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00:00:00 – 00:20:56
The video reviews and ranks the top five noise-canceling earbuds under $200, focusing on various brands and models. Fifth place goes to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, praised for strong noise cancellation, high-resolution audio, and workout suitability but lacking iPhone app support. Fourth are the Apple AirPods Pro 2, noted for their exceptional ambient mode, spatial audio, and iOS compatibility but criticized for limited multi-device functionality and color options. Third, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are highlighted for their strong ANC, personalized EQ settings, and affordable price, though lacking volume controls.
Ranking second, the Nothing Ear (2) of 2024 stands out for its balanced sound, excellent tuning, and customizable features via the Nothing X app, despite minor EQ shifts with noise cancellation. Lastly, the Status Audio Between 3 ANC earbuds top the list for superior sound quality, robust battery life, and a triple-driver setup, though let down by a subpar app and lack of advanced codecs.
Microphone tests for all models are conducted in different environments, reinforcing the Status Audio Between 3 ANC's recommendation due to its stellar sound performance across varied conditions.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host reviews the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, highlighting them as the fifth pick among the top five noise-cancelling earbuds under $200. Key features include Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, and Samsung’s scalable codec. They pair well with both Android and iOS devices but lack app support for iOS. The earbuds offer single usage mode, minimal latency for video and casual gaming, and comfortable, secure fit due to their small size. Battery life is around five hours with noise cancellation on and eight hours off. The earbuds are praised for their strong noise cancellation, smooth natural tuning, high-resolution audio with Samsung devices, and 360 audio with Dolby Atmos support. Additionally, they have an IPX7 rating, making them suitable for workouts. A notable downside is the lack of app support for iPhone users.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reviews the Apple AirPods Pro second generation, which come in at fourth place on their top five list. Key points highlighted include their Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility with SBC and AAC codecs, optimal performance with iOS and Mac devices, and features like single usage mode with retained active noise cancellation and transparency functions. They are lauded for their comfort, IP54 dust and water resistance, decent battery life of around 6-8 hours, top-tier ambient mode, spatial audio, and sound quality. However, criticisms include the lack of maximum performance with non-iOS devices, absence of true multipoint connectivity, and limited color options. Additionally, the speaker introduces the ESR Pulse Flick Lock case as a solution for the AirPods Pro’s slippery charging case, featuring internal locking latches, strong magnets, and a swiping slider for easy access, along with MagSafe compatibility.
00:06:00
In this segment, the review covers the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, highlighting its features and performance. These earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with support for SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs, Google Fast Pair, multi-point connectivity, single usage mode, active noise cancellation, and transparency functions. They have a stem design similar to AirPods and are comfortable for extended use, featuring an IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. Compatibility with the Hey Melody app allows users to adjust EQ settings and update firmware. The battery life provides over 6 hours with noise cancellation on and over 8 hours without. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are praised for strong ANC, natural transparency mode, excellent sound quality with personalized EQ, and affordability due to frequent discounts. The main criticisms include the absence of volume controls on the earbuds and manufacturer-specific features.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on the all-new Nothing Ear (2) for 2024, which ranks second on the top five list. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LHDC 5 codecs, supporting both iOS and Android devices, though high-res codecs require a compatible Android device. The earbuds support multipoint connections, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for easy pairing. They also offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), transparency functions, minimal latency for video watching, and a low lag mode for mobile gaming. The stem design remains lightweight and comfortable with a secure fit. Users can customize ear tips and use squeeze controls. The Nothing X app, available for both iOS and Android, provides an advanced EQ and customizable controls, including a bass enhancement button. Battery life is approximately 5 hours with ANC on and over 6 hours with ANC off. The earbuds deliver strong ANC performance and a natural-sounding transparency mode. The Nothing Ear (2) ranks highly due to its balanced sound quality, excellent tuning, and the ability to boost bass, offering a smooth mid-range and crisp treble.
00:12:00
In this segment, the video discusses the Nothing Ear’s performance, noting its smooth sound, good detail, and instrument separation. It mentions a slight EQ shift when noise cancellation is activated but overall rates it highly. The video then introduces the Status Audio Between 3 ANC earbuds as the top choice. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.2, compatibility with both iOS and Android, single usage mode, and multi-point connectivity. They offer minimal latency for general use, though it may be noticeable for competitive gaming. The earbuds are larger, making them less discreet and not ideal for side sleepers, but they are comfortable and suitable for gym use with an IPX5 water resistance rating. Controls include buttons and touch options, which, though not customizable, cover all necessary functions. The accompanying app offers custom EQs and firmware updates but lacks in overall quality.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker highlights the exceptional battery life of a pair of earbuds: over 7 hours with noise cancellation on and over 11 hours without it. They also mention the charging options, including USB-C and wireless charging. While the earbuds’ noise cancellation and transparency mode performance are average, their standout feature is sound quality. Status Audio’s triple-driver setup, comprising a 10mm dynamic driver and dual balanced armatures, delivers well-balanced sound with excellent sub-bass extension, smooth mid-range, and clear treble. The earbuds feature three EQ presets: Signature, Audiophile, and OG Between Pro, with the Signature being the speaker’s favorite due to its warmth and bass. The sound stage and imaging are also praised, particularly for songs with string instruments, proving that these earbuds offer top-tier audio quality even without advanced codecs.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the creator reaffirms their recommendation of the Status Audio Between 3A and C earbuds as the best option under $200, primarily for their superior sound quality. Though acknowledging areas for improvement like the app and the need for customizable controls and low latency mode, the creator proceeds to conduct microphone tests for five different earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Apple AirPods Pro 2, OnePlus Buds Pro 2, Nothing Ear 2024, and Status Audio Between 3A and C. These tests are conducted both in a semi-quiet room and a simulated noisy environment to compare the microphone performance under different conditions. The creator concludes by suggesting viewers check out related videos for a full review and a 2024 earbuds tier list.