TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
4.5 STARS - With a super compact charging case, actually usable Active Noise Cancelling and fun sound, the QCY HT07 ANC is yet another good price-to-perfomance pair of wireless earbuds of QCY.
QCY ArcBuds HT07 ANC specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec
IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat proof)
7 - 8 hours listening on a single charge (ANC on/off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 4 times
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, and USB-C cable
$35 - Buy on AliExpress
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It's such a common practice of Chinese technology brands you forget how silly it really is. In about three months time, QCY released three new wireless earbuds on top of their already crowded price range from 25 to 50 dollars.
There's the brand new QCY HT05 ANC Melobuds, the QCY T13 ANC and right in the middle of it sits the new QCY HT07 ANC, also called the Arcbuds.
The HT07 differentiates itself from its siblings by having Active Noise Cancelling, but not a stem design. These buds purely sit in the center of your ears. As compact as they are, though, you can feel their presence when wearing them. Not just because of the shape, but also because they get a little warm when using them for a while. A remarkable 'feature' earbuds rarely have.
The Arcbuds’ charging case is remarkably tiny
The Active Noise Cancelling here? Solid! Hold the right earbud and the ANC mode acitvates, immediately reducing all kind of sounds around you. Lower, middle and higher tones are all softened well, with the exception of splashy tones (like cymbals and slaps on a radio). These can provide some extra concentration on your workday, even without playing music. The effect is much stronger than on the cheaper T13 ANC, and the processing sounds to battle noise are less noticeable than on the HT07 ANC.
Not all is perfect here, though. The earbuds pick up a ton of wind noise with the function turned on (unless you activate a specific wind mode from the app, but that's a bit of a hassle), and while the Transparency mode puts through traffic and conversations well when you need it, the effect falls short if listen to music on moderate volume or higher.
Listening to music on the HT07 Arcbuds is mostly fun. QCY throws in a mid-bass with a full and long slam (perhaps even sloppy at times), elevates lower mid-tones to boost darker electronic tones and provide music with warmth, and lifts lower treble to accentuate female and higher male vocals.
Pass the volume bar halfway, and the bass deepens noticeably, with deep-diving thumps and a sub-bass (the darkest tones you can feel as much as hear) that can rumble strongly. It's not often that QCY releases earbuds which such a fierce and strong bass. Along with the boosted lows and recessed center-mid tones - which paves the way for the lower and higher tones - the HT07 can have a big sound.
Unfortunately, early treble is handled less elegantly. Higher vocals can lack a little dynamics and all sound a bit metallic and samey, and cymbals, claps, violins, and vocal outbursts can come with some harshness on higher volumes. The HT07 fares best on moderate volumes.
Other aspects of the earbuds are all run-of-the-mill in this overly competitive market segment. The earbuds last a respectable 7 hours on a single charge with ANC on, are IPX5 waterproof so you can take them for a run in the rain, and come with a good gaming mode that synchronizes the sound effects in mobile games well.
Sadly, the HT07 ANC also shares the two biggest downsides with the HT05 and T13 ANC.
It supports QCY's free Android and iPhone app, which requires an account and kicks you out seemingly every few days. Annoying, since logging in works like sh*t as you can't fill in the forms with your password manager. And annoying, because you want to use the app for the decently functioning, wind-noise reducing ANC mode, for adjusting controls, and maybe to fiddle with the (weak) sound equalizers.
The call quality is also a mixed bag. It's surprisingly good when you take a phone call or enter a video meeting in a perfectly quiet area. Your voice will sounds clear, natural and has plenty of volume. Throw in some chatter or some wind, however, and nearly all is lost. Strange.
While the QCY HT07 isn't perfect, delivering solid Active Noise Cancelling, long battery life, great indoor call quality, and mostly fun sound at a bargain makes it an easy recommendation. Just like most of its siblings. A true QCY.
Design and comfort: 4/5 - Compact case, snug fit, can become a little warm
Controls and connectivity: 4/5 - Good overall connectivity, responsive touch panels, adjustable control scheme
Playback: 4/5 - Great for videos, solid gaming mode performance
Call quality: 2.5/5 - Great for clear calls in quiet areas, not much else
ANC: 4/5 - Reduces all frequencies noticeably. Strong performer for the price
Transparency mode: 2/5 - Loses functionality when you turn the music up a bit
App support: 2/5 - Requires an account, needs you to login often
Sound quality: 4/5 - Somewhat flat treble, but plenty to enjoy with full lows
VERDICT: 4.5 STARS (Great for the price)
QCY HT07 ANC vs QCY HT05, T13 ANC and others
QCY HT05 Melobuds
There are other good options for Active Noise Cancelling earbuds under $50, of which the QCY HT05 Melobuds ANC from the same brand is the strongest competitor. Its ANC seems a tad stronger even, but has more noticeable processing sounds to silence your surroundings - ultimately making the ANC of the HT07 more comfortable. The HT05 has more upper-mids and highs and controls these frequencies better. Its bass is tighter. The HT07 brings more fun to the table with a fuller, more engaging bass, and a bit more warmth to the sound - but it doesn't have the same balance.
QCY T13 ANC
The even more affordable QCY T13 ANC scores less - although you may get it under a wonderfully low $25. The HT07 has much stronger noise cancelling, and has a more bass- and warmth-centric sound than the more balanced T13, that does require you to fiddle a bit with the fit to get the most out of the music. As the HT07 is clearer for indoor phone calls as well, it's worth it to pay a little bit extra.
Another alternative is the often $30 to $40 SoundPEATS Life, with good comfort and ANC, but weaker sound performance - as it can sound a bit restless. The Mifo FiiTii HifiAir then? It may have weaker Active Noise Cancelling, but it does have a slightly better shape for side-sleeping.
If you're mostly looking for a fun sound with a big bass and don't mind ANC, the Soundcore A20i is a better choice than this QCY, as it removes the treble harshness.
Buy QCY HT07 ANC/ check lowest price:
Buy on AliExpress
I bought the QCY HT07 Arcbuds from the manufacturer to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3
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