the variety of use cases you should be able to find for the S50 - from being able to hear your surroundings in offices or coffee shops all the way through to weekend hikes, rough camping and maybe even to accompany you doing Tough Mudder.....you can see why these kind of earbuds are so important to me!
The S50 are by no means the cheapest open-ear design on the market, but they are the first where I've been genuinely satisfied with the whole package. An excellent return for 1More!
Other 1More Regancipher Reviews:
ComfoBuds 2
Comfobuds Pro
Comfobuds
Colorbuds
Omthing Airfree
Stylish
About 1More:
In the past years, as a professional headphones brand, 1MORE has won many international awards, including 38 International Design Awards (such as iDEA, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, iF Design Awards and etc.), 12 CES Awards, 3 EHA Awards and 19 VGP Awards.
In addition, many of 1MORE’s headphones have been receiving awards from top-tier media outlets across the world and are being highly recommended by those editors who rigorously tested our products to ensure they meet the highest standards in the headphone market. These media include but are not limited to Forbes, Rolling Stone, WIRED, Digital Trends, CNET and more.
4-time Grammy Award-winning Sound Engineer Luca Bignardi uniquely tunes all of 1MORE’s headphones to deliver a precise representation of the artist’s intended sound.
1MORE has branches in the US, the UK and China. Our channels reach 40 countries and regions, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: BASN MMCX
Price: £60.79 - Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC111
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair MMCX IEM
1 x Detachable Silver-plated cable (no mic)
1 x Detachable Mic cable
3 x Single Layer Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Double-Flange Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Triple-Flange Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Memory Foam Eartips (SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Cable Clip
1 x Cleaning Brush
1 x 1/4 inch adapter
1 x Carry Case
YouTube Review:
Introduction
BASN is an acronym for 'Be a sincere newcomer', which would serve as a reminder to passionate audiophile Louis Lee when he founded the brand back in 2009 of his intentions and values. The MMCX Series are one of several product lines in the BASN portfolio, starting from the dual-driver entry-level Bsinger through to their MTPro 14.5mm Planar and ASONE models, reviewed here recently at Headfi.
The MMCX is in the middle somewhere, with a hybrid triple-driver arrangement (2DD & 1BA) and a specific sound signature aimed at drummers and guitarists in particular. BASN seem to have been very popular with performers - for stage instrumentation or recording studio mixing - so I'll be taking a look at how the MMCX perform from that perspective and seeing how it translates into everyday use.
The MMCX are currently available for £60.79 at Amazon UK in Green (reviewed here), blue and white, but there are other colours available - see the BASN website for details.
Unboxing
The unboxing experience with BASN is pretty much unparalleled, with the IEM set into the inlay, making it visible from the front, and the key parameters listed about the whole box. I read a review that said they felt like they were unboxing something from Tiffany's with the MMCX, and whilst that might be overegging the pudding a little bit, it's not by much - peel away the outer layer and you have a jewellery box-style enclosure, which you lift up to reveal the IEM's and carry case, and slide the drawer out to find two sachets of accessories. Impressive stuff.
The accessories that come with the MMCX are impressive in their number and quantity. Firstly, you've got no less than 12 sets of eartips - 9 silicone, 3 foam. The eartips are reasonably good quality - nothing special, but as you would expect for a sub $100 IEM.
There's standard fit in SML, and you've also got double-flange and Etymotic-style triple-flange in the same configurations. Foam also come in three sizes and are Comply-style unbranded. You've also got a small, black zippered carry case - it's probably too small to hold the IEM's as well as the mass of accessories unfortunately, but useful nonetheless.
And that's not all. You also get a 1/4 inch adapter, a cleaning brush and a small clip, as well as two MMCX cables.
The first is a standard brown 3.5mm cable which has a three-button control unit (two volume, one MFB) and microphone built in. It's OK quality, and although the metal adjustable earhook guides aren't really my preferred style, it still wears well enough. The other cable is silver-plated, with an anti-tangle thingy in the middle and no microphone. Both cables are quite long - 4.9ft - and have single pin MMCX connectors at the end. I'm not a huge fan of this connector generally, but tolerances seem fine - there's a satisfying 'click' when you insert them into the earbud, and whilst there is some swivel, I didn't notice any issues with them unclipping or anything like that. It's the preferred connector for active use, so it makes sense they've used that in this model. Plus they'd have had to think of a new name!
Ergonomics & Build Quality
The MMCX is an attractive looking IEM, with a green-marbled effect to the plate, and BASN MMCX screen printed in gold. They have a teardrop-style shape with quite average measurements of 21.5mm in height and 16.4mm in width. They also weigh in around average too, at just over 5g - pretty much the median for triple driver designs.
Guess what type of cable connects to the MMCX?! It's a single pin connector - not a connection I love in all honesty as it is guaranteed to trash a cable or two per lifetime! I did not stray far from the supplied cable, because as much as I'd have loved to have tried it with a balanced one, I've been bitten by engineering tolerances in the past. However, the connection was quite tight and it clicked into place nicely, and the cables have blue and red dots to remind you which side connects to which IEM.
Flip them over and you see the transparent plastic design of the MMCX. For a £60 IEM, you'd probably hope to get something a little more premium-looking and premium-feeling - it's a similar build quality to earbuds much cheaper, and whilst the materials aren't everything, even so I'd be looking for something metallic in shell for the MSRP (around £78). At least it gives you an opportunity to view the drivers - you've got a dual-chamber dynamic driver and a balanced armature in the nozzle. The nozzles are standard 6mm diameter, so aside the plethora of tips that come supplied with the buds, you've got plenty of third party options too.
The depth - 22mm - is also pretty much about average, so they fit well both inside your ear and around the shape of your ear. It's a lightweight and easy-wearing IEM that has good fit and strong isolation. BASN claim around 30dB - and this sounds about right. Their core market has typically been for drummers and bassists, using these in live or recording environments, so isolation is going to be very important to them - and it shows, because the MMCX do blot out a lot of background noise.
Audio & Sound Signature
First thing to mention on the MMCX is that they needed an overnight burn-in, sounding much more controlled on second marathon listen. The second thing is the tip selection - they are seemingly much boomier with silicone tips than foam, which tames the slightly wild lower frequencies a bit, opening out the clarity of trebles. Driving the MMCX is fine - I tested with a variety of sources, including my Sony Xperia 1 IV and a couple of different DAC's.
Given these are targeted at bassists, I was expecting a beefy, full-sounding lower frequency response, and I wasn't disappointed. On first listen, it was a little too beefy, but the tips and burn-in seemed to remedy that, and you're left with a fun sounding bass that, despite the subbass roll-off, has loads of rumble to it and gives drums and percussion a hefty slam. There's good density thoughout the lower frequencies.
Given the buds peak at 50-60Hz, you won't be surprised when you hear basslines thundering in. The deepest notes in rock and acoustic tracks are full of body though - despite the dip in the higher bass, you've got decent harmonics, good texture and adequate decay. On 'Break up with your girlfriend' by Ariana Grande, the bassline comes in unrelentless, and move over to something like 'Layla' by Eric Clapton and there's plenty of intensity to guitars. With 'Fly Away' by Lenny Kravitz there's good separation and quite accurate imaging. There's a little bleed into the mids, but overall it's good texture and heft - the bass is without question the star of the show, but it doesn't overpower the mids and trebles, thankfully.
The midrange is quite well balanced and neutral sounding, with some warmth, good detail and body. Male vocals are a bit softer, a bit further back but with better depth, whereas female vocals have medium dynamism, not jumping out nor retreating into the mix. There's no sharp peak in the upper mids, it's a gradual climb that brings a pleasant smoothness.
The trebles are about as natural sounding as a balanced armature can get, but for trebleheads, you may find them a tad uninspiring. Cymbals and claps are a little muted, albeit realistic. Pianos and brass instruments sound pleasant. There's a moderate mid treble peak at 8kHz, and the trebles don't then roll off completely, and that makes for a realistic-sounding response across the upper frequencies with quite good separation. The BA timbre is more evident with silicone tips, but with the foam tips it sounds much more organic. There's a moderate amount of air, and little to no sibilance or coarseness. All in all it's a controlled treble - the MMCX certainly aren't a fatiguing set, but they do admittedly lack a bit of shimmer and sparkle - this is most notable when you listen for percussive detail, which falls a little short.
Staging on the MMCX is fairly natural - they aren't especially wide, but have reasonable depth. Imaging is also OK - they're accurate rather than precise - and this translates to a pleasant experience for the casual listener. It is quite easy to see why these are popular with guitarists and drummers, because the sound is quite realistic and balanced, with strong emphasis on the midbass. There's good harmonics and balance between the frequency ranges.
Summary
The MMCX is a performer-friendly IEM that looks good, has decent enough build quality and an enjoyable, dense, bassy sound with a softer treble response that does a solid job for casual listening.
At the discounted price of £60, they represent fair value for money, especially if you are fairly new to the game and haven't amassed a cupboard full of spare tips and cables. The presentation and accessories are a big plus if you're dipping your toes into IEM's and don't want to have to pick up a load of bits and pieces from different places.
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Model: BASN MMCX
Price: £60.79 - Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC111
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: BASN
- Model: MMCX Triple Driver
- Driver: 2DD hybrid dual 10mm diaphragm & 1BA Driver
- IEM Weight: 5.63g
- IEM Dimensions: 21.5mm (height) x 16.4mm (width) x 22mm (max depth)
- Shell: Plastic
- Impedance: 24+-1 Ohm @ 1kHz
- Sensitivity: 107dB/Vrms @ 1kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-22kHz
- Connector: Single pin MMCX
1 x Pair MMCX IEM
1 x Detachable Silver-plated cable (no mic)
1 x Detachable Mic cable
3 x Single Layer Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Double-Flange Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Triple-Flange Silicone Eartips (SML)
3 x Memory Foam Eartips (SML)
1 x User Manual
1 x Cable Clip
1 x Cleaning Brush
1 x 1/4 inch adapter
1 x Carry Case
YouTube Review:
Introduction
BASN is an acronym for 'Be a sincere newcomer', which would serve as a reminder to passionate audiophile Louis Lee when he founded the brand back in 2009 of his intentions and values. The MMCX Series are one of several product lines in the BASN portfolio, starting from the dual-driver entry-level Bsinger through to their MTPro 14.5mm Planar and ASONE models, reviewed here recently at Headfi.
The MMCX is in the middle somewhere, with a hybrid triple-driver arrangement (2DD & 1BA) and a specific sound signature aimed at drummers and guitarists in particular. BASN seem to have been very popular with performers - for stage instrumentation or recording studio mixing - so I'll be taking a look at how the MMCX perform from that perspective and seeing how it translates into everyday use.
The MMCX are currently available for £60.79 at Amazon UK in Green (reviewed here), blue and white, but there are other colours available - see the BASN website for details.
Unboxing
The unboxing experience with BASN is pretty much unparalleled, with the IEM set into the inlay, making it visible from the front, and the key parameters listed about the whole box. I read a review that said they felt like they were unboxing something from Tiffany's with the MMCX, and whilst that might be overegging the pudding a little bit, it's not by much - peel away the outer layer and you have a jewellery box-style enclosure, which you lift up to reveal the IEM's and carry case, and slide the drawer out to find two sachets of accessories. Impressive stuff.
The accessories that come with the MMCX are impressive in their number and quantity. Firstly, you've got no less than 12 sets of eartips - 9 silicone, 3 foam. The eartips are reasonably good quality - nothing special, but as you would expect for a sub $100 IEM.
There's standard fit in SML, and you've also got double-flange and Etymotic-style triple-flange in the same configurations. Foam also come in three sizes and are Comply-style unbranded. You've also got a small, black zippered carry case - it's probably too small to hold the IEM's as well as the mass of accessories unfortunately, but useful nonetheless.
And that's not all. You also get a 1/4 inch adapter, a cleaning brush and a small clip, as well as two MMCX cables.
The first is a standard brown 3.5mm cable which has a three-button control unit (two volume, one MFB) and microphone built in. It's OK quality, and although the metal adjustable earhook guides aren't really my preferred style, it still wears well enough. The other cable is silver-plated, with an anti-tangle thingy in the middle and no microphone. Both cables are quite long - 4.9ft - and have single pin MMCX connectors at the end. I'm not a huge fan of this connector generally, but tolerances seem fine - there's a satisfying 'click' when you insert them into the earbud, and whilst there is some swivel, I didn't notice any issues with them unclipping or anything like that. It's the preferred connector for active use, so it makes sense they've used that in this model. Plus they'd have had to think of a new name!
Ergonomics & Build Quality
The MMCX is an attractive looking IEM, with a green-marbled effect to the plate, and BASN MMCX screen printed in gold. They have a teardrop-style shape with quite average measurements of 21.5mm in height and 16.4mm in width. They also weigh in around average too, at just over 5g - pretty much the median for triple driver designs.
Guess what type of cable connects to the MMCX?! It's a single pin connector - not a connection I love in all honesty as it is guaranteed to trash a cable or two per lifetime! I did not stray far from the supplied cable, because as much as I'd have loved to have tried it with a balanced one, I've been bitten by engineering tolerances in the past. However, the connection was quite tight and it clicked into place nicely, and the cables have blue and red dots to remind you which side connects to which IEM.
Flip them over and you see the transparent plastic design of the MMCX. For a £60 IEM, you'd probably hope to get something a little more premium-looking and premium-feeling - it's a similar build quality to earbuds much cheaper, and whilst the materials aren't everything, even so I'd be looking for something metallic in shell for the MSRP (around £78). At least it gives you an opportunity to view the drivers - you've got a dual-chamber dynamic driver and a balanced armature in the nozzle. The nozzles are standard 6mm diameter, so aside the plethora of tips that come supplied with the buds, you've got plenty of third party options too.
The depth - 22mm - is also pretty much about average, so they fit well both inside your ear and around the shape of your ear. It's a lightweight and easy-wearing IEM that has good fit and strong isolation. BASN claim around 30dB - and this sounds about right. Their core market has typically been for drummers and bassists, using these in live or recording environments, so isolation is going to be very important to them - and it shows, because the MMCX do blot out a lot of background noise.
Audio & Sound Signature
First thing to mention on the MMCX is that they needed an overnight burn-in, sounding much more controlled on second marathon listen. The second thing is the tip selection - they are seemingly much boomier with silicone tips than foam, which tames the slightly wild lower frequencies a bit, opening out the clarity of trebles. Driving the MMCX is fine - I tested with a variety of sources, including my Sony Xperia 1 IV and a couple of different DAC's.
Given these are targeted at bassists, I was expecting a beefy, full-sounding lower frequency response, and I wasn't disappointed. On first listen, it was a little too beefy, but the tips and burn-in seemed to remedy that, and you're left with a fun sounding bass that, despite the subbass roll-off, has loads of rumble to it and gives drums and percussion a hefty slam. There's good density thoughout the lower frequencies.
Given the buds peak at 50-60Hz, you won't be surprised when you hear basslines thundering in. The deepest notes in rock and acoustic tracks are full of body though - despite the dip in the higher bass, you've got decent harmonics, good texture and adequate decay. On 'Break up with your girlfriend' by Ariana Grande, the bassline comes in unrelentless, and move over to something like 'Layla' by Eric Clapton and there's plenty of intensity to guitars. With 'Fly Away' by Lenny Kravitz there's good separation and quite accurate imaging. There's a little bleed into the mids, but overall it's good texture and heft - the bass is without question the star of the show, but it doesn't overpower the mids and trebles, thankfully.
The midrange is quite well balanced and neutral sounding, with some warmth, good detail and body. Male vocals are a bit softer, a bit further back but with better depth, whereas female vocals have medium dynamism, not jumping out nor retreating into the mix. There's no sharp peak in the upper mids, it's a gradual climb that brings a pleasant smoothness.
The trebles are about as natural sounding as a balanced armature can get, but for trebleheads, you may find them a tad uninspiring. Cymbals and claps are a little muted, albeit realistic. Pianos and brass instruments sound pleasant. There's a moderate mid treble peak at 8kHz, and the trebles don't then roll off completely, and that makes for a realistic-sounding response across the upper frequencies with quite good separation. The BA timbre is more evident with silicone tips, but with the foam tips it sounds much more organic. There's a moderate amount of air, and little to no sibilance or coarseness. All in all it's a controlled treble - the MMCX certainly aren't a fatiguing set, but they do admittedly lack a bit of shimmer and sparkle - this is most notable when you listen for percussive detail, which falls a little short.
Staging on the MMCX is fairly natural - they aren't especially wide, but have reasonable depth. Imaging is also OK - they're accurate rather than precise - and this translates to a pleasant experience for the casual listener. It is quite easy to see why these are popular with guitarists and drummers, because the sound is quite realistic and balanced, with strong emphasis on the midbass. There's good harmonics and balance between the frequency ranges.
Summary
The MMCX is a performer-friendly IEM that looks good, has decent enough build quality and an enjoyable, dense, bassy sound with a softer treble response that does a solid job for casual listening.
At the discounted price of £60, they represent fair value for money, especially if you are fairly new to the game and haven't amassed a cupboard full of spare tips and cables. The presentation and accessories are a big plus if you're dipping your toes into IEM's and don't want to have to pick up a load of bits and pieces from different places.
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Model: OneOdio OpenRock S
Price: Currently with 30% off - $62.99
Review Reference: RC110
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
It's another day and another new sports wearable - the TWS world has been well and truly overshadowed during 2023 with release after release of bone and air conduction sets, each looking to topple Shokz, who must be wondering what they did to invite all of this competition!
One of the best Shokz alternatives during 2023 has been OneOdio's OpenRock Pro, with an uncharacteristically bassy sound signature and market-leading battery life, but it was slightly pricey - topping the £100 mark at times on Amazon UK - so OneOdio have decided to add a complementary model, scaling back some of the features, adjusting the ergonomics slightly, giving the case a revamp and upgrading to a Bluetooth 5.3 chipset.
Priced at around $62.99 with voucher code, this is pretty competitive, going head to head with the likes of TrueFree and their 01 'Oladance-clone' which I reviewed a few days ago here at Headfi. Inevitably though, there are some compromises - are they worth it? Read on for my views, along with a comparison to the Pro version.
Unboxing
When the OpenRock S arrived in the mail, I did get slightly excited thinking I may have ordered a new mobile phone whilst drunk - the box is shaped as such, but thankfully for my bank balance I had in fact stayed true to my trusty Sony Xperia 1 IV, and instead was in the process of of discovering what OneOdio had to offer with their latest release.
The unboxing is much more professional than something like the TrueFree 01, which is very basic and lacks the finesse of what we're looking at here - OneOdio are quite consistent with this, delivering a premium affair quite consistently, and this is no exception despite the scale-back in cost.
Despite the glossy exterior and hard case, you aren't really getting much inside - there's a quick user guide with big visuals that is quite useful, as it outlines how to adjust the buds. Apart from that, you've got a basic USB A to C charge cable, a longer manual in English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Chinese.
Charge Case
The charge case for open ear style buds is always a conundrum. Due to their size and shape, there's no easy way of concealing them, certainly in a way that makes it vaguely portable. The OpenRock S case is almost like a sunglasses case - and similarly sized too, measuring 143.5mm x 30.1mm x 56.8mm and weighing 137g full loaded - a bit of a beast, but it's slimline profile does at least stand in it's favour. I went for the cream model (they also offer them in black) and the case matches the colour of the buds - it's matte, plastic and has some heft to it that definitely sets it apart from some of the budget cases I've tested lately.
However, despite the premium feel to the outside, open the case up and you see some unfortunate design flaws. With the lid open, the weight of the lid is a little too much to ensure it can balance adequately, so it kinda tips itself backwards when you lay it down on the desk. This looks odd and makes getting the buds out with one hand a bit awkward. There's also some cut outs on the inner top of the lid, as you can see above, but they are a little too deep, and after adjusting the buds a little, I found on occasions the battery connectors would not always be touching, and the buds would remain connected to my device even with the lid closed, so this is something I'd advise to keep an eye on.
The area in the middle does reflect the case's adaptability, in that it allows you some wiggle-room to adjust the buds and place them in the case without the need to set them back to default. The case on the OpenRock Pro didn't have this level of wiggle-room, but it was also quite a bit smaller, albeit shaped somewhat unothodox.
The case is charged via USB-C only (charge socket at the rear). You've got an LED strip along the front of the lip, which is set into four portions. Those four portions correspond to a quarter each of the case's remaining charge. And since you get approximately two additional charges with the case, you can work out fairly routinely how much each of those quarters is in terms of hours remaining.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
The OpenRock S are a bit bulkier than the original OpenRock Pro, measuring 4mm wider than the Pro at 61mm but weighing the same (12.8g). This is probably a bit heavier than average, and it does show in how they appear, especially around the control area. This is the bit that is on show the most, and it looks OK - they've retained the OpenRock branding, but they look far nicer than the slightly cheap-looking Pro, benefitting from the absence of a metallic-looking surface, which wasn't really my thing.
The control area has to be slightly larger since it now houses the touch control sensor - unlike the Pro, they've gone for touch controls as opposed to tactile buttons, and I have to be honest and say I'm not particularly keen. When trying to switch EQ modes (holding both sensors down for 2s), I found I hardly ever got my fingers in the right place first time, and when I did, it still routinely changed the tracks instead.
The touch controls are actually a bit of a sore point - there's no volume control, and single tapping doesn't do anything. Double tap will play/pause and answer/hang up your call, holding the left and right respectively cycles tracks forwards and backwards. Triple tapping either bud activates voice assistant. Sadly, there's also no opportunity to customise the controls, because OneOdio does not have a dedicated smartphone app.
The ear hook is slightly larger too, but I do feel the ergonomics are slightly more balanced on the S. There's more adjustment area, so they are slightly more customisable in terms of the fit, and the driver opening has also been refined, positioned and shaped better with respect of channelling and concentrating the sound directly to your ear canals.
In terms of use-cases, like most open-ear buds, they're aimed at sports and recreational activities such as cycling, running, gym, etc. I had no issues with them on the bike - they wear fine around my helmet, and even when wearing sunglasses, they just sit on the outside of them quite securely. Despite them looking a bit unwieldy here, they still feel quite lightweight and I had no issues with stability at all. I also tried them out doing weights in the gym, HIIT and a 5km road run, and, like the Pro, the S were a comfortable and reliable companion.
They're IPX5, which is going to give you a bit more protection from rain and sweat than the likes of Oladance and TrueFree. IPX4 is only splash resistant, whereas IPX5 will resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray. In the real world, there's not a huge difference, but it's probably worth considering that if you go on long runs in the rain or bike rides without a helmet, that added protection will probably give you a bit more peace of mind. If you're an extreme sports person or are looking for something to swim with, IPX5 isn't going to give you the sustained protection, so do bear this in mind.
Audio & Sound Signature
With both models sporting a 16.2mm dynamic driver and supporting the AAC and SBC codecs, integrating their TubeBass technology and dynamic audio algorithm, designed to optimise the lower frequencies and automatically adjust the bass and treble to optimise sound quality.
I was intrigued to hear how the sound on each would compare, especially since the OpenRock Pro was one of the bassier-sounding open ear buds I've tested, with a powerful midbass that avoided distortion and gave it a warmer, upfront sound, not a characteristic usually applied to open ear designs.
However, this time around OneOdio have boosted the subbass but dialled back the midbass a little and focused the emphasis on clearer vocals and the perception of a wider, more open soundstage. The tone is a bit colder, without thinning to the extremes of their competitors, like the TrueFree 01, for example, so it's a different sound to the Pro, but evolution rather than revolution.
In the lower frequencies, it is apparent notably on rock & RnB, where midbass power is especially highlighted, that the S are cooler and less energetic. Bass isn't completely absent, but it is very tightly controlled - drums on house and techno are fast but quite lean, and the relatively flat midbass opens the sound out in the upper mids, so vocals, pianos and brass instruments have more presence, and come to the fore over basslines and drums.
In the trebles, the S are smoother than the OpenRock Pro, so there's a bit less stridence to cymbals and synths - the OpenRock Pro never sounded fatiguing, but the S have managed to bring vocals and instruments forward and give them more presence, without sharpening them to the point of shrill.
I wouldn't say the S sound better or worse than the Pro necessarily - they follow a similar brief, just with some minor adjustments. If you prefer more weight to your bass and a warmer tone, you'll probably prefer the Pro, and if bass isn't as important and you favour a leaner sound with cleaner instruments and vocals, you'll prefer the S - there's no real discernible difference in resolution, it's purely down to your preference in tuning. Remember, sound on this style of earbud is nowhere near as immersive as an IEM or TWS, so temper your expectations accordingly.
There is a second EQ mode - 'Relaxed' - which is activated by holding both buds for two seconds. It's meant for low-intensity workouts where the added energy might not be required, but I have only actually managed to activate this twice due to the finickiness of the touch controls, and as such haven't been able to measure it. However, subjectively there's an even leaner bass response and a slightly subdued treble extension - everything is designed to sound a bit flatter, and I suppose it's alright if you find the default sound overly bright, but like most presets I found it to do more harm than good.
Call Quality
Whilst the ability to make calls maybe isn't a priority with a set of sports-focused buds, for those using them on the commute or maybe taking or making a quick call whilst out on a run or bike ride without having to shout above the noise in the background definitely has it's merits. The OpenRock S feature AI four-mic ENC, and it actually works pretty well - giving a good balance between weight and clarity of your voice, and the reduction of environmental sounds that can typically scupper your calls. Outdoors, they handled the noise of traffic and other commuter sounds very well, only letting a little wind through, and elevating your voice without too much distortion or digitisation.
Indoors, they also handled background chatter in my coffee shop testing environment as well as any bud of a similar price, and the performance is actually marginally better than the OpenRock Pro, so that's one definitely a feather in the cap for OneOdio on this release and a pleasant surprise.
Other Features
Connectivity is good on this model - Bluetooth 5.3 - and like many releases over the last year, when you get to the connection distance limit, rather than cutting out altogether it drops the quality first rather than lose the connection altogether by default. I really like this feature, because if I'm listening to a podcast or webinar at home or in the office and forget that I've strayed too far from my PC / phone, it's handy to get a reminder that way rather than miss a few seconds of speech and lose my train of thought.
There's no app support on this model as previously mentioned, and it does seem like a bit of a shame that OneOdio haven't got round to supporting this yet, as there's certainly enough models in their range to justify it.
Battery Life
Battery life on the S is the star of the show, with an advertised 19 hours again, like on the Pro, and after my battery finally gave up just over the 17.5 hour mark, which I had to test across a week due to how long it lasted, I could finally breath a sigh of relief as I rushed for a pen to frantically scribble down that number before forgot.
The OpenRock S trounce Oladance and Shokz in the battery department, and the slightly bulkier frame of the earbud is a bit more forgivable when you take this into consideration. You can go for long bike rides or weekend hikes without even needing to worry about plugging the earbuds into a power socket, which is a welcome feature if you're a die-hard enthusiast.
The S also have a handy 'Quick Charge' feature, giving you around 1 hour extra playtime from 5 minutes extra juice. It's just 90 minutes for a full charge of the buds and case.
Summary
For OneOdio, I think the brief here of delivering a lower-cost alternative to their Pro offering, that retains many of the key features, such as long battery life, good ergonomics and a decent level of moisture resistance, and ignoring some of the arguably unnecessary features that many such products have like multipoint and gaming mode, has definitely been met.
The S are comfortable, stable, and offer clarity to the sound and surprisingly very decent call quality. The absence of an app is a shame, but hopefully that can be remedied in the future.
For those on a budget, looking for a solid air conduction earbud that does the basics well and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, this is one of the more attractive options on the market currently and a worthy complement to the Pro.
Other OneOdio Reviews:
OpenRock Pro
About OneOdio
At OneOdio, everything revolves around excellent sound, tapping the visceral power of music for all. We have infused decades of experience and passion into creating music to life. Fuelled by cutting-edge tech and unwavering passion for quality, we create high-end headphones and audio equipment designed to elevate your listening experience. So far we have firmly planted the OneOdio flag in the DJ, Monitor, ANC and HIFI industries. Besides, we are also devoted to the high-tech consumer electronics industry-sports open earbuds.
OneOdio have successfully branched into different product areas - now adding microphones and sports headphones to their portfolio, and this outward product development looks set to continue strongly into 2023.
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Model: OneOdio OpenRock S
Price: Currently with 30% off - $62.99
Review Reference: RC110
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: OneOdio
- Model: OpenRock S
- Driver: 16.2mm Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: BES (version unknown)
- Mic: 4 mic ENC
- ANC: No
- Codecs: AAC, SBC
- App Support: No
- Multipoint: No
- Customisable Controls: No
- Gaming Mode: No
- Earbud Weight: 12.87g
- Earbud Dimensions: 61mm (width) x 44.3mm (height)
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 137.18g
- Case Dimensions: 143.5mm {maximum} (width) x 30.1mm (height) x 56.8mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 450mAh
- Quick Charge: Yes - 2 hours playtime from 15 minutes chargetime
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 19 hours
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 60 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX5
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
It's another day and another new sports wearable - the TWS world has been well and truly overshadowed during 2023 with release after release of bone and air conduction sets, each looking to topple Shokz, who must be wondering what they did to invite all of this competition!
One of the best Shokz alternatives during 2023 has been OneOdio's OpenRock Pro, with an uncharacteristically bassy sound signature and market-leading battery life, but it was slightly pricey - topping the £100 mark at times on Amazon UK - so OneOdio have decided to add a complementary model, scaling back some of the features, adjusting the ergonomics slightly, giving the case a revamp and upgrading to a Bluetooth 5.3 chipset.
Priced at around $62.99 with voucher code, this is pretty competitive, going head to head with the likes of TrueFree and their 01 'Oladance-clone' which I reviewed a few days ago here at Headfi. Inevitably though, there are some compromises - are they worth it? Read on for my views, along with a comparison to the Pro version.
Unboxing
When the OpenRock S arrived in the mail, I did get slightly excited thinking I may have ordered a new mobile phone whilst drunk - the box is shaped as such, but thankfully for my bank balance I had in fact stayed true to my trusty Sony Xperia 1 IV, and instead was in the process of of discovering what OneOdio had to offer with their latest release.
The unboxing is much more professional than something like the TrueFree 01, which is very basic and lacks the finesse of what we're looking at here - OneOdio are quite consistent with this, delivering a premium affair quite consistently, and this is no exception despite the scale-back in cost.
Despite the glossy exterior and hard case, you aren't really getting much inside - there's a quick user guide with big visuals that is quite useful, as it outlines how to adjust the buds. Apart from that, you've got a basic USB A to C charge cable, a longer manual in English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Chinese.
Charge Case
The charge case for open ear style buds is always a conundrum. Due to their size and shape, there's no easy way of concealing them, certainly in a way that makes it vaguely portable. The OpenRock S case is almost like a sunglasses case - and similarly sized too, measuring 143.5mm x 30.1mm x 56.8mm and weighing 137g full loaded - a bit of a beast, but it's slimline profile does at least stand in it's favour. I went for the cream model (they also offer them in black) and the case matches the colour of the buds - it's matte, plastic and has some heft to it that definitely sets it apart from some of the budget cases I've tested lately.
However, despite the premium feel to the outside, open the case up and you see some unfortunate design flaws. With the lid open, the weight of the lid is a little too much to ensure it can balance adequately, so it kinda tips itself backwards when you lay it down on the desk. This looks odd and makes getting the buds out with one hand a bit awkward. There's also some cut outs on the inner top of the lid, as you can see above, but they are a little too deep, and after adjusting the buds a little, I found on occasions the battery connectors would not always be touching, and the buds would remain connected to my device even with the lid closed, so this is something I'd advise to keep an eye on.
The area in the middle does reflect the case's adaptability, in that it allows you some wiggle-room to adjust the buds and place them in the case without the need to set them back to default. The case on the OpenRock Pro didn't have this level of wiggle-room, but it was also quite a bit smaller, albeit shaped somewhat unothodox.
The case is charged via USB-C only (charge socket at the rear). You've got an LED strip along the front of the lip, which is set into four portions. Those four portions correspond to a quarter each of the case's remaining charge. And since you get approximately two additional charges with the case, you can work out fairly routinely how much each of those quarters is in terms of hours remaining.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
The OpenRock S are a bit bulkier than the original OpenRock Pro, measuring 4mm wider than the Pro at 61mm but weighing the same (12.8g). This is probably a bit heavier than average, and it does show in how they appear, especially around the control area. This is the bit that is on show the most, and it looks OK - they've retained the OpenRock branding, but they look far nicer than the slightly cheap-looking Pro, benefitting from the absence of a metallic-looking surface, which wasn't really my thing.
The control area has to be slightly larger since it now houses the touch control sensor - unlike the Pro, they've gone for touch controls as opposed to tactile buttons, and I have to be honest and say I'm not particularly keen. When trying to switch EQ modes (holding both sensors down for 2s), I found I hardly ever got my fingers in the right place first time, and when I did, it still routinely changed the tracks instead.
The touch controls are actually a bit of a sore point - there's no volume control, and single tapping doesn't do anything. Double tap will play/pause and answer/hang up your call, holding the left and right respectively cycles tracks forwards and backwards. Triple tapping either bud activates voice assistant. Sadly, there's also no opportunity to customise the controls, because OneOdio does not have a dedicated smartphone app.
The ear hook is slightly larger too, but I do feel the ergonomics are slightly more balanced on the S. There's more adjustment area, so they are slightly more customisable in terms of the fit, and the driver opening has also been refined, positioned and shaped better with respect of channelling and concentrating the sound directly to your ear canals.
In terms of use-cases, like most open-ear buds, they're aimed at sports and recreational activities such as cycling, running, gym, etc. I had no issues with them on the bike - they wear fine around my helmet, and even when wearing sunglasses, they just sit on the outside of them quite securely. Despite them looking a bit unwieldy here, they still feel quite lightweight and I had no issues with stability at all. I also tried them out doing weights in the gym, HIIT and a 5km road run, and, like the Pro, the S were a comfortable and reliable companion.
They're IPX5, which is going to give you a bit more protection from rain and sweat than the likes of Oladance and TrueFree. IPX4 is only splash resistant, whereas IPX5 will resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray. In the real world, there's not a huge difference, but it's probably worth considering that if you go on long runs in the rain or bike rides without a helmet, that added protection will probably give you a bit more peace of mind. If you're an extreme sports person or are looking for something to swim with, IPX5 isn't going to give you the sustained protection, so do bear this in mind.
Audio & Sound Signature
With both models sporting a 16.2mm dynamic driver and supporting the AAC and SBC codecs, integrating their TubeBass technology and dynamic audio algorithm, designed to optimise the lower frequencies and automatically adjust the bass and treble to optimise sound quality.
I was intrigued to hear how the sound on each would compare, especially since the OpenRock Pro was one of the bassier-sounding open ear buds I've tested, with a powerful midbass that avoided distortion and gave it a warmer, upfront sound, not a characteristic usually applied to open ear designs.
However, this time around OneOdio have boosted the subbass but dialled back the midbass a little and focused the emphasis on clearer vocals and the perception of a wider, more open soundstage. The tone is a bit colder, without thinning to the extremes of their competitors, like the TrueFree 01, for example, so it's a different sound to the Pro, but evolution rather than revolution.
In the lower frequencies, it is apparent notably on rock & RnB, where midbass power is especially highlighted, that the S are cooler and less energetic. Bass isn't completely absent, but it is very tightly controlled - drums on house and techno are fast but quite lean, and the relatively flat midbass opens the sound out in the upper mids, so vocals, pianos and brass instruments have more presence, and come to the fore over basslines and drums.
In the trebles, the S are smoother than the OpenRock Pro, so there's a bit less stridence to cymbals and synths - the OpenRock Pro never sounded fatiguing, but the S have managed to bring vocals and instruments forward and give them more presence, without sharpening them to the point of shrill.
I wouldn't say the S sound better or worse than the Pro necessarily - they follow a similar brief, just with some minor adjustments. If you prefer more weight to your bass and a warmer tone, you'll probably prefer the Pro, and if bass isn't as important and you favour a leaner sound with cleaner instruments and vocals, you'll prefer the S - there's no real discernible difference in resolution, it's purely down to your preference in tuning. Remember, sound on this style of earbud is nowhere near as immersive as an IEM or TWS, so temper your expectations accordingly.
There is a second EQ mode - 'Relaxed' - which is activated by holding both buds for two seconds. It's meant for low-intensity workouts where the added energy might not be required, but I have only actually managed to activate this twice due to the finickiness of the touch controls, and as such haven't been able to measure it. However, subjectively there's an even leaner bass response and a slightly subdued treble extension - everything is designed to sound a bit flatter, and I suppose it's alright if you find the default sound overly bright, but like most presets I found it to do more harm than good.
Call Quality
Whilst the ability to make calls maybe isn't a priority with a set of sports-focused buds, for those using them on the commute or maybe taking or making a quick call whilst out on a run or bike ride without having to shout above the noise in the background definitely has it's merits. The OpenRock S feature AI four-mic ENC, and it actually works pretty well - giving a good balance between weight and clarity of your voice, and the reduction of environmental sounds that can typically scupper your calls. Outdoors, they handled the noise of traffic and other commuter sounds very well, only letting a little wind through, and elevating your voice without too much distortion or digitisation.
Indoors, they also handled background chatter in my coffee shop testing environment as well as any bud of a similar price, and the performance is actually marginally better than the OpenRock Pro, so that's one definitely a feather in the cap for OneOdio on this release and a pleasant surprise.
Other Features
Connectivity is good on this model - Bluetooth 5.3 - and like many releases over the last year, when you get to the connection distance limit, rather than cutting out altogether it drops the quality first rather than lose the connection altogether by default. I really like this feature, because if I'm listening to a podcast or webinar at home or in the office and forget that I've strayed too far from my PC / phone, it's handy to get a reminder that way rather than miss a few seconds of speech and lose my train of thought.
There's no app support on this model as previously mentioned, and it does seem like a bit of a shame that OneOdio haven't got round to supporting this yet, as there's certainly enough models in their range to justify it.
Battery Life
Battery life on the S is the star of the show, with an advertised 19 hours again, like on the Pro, and after my battery finally gave up just over the 17.5 hour mark, which I had to test across a week due to how long it lasted, I could finally breath a sigh of relief as I rushed for a pen to frantically scribble down that number before forgot.
The OpenRock S trounce Oladance and Shokz in the battery department, and the slightly bulkier frame of the earbud is a bit more forgivable when you take this into consideration. You can go for long bike rides or weekend hikes without even needing to worry about plugging the earbuds into a power socket, which is a welcome feature if you're a die-hard enthusiast.
The S also have a handy 'Quick Charge' feature, giving you around 1 hour extra playtime from 5 minutes extra juice. It's just 90 minutes for a full charge of the buds and case.
Summary
For OneOdio, I think the brief here of delivering a lower-cost alternative to their Pro offering, that retains many of the key features, such as long battery life, good ergonomics and a decent level of moisture resistance, and ignoring some of the arguably unnecessary features that many such products have like multipoint and gaming mode, has definitely been met.
The S are comfortable, stable, and offer clarity to the sound and surprisingly very decent call quality. The absence of an app is a shame, but hopefully that can be remedied in the future.
For those on a budget, looking for a solid air conduction earbud that does the basics well and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, this is one of the more attractive options on the market currently and a worthy complement to the Pro.
Other OneOdio Reviews:
OpenRock Pro
About OneOdio
At OneOdio, everything revolves around excellent sound, tapping the visceral power of music for all. We have infused decades of experience and passion into creating music to life. Fuelled by cutting-edge tech and unwavering passion for quality, we create high-end headphones and audio equipment designed to elevate your listening experience. So far we have firmly planted the OneOdio flag in the DJ, Monitor, ANC and HIFI industries. Besides, we are also devoted to the high-tech consumer electronics industry-sports open earbuds.
OneOdio have successfully branched into different product areas - now adding microphones and sports headphones to their portfolio, and this outward product development looks set to continue strongly into 2023.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Socials: Biolink
Model: TrueFree 01
Price: MSRP £44.99 - Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC108
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
SoundPEATS' subbrand TrueFree are back with another release that wraps around their portfolio offering something slightly different to their core product line, and this time it's another addition to the uber-popular air-conduction sports wearable segment of the audio market.
Hang on.....this looks familiar! The TrueFree 01 not only bear a striking similarity to the Oladance wearable, but I'm pretty sure SoundPEATS actually released this as the 'Go Free' in selected regions! Anyway, it never made it to market here in Europe, it has now, and that's what we are taking a look at today.
The TrueFree 01 have a bunch of features that actually look a bit out of place on a sports bud. They offer hi-res audio support through the LDAC codec as well as multipoint connectivity courtesy of the same WUQI chipset used in a number of SoundPEATS releases this year - both very much in the 'nice to have' bucket as far as features go, but more importantly how do they fit, sound and wear?
Unboxing
The unboxing experience on the 01, similar to the T3 which I reviewed here a couple of months ago, is quite basic and very reminiscent of the old SoundPEATS way - functional rather than eye-catching. Instead of focusing on those 'nice to have' features I mentioned in the intro, TrueFree have showcased three specific parameters on the front - the 16.2mm dynamic drivers, up to 45 hours playtime with the case, and dual-mic ENC to improve the quality of your voice calls, and these are all very relevant for buyers of a sports bud, who recognise the larger drivers are beneficial due to the way such earbuds wear, and require longer battery performance due to the nature of the use-cases (long runs, bike rides, etc)
The manual is very reminiscent of SoundPEATS user guides, with an identical page setup and lexicon style. Even the controls are replicated, and the diagrams will be very familiar to SoundPEATS customers as well - this is definitely a good thing, because it is very clear what each motion corresponds to.
And that's really about it when it comes to the unboxing - you do get a generic USB-A to USB-C cable to charge the case, but that's all you're getting, and that's all you need really.
Charge Case
Let's not try and pretend it's anything but - the charge case for the 01 is an absolute monster! With the TrueFree logo displayed on the front and measuring rather unorthodox dimensions of just over 9cm wide, 7cm deep and over 3cm high and weighing over 100g, do not expect to be taking this out for a jog in your trouser pockets! It's often the case with sports wearables that, due to their shape, trying to compromise between portability and sufficient battery re-charges turns out to be a thankless task - we've seen the likes of Haylou and you'll soon see OneOdio (with their OpenRock S) trying to balance the two out, to fairly limit degrees of success, and I think TrueFree have recognised that and just decided to optimise battery life as much as possible - and I for one don't really have an issue with that, because the single use battery life as we will see in the battery section is sufficient that you're probably not going to be rushing to put these in the case at every opportunity.
The case is a grey, plastic affair with a lip at the front and a decent-sized hinge at the back. There are quite sharp edges to lid and the lip, which definitely give the impression of a bit of expense spared. There's no wireless charging - it's USB-C only, which is located at the rear, meaning you can charge the case with it sat in it's default position.
Flip open the case and you'll notice that the hinge has a fairly rigid friction stop at 90 degrees, although give it a little shake and it quite easily snaps shut. Notice the three LED's on the front - this means the case has 60% of it's 45 hour full-charge capacity remaining. Two LED's lit means you're at 59-30%, and one means less than 30%. Happily, it's exactly the same when you're charging it with it plugged in - the LED's will flash, and then stop at 100%.
As with many cases for buds like these, the orientation takes a little getting used to. The left bud is on the left, and the right bud is on the right, thankfully, but they are in vertical rather than horizontal position, so you have to twist sideways to put them in your ears, and again when you put them back. Putting them back is more counter-intuitive, but I soon got used to it. You've got a pairing/reset button in the middle too - a fairly familiar charge case cockpit.
Ergonomics
The shape of the 01 is pretty much identical to the Oladance, with a bean-shaped control unit with the TrueFree logo on and a small LED, which is visible, but not super-bright, and is only lit when nothing is playing, or when they are in pairing mode where rather than white, it flashes blue and red.
They are constructed from mostly standard plastic, which is shiny on the outside to make sweat drip off a little easier. Each one weighs just under 10g, which sounds like a lot when you're comparing them to TWS, but is actually fairly standard, even on the lighter side for products of this ilk.
Flip them around and you see the more thoughtful side of the design - there's a matte, softer finish to the bits that make direct contact with your skin. The driver angles towards your ear canal a little, and there's some malleability to the ear hooks, meaning if your ears are larger (or smaller) than average, you do have a little wiggle-room.
For me, I wasn't overly-keen with the driver resting against my tragus (because I'm incredibly fussy when it comes to fit!) so this was very convenient - just bear in mind doing so moves the driver further away and gives you a less immersive audio experience.
Here you can see how the 01 wear - the control unit I guess could be a little smaller, but the lightweight nature means it isn't really noticeable when on the ear. The ear hooks are comfortable, and whilst they're not the prettiest, the profile isn't too obvious and when exercising, there's absolutely no issues with look or feel. It's a very comfortable, lightweight design that has good stability - I used them to do my daily Duolingo whilst out for a walk, and it was nice to know that the motion of my jaw moving wasn't going to result in the earbud coming a little loose - no such issues there.
The touch controls are located on the bean-shaped control unit, and this is one area where I do feel the buds fall a little short of their more-expensive-competition, which typically have a combination of tactile button and touch, or just tactile. I found that whilst the controls operated fine testing them out of my ears, when I tried using them whilst running, for example, I would routinely turn the volume up or down instead of pausing. I would imagine this would only be exacerbated with additional moisture from sweat or rain, so again something worth bearing in mind.
The typical use-cases for earbuds of this style are predominantly around activities whereby being able to hear your surroundings quickly without having to cycle through to transparency mode is beneficial. Open ear designs have no seal - so you are in constant contact with the outside world. One such scenario is out on the bike, and the 01 translated well to this activity. They are slimline enough that they fit well with a helmet, and I had no issues wearing sunglasses with them either due to their slim earhook.
I also tried them out in a number of activities in the gym, including lifting weights, HIIT and on the treadmill. The 01 have great stability, and have one specific benefit over banded-style designs, which is bench and floor work. When you're resting your head back with banded-designs, you will sometimes find the band is pushed forward, moving the drivers away from your ear canals. No such issues with the 01, so in terms of the fit I can highly recommend them for all of the above fitness-based activities - just do consider their IP rating - only IPX4 means you're going to have to be slightly careful if you get caught in torrential rain, and certainly don't think about swimming in them.
Granted, in the real world these differences (between IPX4 and IP67, for example) mean less than on the test bench, but do bear it in mind, particularly if you're into extreme sports, which may then pose you a selection dilemma.
Audio & Sound Signature
The 01, like most open-ear designs, is light on lower frequencies. They graph fairly flat across the midrange until the upper mids where you have a peak from 2-3k, a bump at 4k to give a little edginess to to percussion, and a tail-off at 8k - rather early even by open-ear standards. TrueFree have tried to balance accentuating vocal delivery whilst trying to minimise sibilance, and for the most part it works - you have a bright sounding audio experience that it is fairly clear, but lacks power and energy, especially with pop and techno, where kick drums can feel a bit thin and limp.
The bass is more something you can hear than feel - there's a bit of weight by open-ear standards, but don't expect throbbing basslines or anything like that. The staging is quite wide and open, and sound leakage isn't too bad either.
I always feel a little harsh graphing this style of earbud, because they shouldn't really be read in the same way an IEM or earbud should - the priority here is decent clarity, some bass without distortion, a little width to the soundstage and the ability to hear music in noisy environments without fatigue, and I think TrueFree get a good balance here - it isn't as organic sounding as the SoundPEATS RunFree, but it avoids the distortion that is apparent on the RunFree Lite.
My only issue here is the volume, which can be a little quiet when the scene gets really noisy. If you switch LDAC off, it bumps the volume up a fraction, but I found myself mostly at 100% outdoors, which is going to have an impact on your battery life.
My expectations are not overcooked when it comes to open-ear, and I think this sound is certainly good enough given the price.
Call Quality
The 01 actually perform pretty well on calls. Outdoors, wind is a challenge, but traffic and other road noises are mostly removed when you're taking a call on the daily commute. At the beach, the sound of the waves and kids playing is certainly not removed altogether, but it's relegated to behind your voice. Your voice has good body, but isn't as sharp as it could be.
In a busy indoor scene, it's a similar story, but those similar-frequency sounds to your voice aren't given any special dispensation, so whilst your voice is elevated over them, in a really busy scene you may lack a bit of coherence.
Performance is far better than the RunFree Lite, and comparable to the RunFree.
Other Features
Connectivity is pretty good - these are Bluetooth 5.3, using the same chipset as the Air4 Lite and some of the other LDAC-based SoundPEATS products. I had no disconnections or random cut outs.
They are capable of multipoint, although it's a bit of a faff - you have to disconnect from your primary, already paired device, connect to the secondary then reconnect to the primary. From pausing your primary to hearing audio on your secondary, it's a couple of seconds. You can do all of this with the buds still in the case, because it supports hall-switch mode, which is especially useful in this instance.
UPDATE: TrueFree have added support for their app, although to say it is beta-feeling is an understatement. You do have the ability to select presets, tweak the EQ, toggle gaming mode and multipoint, and impressively, customise the touch controls. You can pretty much adjust every gesture, including tap and hold, so hats off to TrueFree for continuing to support the product and looking for ways to improve it!
There's a dedicated Gaming Mode, which does improve latency a little, but again this is a feature I'm not really understanding the basis for inclusion of, other than that the chipset allows it. Regardless, you're getting close to lip sync on YouTube and other videos.
Battery Life
Battery life on this model is great by TWS standards, but a bit short compared to their competition. On a single charge, it's possible to get around 9 hours provided you switch LDAC off. This is a bit of a faff, but if you don't, be prepared to lose 20-25% as a result. I got upwards of 12 hours on models like Haylou Purfree Buds, Oladance OWS1 and OneOdio OpenRock S, so they're a bit behind those models on paper, but with the case you're getting 3.5 additional charges. This is fantastic - one of the leaders in their field in this respect, and whilst the case is a bit bulky, if you're out for hikes, camping for the weekend for example, you don't have to worry about getting power to the case - 30-36 hours is more than enough to last you the weekend and probably beyond!
The only disappointment is there's no quick charge feature - that's a shame, as most of the competition is supporting this feature these days. A full charge is around 2 hours, but that does reset you back to 45 hours (or 36 according to my tests) playtime again.
Summary
The TrueFree 01 are a very cost-effective alternative to the Oladance OWS Pro that feature similar specifications, a very similar design, and performance that exceeds their price tag.
Granted, you're not getting a powerful, dynamic sound - and they are a bit short of some of the recent open-ear releases like the OneOdio OpenRock Pro and Shokz OpenFit, at least from a bass perspective, but at 1/2 to 1/3 of the price, you're still getting a clear, bright sound that translates well to casual listening, podcasts and audio books.
They're super comfy, perform OK on calls and have adequate battery life that extends to great with the case. Do take into consideration the IP rating and whether this, and the other features, meet your needs as a buyer - for weekend campers/hikers, you're probably going to be fine. For occasional runners and cyclists, gym goers and HIIT enthusiasts, again, you'll get the best out of the 01.
Where they are less relevant are perhaps those who are exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time - the minimal IP rating and touch controls will shorten the life span and cause frustrations, so if extreme sports are your bag, you may want to look at a higher IP rated bud with tactile controls instead. If you're in a position where you need to carry the charge case around - bear this in mind too, because it will need a fair bit of real estate in your pocket or even in a bag! There's also the relatively low maximum volume to consider - again, this isn't going to be a deal-breaker for everyone, but if you are planning on using these in airport-levels of noise scenarios, you may want to reconsider if they're the best option for you.
Overall, it's a decent release that offers a good alternative to Oladance at a fraction of the cost - a great introduction into open-ear technology and provided your use-cases match that of the 01, you're getting a bit of a bargain here.
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Socials: Biolink
Model: TrueFree 01
Price: MSRP £44.99 - Amazon UK
Review Reference: RC108
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: TrueFree
- Model: 01
- Driver: 16.2mm Dynamic Driver
- Chipset: WUQI WQ7033
- Mic: 2 mic ENC
- ANC: No
- Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
- App Support: No
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: No
- Gaming Mode: Yes
- Earbud Weight: 9.69g
- Earbud Dimensions: 54mm (width) x 39mm (height)
- Gross Case & Buds Weight: 101.3g
- Case Dimensions: 92.3mm {maximum} (width) x 33.8mm (height) x 71,6mm (depth)
- Case Charge Capacity: 700mAh
- Quick Charge: No
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: approx. 120 minutes
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 10 hours
- Playtime with Charge Case: Up to 45 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IPX4
1 x Pair Wireless Earbuds
1 x USB Type-C Charge Case
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
SoundPEATS' subbrand TrueFree are back with another release that wraps around their portfolio offering something slightly different to their core product line, and this time it's another addition to the uber-popular air-conduction sports wearable segment of the audio market.
Hang on.....this looks familiar! The TrueFree 01 not only bear a striking similarity to the Oladance wearable, but I'm pretty sure SoundPEATS actually released this as the 'Go Free' in selected regions! Anyway, it never made it to market here in Europe, it has now, and that's what we are taking a look at today.
The TrueFree 01 have a bunch of features that actually look a bit out of place on a sports bud. They offer hi-res audio support through the LDAC codec as well as multipoint connectivity courtesy of the same WUQI chipset used in a number of SoundPEATS releases this year - both very much in the 'nice to have' bucket as far as features go, but more importantly how do they fit, sound and wear?
Unboxing
The unboxing experience on the 01, similar to the T3 which I reviewed here a couple of months ago, is quite basic and very reminiscent of the old SoundPEATS way - functional rather than eye-catching. Instead of focusing on those 'nice to have' features I mentioned in the intro, TrueFree have showcased three specific parameters on the front - the 16.2mm dynamic drivers, up to 45 hours playtime with the case, and dual-mic ENC to improve the quality of your voice calls, and these are all very relevant for buyers of a sports bud, who recognise the larger drivers are beneficial due to the way such earbuds wear, and require longer battery performance due to the nature of the use-cases (long runs, bike rides, etc)
The manual is very reminiscent of SoundPEATS user guides, with an identical page setup and lexicon style. Even the controls are replicated, and the diagrams will be very familiar to SoundPEATS customers as well - this is definitely a good thing, because it is very clear what each motion corresponds to.
And that's really about it when it comes to the unboxing - you do get a generic USB-A to USB-C cable to charge the case, but that's all you're getting, and that's all you need really.
Charge Case
Let's not try and pretend it's anything but - the charge case for the 01 is an absolute monster! With the TrueFree logo displayed on the front and measuring rather unorthodox dimensions of just over 9cm wide, 7cm deep and over 3cm high and weighing over 100g, do not expect to be taking this out for a jog in your trouser pockets! It's often the case with sports wearables that, due to their shape, trying to compromise between portability and sufficient battery re-charges turns out to be a thankless task - we've seen the likes of Haylou and you'll soon see OneOdio (with their OpenRock S) trying to balance the two out, to fairly limit degrees of success, and I think TrueFree have recognised that and just decided to optimise battery life as much as possible - and I for one don't really have an issue with that, because the single use battery life as we will see in the battery section is sufficient that you're probably not going to be rushing to put these in the case at every opportunity.
The case is a grey, plastic affair with a lip at the front and a decent-sized hinge at the back. There are quite sharp edges to lid and the lip, which definitely give the impression of a bit of expense spared. There's no wireless charging - it's USB-C only, which is located at the rear, meaning you can charge the case with it sat in it's default position.
Flip open the case and you'll notice that the hinge has a fairly rigid friction stop at 90 degrees, although give it a little shake and it quite easily snaps shut. Notice the three LED's on the front - this means the case has 60% of it's 45 hour full-charge capacity remaining. Two LED's lit means you're at 59-30%, and one means less than 30%. Happily, it's exactly the same when you're charging it with it plugged in - the LED's will flash, and then stop at 100%.
As with many cases for buds like these, the orientation takes a little getting used to. The left bud is on the left, and the right bud is on the right, thankfully, but they are in vertical rather than horizontal position, so you have to twist sideways to put them in your ears, and again when you put them back. Putting them back is more counter-intuitive, but I soon got used to it. You've got a pairing/reset button in the middle too - a fairly familiar charge case cockpit.
Ergonomics
The shape of the 01 is pretty much identical to the Oladance, with a bean-shaped control unit with the TrueFree logo on and a small LED, which is visible, but not super-bright, and is only lit when nothing is playing, or when they are in pairing mode where rather than white, it flashes blue and red.
They are constructed from mostly standard plastic, which is shiny on the outside to make sweat drip off a little easier. Each one weighs just under 10g, which sounds like a lot when you're comparing them to TWS, but is actually fairly standard, even on the lighter side for products of this ilk.
Flip them around and you see the more thoughtful side of the design - there's a matte, softer finish to the bits that make direct contact with your skin. The driver angles towards your ear canal a little, and there's some malleability to the ear hooks, meaning if your ears are larger (or smaller) than average, you do have a little wiggle-room.
For me, I wasn't overly-keen with the driver resting against my tragus (because I'm incredibly fussy when it comes to fit!) so this was very convenient - just bear in mind doing so moves the driver further away and gives you a less immersive audio experience.
Here you can see how the 01 wear - the control unit I guess could be a little smaller, but the lightweight nature means it isn't really noticeable when on the ear. The ear hooks are comfortable, and whilst they're not the prettiest, the profile isn't too obvious and when exercising, there's absolutely no issues with look or feel. It's a very comfortable, lightweight design that has good stability - I used them to do my daily Duolingo whilst out for a walk, and it was nice to know that the motion of my jaw moving wasn't going to result in the earbud coming a little loose - no such issues there.
The touch controls are located on the bean-shaped control unit, and this is one area where I do feel the buds fall a little short of their more-expensive-competition, which typically have a combination of tactile button and touch, or just tactile. I found that whilst the controls operated fine testing them out of my ears, when I tried using them whilst running, for example, I would routinely turn the volume up or down instead of pausing. I would imagine this would only be exacerbated with additional moisture from sweat or rain, so again something worth bearing in mind.
The typical use-cases for earbuds of this style are predominantly around activities whereby being able to hear your surroundings quickly without having to cycle through to transparency mode is beneficial. Open ear designs have no seal - so you are in constant contact with the outside world. One such scenario is out on the bike, and the 01 translated well to this activity. They are slimline enough that they fit well with a helmet, and I had no issues wearing sunglasses with them either due to their slim earhook.
I also tried them out in a number of activities in the gym, including lifting weights, HIIT and on the treadmill. The 01 have great stability, and have one specific benefit over banded-style designs, which is bench and floor work. When you're resting your head back with banded-designs, you will sometimes find the band is pushed forward, moving the drivers away from your ear canals. No such issues with the 01, so in terms of the fit I can highly recommend them for all of the above fitness-based activities - just do consider their IP rating - only IPX4 means you're going to have to be slightly careful if you get caught in torrential rain, and certainly don't think about swimming in them.
Granted, in the real world these differences (between IPX4 and IP67, for example) mean less than on the test bench, but do bear it in mind, particularly if you're into extreme sports, which may then pose you a selection dilemma.
Audio & Sound Signature
The 01, like most open-ear designs, is light on lower frequencies. They graph fairly flat across the midrange until the upper mids where you have a peak from 2-3k, a bump at 4k to give a little edginess to to percussion, and a tail-off at 8k - rather early even by open-ear standards. TrueFree have tried to balance accentuating vocal delivery whilst trying to minimise sibilance, and for the most part it works - you have a bright sounding audio experience that it is fairly clear, but lacks power and energy, especially with pop and techno, where kick drums can feel a bit thin and limp.
The bass is more something you can hear than feel - there's a bit of weight by open-ear standards, but don't expect throbbing basslines or anything like that. The staging is quite wide and open, and sound leakage isn't too bad either.
I always feel a little harsh graphing this style of earbud, because they shouldn't really be read in the same way an IEM or earbud should - the priority here is decent clarity, some bass without distortion, a little width to the soundstage and the ability to hear music in noisy environments without fatigue, and I think TrueFree get a good balance here - it isn't as organic sounding as the SoundPEATS RunFree, but it avoids the distortion that is apparent on the RunFree Lite.
My only issue here is the volume, which can be a little quiet when the scene gets really noisy. If you switch LDAC off, it bumps the volume up a fraction, but I found myself mostly at 100% outdoors, which is going to have an impact on your battery life.
My expectations are not overcooked when it comes to open-ear, and I think this sound is certainly good enough given the price.
Call Quality
The 01 actually perform pretty well on calls. Outdoors, wind is a challenge, but traffic and other road noises are mostly removed when you're taking a call on the daily commute. At the beach, the sound of the waves and kids playing is certainly not removed altogether, but it's relegated to behind your voice. Your voice has good body, but isn't as sharp as it could be.
In a busy indoor scene, it's a similar story, but those similar-frequency sounds to your voice aren't given any special dispensation, so whilst your voice is elevated over them, in a really busy scene you may lack a bit of coherence.
Performance is far better than the RunFree Lite, and comparable to the RunFree.
Other Features
Connectivity is pretty good - these are Bluetooth 5.3, using the same chipset as the Air4 Lite and some of the other LDAC-based SoundPEATS products. I had no disconnections or random cut outs.
They are capable of multipoint, although it's a bit of a faff - you have to disconnect from your primary, already paired device, connect to the secondary then reconnect to the primary. From pausing your primary to hearing audio on your secondary, it's a couple of seconds. You can do all of this with the buds still in the case, because it supports hall-switch mode, which is especially useful in this instance.
UPDATE: TrueFree have added support for their app, although to say it is beta-feeling is an understatement. You do have the ability to select presets, tweak the EQ, toggle gaming mode and multipoint, and impressively, customise the touch controls. You can pretty much adjust every gesture, including tap and hold, so hats off to TrueFree for continuing to support the product and looking for ways to improve it!
There's a dedicated Gaming Mode, which does improve latency a little, but again this is a feature I'm not really understanding the basis for inclusion of, other than that the chipset allows it. Regardless, you're getting close to lip sync on YouTube and other videos.
Battery Life
Battery life on this model is great by TWS standards, but a bit short compared to their competition. On a single charge, it's possible to get around 9 hours provided you switch LDAC off. This is a bit of a faff, but if you don't, be prepared to lose 20-25% as a result. I got upwards of 12 hours on models like Haylou Purfree Buds, Oladance OWS1 and OneOdio OpenRock S, so they're a bit behind those models on paper, but with the case you're getting 3.5 additional charges. This is fantastic - one of the leaders in their field in this respect, and whilst the case is a bit bulky, if you're out for hikes, camping for the weekend for example, you don't have to worry about getting power to the case - 30-36 hours is more than enough to last you the weekend and probably beyond!
The only disappointment is there's no quick charge feature - that's a shame, as most of the competition is supporting this feature these days. A full charge is around 2 hours, but that does reset you back to 45 hours (or 36 according to my tests) playtime again.
Summary
The TrueFree 01 are a very cost-effective alternative to the Oladance OWS Pro that feature similar specifications, a very similar design, and performance that exceeds their price tag.
Granted, you're not getting a powerful, dynamic sound - and they are a bit short of some of the recent open-ear releases like the OneOdio OpenRock Pro and Shokz OpenFit, at least from a bass perspective, but at 1/2 to 1/3 of the price, you're still getting a clear, bright sound that translates well to casual listening, podcasts and audio books.
They're super comfy, perform OK on calls and have adequate battery life that extends to great with the case. Do take into consideration the IP rating and whether this, and the other features, meet your needs as a buyer - for weekend campers/hikers, you're probably going to be fine. For occasional runners and cyclists, gym goers and HIIT enthusiasts, again, you'll get the best out of the 01.
Where they are less relevant are perhaps those who are exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time - the minimal IP rating and touch controls will shorten the life span and cause frustrations, so if extreme sports are your bag, you may want to look at a higher IP rated bud with tactile controls instead. If you're in a position where you need to carry the charge case around - bear this in mind too, because it will need a fair bit of real estate in your pocket or even in a bag! There's also the relatively low maximum volume to consider - again, this isn't going to be a deal-breaker for everyone, but if you are planning on using these in airport-levels of noise scenarios, you may want to reconsider if they're the best option for you.
Overall, it's a decent release that offers a good alternative to Oladance at a fraction of the cost - a great introduction into open-ear technology and provided your use-cases match that of the 01, you're getting a bit of a bargain here.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Haylou Purfree Lite
Price: £37.22 - Haylou store AliExpress
Offer Price: $36.99 Haylou Website (Voucher code REGANBC04)
Review Reference: RC107
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
The Purfree Lite from Haylou are the latest addition to their burgeoning sports audio range, this time focusing on the budget conscious portion of the market, having reinvented themselves previously with their premium-feeling Purfree BC01 and Purfree Buds. Open-ear and Bone Conduction have become essential product-pivots for TWS and earbud manufacturers, and Haylou were one of the first to embrace this shift with those releases.
Those two prior models were notable by their impressive build quality, reflected in the Red Dot Award for Design that both models were proudly awarded as well as a bunch of other accolades from Forbes et al, but whilst they were priced competitively, they were still comfortably the highest-priced options in the Haylou audio portfolio. This time around, Haylou have pitched their tent at far more attractive price - just $36.99 direct from Haylou currently - which for a bone conduction headphone is a steal. But will the inevitable compromises be worth it? Read on for my thoughts...…
Unboxing
Unboxing the Purfree Lite leaves you under no illusions that this is their 'Lite' edition - that's not to say it's a painful experience or anything like that, but the luxury experience you had with their Purfree Buds definitely isn't replicated here. Instead, it's a brightly-coloured, cheap and cheerful enclosure with a USB-C charge cable rattling around in the bottom.
The manual is fairly straightforward with details on how to pair, how to wear, how to use Multipoint and the rather complex control scheme.
Design & Ergonomics
The PurFree Lite are a striking set of bone conduction headphones that have veered away from design of the original, which comprised of a titanium wire fully-wrapped with skin-friendly silicone. Instead, this time around it's a three-section titanium wire, with two ear hooks and a rear hang. The headset weighs just over 27g, which makes it slightly lighter than the BC01, and they've compromised slightly on the water resistance rating - this time it's IP55 as opposed to the IP67 rating of the original. That may be a deal-breaker for some - bear in mind it will limit the activities that you're able to do with this headset as a result.
The transducer areas are more 'cube' shaped than the original, possibly to give a tighter connection to the skin.
Looking at the lime green control units on each side, there are some notable differences between the models. The controls remain predominantly on the right side, although their usage is quite limited - there is a plus and minus button, which are there to control volume and switch the headset on and off, but you've also got a multi-function button on the top of the right side, and that's where most of the magic happens, with tracks progressed backwards and forwards by triple and double pressing respectively. I've seen something in Haylou's marketing material about the unit being capable of head-movement controls to answer calls and cycle through tracks, which is a great idea - but didn't work when I tried. The buttons are in a good, intuitive location and easier to use than the slightly odd position on something like the SoundPEATS RunFree Lite. The MFB is plastic and a little small - it could do with being a little bigger as I couldn't always feel it first time.
Under the controls you've got a power connector on both models. On the newer model, it's USB-C, and the socket is protected with a small silicone cover, which I suspect is responsible for the reduction in water resistance rating. There are pros and cons to this though - at least now with a universal connection, you don't have to worry about carrying a proprietary cable around in case the battery runs out.
The image above gives you the clearest representation of the compromise in quality of the materials. The soft silicone cover that made the original a pleasure to wear has been jettisoned for a tougher polymer covering, and whilst it is undoubtedly a step down, in reality you probably aren't going to notice it unless you're wearing them all the time and are a die-hard BC user. They do feel a little colder against your skin though, which is 100% down to the change in materials, but that's also one of the reasons you're paying around $40 instead of $80-100. Horses for courses.
I tried the Purfree Lite out in a number of different environments and throughout different activities. Like most BC headphones, their strength is in cycling and running. The band has good malleability, and the clamping force is about right for my slightly-larger-than-average-sized head. Whilst the ear hooks aren't as soft as the original Purfree, they don't feel uncomfortable, and sit OK even with slightly thicker glasses and a helmet.
I tried them out in the gym too, and this is where they perhaps fall a little short of the Oladance/OneOdio-style band-free open-ear designs that have been more popular over the last twelve months. With HIIT activities they generally work out fine - even with core exercises like mountain climbers and Russian twists, they stay in place without any issues. However, with some floor work and incline weight sets, the band can be a bit of an annoyance, moving them out of place if you need to rest the back of your head down for a prolonged period. That is the case with all headsets of this ilk - not just the Purfree Lite - but it is something worth bearing in mind.
Audio
The Purfree Lite has a Qualcomm QCC3044 chipset, which defaults to the AptX codec on supported devices. On iPhone, it will default to SBC. They also use a second generation transducer and 16mm dynamic driver, which is designed to improve sound quality by, according to Haylou, up to 17%. I'm not sure how they came to this quantified deduction, but subjectively, there are some minor differences between this model and the original.
Firstly, the lower frequencies. The Purfree Lite have more bass, certainly across the midbass. With bone conduction headphones, in normal everyday listening you aren't going to feel a rumbling subbass - that's a limitation of science and the associated hardware - but there's a little more warmth to the sound, with more presence to drums and guitars. If you use ear protectors to block the sound out of your ears altogether and divert everything through your cheekbones, you can clearly hear the elevated bass in comparison to the original. However, and it may be due to the design changing too, but the transducers vibrate a little more and a little harder. I wouldn't say it's off-putting, and it's something I come to expect with this style of headphone, but it's certainly noticeable.
Vocals are still pretty clear, but not as clean as on the original. Female vocals are less sharp though, so if you're listening to a lot of pop and trance, for example, this can benefit the experience.
One of the complaints of the original was that in really busy environments, they could be a little quiet, especially if you're on the bike and close to a busy road, airport, etc. Haylou have got around this by giving you an 'Outdoor' preset in the app. Select this and you get a sound signature closer to the original, but the volume cranks up a few notches as well. Trebles are sharper and the perception of space is enhanced a little. I think it's good to have the option.
However, one oddity is that when there's no bass in the arrangement of the song you're listening to - an acapella section for example - the volume suddenly seems to sound louder - take God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande - when the beat stops and her vocal interludes start, it sounds noticeably quieter when the beat kicks back in. It's less obvious when you're out on the bike or out for a run, and less obvious with 'Outdoor' selected, but it's still there.
If you're a bone conduction user, you probably realise an audiophile-style experience isn't on the menu. The priority is giving you sufficient volume without fatigue, which the Purfree Lite definitely deliver.
Call Quality
I tested the Purfree Lite in both indoor and outdoor environments. Your voice comes across much quieter on this model than the original, but they are better at handling environmental noises - this is a common trade-off, and something to consider when selecting your preferred model, particularly if calls are important.
Outdoors, where you get the opportunity to raise your voice a little, the performance is fairly good. Wind noise will get through, but traffic and other similar sounds of your daily commute are softened.
Indoors, where perhaps you can't raise your voice as much, whilst the weight and tone of your voice are OK, you'll notice that not every word is quite as legible as on the original.
The ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously make these and other such devices quite useful to wear in the home office. Where you don't have a great deal of background noise, your voice has good weight but is still a little soft, so do take this into consideration. However for the majority of users, it will be a case of taking a quick call whilst out for a run, and the PurFree Lite won't let you down in that respect.
Battery Life
Battery Life on the Purfree Lite has been extended over that of the original, now amassing a whopping 10 hours in the lab. In my own tests, with volume at around 90% and a smattering of calls taken throughout the duration, I achieved just over 9 hours before the set gave up on me. This is a two-hour improvement over the original, and definitely not to be sniffed at for a set of BC headphones, where the industry standard tends to be a little lower.
What's more, you're still getting an additional 2 hours juice from 15 minutes plugged in, and they're using USB-C rather than proprietary cable as we mentioned previously, so from a usability perspective it means you're rarely going to be struggling for battery regardless of the activity - do bear in mind that they now take around 2 hours, rather than the 90 minutes the originals took, for a full charge.
Other Features
Connectivity is Bluetooth 5.2, and I found no stability issues whatsoever. The Purfree Lite remained solid on the bike when cycling through built-up areas. They also support Multipoint connectivity, which is enabled or disabled either via the app or by holding the + and MFB for 3 seconds. Even better, is that within the Haylou app, you can see the names of the devices your Purfree Lite are connected to - this is for me a huge benefit and helps you identify very quickly something that may be draining your battery.
The app is a little limited in terms of what it does, but it is handy to have. The main screen shows you the headphones and their remaining battery. The 'Sound' section allows you to toggle 'Outdoor' mode, and 'Settings' allows you to set an automatic power-off time - again this is a useful feature to preserve battery. My device was running firmware V1.0.1.1 (the latest version) and the app also allows the potential for future updates.
Latency, like most Qualcomm devices, is fine for videos but isn't going to satisfy gamers. Even so, that's the case for almost all such devices whether TWS or Headphones.
Summary
Overall I'm pretty impressed with the Haylou Purfree Lite. One of the barriers to trying out bone conduction technology is the price - with Shokz typically charging upwards of £120, this prices the average consumer out of a purchase they may or may not jive with, and this was probably part of the problem with the original Purfree, that whilst they were and still are a fantastic product, at $80-100 it's still quite an expensive experiment if you decide you don't like them.
The Purfree Lite are pitched at a price tag that will hopefully attract more non-BC users to give the technology a go. Of course, there are compromises - they're only IP55, they aren't as comfortable as the original, don't feel as premium, and call quality probably isn't as optimised across all environments, but by the same token this release isn't just about compromises - there are now options to enhance the loudness, you've got app support that, whilst limited, has room for growth, and up to 20% longer battery life, as well as a more universal charger.
Sometimes I feel like Haylou perhaps aren't given the credit they deserve in sports tech because people associate them with their early, budget TWS releases. The brand has moved on and has a mature array of products, and the Purfree Lite definitely have a place in that line up - if you're new to BC and want to give it a try, swerve the no-name junk on Amazon and give Haylou a go, because at this price they are definitely a worthy introduction to the tech and a bit of a bargain!
Previous Haylou Reviews:
S35 ANC
Purfree Buds
Purfree BC01 Bone Conduction Headphones
W1
Moripods
About Haylou
The brand name Haylou is taken from the homonym of the English word "Hello". We believe that we can resonate with the sea through conch and listen to the voice of the ocean together, and we can also listen to the voice of users through Haylou and share the beauty of the voice together. Haylou is the messenger of sound and the medium through which we resonate with our users.
Haylou is a brand belonging to Dongguan Liesheng Electronic Technology. Dongguan Liesheng Electronic Technology, established in 2015, is a subsidiary of Dongguan Hele Electronics, having secured Series A funding from Xiaomi technology, becoming one of the earliest members of the Xiaomi Ecological Chain. Hele Electronics and Liesheng Electronic are the OEM for Xiaomi's Mi / Redmi Airdots, and their portfolio of products includes smart and sports wearables as well as a comprehensive range of audio products.
Haylou's product portfolio ranges from wireless audio, smart wearables, to IoT and other categories. And its business has covered more than 100 countries and regions, serving tens of millions of users around the world. We are committed to establishing a digital health ecology by integrating a "user-device-data" scenario via technological innovation. Embracing the values of "Empowering & Awakening", Haylou aims to inspire you to keep challenge, explore your potential and find a better self.
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Haylou Purfree Lite
Price: £37.22 - Haylou store AliExpress
Offer Price: $36.99 Haylou Website (Voucher code REGANBC04)
Review Reference: RC107
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Haylou
- Model: Purfree Lite
- Driver: Bone Conduction 2nd Generation Transducer & 16mm TPU dynamic driver
- Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3044
- Mic: 2 mics with cVc Noise Reduction for calls
- ANC: N/A
- Codecs: AptX, SBC
- App Support: Yes (Basic)
- Multipoint: Yes
- Customisable Controls: No
- Gaming Mode: No
- Weight: 26.29g
- Quick Charge: Yes - up to 2 hours from 15 min juice
- Wireless Charging: No
- Charge Time: 120 minutes
- Battery Capacity: 170mAh
- Charge Connector: USB-C
- Single Use Playtime: Up to 10 hours
- Standby Time: Up to 300 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m advertised
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 5.2
- Bluetooth Protocols: BLE/ HFP 1.7/ A2DP 1.3/ AVRCP 1.5
- Water Resistance: IP55
1 x Pair Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
1 x USB Type-C Charge Cable
1 x User Manual
YouTube Review:
Introduction
The Purfree Lite from Haylou are the latest addition to their burgeoning sports audio range, this time focusing on the budget conscious portion of the market, having reinvented themselves previously with their premium-feeling Purfree BC01 and Purfree Buds. Open-ear and Bone Conduction have become essential product-pivots for TWS and earbud manufacturers, and Haylou were one of the first to embrace this shift with those releases.
Those two prior models were notable by their impressive build quality, reflected in the Red Dot Award for Design that both models were proudly awarded as well as a bunch of other accolades from Forbes et al, but whilst they were priced competitively, they were still comfortably the highest-priced options in the Haylou audio portfolio. This time around, Haylou have pitched their tent at far more attractive price - just $36.99 direct from Haylou currently - which for a bone conduction headphone is a steal. But will the inevitable compromises be worth it? Read on for my thoughts...…
Unboxing
Unboxing the Purfree Lite leaves you under no illusions that this is their 'Lite' edition - that's not to say it's a painful experience or anything like that, but the luxury experience you had with their Purfree Buds definitely isn't replicated here. Instead, it's a brightly-coloured, cheap and cheerful enclosure with a USB-C charge cable rattling around in the bottom.
The manual is fairly straightforward with details on how to pair, how to wear, how to use Multipoint and the rather complex control scheme.
Design & Ergonomics
The PurFree Lite are a striking set of bone conduction headphones that have veered away from design of the original, which comprised of a titanium wire fully-wrapped with skin-friendly silicone. Instead, this time around it's a three-section titanium wire, with two ear hooks and a rear hang. The headset weighs just over 27g, which makes it slightly lighter than the BC01, and they've compromised slightly on the water resistance rating - this time it's IP55 as opposed to the IP67 rating of the original. That may be a deal-breaker for some - bear in mind it will limit the activities that you're able to do with this headset as a result.
The transducer areas are more 'cube' shaped than the original, possibly to give a tighter connection to the skin.
Looking at the lime green control units on each side, there are some notable differences between the models. The controls remain predominantly on the right side, although their usage is quite limited - there is a plus and minus button, which are there to control volume and switch the headset on and off, but you've also got a multi-function button on the top of the right side, and that's where most of the magic happens, with tracks progressed backwards and forwards by triple and double pressing respectively. I've seen something in Haylou's marketing material about the unit being capable of head-movement controls to answer calls and cycle through tracks, which is a great idea - but didn't work when I tried. The buttons are in a good, intuitive location and easier to use than the slightly odd position on something like the SoundPEATS RunFree Lite. The MFB is plastic and a little small - it could do with being a little bigger as I couldn't always feel it first time.
Under the controls you've got a power connector on both models. On the newer model, it's USB-C, and the socket is protected with a small silicone cover, which I suspect is responsible for the reduction in water resistance rating. There are pros and cons to this though - at least now with a universal connection, you don't have to worry about carrying a proprietary cable around in case the battery runs out.
The image above gives you the clearest representation of the compromise in quality of the materials. The soft silicone cover that made the original a pleasure to wear has been jettisoned for a tougher polymer covering, and whilst it is undoubtedly a step down, in reality you probably aren't going to notice it unless you're wearing them all the time and are a die-hard BC user. They do feel a little colder against your skin though, which is 100% down to the change in materials, but that's also one of the reasons you're paying around $40 instead of $80-100. Horses for courses.
I tried the Purfree Lite out in a number of different environments and throughout different activities. Like most BC headphones, their strength is in cycling and running. The band has good malleability, and the clamping force is about right for my slightly-larger-than-average-sized head. Whilst the ear hooks aren't as soft as the original Purfree, they don't feel uncomfortable, and sit OK even with slightly thicker glasses and a helmet.
I tried them out in the gym too, and this is where they perhaps fall a little short of the Oladance/OneOdio-style band-free open-ear designs that have been more popular over the last twelve months. With HIIT activities they generally work out fine - even with core exercises like mountain climbers and Russian twists, they stay in place without any issues. However, with some floor work and incline weight sets, the band can be a bit of an annoyance, moving them out of place if you need to rest the back of your head down for a prolonged period. That is the case with all headsets of this ilk - not just the Purfree Lite - but it is something worth bearing in mind.
Audio
The Purfree Lite has a Qualcomm QCC3044 chipset, which defaults to the AptX codec on supported devices. On iPhone, it will default to SBC. They also use a second generation transducer and 16mm dynamic driver, which is designed to improve sound quality by, according to Haylou, up to 17%. I'm not sure how they came to this quantified deduction, but subjectively, there are some minor differences between this model and the original.
Firstly, the lower frequencies. The Purfree Lite have more bass, certainly across the midbass. With bone conduction headphones, in normal everyday listening you aren't going to feel a rumbling subbass - that's a limitation of science and the associated hardware - but there's a little more warmth to the sound, with more presence to drums and guitars. If you use ear protectors to block the sound out of your ears altogether and divert everything through your cheekbones, you can clearly hear the elevated bass in comparison to the original. However, and it may be due to the design changing too, but the transducers vibrate a little more and a little harder. I wouldn't say it's off-putting, and it's something I come to expect with this style of headphone, but it's certainly noticeable.
Vocals are still pretty clear, but not as clean as on the original. Female vocals are less sharp though, so if you're listening to a lot of pop and trance, for example, this can benefit the experience.
One of the complaints of the original was that in really busy environments, they could be a little quiet, especially if you're on the bike and close to a busy road, airport, etc. Haylou have got around this by giving you an 'Outdoor' preset in the app. Select this and you get a sound signature closer to the original, but the volume cranks up a few notches as well. Trebles are sharper and the perception of space is enhanced a little. I think it's good to have the option.
However, one oddity is that when there's no bass in the arrangement of the song you're listening to - an acapella section for example - the volume suddenly seems to sound louder - take God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande - when the beat stops and her vocal interludes start, it sounds noticeably quieter when the beat kicks back in. It's less obvious when you're out on the bike or out for a run, and less obvious with 'Outdoor' selected, but it's still there.
If you're a bone conduction user, you probably realise an audiophile-style experience isn't on the menu. The priority is giving you sufficient volume without fatigue, which the Purfree Lite definitely deliver.
Call Quality
I tested the Purfree Lite in both indoor and outdoor environments. Your voice comes across much quieter on this model than the original, but they are better at handling environmental noises - this is a common trade-off, and something to consider when selecting your preferred model, particularly if calls are important.
Outdoors, where you get the opportunity to raise your voice a little, the performance is fairly good. Wind noise will get through, but traffic and other similar sounds of your daily commute are softened.
Indoors, where perhaps you can't raise your voice as much, whilst the weight and tone of your voice are OK, you'll notice that not every word is quite as legible as on the original.
The ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously make these and other such devices quite useful to wear in the home office. Where you don't have a great deal of background noise, your voice has good weight but is still a little soft, so do take this into consideration. However for the majority of users, it will be a case of taking a quick call whilst out for a run, and the PurFree Lite won't let you down in that respect.
Battery Life
Battery Life on the Purfree Lite has been extended over that of the original, now amassing a whopping 10 hours in the lab. In my own tests, with volume at around 90% and a smattering of calls taken throughout the duration, I achieved just over 9 hours before the set gave up on me. This is a two-hour improvement over the original, and definitely not to be sniffed at for a set of BC headphones, where the industry standard tends to be a little lower.
What's more, you're still getting an additional 2 hours juice from 15 minutes plugged in, and they're using USB-C rather than proprietary cable as we mentioned previously, so from a usability perspective it means you're rarely going to be struggling for battery regardless of the activity - do bear in mind that they now take around 2 hours, rather than the 90 minutes the originals took, for a full charge.
Other Features
Connectivity is Bluetooth 5.2, and I found no stability issues whatsoever. The Purfree Lite remained solid on the bike when cycling through built-up areas. They also support Multipoint connectivity, which is enabled or disabled either via the app or by holding the + and MFB for 3 seconds. Even better, is that within the Haylou app, you can see the names of the devices your Purfree Lite are connected to - this is for me a huge benefit and helps you identify very quickly something that may be draining your battery.
The app is a little limited in terms of what it does, but it is handy to have. The main screen shows you the headphones and their remaining battery. The 'Sound' section allows you to toggle 'Outdoor' mode, and 'Settings' allows you to set an automatic power-off time - again this is a useful feature to preserve battery. My device was running firmware V1.0.1.1 (the latest version) and the app also allows the potential for future updates.
Latency, like most Qualcomm devices, is fine for videos but isn't going to satisfy gamers. Even so, that's the case for almost all such devices whether TWS or Headphones.
Summary
Overall I'm pretty impressed with the Haylou Purfree Lite. One of the barriers to trying out bone conduction technology is the price - with Shokz typically charging upwards of £120, this prices the average consumer out of a purchase they may or may not jive with, and this was probably part of the problem with the original Purfree, that whilst they were and still are a fantastic product, at $80-100 it's still quite an expensive experiment if you decide you don't like them.
The Purfree Lite are pitched at a price tag that will hopefully attract more non-BC users to give the technology a go. Of course, there are compromises - they're only IP55, they aren't as comfortable as the original, don't feel as premium, and call quality probably isn't as optimised across all environments, but by the same token this release isn't just about compromises - there are now options to enhance the loudness, you've got app support that, whilst limited, has room for growth, and up to 20% longer battery life, as well as a more universal charger.
Sometimes I feel like Haylou perhaps aren't given the credit they deserve in sports tech because people associate them with their early, budget TWS releases. The brand has moved on and has a mature array of products, and the Purfree Lite definitely have a place in that line up - if you're new to BC and want to give it a try, swerve the no-name junk on Amazon and give Haylou a go, because at this price they are definitely a worthy introduction to the tech and a bit of a bargain!
Previous Haylou Reviews:
S35 ANC
Purfree Buds
Purfree BC01 Bone Conduction Headphones
W1
Moripods
About Haylou
The brand name Haylou is taken from the homonym of the English word "Hello". We believe that we can resonate with the sea through conch and listen to the voice of the ocean together, and we can also listen to the voice of users through Haylou and share the beauty of the voice together. Haylou is the messenger of sound and the medium through which we resonate with our users.
Haylou is a brand belonging to Dongguan Liesheng Electronic Technology. Dongguan Liesheng Electronic Technology, established in 2015, is a subsidiary of Dongguan Hele Electronics, having secured Series A funding from Xiaomi technology, becoming one of the earliest members of the Xiaomi Ecological Chain. Hele Electronics and Liesheng Electronic are the OEM for Xiaomi's Mi / Redmi Airdots, and their portfolio of products includes smart and sports wearables as well as a comprehensive range of audio products.
Haylou's product portfolio ranges from wireless audio, smart wearables, to IoT and other categories. And its business has covered more than 100 countries and regions, serving tens of millions of users around the world. We are committed to establishing a digital health ecology by integrating a "user-device-data" scenario via technological innovation. Embracing the values of "Empowering & Awakening", Haylou aims to inspire you to keep challenge, explore your potential and find a better self.
How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
Instagram: regancipher
YouTube: regancipher
Squiglink: regancipher
Socials: Biolink
Model: Simgot EM6L
Price: $109.99 - Linsoul
Review Reference: RC106
Manufacturer Specification:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable OFC Silver Cable (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Carry Case
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Having been on a wireless frenzy the last few months, it's been a little while since I tried out an IEM, and even longer since I reviewed one. Simgot hit the IEM market in 2015, developing products from their base in Shenzhen, China. The name stands for 'simple and elegant', and whilst the appearance of the EM6L is certainly both of those things, the arrangement of this IEM is slightly more ambitious - there's an 8mm high polymer diaphragm dual cavity dynamic driver dealing with the bass, and two pairs of balanced armatures handling mids and trebles, brought together in a hybrid configuration by a 3-way crossover. This isn't their first stab at this kind of IEM - they've given the EM6L the moniker 'Phoenix', because it represents the rebirth from the EM5, it's predecessor developed 5 years ago, but this time they've focused the tuning towards the Harman 2019 curve. So for me, a rather mouth-watering prospect from one of the new kids on the block that has taken the IEM market by storm during 2023 so far.
Priced at $110, they're competitive, but sit at the top end of Simgot's price list and are nothing if not ambitious. So how did they fare? Well, the initial positive reviews I'd read on this product weren't wrong - read on for my thoughts on a contender for IEM of the year in its price bracket.....
Unboxing & Accessories
The Phoenix theme that Simgot have attached to this release hits you immediately from the moment you encounter the enclosure. The box oozes class and is commensurate with the price tag, with a glossy black theme and a striking image on the front, with a frequency response curve and visual representation of the driver arrangement accompanying the key parameters on the back. When you slide out the inner box, you get a first glimpse of the Phoenix logo, which is also printed on the right earphone.
This symbolism continues - it's also represented on the manual, which lays out the very simple instructions and warranty details. Interestingly, Simgot have an anti-theft scheme where you scratch off a section on the box to reveal a 12-digit code which you then add on their website to be given any aftersales support you may require. In terms of accessories, you get a bag of three sets of tips, a small, unbranded carry case and a 'high purity OFC silver plated' 0.78mm 2-pin cable, which has a 3.5mm jack at one end and QDC connectors on the other. The carry case is a bit of a letdown - I'd have liked to have seen the Phoenix logo on here, but it's perfectly fine from a usability perspective. The cable is a bit better - it's lightweight but well made, looks and wears really well. I'd have liked to have seen more tip options here, too.
Build Quality & Design
The EM6L shells, according to Simgot, boast a 3D-printed high-precision resin shell and mirror-finished CNC processed faceplate. It's a simple and elegant design that sees the L/R printed on the inside in gold. Both the shell and plate are of reasonable build quality, albeit lightweight, and whilst this is arguably more comfortable in the ears, I always like to see a bit more craftsmanship here - a full CNC shell like the EA500 is more my scene, but nevertheless the EM6L seem well-made.
Each earphone weighs exactly 5g, and measures 21.4mm (height) x 17.4mm (width) x 22.5mm (max depth).
The aluminium alloy plates have a slight bevel to the edge, and the Phoenix logo on one earphone and the Simgot logo on the other. There's a small tuning hole just underneath, and at the top you've got QDC connectors with a vent alongside them. The plugs on the cable are angled outwards, which allows you to tell which is the Left and which is the Right. QDC connectors are not ideal for a number of reasons, but it's certainly not a deal breaker. The plates are fingerprint magnets - I had to give them more than a few cleans before snapping them.
The depth of the earphone is around average, and the nozzle is around 5mm in length and 6mm in diameter. There is a lip around the edge of it, but this doesn't detract from the comfort in any way.
Despite the flat inner side of the earphone, they still sit very snug against your ears without protruding outwards too much or feeling overly invasive. It's one of my most comfortable IEM's for prolonged listening sessions.
Sound Signature & Audio
The EM6L are a very smooth, well-balanced v-shaped IEM with a warmer tone and thick, natural timbre. Tuned to the Harman 2019 target, they use a 3-way crossover to bring together the drivers. Often, this is easier said than done, but in the case of the EM6L there is a smooth and natural cohesion that seems to get the best out of each set of drivers. They aren't especially technical, but they are a hugely enjoyable listen with great longevity thanks to the boosted bass, lush mids and smooth, understated trebles.
The bass has a fun, boomy nature to it that translates well into all music genres, particularly house and techno. Lower frequencies are dense and layered - kick drums are rich and punchy, if lacking a bit of texture. There's not quite the subwoofer feel I particularly enjoy, but the subbass still has a satisfying rumble. I found the midbass a little muddy until I switched the eartips out for the FiiO HS18, which have a slightly wider bore. From then, everything sounded a little more controlled whilst still fast and chunky.
The midrange is recessed, but not overly so. The EM6L are a seriously smooth, lush sounding experience and the warmer tone benefits male vocals - soprano in particular. Both male and female vocals are forward, female vocals more than male, and whilst both have good texture there's more body to male vocals. Some female vocals can be a little gaspy, but in almost all instances it is a clean and engaging vocal delivery that will have you coming back to the EM6L more often than not.
The trebles are very natural sounding with good control that makes them ideal for long listening sessions. There's absolutely no hint of fatigue or sibilance here, but the subtle peak between 6 to 8k brings enough vibrancy and definition to instruments to satisfy the average user, particularly those who prefer a slightly more laidback, rolled off sound.
Imaging is good for a $100 set. There's reasonable accuracy here, and placement outside the lower frequencies is very straightforward. Staging is quite wide and expansive with very good depth. Driving the EM6L was surprisingly easy enough too - both using my cheapy Ikkolot and plugging directly into my Sony Xperia 1 IV offered similarly enjoyable results with more than adequate volume.
From the perspective of a hybrid, the crossovers are really well done. It is a thoroughly smooth, engaging listening experience with the EM6L.
Summary
The Simgot EM6L is a pleasant surprise, and a release that really signals Simgot's intent to the market.
Other than a few minor quibbles, like the use of QDC connectors and lack of branded case, it is quite difficult to find fault with this release. They're super comfy and the shell is fairly well-made - although I prefer full CNC and more custom-feel fit, the lightweight footprint and straightforward driveability go hand-in-hand with the smooth, lush sound to make the EM6L ideal for marathon listening sessions.
The expansive soundstage, good imaging, fine vocal representation and bouncy bass will particularly satisfy those who like a subbass-centric, more natural v-shape sound. Don't expect a super-analytical experience, but do expect to be entertained - the EM6L are one of the most enjoyable IEM's in 2023 to date.
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Model: Simgot EM6L
Price: $109.99 - Linsoul
Review Reference: RC106
Manufacturer Specification:
- Brand: Simgot
- Model: EM6L Phoenix
- Driver: 1DD & 4BA Hybrid Driver
- IEM Weight: 5g
- IEM Dimensions: 21.4mm (height) x 17.4mm (width) x 22.5mm (max depth)
- Shell: High-precision 3D-printed resin
- Resistance: 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 8Hz-40kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin QDC style
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable OFC Silver Cable (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Carry Case
YouTube Review:
Introduction
Having been on a wireless frenzy the last few months, it's been a little while since I tried out an IEM, and even longer since I reviewed one. Simgot hit the IEM market in 2015, developing products from their base in Shenzhen, China. The name stands for 'simple and elegant', and whilst the appearance of the EM6L is certainly both of those things, the arrangement of this IEM is slightly more ambitious - there's an 8mm high polymer diaphragm dual cavity dynamic driver dealing with the bass, and two pairs of balanced armatures handling mids and trebles, brought together in a hybrid configuration by a 3-way crossover. This isn't their first stab at this kind of IEM - they've given the EM6L the moniker 'Phoenix', because it represents the rebirth from the EM5, it's predecessor developed 5 years ago, but this time they've focused the tuning towards the Harman 2019 curve. So for me, a rather mouth-watering prospect from one of the new kids on the block that has taken the IEM market by storm during 2023 so far.
Priced at $110, they're competitive, but sit at the top end of Simgot's price list and are nothing if not ambitious. So how did they fare? Well, the initial positive reviews I'd read on this product weren't wrong - read on for my thoughts on a contender for IEM of the year in its price bracket.....
Unboxing & Accessories
The Phoenix theme that Simgot have attached to this release hits you immediately from the moment you encounter the enclosure. The box oozes class and is commensurate with the price tag, with a glossy black theme and a striking image on the front, with a frequency response curve and visual representation of the driver arrangement accompanying the key parameters on the back. When you slide out the inner box, you get a first glimpse of the Phoenix logo, which is also printed on the right earphone.
This symbolism continues - it's also represented on the manual, which lays out the very simple instructions and warranty details. Interestingly, Simgot have an anti-theft scheme where you scratch off a section on the box to reveal a 12-digit code which you then add on their website to be given any aftersales support you may require. In terms of accessories, you get a bag of three sets of tips, a small, unbranded carry case and a 'high purity OFC silver plated' 0.78mm 2-pin cable, which has a 3.5mm jack at one end and QDC connectors on the other. The carry case is a bit of a letdown - I'd have liked to have seen the Phoenix logo on here, but it's perfectly fine from a usability perspective. The cable is a bit better - it's lightweight but well made, looks and wears really well. I'd have liked to have seen more tip options here, too.
Build Quality & Design
The EM6L shells, according to Simgot, boast a 3D-printed high-precision resin shell and mirror-finished CNC processed faceplate. It's a simple and elegant design that sees the L/R printed on the inside in gold. Both the shell and plate are of reasonable build quality, albeit lightweight, and whilst this is arguably more comfortable in the ears, I always like to see a bit more craftsmanship here - a full CNC shell like the EA500 is more my scene, but nevertheless the EM6L seem well-made.
Each earphone weighs exactly 5g, and measures 21.4mm (height) x 17.4mm (width) x 22.5mm (max depth).
The aluminium alloy plates have a slight bevel to the edge, and the Phoenix logo on one earphone and the Simgot logo on the other. There's a small tuning hole just underneath, and at the top you've got QDC connectors with a vent alongside them. The plugs on the cable are angled outwards, which allows you to tell which is the Left and which is the Right. QDC connectors are not ideal for a number of reasons, but it's certainly not a deal breaker. The plates are fingerprint magnets - I had to give them more than a few cleans before snapping them.
The depth of the earphone is around average, and the nozzle is around 5mm in length and 6mm in diameter. There is a lip around the edge of it, but this doesn't detract from the comfort in any way.
Despite the flat inner side of the earphone, they still sit very snug against your ears without protruding outwards too much or feeling overly invasive. It's one of my most comfortable IEM's for prolonged listening sessions.
Sound Signature & Audio
The EM6L are a very smooth, well-balanced v-shaped IEM with a warmer tone and thick, natural timbre. Tuned to the Harman 2019 target, they use a 3-way crossover to bring together the drivers. Often, this is easier said than done, but in the case of the EM6L there is a smooth and natural cohesion that seems to get the best out of each set of drivers. They aren't especially technical, but they are a hugely enjoyable listen with great longevity thanks to the boosted bass, lush mids and smooth, understated trebles.
The bass has a fun, boomy nature to it that translates well into all music genres, particularly house and techno. Lower frequencies are dense and layered - kick drums are rich and punchy, if lacking a bit of texture. There's not quite the subwoofer feel I particularly enjoy, but the subbass still has a satisfying rumble. I found the midbass a little muddy until I switched the eartips out for the FiiO HS18, which have a slightly wider bore. From then, everything sounded a little more controlled whilst still fast and chunky.
The midrange is recessed, but not overly so. The EM6L are a seriously smooth, lush sounding experience and the warmer tone benefits male vocals - soprano in particular. Both male and female vocals are forward, female vocals more than male, and whilst both have good texture there's more body to male vocals. Some female vocals can be a little gaspy, but in almost all instances it is a clean and engaging vocal delivery that will have you coming back to the EM6L more often than not.
The trebles are very natural sounding with good control that makes them ideal for long listening sessions. There's absolutely no hint of fatigue or sibilance here, but the subtle peak between 6 to 8k brings enough vibrancy and definition to instruments to satisfy the average user, particularly those who prefer a slightly more laidback, rolled off sound.
Imaging is good for a $100 set. There's reasonable accuracy here, and placement outside the lower frequencies is very straightforward. Staging is quite wide and expansive with very good depth. Driving the EM6L was surprisingly easy enough too - both using my cheapy Ikkolot and plugging directly into my Sony Xperia 1 IV offered similarly enjoyable results with more than adequate volume.
From the perspective of a hybrid, the crossovers are really well done. It is a thoroughly smooth, engaging listening experience with the EM6L.
Summary
The Simgot EM6L is a pleasant surprise, and a release that really signals Simgot's intent to the market.
Other than a few minor quibbles, like the use of QDC connectors and lack of branded case, it is quite difficult to find fault with this release. They're super comfy and the shell is fairly well-made - although I prefer full CNC and more custom-feel fit, the lightweight footprint and straightforward driveability go hand-in-hand with the smooth, lush sound to make the EM6L ideal for marathon listening sessions.
The expansive soundstage, good imaging, fine vocal representation and bouncy bass will particularly satisfy those who like a subbass-centric, more natural v-shape sound. Don't expect a super-analytical experience, but do expect to be entertained - the EM6L are one of the most enjoyable IEM's in 2023 to date.
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