For years, TOZO has been known for delivering quality audio products without the hefty price tag, and this latest iteration of the NC9 series seems to follow that same winning formula. But here’s the real kicker—TOZO NC9 (2024) are priced at just $30, and they pack a punch with features typically reserved for earbuds that cost three to four times as much. We’re talking hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, an app with customizable EQ settings, and even a low-latency mode for gaming.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. At this price, you might wonder if TOZO had to cut corners somewhere. And, to be fair, there are a few compromises—no wireless charging and no advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC. But honestly, the sound quality, comfort, and feature set more than make up for these omissions. In fact, with their powerful 10mm dynamic drivers and customizable EQ, the NC9 earbuds deliver a sound profile that rivals earbuds well above their price class. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the TOZO NC9 (2024) stand out in the budget earbuds market.
Design and Build Quality
Regarding design and build quality, the TOZO NC9 (2024) makes a strong case for itself. These earbuds might not cost a fortune, but they certainly don’t look or feel like a budget product. The compact and lightweight case makes slipping into a pocket or bag easy. It features a matte finish, which feels nice to the touch and resists fingerprints and smudges better than glossy finishes. The standout feature here is the LED display on the front. This little screen is for keeping tabs on battery life. It shows the remaining charge for earbuds and the case itself in a clean, easy-to-read digital format.
Opening the case reveals the earbuds, neatly nestled and clearly marked for left and right. The case uses magnets to hold the earbuds securely in place so they won’t rattle around or fall out accidentally. There’s even a satisfying click when the lid closes, thanks to the strong hinge mechanism. Overall, the build quality of the case feels solid and durable, even if it’s made from lightweight plastic.
Now, let’s talk about the earbuds themselves. TOZO has kept things simple yet effective here. The earbuds are small, lightweight, and ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in your ears for extended periods. They feature a matte finish similar to the case, with subtle TOZO branding. Each earbud has a capacitive touch surface for controls, allowing you to manage playback, adjust volume, and switch modes with simple gestures. The touch controls are responsive, although they can be slightly oversensitive at times, which is something to keep in mind.
Regarding durability, TOZO claims the NC9 earbuds are either IPX8 waterproof. They’re built to withstand sweat, rain, and minor water exposure. While I wouldn’t recommend submerging them in water intentionally, knowing they can handle accidental splashes without a hitch is reassuring.
Connectivity
The TOZO NC9 (2024) delivers a reliable and modern connectivity experience that you’d expect from earbuds in a much higher price range. TOZO has equipped these earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3 for faster pairing, stronger connections, and lower latency.
Setting up the TOZO NC9 is as easy as it gets. The earbuds enter pairing mode automatically as soon as you open the case. You don’t need to press and hold any buttons or dig through instructions—it’s a straightforward process. Once paired, the earbuds remember your device, and reconnecting is practically instant the next time you use them. During my testing, I found that the earbuds paired seamlessly with iOS and Android devices and laptops without any compatibility issues. The multi-point connection feature, which is absent here, might be missed by some, but for most people, the single-device focus will suffice.
The earbuds support the SBC and AAC codecs, which means they deliver good-quality audio over Bluetooth while keeping compatibility broad. While you won’t find advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC here, the AAC codec ensures that iOS users, in particular, can enjoy high-quality sound with minimal compression. For Android users, SBC performs adequately, but audiophiles might notice a slight difference in quality compared to higher-end earbuds with advanced codecs.
App-Controlled
One of the standout features of the TOZO NC9 (2024) is the level of control it offers through its dedicated app. In a market where budget earbuds often lack any software support, TOZO goes the extra mile by giving us an app that enhances the listening experience and adds a layer of personalization typically reserved for higher-end models. Let’s break down what makes the app a valuable addition to the TOZO NC9 experience.
First, the TOZO app is available on iOS and Android, and the setup process is straightforward. Once you’ve downloaded the app, pairing the earbuds and connecting them to the app takes just a few seconds. What’s great is that you don’t need to create an account or go through tedious registration steps—you can dive straight into customizing your earbuds.
The app’s EQ (equalizer) settings are one of its biggest highlights. Out of the box, the TOZO NC9 already delivers a solid sound profile, but the app takes it to another level by allowing you to tweak the sound. You’ll find a variety of preset EQ options, including “Bass Boost,” “Treble Boost,” “Pop,” “Vocal,” and more.
The app also includes a customizable EQ slider for those who like to fine-tune their audio. You can adjust multiple frequency bands to emphasize or reduce specific aspects of the sound, like punchier bass for workout playlists or crisp treble for vocal clarity in podcasts. The TOZO app lets you create and save your EQ profiles. During testing, I found that even small adjustments made a noticeable difference in the overall sound.
The app doesn’t stop at audio adjustments—it also gives you control over the earbuds’ noise cancellation and transparency modes. With a simple tap, you can switch between different ANC modes, including:
- Standard Noise Cancellation: Best for general use in noisy environments.
- Wind Noise Reduction Mode: Ideal for outdoor activities or cycling on windy days.
- Leisure Mode: Offers lighter ANC for quieter settings like coffee shops.
- Custom Mode: Features a slider that lets you manually adjust the intensity of noise cancellation from minimal to maximum. This level of control is rarely seen in earbuds at this price point.
The transparency mode is also customizable, allowing you to amplify ambient sounds to your liking. This is especially useful for staying aware of your surroundings while walking in busy areas or holding a quick conversation without removing the earbuds.
Another gem tucked into the app is the low-latency gaming mode, which you can enable with a single tap. This mode minimizes audio delay, making it perfect for gamers and anyone streaming video content. While this feature can also be activated via the touch controls, having the option to toggle it in the app adds convenience.
The app supports over-the-air firmware updates, which means your TOZO NC9 earbuds can get new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements as TOZO rolls them out. During testing, I noticed a firmware update that enhanced touch control responsiveness and refined ANC performance. It’s impressive to see TOZO actively supporting its products post-launch, even at this price point.
Beyond sound and mode customization, the app includes some thoughtful extras:
- Battery Monitoring: Displays the exact battery percentage for each earbud and the case.
- Touch Control Customization: You can reassign touch gestures for functions like volume control, track skipping, or activating voice assistants.
- Soothing Sounds: A library of ambient soundscapes like “Forest” or “Ocean Waves” for relaxation or focus—a surprisingly nice touch.
While the app is highly functional, there are a few areas for improvement. First, the design could be more modern and visually appealing. While it’s clean and straightforward, it lacks the polish of apps from premium brands. Second, the app could benefit from more advanced features, like a hearing test, to tailor sound profiles based on individual hearing capabilities. However, these are minor critiques of a product in this price range.
Audio Quality
Audio quality, the TOZO NC9 (2024) truly delivers a listening experience that feels way beyond its modest price tag. At the heart of the TOZO NC9 are 10mm dynamic drivers, paired with what TOZO calls their “OreX Acoustic 2.0 Technology.” While the name might sound like marketing jargon, there’s no denying the impressive performance these drivers deliver. They produce clean, detailed audio across the spectrum, with minimal distortion, even at higher volumes. The frequency range extends from 14Hz to 20kHz, which means you get deep lows, clear mids, and crisp highs.
Let’s start with the bass—arguably one of the most important aspects for many listeners. Straight out of the box, the bass is punchy and tight, delivering that satisfying thump without overwhelming the rest of the mix. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy EDM tracks or hip-hop beats, the NC9 handles the low end with precision. If you’re a bass lover, the app’s “Bass Boost” EQ preset adds extra oomph to the sound without muddying the mids or highs. During my tests, I cranked up some bass-heavy tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” and felt that deep, tight impact without any distortion, even at max volume.
Moving into the mids, the TOZO NC9 truly shines. Vocals are front and center, with a level of clarity that’s rare in earbuds at this price. Whether it’s Adele’s soaring voice or Ed Sheeran’s softer tones, the NC9 ensures every word and nuance is heard. Instruments like guitars and pianos also come through beautifully, adding warmth and richness to the overall sound profile. The mids strike a nice balance—neither too recessed nor too forward—making these earbuds ideal for vocal-heavy genres like pop, acoustic, and jazz.
The NC9’s treble performance is crisp and detailed, with just a slight emphasis that gives the sound a bright and lively character. This works wonderfully for genres like classical, where strings and cymbals need to stand out without being harsh. However, the treble can sometimes be a bit sharp at very high volumes, depending on the track. That said, the app’s EQ customization allows you to tone it down if needed, making it easy to find your sweet spot.
The TOZO NC9 offers an impressive soundstage for a pair of budget earbuds. It won’t rival open-back headphones, of course, but it creates a sense of space that feels natural and immersive. Tracks with many layers—like orchestral pieces or live recordings—feel dynamic and engaging, with instruments and vocals placed accurately in the mix. You’ll be able to distinguish where sounds are coming from, which is great for music, movies, and even gaming.
One thing to note is how the active noise cancellation (ANC) affects the sound. With ANC on, the NC9 slightly boosts the bass, giving the sound a warmer tone. This is common with many ANC earbuds and isn’t a downside—it’s just something to keep in mind. On the other hand, the transparency mode doesn’t affect audio quality significantly, which is great for when you need to stay aware of your surroundings without compromising your music.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Modes
The TOZO NC9 (2024) delivers an impressive suite of noise management features, especially for earbuds that cost less than a dinner date. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes are often the highlights of premium earbuds, but TOZO has included these features at an unbeatable price.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance
The TOZO NC9 uses hybrid ANC, which combines feedforward and feedback microphones to cancel out external noise. This approach is generally more effective than standard ANC systems because it tackles noise from both outside the earbuds and inside your ears. For the NC9, the result is a surprisingly effective noise cancellation experience that blocks out many low-frequency sounds like engine hums, air conditioning units, and the general droning noise you encounter in public transport or crowded spaces.
During my tests, the ANC on the TOZO NC9 proved highly capable in everyday scenarios: With the low rumble of a subway or the constant hum of a car engine, the ANC did an excellent job drowning out background noise. It’s not absolute silence—more like turning down the volume on the world around you—but effective enough to help you focus on your music or podcasts. In moderately noisy environments, like an office with chatter or a bustling café, the ANC worked well to minimize distractions. Voices with higher pitches bleed through occasionally, but that’s expected even in pricier earbuds. Wind noise is often challenging for ANC systems, but TOZO has included a dedicated Wind Noise Reduction mode.
For earbuds in this price range, the ANC is genuinely impressive. While it doesn’t match the performance of high-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro, it comes surprisingly close for less than $30.
Customizable Noise Cancellation
One of the standout features of the TOZO NC9 is the ability to customize ANC levels through the TOZO app. The app includes a slider that lets you adjust the intensity of noise cancellation, from light reduction to maximum blockage. This level of control is rare in budget earbuds and allows you to tailor the ANC to your environment. For instance, you might use a lighter setting in a quiet library to avoid a vacuum-like sensation and crank it up when traveling on a noisy airplane.
Transparency Mode
Transparency mode, also known as ambient mode, is another feature that sets the NC9 apart from most budget competitors. When activated, it uses built-in microphones to let in external sounds, helping you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your audio. During my tests, the transparency mode performed exceptionally well: Crossing streets or navigating busy sidewalks felt much safer with transparency mode enabled. The earbuds let in just the right amount of ambient sound, like car horns or footsteps, while keeping my music in the background. Also, Carrying on a quick chat without removing the earbuds was seamless. The mode doesn’t over-amplify voices, so it sounds natural rather than robotic or overly processed.
One thing I appreciated about the transparency mode is how balanced it feels. It avoids the overly digital or tinny sound some earbuds produce in this mode. You’ll still hear external sounds as they are, without distortion or excessive amplification, making the mode feel very natural.
Gaming Mode and Low-Latency Performance
The TOZO NC9 (2024) goes beyond being a solid choice with its dedicated low-latency gaming mode. While many budget earbuds tend to overlook gaming performance, TOZO has taken the time to address this niche. Let’s explain how well the gaming mode works, what it offers, and how it impacts overall performance.
Low-latency mode is designed to minimize the delay between the action on your screen and the sound in your ears. This is crucial for gaming, where even a slight audio lag can throw off your timing and immersion. In standard Mode, the Latency hovered around 200-250ms, but when activated in Low-Latency Mode, the Latency dropped to around 50-80ms, making it nearly imperceptible in most scenarios. This aligns closely with what high-end earbuds offer in their gaming modes.
When playing fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG Mobile, the audio sync was spot-on. Gunshots, footsteps, and other sound effects matched the on-screen action without noticeable lag. This gave me an edge in gameplay, as I could react more quickly to in-game cues like enemy movements or directional fire. While the NC9 is primarily designed for mobile gaming, I tested it on PC and consoles using Bluetooth adapters. The low-latency mode improved audio sync noticeably, although hardcore gamers using wired headsets might still find a tiny bit of delay.
Low-latency mode isn’t just for gamers—it’s also for streaming video content like YouTube, Netflix, or TikTok. The NC9 ensured seamless lip-syncing. The delay was minimal and barely noticeable in standard mode, but low-latency mode completely eliminated any perceptible lag.
The low-latency mode on the TOZO NC9 doesn’t come without trade-offs, but they’re minimal. When activated, there’s a slight dip in bass depth and overall sound richness, likely because the earbuds focus more on reducing processing times. However, the change is subtle and unlikely to bother most of us, especially during gaming or streaming, where precise timing matters more than perfect audio fidelity. Also, enabling low-latency mode consumes slightly more power, as the earbuds work harder to maintain sync. However, the impact on battery life is minor.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is one of the most critical aspects of any pair of wireless earbuds, and the TOZO NC9 (2024) doesn’t disappoint. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers impressive playback times that can easily compete with much pricier options. I consistently achieved around 13 to 14 hours of playback per charge when using the earbuds with ANC turned off. With ANC enabled, the battery life drops to about 6.5 to 7 hours per charge, which is still respectable. While testing, I used the NC9 on a long flight and found that the ANC worked seamlessly for the entire journey without recharging. While the reduction in battery life is noticeable, it’s a trade-off seen in even the most premium earbuds, so it’s hardly a drawback.
The compact charging case is where the NC9 truly shines. With the ability to hold an additional 45 hours of charge, the case ensures you won’t need to worry about plugging in for days. During my testing, I could go nearly a week of moderate daily use (about 4-5 hours per day) without needing to charge the case. The case is charged via USB-C, which takes about 2 hours to charge fully. Unfortunately, there’s no wireless charging support, but it’s hard to complain about that omission at this price point.
TOZO has included a fast-charging feature; in just 10 minutes of charging, you get about 1 hour of playback. While this isn’t as fast as some premium models, it’s handy when you’re in a pinch and need a quick boost.
The LED display on the charging case is a standout feature. It shows the remaining battery percentage for both the earbuds and the case, so you always know exactly how much charge you have left.
Final Verdict
The TOZO NC9 (2024) proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a feature-packed, high-performance earbuds. With its hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes, these earbuds offer premium-level features at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, the customizable Transparency mode keeps you connected to your surroundings when needed, all without compromising sound quality.
Speaking of sound, the TOZO NC9 doesn’t just tick the box—it exceeds expectations. The 10mm dynamic drivers deliver a clean and balanced audio experience with tight bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Pair that with the EQ customization in the app, and you have earbuds that can cater to virtually any preference.
Battery life is another major win here. With up to 14 hours on a single charge (ANC off) and a total of 59 hours with the case, the LED display on the case ensures you’re never caught off guard by low battery levels. The TOZO NC9’s low-latency gaming mode is the cherry on top, providing smooth, near-perfect audio synchronization for gaming and video streaming. While it may not replace wired headsets for competitive gamers, it’s an impressive feature that elevates the earbuds’ versatility.
Yes, there are a few trade-offs. Advanced codecs like aptX are missing, and the case lacks wireless charging. However, these minor limitations are easy to overlook when considering everything the NC9 offers. For under $30, you’re getting a product that competes with earbuds costing three or four times as much.
