TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds Review: Premium Silence Without the Premium Price?

The constant hum of modern life is relentless. It’s the rumble of the morning train, the chatter of an open-plan office, the drone of the air conditioner, and the general cacophony of a busy city street. For years, I found myself turning up the volume on my old, standard earbuds, trying to drown out the world just to focus on a podcast or enjoy a piece of music. This wasn’t just ineffective; it was a fast track to hearing fatigue. The real problem wasn’t that my music wasn’t loud enough; it was that the world was too loud. This constant audio clutter chips away at our concentration, adds a layer of stress to our commutes, and makes it nearly impossible to find a moment of genuine peace. Escaping this used to mean investing in bulky, expensive over-ear headphones, but the game has changed, and finding a personal bubble of silence is now more accessible than ever before.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

A pair of noise-cancelling earbuds is more than just an audio accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your personal soundscape. By actively monitoring and neutralising external noise, they create a bubble of tranquility that allows you to immerse yourself in your audio, focus on your work, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet. The primary benefit is a drastic reduction in ambient sound, which is transformative for daily commutes, air travel, and noisy work environments. This not only improves your listening experience but also allows you to enjoy audio at lower, safer volumes, protecting your hearing in the long run. Good noise-cancelling earbuds seamlessly blend high-fidelity sound, effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort into a pocket-sized package.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in noisy environments. Think daily commuters, frequent flyers, students studying in bustling libraries or dorms, and professionals in open-plan offices. They are for anyone who values focus and wants to control their auditory environment. However, they might not be the best fit for those who need constant, unaided situational awareness, such as cyclists navigating heavy traffic. While many models, including the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds, feature a “Transparent Mode” to address this, some users may prefer the natural awareness of open-ear designs for specific activities. For pure, critical audio listening at home, some audiophiles might still prefer high-end wired headphones, but for portable, everyday use, active noise-cancelling earbuds are a game-changer.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fit: For earbuds, this is about both portability and comfort. The charging case should be compact and easy to carry in a pocket. More importantly, the earbuds themselves must fit securely and comfortably in your ears for extended periods. Look for products that include multiple sizes of ear tips, as a proper seal is critical for both passive noise isolation and audio quality.
• Performance & Battery Life: The core performance metrics are Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectiveness (often measured in decibels), audio quality (driver size, frequency response, codec support), and microphone clarity for calls. Battery life is paramount; consider both the playtime on a single charge and the total playtime available with the charging case. A good benchmark is at least 5-6 hours per charge, with 24+ hours total.
• Materials & Durability: The earbuds and case should feel well-constructed. A key feature for durability, especially for active users, is an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates resistance to water and dust. An IPX4 rating is sufficient for sweat resistance, while higher ratings like IPX8, as found on the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds, offer robust protection against submersion.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: Modern earbuds should be effortless. This means quick and stable Bluetooth pairing (look for Bluetooth 5.2 or higher), intuitive touch controls for playback and calls, and a companion app for customisation. An app that allows you to adjust EQ settings, customise controls, and switch between ANC modes adds significant long-term value.

Making the right choice involves balancing these factors against your budget. While premium brands often command high prices, an increasing number of challengers are offering impressive feature sets at a fraction of the cost, making advanced audio technology more accessible than ever.

While the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unexpectedly Premium

Unboxing the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds, the first thing that struck us was the thoughtfulness of the presentation. It feels more premium than its price tag suggests. Inside, nestled securely, is the charging case—compact, smooth, and impressively pocketable. One user aptly photographed it next to an apple for scale, and it’s indeed small. Flipping open the lid reveals the earbuds themselves and a crisp, clear digital display showing the case’s remaining battery percentage—a small but incredibly useful feature often missing on more expensive competitors. The pairing process was seamless; opening the case puts the earbuds into pairing mode, and they connected to our device via Bluetooth 5.3 in seconds. What truly impressed us, and a point echoed by numerous users, was the generous selection of ear tips. TOZO provides six different pairs, a significant step up from the standard three, ensuring almost anyone can achieve a perfect, secure seal. This attention to detail in the initial experience sets a very positive tone for what’s to come.

A Deep Dive into the TOZO NC9’s Performance

It’s one thing to list features on a box, but another entirely to deliver on them in the real world. We spent weeks testing the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds in a variety of environments—from the rattling confines of a commuter train to the distracting hum of a busy coffee shop—to see if they live up to the hype. The short answer? They absolutely do, punching far above their weight class in nearly every category.

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Your Personal Oasis

The headline feature of the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds is its Hybrid ANC, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 45dB. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a palpable, transformative experience. The moment we activated the ANC with a long press on the left earbud, the world simply melted away. The low-frequency drone of a train, the constant hum of office air conditioning, and the general background murmur of a café were reduced to a mere whisper. As one user aptly put it, “You feel the difference as soon as it kicks in.” This is the magic of hybrid ANC, which uses both outward-facing and inward-facing microphones to detect and cancel a wider range of noises more effectively than simpler systems. This technology creates a genuine sense of immersion, allowing you to focus completely on your music, podcast, or audiobook.

Equally important is the Transparent Mode. With another tap, the external microphones feed ambient sound into your ears, allowing you to have a conversation, listen for station announcements, or maintain situational awareness while crossing the street without ever removing the earbuds. The transition is smooth, and the sound is natural, avoiding the artificial, processed feel some other earbuds suffer from. This versatility makes the NC9s a reliable companion for the entire day, adapting from deep focus to public awareness in an instant. For anyone looking to find a pocket of peace during a hectic commute or a noisy workday, the ANC performance is truly a standout feature that rivals that of much more expensive options.

Audio Performance and Customisation: The OrigX 2.0 Experience

Great noise cancellation is only half the story; the audio has to deliver as well. Here, the TOZO NC9s impressed us with their OrigX Acoustics 2.0 technology. Out of the box, the sound profile is rich, clear, and well-balanced. We appreciated that, as one user noted, they aren’t “overly bass-heavy,” avoiding the muddy, overpowering low-end that plagues many budget earbuds. Instead, the bass is deep and impactful, reaching down to a claimed 15Hz, but it remains tight and controlled, allowing the mids and highs to shine with clarity. Vocals in podcasts were crisp, and instruments in complex musical tracks were well-defined and distinct.

However, the true power lies in the TOZO App. This is where the NC9s elevate themselves from being merely good to being genuinely great. The app offers a staggering 32 preset EQ settings, covering everything from “Rock” to “Classical” to “Podcast.” But for those who want to fine-tune their sound, the custom EQ is a fantastic tool. We were able to easily create and save our own sound profile, boosting the sub-bass for electronic music and slightly raising the treble for acoustic tracks, just as another user reported doing. This level of customisation allows you to tailor the audio to your exact preferences, a feature often reserved for higher-end models. Whether you’re a bass-head or a purist who prefers a flat response, the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds provide the tools to create your perfect listening experience.

All-Day Comfort, Durability, and Marathon Battery Life

A pair of earbuds is useless if they’re uncomfortable to wear or can’t survive the rigours of daily life. TOZO has clearly paid close attention to ergonomics and build quality. We found the NC9s to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable, even after several hours of continuous use. The key is the generous inclusion of six pairs of silicone ear tips, which allowed us to find a fit that was both perfectly snug and secure. This was confirmed by a user who wore them while working out on a punchbag, reporting they rarely needed adjustment. Another reviewer beautifully summed it up: “I’ve just been for a 3 mile dog walk and I forgot they were in.”

This excellent fit is complemented by impressive durability. The IPX8 waterproof rating is a standout feature, meaning these earbuds can withstand being submerged in water. While we don’t recommend swimming with them, it provides ultimate peace of mind against heavy rain, sweat, or accidental drops in a puddle. One user shared an incredible, albeit extreme, anecdote of their earbuds surviving being chewed by and even passing through their dog, and still working perfectly—a wild testament to their robust build. Then there’s the battery life. With up to 14 hours on a single charge (ANC off) and a staggering 59 hours total with the case, these are true marathon runners. Even with ANC constantly active, we got a total of over 40 hours. This translates to a full week of heavy use—commuting, gym sessions, and work calls—without ever needing to look for a power outlet. The clear battery percentage display on the case eliminates any charging anxiety, making the entire package incredibly reliable and user-friendly.

Crystal-Clear Communication: The 6-Mic ENC Advantage

In today’s world of remote work and constant connectivity, call quality is a non-negotiable feature. The TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds tackle this with a sophisticated 6-microphone array combined with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology. The system is designed to do one thing very well: isolate your voice from the surrounding chaos. During our testing, this proved to be remarkably effective. We made calls from a windy street corner and a bustling café, and in both scenarios, the person on the other end reported our voice was clear and easy to understand. They could hear us, not the traffic or the espresso machine.

This experience is strongly supported by user feedback. One reviewer, who works as a self-employed professional, uses them for around 10 hours a day and relies on them for critical work-related calls, stating they “tick all the boxes” for clarity for both them and the caller. Another praised the 6-mic setup because “people can hear me, not the noise around me.” This makes the NC9s an excellent choice not just for music and podcasts, but as a legitimate communication tool for professional use. The ability to take important calls confidently, regardless of your environment, adds another layer of immense value to what is already an incredibly versatile pair of earbuds.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds is overwhelmingly positive, with most people expressing genuine surprise at the quality offered for the price. A recurring theme is the effectiveness of the noise cancellation, with one user stating it’s “no joke” and another claiming it’s better than more expensive earphones they’ve owned. The secure fit is another point of universal praise, especially from active users who find the earbuds stay put during vigorous exercise.

Many users, like us, were “blown away by the quality” and found they outperformed previous earbuds from other well-known budget-friendly brands. One particularly powerful review came from a long-time TOZO customer who noted the significant improvements in microphone quality for calls in this latest version, calling it “ideal for work calls.” However, feedback isn’t universally perfect, which lends authenticity to the overall picture. One user noted that while they are a “good set for £30,” they were “a bit disappointed about max level,” wishing they could be set louder. Another pointed out the lack of wireless charging for the case, which is a fair critique and a feature to consider if it’s a must-have for your setup.

How Does the TOZO NC9 Compare to the Alternatives?

While the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds are a formidable contender, the market is filled with excellent options. Here’s how they stack up against three notable alternatives.

1. soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds Noise Cancelling

The soundcore Liberty 4 Pro by Anker represents a step up in terms of audio fidelity and advanced features. Aimed at the discerning listener, they boast studio-level Hi-Fi music reproduction and support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC. Their noise cancellation is also more sophisticated, using seven sensors for real-time adaptive adjustments to your environment. While the TOZO NC9s offer fantastic performance for their price, the Liberty 4 Pro is the better choice for true audiophiles who are willing to invest more for superior sound quality, faster charging, and a more technologically advanced ANC system. They are the premium pick for those who prioritise audio performance above all else.

2. RUNOLIM Hybrid ANC Wireless Over Ear Headphones 70H Playtime

The RUNOLIM headphones offer a completely different form factor. As over-ear headphones, they provide a different kind of passive noise isolation and comfort profile that some users strongly prefer, especially for long-haul flights or extended office sessions. Their standout feature is a colossal 70-hour playtime on a single charge. If your primary goal is to maximise battery life for multi-day travel without recharging, and you prefer the immersive, encompassing feel of over-ear cups rather than in-ear buds, the RUNOLIM headphones are an excellent and highly practical alternative. They trade the ultra-portability of the TOZO NC9s for endurance and a different style of comfort.

3. Baseus Bass EP10 Pro Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds 55H Playtime

The Baseus Bass EP10 Pro are a direct competitor to the TOZO NC9s in the budget-friendly ANC earbud category. They present a compelling alternative with features like LDAC Hi-Res sound support and adaptive active EQ, which may appeal to users with high-resolution audio sources. However, the TOZO NC9s pull ahead in two key durability and longevity metrics: they boast a significantly better waterproof rating (IPX8 vs. IP55 for the Baseus) and slightly longer total playtime (59H vs. 55H). The choice here comes down to priorities: opt for the Baseus if LDAC support is a critical feature for you, but choose the TOZO NC9s for superior waterproofing and a slight edge in battery life.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds?

After extensive testing and poring over real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds offer exceptional value that is incredibly difficult to beat. They deliver on the features that matter most: the active noise cancellation is impressively effective, the sound quality is rich and highly customisable, the battery life is phenomenal, and the fit is secure and comfortable for all-day wear. The inclusion of an IPX8 waterproof rating and a 6-microphone system for clear calls elevates them far beyond a typical “budget” offering.

While they may lack premium features like wireless charging or support for Hi-Res audio codecs, these are minor compromises in the face of such overwhelming performance in the core areas. We wholeheartedly recommend the TOZO NC9 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds to commuters, students, office workers, gym-goers, and anyone seeking to create a pocket of peace and high-quality sound without breaking the bank. They are a shining example of how accessible premium features have become. If you’re ready to silence the noise and immerse yourself in sound, we highly recommend you check the latest price and discover what makes them so popular.