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Back in November 2024, I reviewed the QCY H3 Pro ANC headphones and was impressed at how good they were at the affordable price point of under £40.
For the past week, I have been testing the QCY MeloBuds Pro, which offers a similarly impressive performance for a bargain price of £33.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAREGEAR MeloBuds Pro: ANC, Hi-Res Audio, 34H Playtime,... | £47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Related Reviews
- QCY H3 Pro ANC Headphones Review
- Edifier NeoDots TWS ANC Earphones Review
- Soundcore c40i Review
- Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Review
- OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review
- Earfun Air Pro 4 Review
Specification
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Basic Information | |
Product Name | QCY MeloBuds Pro |
Model Number | BH22HT07A |
Compatible Systems | iOS/Android |
Earbud Dimensions | 24.5 x 20.3 x 25.4mm |
Case Dimensions | 60.3 x 24.9 x 43.2mm |
Bluetooth | |
Version | 5.2 |
Supported Profiles | A2DP/AVRCP/HFP |
Effective Range | 10 metres |
Frequency Range | 2.4 GHz band (2.4000–2.4835 GHz) |
Audio | |
Audio Type | Stereo |
Driver Unit | 10mm Dynamic driver |
Connection Type | Bluetooth |
Microphones | 6 Built-in |
Noise Control | |
Features | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
Environment Noise Cancellation (ENC) | |
Wind Noise Reduction | |
Transparency Mode | |
Battery | |
Earbud Playtime | 8 hours (ANC off) |
6 hours (ANC on) | |
Total Battery Life | 32 hours with charging case |
Case Battery Capacity | 350mAh |
Charging Time | 1.5 hours |
Charging Port | USB Type-C |
Quick Charging | 5 minutes for 1 hour playtime |
Features
The QCY MeloBuds Pro are feature-rich true wireless earbuds designed to deliver high-quality audio and user convenience. Key features include:
- Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The earbuds can reduce ambient noise by up to 46dB, allowing for focused listening in various environments.
- High-Resolution Audio with LDAC Support: Equipped with 12mm bio-diaphragm dynamic drivers, the MeloBuds Pro support the LDAC codec, providing high-fidelity sound with enhanced detail and clarity.
- AI-Powered 6 Microphone System: Featuring six microphones enhanced by AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), these earbuds ensure clear voice capture during calls, video chats, and live streams.
- Extended Battery Life: Users can enjoy up to 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total playtime to approximately 34 hours.
- Multipoint Connectivity and Low Latency Mode: The earbuds support multipoint pairing, connecting two devices simultaneously. A low latency mode is also available, enhancing audio-visual synchronisation during gaming or video playback.
- Touch Controls and Wear Detection: Touch-sensitive controls enable easy management of playback and calls. The wear detection feature automatically pauses audio when the earbuds are removed and resumes when they are worn again.
- App Integration: The QCY app offers customisable EQ settings, ANC modes, and control configurations, allowing users to tailor the earbuds to their preferences.
- Water Resistance: With an IPX5 rating, the MeloBuds Pro are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Unboxing / Design / Fit
The QCY MeloBuds Pro arrive in compact packaging with the earbuds, charging case, USB Type-C cable, and three sets of ear tips. The design features a shorter stem compared to previous models and a mirrored finish, which may divide opinions. The case is smaller than its predecessor, making it pocket-friendly.
The fit is comfortable for extended use, thanks to a shallow insertion style. The slightly extended tips provide stability without causing pressure. Testing revealed they remained secure during physical activities, supported by their IPX5 rating for water resistance.
QCY App / Settings
The QCY app allows users to adjust ANC modes, customise touch controls, and set equaliser preferences. While the app offers extensive functionality, its interface appears dated and could benefit from design improvements. Features such as ‘Find My Earbuds’ and firmware updates are helpful additions.
Sound Quality
The most impressive aspect of the MeloBuds Pro is the sound quality.
They deliver an engaging sound profile with an emphasis on bass. The bass is punchy without overwhelming the midrange, making them suitable for genres like EDM and pop. However, some vocals may sound slightly thin in comparison.
The treble is crisp, bringing out detail in vocals and instruments, although some listeners may find it fatiguing over longer sessions.
High-resolution audio through LDAC improves clarity, but stability issues were noted in busy areas.
The 10-band EQ allows further tuning, and you have a range of pre-sets, such as increased bass.
While these won’t compete with much more expensive earbuds for sound quality, it is amazing how good cheap earbuds sound nowadays.
Active Noise Cancellation
The ANC performance is the main weakness of these earbuds, but it is not exactly surprising at this price point.
These claim to offer 46dB of noise reduction, and the Edifier NeoDots claim to do 48 dB. While the Edifier did a decent job of noise cancellation, the QCY MeloBuds Pro only provided a moderate amount of noise reduction.
It does make a small difference, though, and it is always welcome as it allows you to listen to music or media at a lower volume.
The QCY system offers multiple modes, including:
- Adaptive ANC
- Manual ANC with adjustable levels
- Wind noise reduction
- Transparency mode with 6 strength levels
- Vocal enhancement mode
The transparency mode is handy, offering clear ambient sound reproduction at moderate levels, though the highest settings can introduce some white noise.
Microphone / Call Quality
Call quality is surprisingly good for earbuds in this price range. The six-microphone system with AI enhancement handles voice capture well, maintaining clarity even in challenging environments. Wind noise remains a weakness, as with most true wireless earbuds, but general performance for calls is above average for the price point.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid, offering up to 7.5 hours of playback without ANC and 6 hours with ANC activated. LDAC reduces playtime slightly to around 4.5–5 hours. The charging case extends total usage to approximately 32 hours. Quick charging provides an additional hour of playback after 5–10 minutes in the case.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| GAREGEAR MeloBuds Pro: ANC, Hi-Res Audio, 34H Playtime,... | £47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The QCY MeloBuds Pro are available directly from QCY for £33 with an RRP of £44.
Amazon US lists them at $48, and Amazon UK lists them at £48.
At the £33 price point, there is not really anything I can personally recommend over these.
The Soundcore P40i should be a good alternative option priced at around £38.
The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are decent for £52.
The EarFun Air Pro 4 are excellent, but these are £60.
Overall
The QCY MeloBuds Pro deliver an impressive array of features at a very affordable price point. While they may lack some refinements found in premium models, they excel at the fundamentals and offer capabilities typically reserved for more expensive alternatives.
The combination of good sound quality, decent battery life, EQ control and a comprehensive feature set makes them a strong choice for users seeking capable wireless earbuds without a premium price tag.
The ANC wasn’t great, but I think that is to be expected at this price.
These earbuds demonstrate that advanced features need not be confined to premium products. Despite some minor shortcomings in app quality and ANC, the overall package offers exceptional value.
QCY MeloBuds Pro TWC Earbuds Review
Summary
The QCY MeloBuds Pro represent an impressive achievement in the budget TWS earbud market. While they don’t compete with premium models in areas like ANC performance, they deliver remarkable value by offering high-end features like LDAC support, comprehensive app control, and solid sound quality at a fraction of the cost. The comfortable fit, decent battery life, and strong call quality make them an excellent choice for daily use. Despite some limitations in ANC performance and app design, these earbuds prove that quality wireless audio doesn’t need to break the bank. For users prioritizing sound quality and features over noise cancellation at a budget price point, the QCY MeloBuds Pro are a compelling option at £33 that punches well above their weight class.
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Exceptional value for money at £33, offering features typically found in more expensive models
- Impressive sound quality with punchy bass and crisp treble
- Comprehensive feature set including LDAC support and wear detection
- Good battery life: 8 hours without ANC, 32 hours total with case
- Above-average call quality with 6-microphone system
- Comfortable fit with IPX5 water resistance rating
Cons
- Mediocre ANC performance despite 46dB claim
- LDAC connection stability issues in crowded areas
- Dated app interface that needs visual improvements
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
