QCY MeloBuds Pro Review: Is This Budget ANC King Worth It?
So, I’ve been messing around with the QCY MeloBuds Pro for a good couple of weeks now, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Budget earbuds with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) usually promise a lot and deliver… well, let’s say not always what you want. But these little guys caught my eye because, hey, under $50 with ANC? That’s rare. In this review, I’m going deep — specs, real-world testing, plus a peek at competitors. Let’s see if these earbuds can actually hold their own in a crowded, noisy market.
1. Introduction to the Product
QCY has been around the budget audio block, but with the MeloBuds Pro, they’re trying to up their game by throwing ANC into the mix. It’s a tall order at such a low price point. But the design? Sleek and modern. Comfortable fit? That’s what I wanted to check first. Because what good’s the best tech if you’re constantly adjusting earbuds during your morning jog or subway ride?
2. Key Specs and Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC technology claiming to reduce up to 25dB of ambient noise.
- Battery Life: About 7 hours playback with ANC off, 5 hours with ANC on; charging case adds an extra 30 hours.
- Driver Size: 10mm dynamic drivers for punchy bass and clear mids.
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2 for stable connections and low latency.
- IPX5 Rating: Water-resistant — handy for workouts and unexpected rain.
- Controls: Touch-sensitive earbuds for play/pause, calls, ANC toggle, and voice assistant activation.
One thing I liked right off the bat was the Bluetooth 5.2 chip. In my experience, this usually means fewer dropouts, especially when you’re moving around. And considering I tested these on the subway during rush hour, stable connectivity was a must.
3. Performance and Testing Results
Okay, this is where the rubber meets the road. First, ANC. At this price point, my expectations were set low, but I was pleasantly surprised. The hybrid ANC actually tones down a decent amount of background noise — city traffic, chatter, even the annoying hum of my old laptop fan. It’s not Bose or Sony level, but hey, it’s solid for budget buds.
Sound quality? That 10mm driver really does a decent job. Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, mids are clear, and highs don’t scream or get harsh. I tested the MeloBuds Pro with a variety of music: everything from bass-heavy hip-hop to acoustic folk. They handled it all pretty well. My one gripe was that sometimes, with ANC on, the soundstage felt a little “closed in,” like you’re inside a bubble. But that’s typical for earbuds under $50 with ANC, so I can’t fault them too much.
Battery life was about what QCY claimed: around 5 hours with ANC on, 7 without. I actually ran a couple of battery drain tests while listening to podcasts during my morning walks, and results were consistent. Charging case is compact and offers several full charges, which is great for travel or long days out.
Fit-wise, these earbuds scored high with me. I have kinda small ears and often find many earbuds either fall out or hurt after 20 minutes. The MeloBuds Pro stayed put, thanks to the ergonomic design and multiple ear tip sizes included. Ran 3 miles with them — no slipping, no discomfort.
Real-Life Case Study
Here’s a little story: I took these on a weekend trip to a crowded coffee shop. The ambient noise was brutal — espresso machines, chatter, background music — but flipping the ANC on took a huge chunk out of the chaos. I could actually focus on my laptop without blasting the volume (saving my hearing here). For $50, that was a big win.
4. Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable ANC earbuds with decent noise cancellation | ANC can slightly muffle soundstage and dynamics |
| Comfortable fit for long usage | Build quality feels slightly plasticky |
| Good battery life with quick charging | Touch controls can be a bit finicky |
| Stable Bluetooth 5.2 connection | No wireless charging on the case |
| IPX5 water resistance for workouts | Limited app customization options |
5. Alternatives or Competitors
If you’re eyeing the MeloBuds Pro, you might want to glance at these contenders:
- Anker Soundcore Life P2: Similar price, great battery, but no ANC.
- SoundPEATS TrueAir2: Good sound, decent ANC, slightly higher price.
- EarFun Air Pro: A bit pricier but offers stronger ANC and wireless charging.
- TOZO NC2: Comparable ANC and sound, often found on sale near $50.
Honestly, the MeloBuds Pro stand out because they pack ANC for such a low price, but if ANC is your top priority, sometimes spending a few extra bucks on EarFun or TOZO might be worth it.
6. Final Verdict
Look, if you’re on a tight budget but want a real taste of ANC tech without paying a premium, the QCY MeloBuds Pro is a solid pick. They won’t blow your mind like top-tier ANC headphones, but for everyday use — commuting, working out, chilling at a noisy café — they punch way above their weight. Just keep in mind a few minor quirks: the touch controls and build aren’t flawless, and the soundstage with ANC on is a bit confined.
Personally, I think they’re a fantastic value. I’ve recommended them to a few friends who wanted budget ANC earbuds, and all reported back positive vibes. If you’re willing to tweak EQ settings a bit and don’t expect miracles, MeloBuds Pro can be your trusty daily companion.
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FAQs
Does QCY MeloBuds Pro support wireless charging?
No, the charging case only supports wired USB-C charging, which charges relatively fast but lacks wireless convenience.
How effective is the ANC compared to premium brands?
While it’s not on par with Bose or Sony, the hybrid ANC technology is surprisingly effective at reducing mid-frequency noise like chatter and engine hum, especially for its price.
Can I use one earbud independently?
Yes, both earbuds support independent use, great for calls or conserving battery.
Is there a companion app for sound customization?
Currently, no dedicated app is available, which limits EQ tweaking, but the default tuning is balanced for most listeners.
Are these earbuds sweatproof for workouts?
Yes, with an IPX5 rating, they handle sweat and light rain, making them workout-friendly.
Additional Thoughts
One last thing — if you’re a heavy bass lover or an audiophile, these might not fully satisfy you. But for casual listeners who want ANC, solid sound, and a comfy fit without breaking the bank, QCY MeloBuds Pro are a winner in my book.
And hey, if you’ve tried these earbuds or have questions, hit the comments below! I love hearing from readers and sharing tips on budget tech that actually delivers.
