TOZO NC9 Review
TOZO NC9 Review: is a compelling option despite its imperfections. While its touchpad and hissing problems may test your patience, its noise-canceling prowess and long-lasting battery exceed expectations for the price point. However, be prepared for the bulky earbuds, absence of a standard listening mode, and below-average microphone quality. Still, considering its exceptional ANC capabilities at such an affordable price, it’s a rarity worth considering.
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
Specification:
Form Factor : In Ear
Connectivity Technology : Bluetooth 5.3
Wireless Communication Technology : Bluetooth
Pros
Affordable Price
Battery life
ANC for cheap
IPX6 water resistance
A lot of color options
Cons
Audible hiss
Mic quality
Large earbuds
Not super durable
Seeking out bargains and unearthing hidden treasures is a universal delight. Could TOZO, the underdog of wireless earbuds, be your next budget-friendly find, or is it merely another gamble? We delve into whether the TOZO NC9 truly masters active noise cancellation (ANC) and boasts enduring battery life, all for less than $50. Related Links to TOZO NC9 review
Note from the Editor: This review, enriched with fresh charts and revamped formatting, was last refined on September 22, 2023.
About the TOZO NC9 experience?
TOZO offers multiple iterations of the NC9: the standard, Pro, and Plus. Our examination centers on the “updated” basic NC9 model. When acquiring the basic NC9 buds, ensure the packaging specifies accordingly. The NC9 buds possess a somewhat bulky build, though their contours adapt reasonably to the ear shape. Moreover, users are greeted with a generous assortment of six ear tips, expanding from 10mm to approximately 16mm in diameter.
Comfort-wise, it registers as middling, albeit slightly weighty. Extended wear tends to induce the familiar dull ache in the ear canal, attributable to the reliance on the nozzle and ear tip for secure fitting. Furthermore, the housing may uncomfortably press down on the antitragus. For individuals with petite ears, the NC9 protrudes noticeably. Moreover, the tactile feedback from tapping the capacitive control panel adds to the discomfort.
Of significance here is the pricing of the TOZO NC9, hovering just under $40. The inclusion of an IPX6 rating in the NC9 is commendable, offering valuable water resistance at nearly any price point. Even after being caught in a downpour, the buds remain functional. Notably, many flagship models only boast a lower IPX4 rating.
The NC9 boasts a remarkably superior water-resistant rating compared to earbuds of significantly higher price ranges. Its case adopts a conventional pill shape, featuring four white battery indicator lights. Notably, the lid exhibits minimal flex or hinge play. However, the hinge’s durability doesn’t instill confidence against accidental drops. In such instances, there’s a risk of the case opening and ejecting the buds, albeit it’s preferable to mishap with $40 earbuds than pricier alternatives.
How do you navigate the controls of the TOZO NC9?
Familiarizing yourself with the commands is essential, operating within the limitations of the NC9’s functionalities rather than ideal expectations. While some functions, such as a single tap to play or pause audio on the right earbud, are intuitive, others may seem unconventional. For instance, the process of deactivating ANC by placing the left earbud into the case and then removing it is intended, but in practice, it doesn’t function as expected. This leaves users essentially toggling between ANC and transparency modes, akin to Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones. Below outlines the intended functionalities of the NC9.
ACTION | LEFT EARBUD | RIGHT EARBUD |
---|---|---|
ONE PRESS | Answer call Toggle ANC/Transparent | Answer call Play/Pause |
TWO PRESS | Previous track | Next track |
THREE PRESSES | Virtual assistant | Virtual assistant |
PRESS AND HOLD (1ish second) | Volume down | Volume up |
PRESS AND HOLD (2 seconds) | End call Reject call Cancel call | End call Reject call Cancel call |
PRESS AND HOLD (3 seconds) | Power on | Power on |
PRESS AND HOLD (5 seconds) | Power off | Power off |
REPLACE IN CASE | Turn off noise canceling |