The QCY H3 Pro headphones promise a significant upgrade over their predecessor, the H3, boasting improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), enhanced sound quality, and a more comfortable design. This in-depth review dives into the performance of these budget-friendly headphones, examining their ANC capabilities in various environments, analyzing their audio performance across different frequencies, and assessing their call quality and overall comfort. We'll explore whether the "Pro" designation is justified, considering the improvements made compared to the original H3 and other competitors in the same price bracket.Our testing covers a range of features, from the effectiveness of the adaptive ANC and transparency modes to the quality of the 40mm dynamic drivers and the impact of the aptX and LDAC codecs. We'll evaluate the microphone performance during calls, the comfort and durability of the new design, and the usability of the accompanying app and its customization options. Ultimately, we aim to determine if the QCY H3 Pro delivers on its promises and represents a compelling value proposition in the competitive world of budget ANC headphones.
Pros And Cons
- Improved sound quality (cleaner, more balanced bass, better vocals)
- Improved active noise cancellation (outperforms some more expensive options)
- More comfortable fit (better padding, less clamping force)
- Supports high-res audio through the LHDC codec
- USB-C connectivity with functional mics and ANC
- Adaptive ANC mode works well
- Good call performance, even in noisy environments
- Quick charge feature (5 hours playtime from 10 minutes of charging)
- Supports multipoint
- Plastic casing weathers quickly
- Buttons less tactile than original H3
- No case included
- Transparency mode has noticeable white noise
- Some ANC settings less useful than others
- Spatial sound effects not ideal for music
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Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The QCY H3 Pro boasts impressive ANC capabilities, significantly outperforming its predecessor, the H3, and even some pricier competitors like the MoonDrop New Edge. Testing in various noisy environments, from bustling coffee shops to busy outdoor markets, revealed strong noise reduction across the board. The adaptive ANC mode automatically adjusts to the surrounding soundscape, providing optimal noise cancellation in different situations. However, the app offers a range of customizable ANC settings, some of which are more effective than others.
While the ANC generally performs well, the anti-wind noise feature wasn't as effective as anticipated. The transparency mode, while powerful, lacks the naturalness of some competitors due to noticeable white noise.
The H3 Pro shows a noticeable improvement in ANC performance compared to the original H3. This feature alone makes it a worthy upgrade for many users.
Sound Quality
The QCY H3 Pro utilizes 40mm dynamic drivers and supports the aptX codec, resulting in a cleaner and more refined sound compared to the original H3. While it maintains a V-shaped sound signature emphasizing energy over musicality, the bass is now more balanced and tactile. Vocals are clearer, avoiding the muffled quality of its predecessor.
The improved tuning affects the entire frequency response, creating a slightly wider soundstage that enhances the listening experience across various media types, including music, movies, and gaming. The treble is also improved, offering better clarity.
The app provides EQ customization for further sound adjustments, although finding the perfect preset requires some experimentation. Spatial sound effects are also included, though they are not recommended for music playback.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The QCY H3 Pro demonstrates decent call performance with effective environmental noise reduction. In busy indoor and outdoor settings, the mics effectively muffle background noises while ensuring clear voice transmission. Although some ambient noise remains, it's not distracting enough to severely impact call quality.
Tests in different environments (coffee shop and busy market) highlighted the headphones' ability to maintain clear call quality despite surrounding noise. This is a significant improvement compared to previous models.
The USBC connection enables microphone functionality even when the headphones are wired, extending the usability for calls.
Design and Comfort
The QCY H3 Pro addresses the design flaws of the original H3, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The increased padding in the earcups and headband eliminates the excessive clamping force and improves the overall fit. Larger earcup openings accommodate more ear shapes. The headband also features a new, leathery material, replacing the previous rattly plastic.
However, the plastic used remains susceptible to weathering, potentially compromising the aesthetics over time. The buttons, while functional, lose the tactile feel of the original H3.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the improved comfort and refined design make the H3 Pro a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The foldable design ensures portability.
Other Features and Conclusion
The QCY H3 Pro supports high-res audio via the LDAC codec and offers dual wired modes (3.5mm jack and USB-C). The USB-C mode enables both mic functionality and ANC. A quick charge feature provides 5 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging. Multipoint pairing is supported via the app.
While the H3 Pro demonstrates evolutionary improvements rather than revolutionary ones, the enhanced comfort, improved ANC and sound quality justify the upgrade from the original H3. The inclusion of a USB-C connection for wired use is a significant advantage.
Overall, the QCY H3 Pro is a solid all-around budget headphone option. Its enhanced comfort and improved performance in ANC and sound quality make it a worthy contender in its price range, especially for those looking for a step up from the original H3. Whether the “Pro” tag is entirely deserved is debatable, but the improvements are notable enough to recommend.