TWS true wireless earphones - under $100
FOUR STARS - The Fiil CC Pro wireless earbuds combine solid battery life, good ANC noise cancelling, and clear call quality. Unfortunately, its sound isn't as immersive as on other Fill earphones.
Fiil CC Pro specs:
Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec
IPX4 waterproof (light rain and dust resistant)
5,5 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and USB-C cable
$85 - Check latest price on AliExpress (possibly cheaper here)
Below this Fiil CC Pro review, you will find comparisons of the Fiil CC Pro vs 1more ComfoBuds Pro, Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro, Oppo W51, Fiil T1 Pro and Fiil CC2.
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Unfortunately, the result isn't as striking. As the formal grey stems now attach to a bigger oval part that goes into your ears, it's not just the stems visible out of your ears - it's a small part of the body as well - preventing the CC Pro from looking as sleek.
These round ear parts are similar to the AirPods Pro and Oppo Enco W51, but these competitors provide a snugger fit. The CC Pro is comfortable to wear for hours, but it feels a bit loose in your ears and can wiggle around when you touch it, even with the right tip size. The IPX4 waterproof rating makes them withstand (light) rain and dust.
The dark-grey metallic charging case is neither big nor compact, but it does come with wireless charging next to the USB-C port and lights up the Fiil-logo to indicate it's charging or being charged. While that looks neat, it's downright inconvenient as these letters don't show any detail about the remaining battery of the case itself.
The battery life of the earbuds has increased from the previous CC's, thankfully. The Fiil CC Pro reaches a little over 5 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC activated, an average score. The case can recharge them 3,5 times fully before it needs new power itself again.
Connectivity and controls
Unless you want to dive up the Chinese Fiil+ app and fiddle around with options described only in Chinese, the Fiil CC Pro doesn't provide app support. Therefore, the basic controls are limited:
Tap L or R twice to play/ pause music
Hold L or R 2 seconds to switch between Transparency mode and ANC on (Chinese voice prompts)
Hold L or R 4 seconds for multipoint connectivity: switch to another paired device!
Yes, the Fiil CC Pro has multipoint connectivity by letting you switch manually between two connected devices. In theory. Maybe it's only possible with the Chinese app, but the manual doesn't state it. Without it, it's impossible to get it to work. Only one device seems to connect to the CC Pro when you take it out of the case, and the CC Pro doesn't let you connect to a second device while you're using it. Furthermore, pressing an earbud for 4 seconds doesn't trigger the promised connection switch, but turns that earbud off. You'll only revert to stereo after you take them in and out of the case again.
When you take the buds out of the case, always check if both earbuds show a blue light on top. If not, one earbud will probably not connect or connect and shut off after a few seconds.
Without the Chinese app, it's impossible to change the volume or select tracks, or activate the voice assistant on your phone with the earbuds controls. The CC Pro automatically pauses when you take an earbud out by detecting if it's in your ears, and it works fairly well. Basic connectivity is also quite good, with a strong Bluetooth 5.2 signal up to 8-9 meters away from your device and the option to switch between listening to one or two earbuds seamlessly.
So, overall: the standard connection is solid, don't expect useful multipoint connectivity, one of the earbuds can drop out when you take it out of the case too fast, and controls are limited.
Calling and watching movies
Watching videos on the Fiil CC Pro is a flawless experience, with proper synchronization between audio and video on both Android and iPhone apps. There is a noticeably delay in sound effects when playing games, as is the case on almost all wireless earphones.
It's easy to take a phone call with the Fiil CC Pro. Your voice sounds loud and clear at all times, both indoors and outside. Surrounding noises are reduced well; things like nearby traffic and passing trains are barely identifiable. However, the person you're talking to can hear the processing that's going on to reduce these sounds - resulting in some tinny noises and crackles on the line, which can be a bit tiresome. Happily, your voice is still loud enough.
For video calls like Zoom meetings and Microsoft Teams, your voice sounds a little compressed and could have been a bit louder. As such, people can have a bit of trouble noticing you start talking. Once they're quiet, they shouldn't have problems hearing you.
App quality of Fiil CC Pro
For previous Fiil models, I reviewed the app support and functionality of the earphone. I'm not reviewing the app part now, as you will need the Chinese app that is badly available, only comes in the Chinese language, gave some weird issues in previous models (such as Chinese and English voice prompts in your earbuds mixed up) and... I downloaded the app multiple times already, only to see it convert to the international app later, which doesn't support the same models and offer the same options.
The Fiil+ Global app doesn't support the Fiil CC Pro yet. When this changes, this review will have an app description and subscore.
ANC Noise cancelling test of Fiil CC Pro
The Fiil CC Pro has three ANC settings out of the box. You can switch between ANC noise-cancelling on (the Chinese voice prompt sounds like 'shao-tang moshu'), a Transparency mode with which you hear your surroundings ('kai-fan moshu'), and ANC off ('MAF quan)'. Cycle between the functions by pressing the buds for 2 seconds: Chinese voice prompts will affirm your actions.
ANC quality: As soon as the 'shao-tang moshu' sounds, the CC Pro successfully silences many sounds around you. Background sounds like distant traffic and electronic hummings are filtered out nice, or at least lose their brightest and darker tones, making them sound more soft and friendly to the ears. Louder background sounds (like trains or bigger fans) and sudden sounds (like accelerating scooters and loud chatter) still come through.
It's very important to twist the loose-fitted CC Pro's in your ears properly to get the most out of the effect, but when it performs at its best, this ANC can bring rest to your head even when you're not playing any music.
Transparency mode quality: The 'kai-fan moshu' lets in brighter surrounding noises when it's activated, so you can eavesdrop in a nearby conversation or hear traffic around you. The effect works good without playing music, but not so much when you're playing music, even on lower volume levels.
Wind noise reduction: Unfortunately, both the noise-cancelling and the Transparency mode let in a huge amount of wind noise in the sound and music on the CC Pro. When you're commuting, just use the 'MAF quan' setting - the ANC off option. It's great to have it at your fingertips.
Also read: The best wireless ANC earbuds
Sound quality of Fiil CC Pro: Different
The sound character of the Fiil CC Pro differs from previous Fiil models. It serves a less overwhelming but a bassier, more consumer-friendly sound.
The lows and the upper-mids are the biggest assets of the Fiil CC Pro sound. There's a strong mid-bass that can thump fiercely in songs demanding it, like dance, electronics, and hip-hop. It's also noticeable on easier-going and more acoustic songs, when drums and other basslines enjoy proper impact. The bass sounds full and dark, with the sub-bass (the bass you can feel as much as hear) adding in on the fun, always on the lookout for a proper shaking when called for - like in James Blake's test case Limit to Your Love.
The lower-mids deserve attention, as they are more pronounced than other Fiil earphones. Drums and darker electronic tones sound full-bodied and detailed and make music sound warm.
Happily, there's enough clarity in vocals and lighter instruments to balance out the sound. The Fiil places upper mid-tones slightly forward to counter the darker tones. Female and higher-pitched male vocals and instruments like violins, trumpets, and cymbals sound clear and show nuances.
For the first time, this Fill stays away from occasional harshness. But while the CC Pro controls its highs better than previous models, it does so at the expense of the air and detail. Amidst the bass and lower-mids, the vocal performance strikes thin sometimes.
Unlike other models from the brand, the CC Pro doesn't resolve much detail in the center-mids - a section where the other models shine. Guitars, piano play, and drums don't reach the same level of texture and naturality. The soundstage isn't as big, and instrument placement isn't as precise as on Fiil's best.
The sound that remains on the Fiil CC Pro is warm and soothing, but isn't flawless. The strong mid-bass can become too boomy and shaky when you have ANC turned on, and in crowded songs on higher volumes, the sound can even distort. Happily, the CC Pro can go lovely loud.
The Fiil CC Pro may not be as immersive as the other full-in-ear models from the brand or as natural in the mids. Still, it does have a pleasing sound, with a nice combination of bass warmth and vocal clarity.
Fiil CC Pro comparisons
Fiil CC Pro vs 1more ComfoBuds Pro
The $80 1more ComfoBuds Pro trumps the Fiil CC Pro. While noise-cancelling strength is comparable, the 1more has a more usable Transparency mode. The 1more also provides clearer calls both indoors and outside. The Fiil CC Pro has a warmer and fuller sound, with a stronger pumping mid-bass and more body in the lower-mids. The 1more bass is slimmer, more controlled, and its musical presentation is more balanced. Vocals are more upfront and clearer, highs are further extended, and instruments in the mids - like guitar, drums, and piano - appear more natural. Spatial details on the ComfoBuds Pro are better as well.
Fiil CC Pro vs Oppo Enco W51
The noise-cancelling on the $60 Oppo Enco W51 does a comparable, if slightly better job of filtering out darker (background) sounds, and it performs a bit better in both phone and video calls too. The Fiil has a better Transparency mode by actually having one, has longer battery life, and more convenient controls out of the box. The CC Pro has a quicker and stronger mid-bass, and its boosted lower-mids make the sound warmer. The Oppo W51 puts more effort into higher-pitched vocals and upper-mid tones, which it presents clearer, but with a slight hissy undertone the CC Pro lacks.
Oppo Enco W51 review ($60)
Fiil CC Pro vs Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro enjoys fantastic app support, and it gives these $130 earbuds an advantage over the much cheaper CC Pro. While the standard sound of the LA2P is more closed-in, even more boomy-bassy than the Fiil, you can choose from lots of different equalizers to open up and balance the sound. This can ultimately provide a clearer sound than the Fiil - even though it always shows more hiss underneath the upper-mids. Soundcore's ANC is slightly more effective in filtering out background noises, and it has more comprehensive controls thanks to a recent firmware update.
Fiil CC Pro vs Fiil T1 Pro/ Lite
The CC Pro filters out surrounding noises much stronger than their first wireless ANC earbuds; the Fiil T1 Pro. Both background and closeby sounds sound softer with the CC Pro. The T1 Pro has a tighter fit thanks to the ear wings, and its higher waterproof rating makes the T1 Pro better for workout use. In sound character, the Fiil T1 Pro (and non-ANC bearing $35 alternative Fiil T1 Lite) is brighter and sounds harsher - but it has a detailed and more mids presence to go against it. Vocals are more upfront and clearer on the T1, and instruments can be placed more precisely within a bigger soundstage. The CC Pro has a tighter bass and more warmth in return. It comes down to the question of whether you want a more controlled, warm sound - or a sharper, more immersive one.
Fiil T1 Lite review ($35)
Fiil T1 Pro review ($65, adds ANC and ear wings)
Fiil CC Pro vs Fiil CC2
As they are AirPods-like half-in-ears, the Fiil CC2 doesn't provide the full bass and lower-mids of the CC Pro. The CC2 sounds thinner in the lower frequencies and instead puts more weight in the higher notes. Female and higher-pitched male vocals take up a more prominent role on the CC2, and center-mids like guitars sound more natural, but once again, highs have the risk of sounding harsh - something Fiil answers for the first time with the CC Pro. The CC Pro has a more engaging bass and soothing sound; the CC2 displays a bigger soundstage and more clarity.
Fiil CC2 review ($60)
Verdict
The Fiil CC Pro wireless earbuds combine solid battery life, good ANC noise cancelling, and clear call quality. Unfortunately, its sound isn't as immersive as on other Fill earphones.
Four stars - Very good
Buy Fiil CC Pro/ check price:
Buy Fiil CC Pro on AliExpress (possibly cheaper link)
I bought the Fiil CC Pro myself to test and review myself. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
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