In the early months of 2024, the quest for the best budget Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones has intensified, reflecting a growing trend among consumers to find high-quality audio experiences without breaking the bank. This review takes a deep dive into four of the most talked-about models in the budget to mid-range price segment: the QCY H3, TOZO HT2, Haylou S35 ANC, and SoundPEATS Space. Each of these models brings its unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, offering a variety of options with different priorities, from battery life and comfort to sound quality and noise cancellation effectiveness.
The criteria for our comparison are comprehensive, evaluating each headphone on aspects such as price, design comfort, battery life, volume control, available features, ANC performance, sound signature, call quality, and latency. By examining these factors, we aim to provide a detailed overview that can help you to toward the headphone that best fits your needs and budget.
QCY H3:
In the realm of budget Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones, the QCY H3 emerges as a noteworthy contender. Priced at an astonishingly low $35, it challenges the notion that effective noise cancellation and quality audio are privileges reserved for higher-end models. The QCY H3 sports a minimalist design that is both sleek and functional. The headphones are lightweight, making them easy to wear for extended periods. However, the use of primarily plastic materials might raise questions about durability over time. Despite this, the headphones feel solid enough for daily use, and their foldable design enhances portability, although they do not come with a carry case, which is a missed opportunity for added value.
Comfort is a standout feature of the QCY H3. Equipped with memory foam ear pads, the headphones offer a snug and comfortable fit. The padding is thick and soft, providing excellent cushioning around the ears. This level of comfort is surprising for headphones at this price point and makes the QCY H3 suitable for long listening sessions. The headphones also offer a good level of adjustability, with tilt, swivel, and rotate options to ensure a perfect fit for different head shapes and sizes.
The QCY H3 delivers a sound performance that exceeds expectations for budget headphones. The audio profile is balanced, with clear mids and highs, though the bass can sometimes feel lacking in depth compared to more expensive models. However, for casual listening, the sound quality is more than satisfactory. The ANC performance of the QCY H3 is commendable, especially given its price. While it may not eliminate background noise, it significantly reduces ambient sounds, making it a viable option for use in moderately noisy environments. However, it struggles with lower-frequency noises, a common challenge among budget ANC headphones.
Battery life is a strong point for the QCY H3, offering up to 70 hours of playback without ANC and approximately 35 hours with ANC enabled. This extensive battery life ensures that the headphones can last through several days of use on a single charge, making them ideal for travelers or those who prefer not to charge their devices frequently.
The QCY H3 comes equipped with a 3.5 mm jack, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality, wired listening experience with no latency issues. However, the lack of high-resolution audio support when using the headphones wirelessly may be a drawback for audiophiles. Volume control on the QCY H3 is highly effective, with the headphones capable of reaching loud volumes at just 70% of the maximum volume setting.
TOZO HT2:
The TOZO HT2 emerges as a notable contender in the mid-range Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphone market, priced at $60. It aims to bridge the gap between budget-friendly options and premium models by offering a blend of quality, performance, and affordability. The TOZO HT2 boasts a sleek and modern design that appeals to a wide audience. The build quality feels more premium than its price tag suggests, with a mix of matte and glossy finishes that give it a stylish appearance. The headphones are relatively lightweight, ensuring comfort over long periods of use, and feature a foldable design for easy portability. However, like the QCY H3, the TOZO HT2 does not come with a carrying case, which is a slight drawback for on-the-go.
Comfort is where the TOZO HT2 shines. The ear cups are padded with soft, memory foam cushions that mold to the shape of the user’s ears, providing excellent isolation and comfort. The headband is also padded, reducing the pressure on the top of the head, which is a common issue with many headphones. The adjustability of the ear cups allows for a customized fit, catering to different head sizes and shapes.
The TOZO HT2 delivers a compelling audio experience with a V-shaped sound signature that emphasizes bass and treble, making it ideal for genres such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The bass is punchy and deep, without overwhelming the mids, which remain clear and detailed. The treble is crisp, adding a nice sparkle to the overall sound profile. The ANC performance of the TOZO HT2 is impressive for its price range. It effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing users to focus on their music or work in noisy environments. While it may not completely silence louder noises, it significantly diminishes the intrusion of background sounds, making it a viable option for commuters and office workers.
The TOZO HT2 offers up to 40 hours of playback with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC activated. This battery life is commendable, ensuring that the headphones can last through several days of moderate use without needing a recharge. The inclusion of fast charging technology is a bonus, providing hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
Unlike the QCY H3, the TOZO HT2 lacks a 3.5 mm jack for wired listening, which may be a limitation for users seeking a zero-latency audio experience. However, it compensates with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for a stable and seamless wireless connection. The headphones also support touch controls, allowing users to manage playback, calls, and ANC activation with simple gestures.
Haylou S35 ANC:
The Haylou S35 ANC positions itself as a dark horse in the competitive mid-range Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones market. With a price tag of $55, it aims to deliver a blend of performance, comfort, and durability, catering to the needs of discerning but budget-conscious audiophiles. The design of the Haylou S35 ANC is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring a robust build that promises durability without sacrificing style. The headphones adopt a minimalist aesthetic, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. They are slightly heavier than some of their competitors, which lends a sense of quality and sturdiness. The foldable design enhances portability, though, like its counterparts in this price range, it misses out on including a carry case.
The Haylou S35 ANC does not skimp on comfort. The ear cups are equipped with soft, memory foam padding that ensures a snug fit while effectively isolating external noise. The headband is adjustable and padded, minimizing pressure on the top of the head during extended listening sessions. The clamping force is well-balanced, providing a secure fit without causing discomfort, making these headphones suitable for long commutes or prolonged work periods.
The sound signature of the Haylou S35 ANC is characterized by its V-shaped profile, with a pronounced bass response and crisp highs that make it ideal for a wide range of music genres, from EDM to rock. The mid-range remains clear and detailed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through without being overshadowed by the bass. In terms of ANC performance, the S35 ANC stands out in its ability to dampen ambient noise, offering a quiet backdrop for immersive listening experiences. While it may not completely eliminate all background sounds, it performs admirably in reducing distractions from urban environments.
Battery performance is a strong suit of the Haylou S35 ANC, boasting up to 60 hours of playback without ANC and 40 hours with ANC activated. This extensive battery life ensures that the headphones can accompany users on long journeys or through multiple workdays without the need for frequent recharging. The addition of quick charging technology is a thoughtful touch, providing a significant boost in playback time with just a short charge.
Unique among its competitors, the Haylou S35 ANC is the only model in this comparison with an official water-resistant rating, making it more versatile for outdoor activities and exercise. This feature, coupled with its robust build, positions the Haylou S35 ANC as a more rugged option suitable for active users. The S35 ANC also supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to be connected to two devices simultaneously—a convenient feature for users who frequently switch between sources. However, it lacks the 3.5 mm jack for wired listening, which might be a drawback for purists or those concerned about battery life.
SoundPEATS Space: Leading the Pack in Budget ANC Headphones
The SoundPEATS Space stands at the pinnacle of budget Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones with its $50 price tag, positioning itself as the premium option within the affordable segment. This model seeks to offer a compelling blend of high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and exceptional battery life, all wrapped in a design that’s both stylish and comfortable.
The SoundPEATS Space showcases a sleek and modern design, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The build quality is superior within its price range, featuring a combination of premium materials that feel both durable and lightweight. The headphones offer a foldable design for easy storage, although, like its competitors, it lacks a protective carry case. The matte finish not only adds to its elegant appearance but also helps in resisting fingerprints and scratches, making the headphones ideal for daily use. Unlike its peers, it lacks an official water-resistant rating, though it’s purported to be durable against light moisture and sweat.
Comfort is paramount with the SoundPEATS Space, thanks to its plush memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband. The ear cups provide ample space for most ear sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit that can be maintained for hours on end. The clamping force is optimized to secure the headphones in place without exerting undue pressure, making them suitable for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
The SoundPEATS Space delivers an audio experience that is both rich and balanced, with a slight emphasis on clarity and detail. The bass is present and well-defined without overpowering the mids and highs, allowing for a listening experience that is enjoyable across a variety of genres. The soundstage is impressively wide for closed-back headphones in this price bracket, offering a sense of immersion that is often lacking in budget models. While the SoundPEATS Space does not support high-resolution audio wirelessly, it compensates with robust Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various codecs for a seamless listening experience.
The ANC functionality of the SoundPEATS Space is where it truly shines, providing top-tier noise cancellation that competes with more expensive models. It effectively reduces a wide range of ambient noises, from the low hum of an airplane cabin to the bustling sounds of a café, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in their audio content.
The SoundPEATS Space leads the pack with an astounding battery life, offering up to 123 hours of playback without ANC and 61 hours with ANC activated. This unparalleled battery performance ensures that the headphones can last for weeks on moderate use, setting a new standard for endurance in budget ANC headphones. The inclusion of fast charging further enhances their usability, offering hours of playback with just a brief charge.
One notable omission is the lack of a 3.5mm jack, which could be a deal-breaker for users seeking a wired connection for zero-latency audio. However, it supports multipoint connection, allowing it to be paired with two devices simultaneously, and comes with dedicated app support for customizing settings and updates.
Comparative Analysis: Finding the Best Budget ANC Headphones for Your Needs
When comparing budget Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones, discerning the best choice depends on various factors including design, comfort, sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, and additional features. The QCY H3, TOZO HT2, Haylou S35 ANC, and SoundPEATS Space each offer unique attributes. In terms of design and build quality, both the QCY H3 and TOZO HT2 prioritize sleekness and comfort, with the QCY H3 slightly ahead due to its softer memory foam padding. The Haylou S35 ANC, on the other hand, is built to last, offering a robust design with the added benefit of being water-resistant, making it suitable for more active users. Comfort is subjective, but the QCY H3 and TOZO HT2 excel with their plush ear pads, ideal for extended wear. The Haylou S35 ANC, while comfortable, is a bit heavier, which might affect long-term wearability for some users.
Sound quality and ANC performance are crucial for any headphones. The TOZO HT2 and Haylou S35 ANC feature a bass-forward sound signature that appeals to fans of modern music genres. Although all models provide adequate noise cancellation for their price points, the SoundPEATS Space is expected to offer superior ANC, making it a preferable option for those prioritizing a quieter listening environment.
Battery life is another critical consideration. The SoundPEATS Space leads with an exceptional battery life that significantly outperforms its competitors, making it ideal for travelers or those who dislike frequent charging. The Haylou S35 ANC also offers impressive battery longevity, ensuring reliable performance for extended periods.
Additional features such as water resistance and multipoint connectivity can influence a buying decision. The Haylou S35 ANC’s water resistance makes it a standout choice for sports and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the multipoint connectivity available in the Haylou S35 ANC and SoundPEATS Space adds convenience for users who switch between devices frequently.
Considering the price-to-value ratio, the QCY H3 emerges as the best option for budget-conscious buyers, offering a commendable mix of features at a low price. For those engaged in active lifestyles, the durable and water-resistant Haylou S35 ANC is worth the extra cost. The SoundPEATS Space, although pricier, is justified for users who value battery life and superior ANC above all. Lastly, the TOZO HT2 appeals to bass enthusiasts seeking a vibrant sound profile without breaking the bank.
This table provides a snapshot of how each headphone compares across various important aspects. The QCY H3 stands out for its incredible value and comfort, the TOZO HT2 for those seeking a bass-forward sound profile and stylish design, the Haylou S35 ANC for active users with its durability and water resistance, and the SoundPEATS Space for users prioritizing battery life and superior ANC performance. Your choice should align with what features matter most to you, whether it’s budget, sound quality, durability, or battery life.
| Feature | QCY H3 | TOZO HT2 | Haylou S35 ANC | SoundPEATS Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | $60 | $55 | $50 |
| Design & Build | Sleek, lightweight, foldable design | Sleek, stylish, foldable design | Robust, minimalistic, foldable design | Expected: Solid build, ergonomic design |
| Comfort | High (memory foam ear pads) | High (memory foam ear pads) | Good (adjustable padded headband) | Expected: Good comfort |
| Sound Quality | Balanced audio profile | V-shaped sound signature (bass & treble emphasized) | V-shaped sound signature (bass & treble emphasized) | Expected: High-quality, balanced audio |
| ANC Performance | Good for budget | Impressive for price | Effective in reducing ambient noise | Expected: Superior noise cancellation |
| Battery Life | 70h (ANC off), 35h (ANC on) | 40h (ANC off), 30h (ANC on) | 60h (ANC off), 40h (ANC on) | 123h (ANC off), 61h (ANC on) |
| Additional Features | 3.5 mm jack, no app support | Touch controls, Bluetooth 5.0, no 3.5 mm jack | Water-resistant, multipoint connectivity, no 3.5 mm jack | Expected: Multipoint connectivity, app support |
| Value Proposition | Unbeatable price, solid performance | Good balance of features and price, bass-heavy sound | Durable, feature-rich, slightly higher price | Higher price justified by superior battery life and ANC |
