Priced at just $22, QCY MeloBuds N50 earbuds promise features you’d typically expect from much pricier models. We’re talking adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.4, 6 AI-powered microphones, and even a low-latency gaming mode. Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the real question: can a pair of $22 earbuds actually deliver on all these promises, or is it just too good to be true?
I’ve been testing the MeloBuds N50 for a while now, and I’ve got to say, I’m genuinely surprised by what QCY has packed into this tiny package; the N50 seems to tick many boxes. But don’t get me wrong—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some trade-offs when dealing with a budget-friendly product, and I’ll be breaking it all down for you.
Design and build quality
When dealing with budget earbuds, you often expect some compromises in this department, but QCY has surprised me here. First off, the earbuds are lightweight and compact, which is always a good thing when you’re wearing them for long periods. They’re designed to sit snugly in your ears, and I’ve got to say, the fit is pretty comfortable. QCY has gone for a semi-in-ear design, which means they don’t go too deep into your ear canal, making them less intrusive than some other models. For me, they stayed in place even during light workouts or when I was moving around, but if you’re into more intense activities.
The earbuds have a sleek matte finish that helps keep fingerprints and smudges at bay. I tested the white version, and while it looks clean and modern, it’s worth noting that lighter colors might show dirt over time. If you’re someone who’s rough on their gadgets, the black version might be a safer bet.
Comfort is where the MeloBuds N50 really shines. The earbuds are ergonomically designed to fit most ear shapes, and they come with three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large) so you can find the perfect fit. I used the medium tips, and they provided a good seal without feeling too tight or uncomfortable. I wore them for a couple of hours straight, and my ears didn’t feel fatigued, which is a big win in my book.
Each earbud has a touch-sensitive surface for controls, and I appreciate that QCY kept the design minimal—no bulky buttons or awkward protrusions. The touch controls are responsive, but more on that later. On the bottom, you’ll find the charging pins that connect to the case, and on the inner side, there’s a small vent for pressure relief, which helps with comfort during long listening sessions.
Now, let’s talk about the charging case. It’s small, lightweight, and fits easily in your pocket, which is a big plus for portability. The case has a smooth, rounded design with a flip-top lid that feels sturdy and snaps shut with a satisfying click. It’s not the most premium-feeling case out there—it’s made of plastic, after all—but for $22, it’s more than decent. The hinge feels solid, and I didn’t notice any wobbling or creaking, which is a good sign for durability.
On the front of the case, there’s a small LED indicator that shows the battery status when you open the lid or plug it in to charge. It’s a simple but useful feature that lets you know how much juice you’ve got left. The case charges via a USB-C port at the bottom, which is great because you won’t need to carry around a separate cable—most of us already have a USB-C cable lying around.
In terms of build quality, the MeloBuds N50 feels solid for its price. The earbuds and case are made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. QCY has done a good job of making these earbuds feel durable enough for everyday use. That said, they’re not indestructible—I wouldn’t recommend dropping them on concrete or exposing them to extreme conditions, but for normal use, they should hold up just fine.
One thing I really appreciate is the IPX4 water resistance rating. This means the earbuds can handle sweat and light rain, making them a good option for workouts or outdoor activities. Just don’t go swimming with them, and you’ll be fine.
Connectivity
The QCY MeloBuds N50 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, which is the latest version of Bluetooth technology (at least as of now). This is a big deal because it brings several improvements over older versions like Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2, ensuring a fast, stable, and energy-efficient connection.
The Dual-Device Connection feature is another standout aspect of the MeloBuds N50. This allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, which is incredibly handy if you juggle multiple gadgets throughout the day. I tested this feature by connecting the earbuds to both my phone and my laptop. While working on my laptop, I was able to take a call on my phone without any hassle. The transition was seamless, and I didn’t experience any lag or delay.
While the Dual-Device Connection works well, it’s worth noting that the earbuds can only play audio from one device at a time. For example, if you’re listening to music on your phone and a notification comes in on your laptop, the music will pause while the notification sound plays. This is normal for dual-device connections, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re expecting to hear audio from both devices simultaneously.
QCY App Integration
If you love tweaking settings and customizing your gadgets, this is where things get interesting. The QCY app adds a whole new layer of functionality to these already impressive $22 earbuds. When you first open the QCY app, it’s pretty straightforward. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, which is always a plus. You’ll need to create an account or log in using your email or social media, but it’s a quick process. Once you’re in, the app automatically detects your MeloBuds N50 if they’re paired with your phone. From there, you’re greeted with a simple dashboard showing the battery levels of the earbuds and the charging case.
One of the standout features of the QCY app is the EQ settings. The MeloBuds N50 comes with six preset sound profiles: Default, Pop, Rock, Soft, Classical, and Bass Booster. If you’re not an audiophile and just want to plug and play, these presets are more than enough to get you started. But you can create a custom EQ profile if you like to fine-tune your audio experience. This lets you adjust the bass, mids, and treble to your liking. I played around with this for a bit, and it’s a fun way to tailor the sound to your preferences.
The app also gives you full control over the adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC). You can switch between different ANC modes like Transport, Anti-Wind, Outdoor, and Indoor, and even adjust the intensity of the noise cancellation with three levels: Light, Moderate, and Strong. I found this super useful because it lets you tweak the ANC based on your environment. For example, if you’re on a noisy bus, you can crank it up to the strongest setting, but if you’re just in a mildly noisy café, the light setting might be enough. There’s also a Transparency Mode, which lets you hear your surroundings—perfect for when you need to be aware of your environment without taking the earbuds out.
Another cool feature is the ability to customize the touch controls on the earbuds. By default, the touch controls let you play/pause music, skip tracks, and switch between ANC modes, but you can change these settings in the app. The app includes a Sleep Mode for those who like to fall asleep with music or podcasts. When activated, it disables the touch controls to prevent accidental taps while you’re sleeping. There’s also an Auto Power-Off feature that lets you set a timer for the earbuds to turn off after a certain period of inactivity. This is great for saving battery if you forget to turn them off manually.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is where things get really interesting because, let’s be honest, no matter how many features earbuds have, if they don’t sound good, they’re not worth your time. The QCY MeloBuds N50 has 12mm bio-diaphragm dynamic drivers, which is pretty impressive for earbuds in this price range. These drivers are designed to deliver a balanced sound focusing on clarity and detail. Out of the box, the sound profile is tuned more toward a bass-forward experience, which is great if you’re into genres like hip-hop, EDM, or pop. But don’t worry—it’s not one of those overly bass-heavy setups that drown out the mids and highs. QCY has done a decent job of keeping things balanced.
Let’s start with the bass. As I mentioned, the MeloBuds N50 has a noticeable bass presence, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s punchy and has great depth, making tracks with heavy basslines sound engaging. For example, when I listened to Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the low-end was present and satisfying without muddying the rest of the mix. If you’re a bass lover, you’ll appreciate this, but if you prefer a more neutral sound, you can always tweak the EQ in the QCY app to tone it down.
The mids are where the MeloBuds N50 really shines, especially for the price. Vocals and instruments come through clearly, and a nice level of detail makes listening to acoustic tracks or podcasts enjoyable. For instance, when I played John Mayer’s Gravity, the guitar riffs and vocals were crisp and well-defined. There’s no noticeable distortion, even at higher volumes, which is a big win for budget earbuds.
Now, let’s talk about the highs. The treble is decent, but it’s not the most sparkly or detailed. It’s there, and it does its job, but it doesn’t stand out as much as the bass and mids. For example, when listening to classical music like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the higher frequencies felt a bit subdued. That said, this isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re a fan of genres that rely heavily on treble, like classical or jazz. Again, you can tweak the app EQ to boost the highs if needed.
For $22 earbuds, the soundstage is surprisingly decent. It’s not super wide or immersive like you’d get with higher-end models, but it’s good enough to give you a sense of space and depth. Instrument separation is also pretty solid—you can pick out individual elements in a track without everything blending together. For example, when I listened to Daft Punk’s Get Lucky, I could clearly distinguish the guitar, vocals, and synths, which made the listening experience more enjoyable.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
The Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Features are usually in much pricier earbuds, so seeing them in a $22 pair is impressive. But do they actually work well? The Adaptive ANC on the QCY MeloBuds N50 is designed to automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings. It uses six microphones (three on each earbud) to detect external noise and then applies the appropriate level of cancellation to block it out. This is a big step up from basic ANC, which usually has a fixed level of noise cancellation.
ANC Modes
The QCY app lets you choose from four ANC modes:
- Transport: Best for blocking out low-frequency noises like airplane engines or train rumbles.
- Anti-Wind: Reduces wind noise, which is great for outdoor use.
- Outdoor: Blocks general outdoor noises like traffic or street chatter.
- Indoor: Focuses on mid-range frequencies, like office chatter or household noises.
Each mode also has three intensity levels: Light, Moderate, and Strong. This level of customization is pretty rare in budget earbuds, and it’s one of the reasons the MeloBuds N50 stands out.
In my testing, the ANC worked surprisingly well for a $22 pair of earbuds. In Transport Mode, it did a great job of reducing the low hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of a bus engine. In Indoor Mode, it effectively cut out background chatter in a café, allowing me to focus on my music or podcast. The Anti-Wind Mode also worked as advertised, reducing wind noise during outdoor walks.
That said, the ANC isn’t perfect. It struggles with very high-frequency noises, like sharp voices or sudden loud sounds. For example, if someone nearby suddenly laughs or shouts, you’ll still hear it, albeit at a lower volume. However, for the price, the ANC performance is impressive and more than enough for everyday use.
The adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) also plays a role in the overall sound quality. When ANC is turned on, the background noise is significantly reduced, which allows you to focus more on the music. I tested this in a noisy café, and the ANC did a great job of blocking out chatter and ambient noise. However, I did notice a slight change in the sound profile when ANC was active—the bass felt a bit more pronounced, and the overall sound became slightly warmer. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re particular about how your music sounds.
Transparency Mode
Transparency Mode is the opposite of ANC—it lets in ambient sound so you can stay aware of your surroundings. This is super useful in situations where you need to hear what’s going on around you, like crossing the street, having a quick conversation, or listening for announcements at the airport.
When you activate Transparency Mode, the earbuds use their microphones to pick up external sounds and pipe them into your ears. The result is a natural-sounding mix of your music and the environment around you. It’s not as seamless as what you’d get with higher-end earbuds, but it’s still effective.
I tested Transparency Mode in a few different scenarios:
- Walking in the City: I could hear traffic and pedestrian chatter clearly, making me feel safer.
- Office Use: I could quickly converse with a colleague without taking the earbuds out.
- Home Use: I could hear my doorbell or someone calling my name while still enjoying my music.
The mode works well, but there’s a slight “hollow” sound to the ambient noise, which is common in budget earbuds. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to remember.
The Transparency Mode is another feature that affects sound quality but in a different way. When activated, it lets in ambient sound so you can hear your surroundings. The sound quality doesn’t suffer much in this mode—it just feels like you’re listening to music with the earbuds slightly pulled out of your ears.
Crystal-Clear Calls
The QCY MeloBuds N50 has six microphones (three on each earbud) that use AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) to ensure your voice comes through clearly. This setup is designed to reduce background noise and focus on your voice, which is crucial for clear calls. There’s also an anti-wind noise design to minimize wind interference when outdoors.
In a quiet room, the call quality is excellent. My voice came through clearly, and the person on the other end had no trouble hearing me. The microphones do a great job of picking up your voice without any distortion or muffling.
I tested the earbuds in a noisy café with loud background chatter and music, and the results were impressive. The microphones effectively reduced the background noise, allowing my voice to come through clearly. The person on the other end said they could hear me well, even with all the noise around me. It’s not perfect—some background noise still seeped through—but for $22 earbuds, it’s way better than I expected.
One thing to note is that there’s a slight latency when using the earbuds for calls. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you might notice a tiny delay between your voice and the other person’s response. This is common in budget earbuds, and it’s something to keep in mind if you’re very sensitive to latency.
Gaming Mode and Latency
You’ll appreciate the low-latency Gaming mode if you’re a gamer. When enabled, it reduces the delay between audio and video, making it ideal for gaming or watching movies. I tested this while playing *Call of Duty: Mobile*, and the sync between the visuals and audio was pretty spot-on. There’s still a tiny bit of latency, but it’s minimal and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for casual gamers.
Battery Life
Battery life is a big deal for wireless earbuds, especially if you’re using them throughout the day. Without active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, the QCY MeloBuds N50 offers up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is pretty solid for budget earbuds and should be enough to get you through a workday or a long commute. In my testing, I consistently got around 5.5 to 6 hours of playback at moderate volume levels, which is in line with QCY’s claims.
When you add the charging case into the mix, the total playtime jumps to up to 24 hours. This means you can recharge the earbuds multiple times before needing to plug in the case itself. For most people, this should be more than enough to last a full week of casual use.
When you turn on ANC, the battery life takes a hit, as expected. With ANC active, the earbuds last up to 4 hours on a single charge. In my testing, I got around 3.5 to 4 hours with ANC set to the strongest level. This is still decent, but if you use ANC all the time, you’ll need to recharge the earbuds more frequently.
With the charging case, the total playtime with ANC on drops to up to 18 hours. This is still respectable, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use ANC heavily.
With fast charging, Just 10 minutes of charging in the case gives you 2 hours of playback. I tested this feature, and it worked as advertised—after a 10-minute charge, I was able to get through a couple of hours of music without any issues.
The charging case itself is compact and easy to carry around. It charges via USB-C, which is a nice touch at this price point. A full charge of the case takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the LED indicator on the front lets you know how much juice is left.
Final Verdict
We’ve covered just about everything—design, sound quality, ANC, call quality, and battery life. Now, it’s time to answer the big question: Are the QCY MeloBuds N50 worth your money?
For $22, the QCY MeloBuds N50 is an incredible value. They punch way above their weight class, offering features and performance that rival much more expensive earbuds. While they’re not perfect—there are some limitations in sound quality and ANC—they’re more than good enough for the price. If you’re on a tight budget but still want earbuds that deliver a solid sound, effective ANC, and great call quality, the MeloBuds N50 is a no-brainer. They won’t replace premium earbuds, but they’re an excellent choice for affordable, feature-packed wireless earbuds.
So, should you buy them? Absolutely. The QCY MeloBuds N50 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great pair of wireless earbuds. They’re packed with features, perform well across the board, and offer excellent value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of earbuds that don’t cut corners, the MeloBuds N50 is a fantastic choice.
