As requested, today I’ll be back with another affordable earbuds review: the Haylou W1 ANC. Haylou, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, is renowned for offering incredible value for money.
After spending a few weeks rigorously testing these earbuds, I’m ready to share my in-depth review of the Haylou W1 ANC, diving into their performance, features, and whether they stand up to the claims of being a budget-friendly powerhouse in the world of ANC earbuds.
Overview and First Impression
- Aesthetic upgrade from the original W1s with a significant design overhaul of the charging case.
- The case is now larger and features a mix of matte and glossy plastics.
- Despite concerns about the glossy part’s tendency to scratch, the case feels well-built and comfortable to carry.
- The Haylou logo is prominently placed on the top of the case.
- Includes a front-facing LED battery indicator for easy viewing of battery status.
- Equipped with a USB Type-C port at the bottom for modern, convenient charging.
- A handy button on the side for resetting the pairing enhances user experience with a thoughtful touch.
Haylou W1 ANC Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | Dual Driver (Dynamic 10mm + Balanced Armature) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, up to 45dB |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, 6.5 hours with ANC off |
| Total Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 35 hours |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| App Support | Haylou Sound (iOS and Android) |
| Colors Available | Dark Blue, White with Silver Accents |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Price | Approx. $40 – $45 |
How to Setup Haylou W1 ANC
Setting up your Haylou W1 ANC earbuds for the first time is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Charge Earbuds: Place them in the charging case and charge using the USB Type-C cable.
- Turn On & Pair: Remove earbuds from the case to turn on and enter pairing mode.
- Bluetooth Connection: On your device, enable Bluetooth, search for “Haylou W1 ANC,” and select to pair.
- Download Haylou App (Optional): For more features, download the Haylou Sound app.
- Fit & Enjoy: Adjust the earbuds in your ears for a comfortable fit and start listening.
Haylou W1 ANC: In-Depth Review
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Moving on to the earbuds themselves, their beauty and ergonomic design immediately stand out.
They fit snugly and comfortably in the ear, allowing me to even go for runs without any issues.
This level of comfort places them on par with some of the best earbuds in this price range, such as the Realme Bats R3.
Featuring a glossy finish for better grip and a tactile zone for controls, the earbuds come with standard-sized silicone tips, interchangeable with three different sizes included in the box. This thoughtful inclusion ensures a perfect fit for every user.
Touch Controls and Functionality
The touch controls are comprehensive, allowing users to skip tracks, adjust volume, and switch between different noise cancellation modes.
However, the lack of proximity and pressure sensors means that play/pause and automatic content playback need to be managed via these touch controls.
Durability and Water Resistance
The earbuds boast an IPX4 resistance rating, affirming their durability and suitability for workouts and runs. Available in two colors— dark blue and white with silver accents— they offer aesthetic choices that cater to different tastes.
Battery Life
Battery performance is generous, with each earbud offering around 4.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 6.5 hours with it turned off.
The case extends total usage to about 35 hours, marking a significant improvement over the original W1s.
My tests closely mirrored these claims, providing a reliable and satisfying experience.
Connectivity and App Integration
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable and efficient connectivity, further enhanced by a three-core CPU and an independent HiFi DSP.
The Haylou Sound app, available for both iOS and Android, adds a layer of customization, allowing for ANC adjustments, sound mode selections, and touch control configurations.
While the app lacks a personalized equalizer, it remains a valuable tool for optimizing your listening experience.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Haylou W1 ANC earbuds is where they truly shine. Retaining the dual-driver setup of their predecessors, they feature a dynamic 10mm driver and a balanced armature driver, delivering a rich and detailed audio experience.
The soundstage is broad and dynamic, with excellent control across all frequencies. Whether it’s the clarity of vocals or the depth of bass, these earbuds perform exceptionally well, rivaling products at much higher price points.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
The ANC functionality, with three modes and up to 45 decibels of noise cancellation, is impressive.
While not groundbreaking, it effectively reduces ambient noise, making it a valuable feature for commuters and travelers.
The transparency mode is also noteworthy, allowing for clear external sound perception without removing the earbuds.
Microphone Quality
The only slight disappointment comes from the microphone quality, which, while adequate for calls and voice commands, does not excel in clarity or noise cancellation.
This aspect, although not a deal-breaker, is something potential buyers should be aware of.
Price
Priced around $40 to $45, depending on where you purchase them, the Haylou W1 ANC earbuds offer incredible value.
They stand out in their price range for sound quality, comfort, and effective ANC, making them a top choice for anyone with a budget of around $50.
Where to Buy?
Haylou W1 ANC: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with dynamic drivers.
- Affordable price point.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
- IPX4 water resistance rating.
- Long battery life with charging case.
- USB Type-C charging.
Cons:
- Glossy parts of the case are prone to scratches.
- Microphone quality could be improved.
- No wireless charging.
- App lacks a personalized equalizer.
Final Thoughts on Haylou W1 ANC Review
In closing, the Haylou W1 ANC earbuds have left a strong impression on me, addressing many of the desires I had following my experience with the original W1s.
They strike an excellent balance between quality, features, and price, making them a compelling option for anyone in the market for affordable ANC earbuds.
If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about whether the Haylou W1 ANC earbuds are the right choice for you.
FAQs on Haylou W1 ANC Earbuds
Can the Haylou W1 ANC connect to multiple devices at once?
No, the Haylou W1 ANC can only be connected to one device at a time.
How do I switch between ANC and Transparency mode?
Easily switch modes by tapping the touch control area on the earbuds as specified in the user manual, usually a long press.
What’s the battery life of the Haylou W1 ANC?
The earbuds offer up to 4.5 hours with ANC on and a total of 35 hours with the charging case.
Are the Haylou W1 ANC waterproof?
They have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to splashes and sweat but not fully waterproof.
How do I know when my Haylou W1 ANC are fully charged?
The LED indicator on the charging case will turn off or change color, depending on the model.
Can I use the Haylou W1 ANC for phone calls?
Yes, they have built-in microphones for calls, but the microphone quality is adequate, not exceptional.
You may also interested to see:
- Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Review
- OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Review
- Xiaomi Air3 SE Review
- Lenovo XT97 Review
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Review
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
