Tag: 12mm

TOZO NC20 Pro earbuds review

The TOZO NC20 Pro is a huge leap forward for TOZO, moving from a “budget alternative” to a serious contender in the mid-range earbud market.The standout feature is the Smart Touchscreen Case, which mirrors the functionality of high-end flagship buds like the JBL Live beam 3 but at a fraction of the cost and has been seen before on again higher end priced manufacturers offerings.

The Smart Touchscreen Case I like it.

The case features a full-color LED display that allows you to control the earbuds without touching your phone. This is not a new feature but it is a feature not seen on earbuds this price and it is huge. You can also change the wallpaper for those who want more customization.

With the case you can toggle ANC modes, adjust volume, change EQ presets, check individual battery percentages, and even “find my earbuds” directly from the screen and much more, See the full hands on video below for more or check the unboxing here

While it might seem like a “gimmick” at first for newcomers to cases with a touchscreen , it is genuinely useful for office workers or students who want to keep their phones tucked away while still having full control over their audio on their case I have tested similar in the past and love the idea.

The sound

Equipped with 12mm drivers and LDAC support and the DLC diaphragm give these a great soundstage is surprisingly wide for an in-ear bud. The Bass: Thanks to the SDLC technology, the low-end is punchy and deep without “bleeding” into the vocals.

The Mids/Highs: The Hi-Res certification shows here; strings and vocals are crisp. It supports a frequency range up to 40 kHz, which is rare at this price point.

Customization: The TOZO app offers 32+ preset EQs, allowing you to tune the sound from “Bass Boost” to “Classical” easily and you can really hear the difference bewtween the EQs something again TOZO have been solid on.

Overall excellent sound as expected from TOZO and at the price you cant complain really with all genres tested audio music videos and more they pass the test with flying colours.

Call quality it also excellent indoors and outdoors.

Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC)

TOZO claims up to 52dB of noise reduction. In real-world testing, it excels at removing low-frequency hums (engines, fans). Indoors of course is the best experience but outdoors also good for the price after several weeks of testing.

The “Adaptive” part means the buds automatically increase the ANC strength when you step into a louder environment, which works seamlessly about 90% of the time and in general pretty good in my book.

Battery Life & Durability

The battery life is one of the best in its class. Depenidng on your settings as the all differ to peoples taste as always, you get roughly 12-13 hours with ANC on and 15+ with it off. The case holds an massive amount of extra charge, bringing the total to 80 hours. These also come with an IPX8 rating so they are safe to use outdoors or going to the gym.

If you want the absolute best tech for your hard earned cash, the TOZO NC20 Pro is hard to beat. They are ideal for commuters and travelers who need long battery life and strong ANC, or tech enthusiasts who want the cool factor of the touchscreen case without paying the price of higher end brands and TOZO has consitently put it up to the bigger names with their products and I look forward to seeing what is next from them.

TOZO App

Features

  • [12mm Large Dynamic Driver with Powerful Bass] TOZO NC20 Pro features a 12mm large dynamic driver paired with a DLC diaphragm, crafted for audio enthusiasts. Experience powerful, deep bass as low as 12Hz, revealing hidden details and layers in your favorite tracks that you’ve never noticed. Perfect for daily listening, workouts, or long commutes, it delivers a mini concert-like immersive experience wherever you go.
  • [LDAC & Hi-Res Audio Wireless for Immersive Sound] Equipped with LDAC Hi-Res audio wireless decoding technology, bringing studio-quality Hi-res sound. Every note, vocal, and detail is crisp, clear,and true to the original recording.
  • [Adaptive ANC for Crystal-Clear Calls] Adaptive active noise cancellation continuously monitors ambient noise and automatically adjusts to block up to 52dB of environmental noise, even in bustling cities or windy outdoor settings, it ensures crystal-clear calls and pure music. The 6 Mics AI Noise Reduction system filters wind and crowd noise, keeping your voice crystal clear during calls.
  • [Smart Charging Case with Touch Control] Double-tap the smart screen to unlock touch controls: Play/pause music, adjust volume, switch noise-canceling modes, access scene settings, or activate low-latency gaming mode. The built-in LED display even shows lyrics in real time while you listen! Supports wireless charging and USB-C fast charging for hassle-free convenience.
  • [Wearing Detection for Seamless Listening] Intelligent in-ear sensors detect when you wear or remove the earbuds. Music pauses instantly when you take them out and resumes when you put them back, Enjoy seamless transitions between listening and conversations without fumbling with your phone.
  • [80-Hour Ultra-Long Battery Life] Enjoy up to 16.5 hours of playtime on a single charge (12.5 hours with ANC on), and up to 80 hours with the charging case (63 hours with ANC off). Perfect for long commutes, travel, or busy days—your music, calls, and podcasts will keep going without interruption.
  • [IPX8 Waterproof] TOZO NC20 Pro earbuds feature a nano-waterproof coating that effectively protects internal components from water damage. Perfect for sweat-proof workouts and rainy commutes.
  • [Bluetooth 5.4 & Dual Device Connection] Enjoy stable, lag-free connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 technology. Switch seamlessly between your phone and laptop for calls, music, or video meetings without re-pairing.
  • [TOZO APP with 32 EQ Modes] Access an AI voice assistant via the TOZO APP, explore 32 preset EQ profiles, and join a global community of audio enthusiasts sharing thousands of custom EQ settings.
  • [Ergonomic Design for All-Day Comfort] Engineered for comfort, the earbuds feature a lightweight, secure fit that stays put during workouts or long listening sessions. Six ear tip sizes ensure a perfect fit for your ears.

BUY

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Video Review

Status Pro X Earbuds Review

The Status Audio Pro X earbuds are the company’s latest flagship release, aimed squarely at listeners who prioritize exceptional audio quality above all else. Building on the foundation of their previous models (like the Between 3ANC), the Pro X delivers a technically impressive and immersive listening experience, not tested the previous models and can see no reason to need to do so after testing these out.

The single biggest selling point of the Pro X is its internal hardware: a hybrid triple-driver system in each earbud. This setup includes a large 12mm dynamic driver for powerful, controlled bass, and two Knowles balanced armature drivers dedicated to handling the mid-range and high frequencies.

  • Detail and Clarity: This multi-driver approach pays off immediately. The audio fidelity is fantastic, offering outstanding clarity and resolution. You can pick up nuances, instrumental separation, and vocal textures that often get lost in single-driver earbuds.
  • Tuning: Out of the box, the sound signature is dynamic and engaging, featuring deep, tight bass that doesn’t overwhelm the clear mids and crisp, detailed highs. For those who like to customize, the companion app offers an 8-band equalizer (EQ) and presets, including the well-regarded “Knowles Preferred” curve.
  • Hi-Res Audio: The inclusion of advanced Bluetooth codecs like LDAC (for Android users) and the future-proof LC3 means the Pro X can stream high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/96 kHz), truly utilizing the capability of the triple drivers.

Status has refined the design, making the Pro X significantly smaller and lighter (about 20% smaller) than its predecessors.

  • Fit: They maintain the unique, stemmed, elliptical design but sit more snugly in the ear. While they no longer use the silicone “fitwings,” the ergonomic shape, combined with the multiple included eartips, ensures a secure and comfortable fit for most users, even during long listening sessions and always check for the best tips the ones on might not be the best for everyone.
  • Build: They are rated IP55 for water and dust resistance, making them durable enough for gym use and everyday weather.
  • Controls: The touch controls are reliable and responsive and no issues after some time using them like any other earbuds it is all about the thumb memory.

The Pro X offers hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is a massive improvement over previous Status models.

  • ANC Performance: The ANC is highly effective, especially at canceling out consistent low-frequency noises like airplane engines or office hums, reaching up to -52dB of reduction. It’s solid for daily commutes and focusing, overall decent especially in low noise enironments where you can get the best experience.
  • Transparency Mode: The ambient/transparency mode is functional but can sound a bit “artificial” compared to industry leaders.
  • Call Quality: Call clarity is excellent thanks to six beam-forming microphones and Voiceloom AI speech enhancement technology, which effectively suppresses background noise during calls.
  • Connectivity: Features like Multipoint connectivity (allowing simultaneous connection to two devices), Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair work flawlessly and are great for hybrid work. They use the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard.
  • Battery Life: Status claims up to 8 hours of playback per charge, with 24 hours total from the case. This will vary per user and their setting as with any earbuds or headphones ANC does impede greatly on any.
  • Charging: The case supports both USB-C charging and wireless (Qi) charging ideal for those like me who has adopted this all over my house and office.

The Status Audio Pro X earbuds are designed for the audio enthusiast— A person who can tell the difference between a high-bitrate stream and a standard one. As having the biggest range of earbuds reviewed in Ireland I can confirm these are the dogs, you know what.

Check the video below for a look at the app and more.

Status Hub App

 

Features

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
Block out distractions with over 52db of powerful noise reduction.

Optical Wearing Sensor
Auto-detects when they’re in your ears.

Voiceloom AI Speech Enhancement
Clear calls, even in noisy environments.

Six Beam-Forming Microphones
Radically improved ANC, Transparency Mode, and Call Quality.

Bluetooth® 5.3 with Advanced Codecs
SBC, AAC, and LDAC — delivering 24-bit/96 kHz audio at bitrates up to 990 kbps.

Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support
Future-proofed for the next generation of Bluetooth, with LC3 codec support.

Triple Driver Acoustic System
12mm Dynamic Driver + Dual Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers.

Transparency Mode
Let in ambient sound with a click. Stay aware, stay connected.

IP55 Water & Dust Resistance
Handles sweat, splashes, and dirt.

Long-Lasting Battery Life
8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with the included charging case.

Status Hub App
Fine-tune your sound, manage your earbuds, and more in the Status Hub app for iOS & Android.

Superior Connectivity
Multipoint Connectivity. Android Fast Pair. Microsoft Swift Pair.

Wireless Charging
The Pro X support Qi Wireless Charging.

Sidetone Feature
External mics amplify your own voice during phone calls, so you don’t have to yell.

Find Lost Earbuds
GPS Tracking of lost earbuds with sound notifications.

BUY

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Video Review

Status Pro X Earbuds Now On Amazon and we take a First Look

Building on the widespread acclaim of the Between Pro and Between 3ANC — which together have sold over half a million units — the new Pro X earbuds mark a bold evolution in design, comfort, and acoustic architecture. With a significantly more compact chassis, the Pro X offers a sleeker, more ergonomic fit while incorporating advanced performance features that set it apart from other wireless earbuds in its class.

At the heart of the Pro X is Status Audio’s signature hybrid triple driver system with premium Balanced Armature components from Knowles, a global leader in high-performance acoustic drivers. Enhanced voice call clarity is powered by Voiceloom AI, Status’ proprietary noise-reduction and beamforming speech enhancement technology.

Additional features include a redesigned app experience, upgraded connectivity, and industry-first codec support and in the meantime we have them here to check out and take a first look at the Status Pro X and if you have any questions feel free to ask

 

Key Features:

 

Hybrid Triple Driver Acoustic System

12mm Dynamic Driver

Dual Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation

Adjustable Transparency (“ambient-aware”) Mode

AI-Powered Voiceloom Speech Enhancement for Clear Phone Calls

Bluetooth 5.3 with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support

SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codec support

High Res Wireless Audio Certified by the Japan Audio Society

Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair Support

Multipoint Connectivity

IP55 Water and Dust Resistance

8 hours of continuous playback, 24 hours total with the charging case 

Amazon

Website

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Unboxing Video

Baseus Chooses Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers With The Inspire XC1 #IFA2025

Knowles Corporation a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature (BA) speakers, today announced that Baseus has selected Knowles BA drivers for its flagship open-ear clip wireless earbuds, the Baseus Inspire XC1. This marks the first time Knowles BA technology has been integrated into an open-ear wireless design, representing a significant breakthrough in personal audio innovation.

Revolutionary Hybrid 2-Way Sound Engine

The Baseus Inspire XC1 features a pioneering hybrid 2-way sound engine that pairs a Knowles BA with a 12mm dynamic driver in each earbud. This distinctive combination addresses longstanding acoustic challenges in open-ear designs while delivering crystal-clear sound that rivals traditional in-ear models. Tuned with Baseus’s adaptive SuperBass 3.0 technologies, these open-ear headphones deliver full-range, high-fidelity sound—just as the artist intended. This distinctive combination addresses longstanding acoustic challenges in open-ear designs while delivering crystal clear sound that rivals traditional in-ear models.

Open-ear wireless devices sit outside the ear canal, allowing ambient sound to naturally coexist with the audio experience while providing benefits such as comfort during extended wear, reduced occlusion effect, increased battery capacity, and enhanced situational awareness. However, open-ear designs have historically faced acoustic challenges, including sound leakage, low-frequency drop-off due to a lack of seal, and difficulties in delivering full-spectrum audio.

The Inspire XC1 overcomes these limitations through its sophisticated acoustic system, which combines the precision of Knowles’ miniaturized BAs with the power of a 12mm dynamic driver. This results in a frequency response that captures both subtle sonic textures and a dynamic range that single-driver designs cannot achieve. The dynamic woofer enhances low-frequency response, while the exclusive Knowles BA tweeter delivers exceptional clarity in the mid and high frequencies.

“This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both open-ear wireless audio and our BA technology,” said Jon Kiachian, President of MedTech and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “This is the first time our BAs have been integrated into an open-ear design, and Baseus has demonstrated remarkable innovation in addressing the unique acoustic challenges of this format. The result showcases exactly what becomes possible when our cutting-edge driver technology meets thoughtful product design—an open-ear audio experience that reveals all the nuances and details of music that conventional open-ear designs simply cannot reproduce.”

Designed for Every Lifestyle

These revolutionary earbuds are ideal for users who want to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings. Whether you’re working out at the gym, taking phone calls while walking the street, snowboarding, or skating with music, wearing a clip-on earbud all day at the office for quick calls, or working and studying in a coffee shop, the Baseus Inspire XC1 delivers uncompromising audio quality without sacrificing situational awareness.

Knowles BA drivers enable unprecedented sound performance for their size, allowing Baseus to deliver professional-grade audio quality while maintaining the comfort and situational awareness benefits that make open-ear designs appealing to tech-savvy professionals. The high sensitivity of Knowles BAs also facilitates improved hearing personalization while maximizing power efficiency in the compact form factor.

The Baseus Inspire XC1 leverages Knowles BA technology to achieve the higher frequencies necessary for optimal audio performance, unlocking intricate musical details while preserving natural tonal balance. Advanced features include Dolby Spatial Audio, Hi-Res certification, LDAC codec support, and a leak-proof acoustic design that positions the earbuds among the world’s best-sounding open-ear audio devices.

“When developing our Inspire XC1 open-ear clip model, we needed a technology partner that could help us solve fundamental acoustic challenges that have limited this category,” said Shiyou He, Baseus Founder and CEO. “Knowles BA drivers were the breakthrough we needed, allowing us to achieve frequency response and detail that would be hard with conventional single-driver open-ear designs. This collaboration enables us to create the first open-ear earbuds that can compete with premium in-ear models on audio quality.”

The Baseus Inspire XC1 open-ear clip wireless earbuds featuring Knowles BA technology were unveiled ahead of IFA and are available through the Baseus US official website, Baseus DE official website, Amazon U.S., Amazon DE and Amazon UK.  For more information on Knowles BAs, visit www.knowles.com/premiumsound.

See our open-ear earbud reviews

Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds review

The Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds have been in my ears for a bit now and their latest earbud design which is catching on in the market does not disappoint.

Again this is a new style of earbuds now gaining traction in the market and we have tried several to date and these are now getting better each pair we test out.

The presentation is standard here and all you need is in the box and kept simple as always.

The fit is one concern people ask me with these new clip-on earbuds and they fit rather well as any other pair we have reviewed over the last few months and they are secure you can go jogging go to the gym and cycle with these on and with not being a full on in ear earbud you can hear your surroundings which is perfect for those on the move.

They are also comfortable to wear given their design you can wear for hours on end and like any other earbud you will forget they are there in no time.

The sound is quite good here with their 12mm drivers and expected from Edifier and they pack a punch you also have their app to tune things up a little more and now with app access with these earbuds they are getting better and almost like a true in-ear experience most people are custom to these days.

With access to the EDIFIER ConneX App y0u get additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and some EQ functions making them more favourable over ones out there with no app access.

Highs lows and mids all good no tinny sound no lag latency great bass and decent volume can be had here which is great, you can play/pause skip/reverse tracks basically all you need is here apart from ANC.

You also have decent battery life and calls have been clear on my testing they also have an IP56 rating and overall there is nothing to complain about here and I love the colour we got to checkout see more in the video review below on what to expect.

The App – Edifier ConneX

 

Features

 

  • Open-ear clip-on design offers all-day comfortable wearing.
  • Smart audio channel detection for interchangeable use of left and right earbuds.
  • Directional acoustic technology minimizes sound leakage and enhances sound quality.
  • 12mm dynamic driver with titanium-coated composite diaphragm delivers a dynamic, detailed, and powerful sound.
  • AI algorithm ensures clear phone calls.
  • IP56 dust and water resistance ensures durability.
  • Multipoint connection enables smooth devices switching.
  • Effortlessly pause/resume music with wearing detection.
  • Bluetooth® V5.4 for seamless audio streaming and a stable connection.
  • Compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and more.

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Video Review