Earfun have upgraded their popular Air model with a Pro variant featuring active noise cancelling.
This is their first ANC model, and they join the vast swathes of companies introducing affordable ANC TWS earbuds.
Features
EarFun Air Pro Wireless Earbuds Hybrid Active Noise…
- [Active Noise Cancellation] Hybrid Active Noise…
- [Immersive Sound Powered By Composite Drivers] The…
- [Crystal Clear Hands-Free Calls] With Customized…
- [32-hour Playtime with Fast Charge] A single…
- QuietSmart Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation up to 38dB
- Customized Noise Cancellation Algorithm for Clarity Call
- 10mm Composite Dynamic Drivers Deliver Powerful Sound
- 32-hour Playtime: 9 Hours + 23 Hours with Charging Case (7 hours with ANC on)
- Fast charging, 10 Min Charging = 2 hours Playtime
- IPX5 Sweat & Water Resistant
- In-ear Detection Technology
- Single Earbud Mode-Right or Left
- Transparent Mode Allows Ambient Sound
- Activate Voice Assistant
- Bluetooth: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Fit & Sound Quality
I am not normally into the stem style earbuds, they rarely fit me perfectly, but these are much better for me than average offering a comfortable fit with no signs of movement or falling out of my ears.
With the IPX5 rating and secure fit, I have found these work well with running and the gym. While I used to regularly destroy earphones with my sweat, since using TWS earbuds this hasn’t happened recently.
Sound quality is impressive for the price. In particular, aided by the good fit, the bass is excellent providing deep rich notes. In tracks from Run the Jewels, the earbuds manage to keep up with the ultra-deep beats with significant distortion.
Most cheap earphones with good bass often sound grating when I switch to something more screamy such as IDLES or Frank Carter where they struggle with the balance of guitar tracks and vocals. These perform much better than average, there is a little harshness, but I haven’t felt the need to turn the volume down.
In softer more vocal tracks the earphones perform well offering a rich mid-range and clear vocals.
Active Noise Cancelling Performance
This year we have seen an insane number of brands introduce ANC onto their earphones, and the performance varies wildly, often in relation to the price.
At under £70 these are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, though not as cheap as the Cuomi ANC-860 for £40.
The ANC on these, therefore, perform good for the price, but not amazing, they can’t keep up with the Huawei Freebuds Pro, but they are better than the TaoTronics SounderLiberty 94 and Cuomi.
Using a YouTube video of airplane cabin noise there is a noticeable drop off on the lower frequencies with ANC enabled. While I have not been on a plane this year, this difference can make watching movies or TV shows far more watchable without the din of background engine noise.
Other Bits – Battery Life & Control
Unlike more expensive earphones, there is no app here, everything is handled via the touch-sensitive buttons. So to control ANC, you have to triple tap the earphones. I am not a big fan of touch-sensitive earphones, but I haven’t had too much of an issue here.
Earfun claim to achieve 7 hours of battery life with the ANC on, this is quite a remarkable figure with most premium priced competing brands failing to go beyond 5 hours. I can’t say I have used them for 7 hours on the trot, but they do seem to last a lot longer than your average earphones.
Price and Alternatives
These are priced at £69.99, but there is a 10% voucher you can apply on Amazon taking them down to £62.99
The Huawei Freebuds 3i are probably the best alternative, but I think I actually prefer these Earfun earbuds. The bass is superior, offering an overall improved sound quality while providing about the same ANC performance.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 are £90 RRP, but you can get a 25% off voucher taking them down to £67.50, I have not used these, though they are extremely well-reviewed.
The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 94 are £60 RRP but £50 with a voucher. While quite a bit cheaper I must prefer the EarFun earbuds.
Overall
I have been impressed with the EarFun Air Pro, offering excellent performance all around for the price you are paying. I find them considerably better than the SounderLiberty 94 I have previously reviewed, and I would say they are better than the Freebuds 3i which are now around £70.
Overall, for a sub-£75 pair of ANC earbuds, I would say these are the best I have used yet, though the competition has been mostly mediocre at best.
Posted by Mighty Gadget Blog: UK Technology News and Reviews
