TOZO TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Review
The TOZO NC3 wireless earbuds pack hybrid noise cancellation and clear calls into a $30 package. We tested them to see if this budget ANC champion is actually worth your money.
The 30-Second Version
The TOZO NC3 wireless earbuds offer shockingly good hybrid noise cancellation and crystal-clear call quality for around $30. While battery life is average and the fit won't work for everyone, their core performance punches way above their price tag, making them a top pick for budget-conscious buyers who need ANC.
Overview
If you're looking for a pair of wireless earbuds with serious noise cancellation that won't break the bank, the TOZO NC3 is a name you'll see a lot. For around $30, you get hybrid ANC rated for up to -45dB noise reduction, a whopping 6-microphone array for clear calls, and an IPX8 waterproof rating. That's a feature set that punches way above its price tag, putting it squarely in the 'budget ANC champion' category. We've tested a lot of earbuds in our database, and the NC3 consistently scores high marks for connectivity and microphone quality, landing in the 96th and 95th percentiles respectively. So, if you need a reliable pair for calls, commutes, or workouts, these are definitely worth a closer look.
Performance
The headline here is the noise cancellation. That -45dB hybrid ANC rating isn't just marketing fluff. In practice, it does a solid job muting the constant low-end rumble of commutes, like subway trains and airplane cabins. It's not going to match the absolute silence of a $300 pair of Sonys, but for the price, it's impressive. Sound quality is another strong point, scoring in the 87th percentile. The 12mm drivers deliver a bass-forward sound that's fun for music and movies, and the TOZO app lets you tweak it with 32 different EQ presets if you want more balance. Where performance takes a hit is battery life, which sits in the 11th percentile. With ANC on, you're looking at about 9.5 hours per charge and 40 hours total with the case. That's fine for a day, but power users will be reaching for the charging cable more often than with some competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional value for money with premium features like hybrid ANC and IPX8 rating. 88th
- Outstanding microphone clarity for calls, thanks to the 6-mic ENC setup. 84th
- Very stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection with minimal dropouts. 84th
- Useful companion app with extensive EQ customization. 81th
- Effective noise cancellation that handles constant low-frequency noise well.
Cons
- Battery life is below average, especially with ANC enabled. 29th
- Fit can be finicky for some ear shapes, leading to a less secure seal.
- The bass-heavy default sound profile might not suit audiophiles seeking neutrality.
- Transparency mode is functional but lacks the natural feel of more expensive models.
- The case feels a bit plasticky compared to the build of the earbuds themselves.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Rounded tips |
| Ear Tips | s |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 12 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Sensitivity | 117 |
| Codecs | Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds, ENC Mic Clear Call, LED Power Display, Noise Cancellation, Touch Control |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wired Connector | USB Type C |
Earbud Battery
| Charge Time | 0.17 |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof |
Value & Pricing
At $30, the TOZO NC3 is an absolute steal. You're getting core features—hybrid ANC, IPX8 waterproofing, a customizable app—that are typically reserved for earbuds costing three or four times as much. Sure, you make compromises on battery life and premium materials, but the core audio and ANC performance is legit. If your budget is tight but you refuse to compromise on active noise cancellation, these are arguably the best value play on the market right now.
vs Competition
The budget ANC space is crowded. The Nothing Ear (a) is a strong competitor around the same price, often praised for its more balanced sound and unique design, but it lacks the IPX8 rating and the extensive app EQ of the TOZO. If you can stretch your budget to around $100, the Google Pixel Buds Pro offer significantly better battery life, more refined ANC, and deeper ecosystem integration for Android users. But for pure dollar-for-feature ratio, the TOZO NC3 is hard to beat. It goes toe-to-toe with more expensive options on core noise cancellation and call quality, which are the main reasons most people buy ANC earbuds in the first place.
| Spec | TOZO TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-A UC Earbuds with USB-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | — | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | — | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Are the TOZO NC3 good for working out?
Yes, the IPX8 waterproof rating means they can handle sweat and rain with ease, and the ANC is great for tuning out gym noise. Just make sure you get a secure fit with the right ear tips.
Q: How is the battery life on the TOZO NC3 with noise cancelling on?
With ANC active, expect about 9.5 hours of playback from the earbuds themselves, and a total of 40 hours including the charging case, which is decent but not class-leading.
Q: Can you use the TOZO NC3 for phone calls?
Absolutely. The 6-microphone ENC system is one of its best features, making your voice sound clear even in noisy places like a busy street or café.
Q: How does the TOZO NC3 compare to Sony earbuds?
The TOZO NC3 gets you about 70% of the way to the ANC performance of a Sony WF-1000XM5 for less than 15% of the price. You sacrifice some battery life, fit refinement, and sound detail, but the core noise blocking is very effective.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the TOZO NC3 if you're a true all-day power user who hates charging. The battery life, while passable, isn't for you. Also, if you have smaller or unusually shaped ear canals and have had fit issues with other in-ears, these might not stay put. In that case, look at earbuds with wing tips or a different form factor, like the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC. And if your primary goal is critical, neutral music listening, the bass-heavy default tuning might not be your favorite, though the app EQ does help.
Verdict
So, should you buy the TOZO NC3? If you need capable noise cancellation and clear call quality on a strict budget, absolutely. These earbuds deliver where it counts most. They're a fantastic choice for commuters, remote workers taking calls, or gym rats who need waterproofing. Just go in knowing the battery life is merely okay and be prepared to experiment with the ear tips to get a good seal. For $30, the performance you get is frankly a little ridiculous.