TOZO NC9 (2024) Review: Affordable ANC Earbuds With Premium Features

The wireless earbuds market has exploded in recent years, but finding a pair that balances affordability, performance, and features is still a challenge. That’s where the TOZO NC9 (2024) steps in. Priced at under $30, these earbuds offer features you’d expect in premium models—Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a customizable EQ, transparency mode, low-latency gaming mode, and long battery life. TOZO is known for delivering excellent value, but with the NC9, they might have outdone themselves. Let’s break it down in detail.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, and the TOZO NC9 makes a solid one. The charging case is compact and lightweight and features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. It feels sturdy and well-built, with a secure hinge that snaps shut with a satisfying click. The LED display on the front is a standout feature, offering real-time battery stats for both the earbuds and the case. This level of convenience is rare in budget earbuds.

The earbuds themselves are designed with comfort in mind. They’re small, lightweight, and ergonomically shaped to sit securely in your ears, even during long listening sessions. TOZO includes six sizes of silicone ear tips in the box, so finding the perfect fit is easy. This ensures comfort and enhances sound isolation and overall audio quality. On the durability front, the NC9 boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, making it resistant to sweat, rain, and minor water exposure.

Connectivity and Low-Latency Gaming Mode

The TOZO NC9 features Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a fast, stable connection with minimal dropouts. Pairing is seamless—you just open the case, and the earbuds are ready to connect. The 10-meter range holds strong even through walls, so you can roam freely without losing connection.

For gamers, the low-latency mode is a standout feature. Once activated via the TOZO app or touch controls, this mode significantly reduces audio lag, making the NC9 a great companion for fast-paced mobile games. During my tests, the latency dropped to 50-80ms, which is barely noticeable. Video streaming also benefits from this mode. Watching Netflix and YouTube felt perfectly synced, with no noticeable delay between the video and audio.

Sound Quality

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: sound quality. The NC9 is powered by 10mm dynamic drivers paired with TOZO’s OreX Acoustic 2.0 technology. The result? Crisp, clean audio with a balanced sound signature.

The bass is tight and punchy, perfect for hip-hop and EDM tracks, while the mids are warm and detailed, bringing vocals and instruments to life. The highs are bright and crisp, though they can get slightly sharp at higher volumes. Overall, the soundstage is surprisingly spacious for earbuds in this price range, offering a sense of depth and directionality that’s great for both music and movies.

But here’s where the TOZO NC9 truly shines: customization. Through the TOZO app, you can fine-tune the EQ to match your preferences. Whether you want to boost the bass, enhance the treble, or create a completely custom profile, the app makes it easy. There are also several presets to choose from.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Modes

The hybrid ANC on the TOZO NC9 is a game-changer for budget earbuds. It uses both feedforward and feedback microphones to effectively block out external noise. During testing, the ANC excelled at reducing low-frequency sounds like engine hums and air conditioning, making it ideal for commutes and travel.

For noisier environments, the app lets you customize the ANC intensity using a slider. There’s also a Wind Noise Reduction mode, which proved handy during outdoor use.

Call quality is decent, thanks to six microphones and environmental noise cancellation. While it’s not studio-level clarity, it’s more than good enough for phone calls.

Another win is transparency mode. It uses microphones to amplify ambient sounds so you can stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This mode is perfect for quick conversations or navigating busy streets. The sound feels natural without the overly processed effect you often get in budget models.

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where the NC9 stands out. You get up to 14 hours of playback with ANC off and around 7 hours with ANC on. Combine that with the charging case, and you’re looking at a total of 59 hours. The case charges via USB-C and takes about 2 hours to fully charge. While it lacks wireless charging, it does support fast charging—10 minutes of charging gives you an hour of playback.

Final Verdict

The TOZO NC9 (2024) is a masterpiece of value engineering. For under $30, it offers premium features like hybrid ANC, customizable sound, low-latency gaming mode, and exceptional battery life. Its sleek design, durable build, and thoughtful extras like the LED display further enhance the experience.

While it lacks advanced codecs like aptX and wireless charging, these are minor trade-offs for what you’re getting. In a market flooded with overpriced options, the TOZO NC9 is proof that budget earbuds can offer a premium experience. If you’re looking for maximum value without compromises, these are the earbuds to beat.