- Great bass-forward sound
- Customizable ANC and EQ
- Compact case with battery display
- Good call quality
- Weak high-frequency ANC
- Glossy display scratches easily
- May discomfort small ears
The TOZO NC9 earbuds deliver exceptional value with robust sound, customizable features, and a sleek design for around $30. While the ANC falters on high frequencies and the case’s display scratches easily, the NC9’s bass-forward audio and practical features make it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
If you’re searching for decent quality wireless earphones that deliver premium features without the premium price, the TOZO NC9 is a game-changer.
During extensive testing, I was impressed with the active noise cancellation, robust sound, and sleek design of these earbuds.
Let’s dive into why the NC9 might be the best value-for-money earbuds you can buy.
Also see: TOZO T10 Review: Budget Earbuds with Great Bass & Battery
TOZO NC9 Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | TOZO NC9 (2024 Upgraded) |
| Driver | 9.2mm Dynamic Driver |
| Frequency Response | 14Hz – 20kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Profiles | HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP |
| Bluetooth Range | 15 meters (49 feet) |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (-45dB), Transparency Mode, Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) with 6 microphones |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 (earbuds only, not suitable for swimming) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours (ANC off), 6 hours (ANC on) |
| Total Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 59 hours |
| Charging | USB-C, Wireless Charging (Qi-compatible) |
| Charging Time | Approx. 2 hours (full charge), 10-minute quick charge for 2 hours playtime |
| Earbud Weight | Approx. 4.2g per earbud |
| Case Dimensions | 20.6 x 24.5 x 26.3 mm |
| Case Weight | Approx. 42.5g (with earbuds) |
| Ear Tips | 6 sizes (silicone, varying shapes) |
| Controls | Touch controls (play/pause, skip tracks, volume, ANC/Transparency mode, voice assistant) |
| App Support | TOZO App (32 preset EQs, custom EQ, ANC customization, gesture settings) |
| Colors | Matte Black, Matte White, Royal Blue, Dark Red, Khaki |
Build Quality
The TOZO NC9 comes well-equipped right out of the box. Inside, you’ll find the earphones housed in a compact charging case, multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit, a USB-C charging cable, and the usual documentation.
The variety of ear tips is a thoughtful inclusion, ensuring a snug fit that enhances noise isolation—crucial for active noise cancellation (ANC) performance.
The charging case is a standout feature. It’s small, lightweight, and sports a matte finish that resists scratches and scuffs, making it ideal for daily carry.
A unique addition is the small display on the front, which shows the battery percentage of the case and each earbud when opened or when an earbud is removed. This is a rare feature in budget earbuds and adds a premium touch.
However, the glossy finish on the display itself is prone to scratches, especially during travel.
The case also includes a USB-C charging port and a sync/reset button—a feature many brands are phasing out but one that proves invaluable for troubleshooting.
The TOZO branding on the lid is subtle and clean, maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
The earbuds themselves are compact with a touch-sensitive area featuring the TOZO logo.
The design includes charging contacts and small openings that likely aid in soundstage and bass performance.
The nozzle is ergonomically shaped for comfort, though those with smaller ears may experience discomfort during extended use.
For instance, prolonged wear caused slight pain in my smaller left ear due to its smaller concha. Overall, the NC9’s build is practical, durable, and thoughtfully designed for its price point.
Features
The TOZO NC9 is packed with features, many of which can be customized via the TOZO app. While the earbuds are straightforward to use without the app, it’s necessary for fine-tuning settings.
The app displays battery levels for each earbud and offers multiple ANC modes: Noise Cancelling, Transparency, Reduce Wind Noise, Leisure Mode, Normal Mode, and Custom patterns. This level of customization is impressive for budget earbuds.
The ANC performs well on low and mid-frequency noises, such as background hums or chatter, but struggles with higher frequencies.
On a recent flight, the NC9 reduced engine noise effectively but didn’t fully eliminate high-pitched sounds. While this may suit users who prefer some ambient awareness, those seeking aggressive noise cancellation might need to look elsewhere.
The app also includes a 10-band equalizer with ±5 dB gain, offering presets and manual tuning options. The default tuning is well-balanced, but the EQ allows for personalization.
Other features include low-latency mode for video consumption, customizable touch controls (including volume adjustments, a rarity in some competitors), and firmware updates.
The app even offers AI-driven features like meeting recordings, real-time translations, and AI chat, though these may not appeal to everyone.
The microphones that power ANC also support environmental noise cancellation (ENC) for calls, isolating your voice in noisy settings. This leads us to the call quality performance.
Call Quality
To test the NC9’s call performance, I conducted a demo on a busy street filled with two-wheelers, cars, and trucks.
The earbuds’ ENC did a commendable job isolating my voice, though some background noise still bled through in such a chaotic environment. In quieter settings, like an office or home, the vocal clarity is significantly better.
Switching between ANC modes during the test revealed subtle differences. In Noise Cancelling mode, the earbuds prioritized voice isolation, while Normal mode allowed more ambient sound to bleed in, slightly reducing ENC effectiveness.
Transparency mode, designed for environmental awareness, let in the most noise, which is expected. Recipients of calls should notice minimal strain in voice quality across modes, but the Noise Cancelling mode offers the best balance for clear communication.
Overall, the NC9 handles calls admirably for its price, though it’s not flawless in extremely noisy conditions.
Sound Quality
The TOZO NC9 is equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, delivering a sound profile that punches above its weight. TOZO’s tuning leans toward a warm tone with an emphasis on bass, a signature that makes these earbuds a joy to listen to.
At 35–50% volume, the NC9 opens up, offering a fun and engaging sound. However, exceeding 60% volume can be excessively loud, so moderation is advised to protect your hearing.
The imaging is sharp enough for casual listeners, with decent detail retrieval, though it falls short of audiophile-grade earphones. Nuances in music are well-handled, making the NC9 a great companion for various genres.
The soundstage is typical for true wireless earbuds in this price range, creating a “bubble” effect with good left-right separation and a clear center channel. Occasional sounds may seem to come from slightly further out, adding a touch of immersion.
The NC9’s tuning resembles a Harman-like curve, with elevated bass, slightly recessed mids, and tastefully boosted highs. The bass is particularly impressive, offering deep rumble and a strong kick that enhances gaming, movies, and bass-heavy genres.
Unlike some competitors, the bass doesn’t overpower the mids or highs, maintaining clarity in vocals and instruments. The mids are well-separated, avoiding the muddiness common in budget earbuds, while the highs are soft and non-fatiguing.
I didn’t feel the need to tweak the EQ, as the out-of-the-box tuning is exceptionally well-executed. Whether you’re listening to pop, rock, or EDM, the NC9 delivers a musical and versatile performance.
Final Verdict
The TOZO NC9 stands out as a top pick for buyers on a budget who want earbuds packed with features. Its small size, smart case display, adjustable ANC, and strong sound quality set it apart from others in its price range.
The ANC has trouble with high-pitched noise, and the shiny display can scratch, but these small issues don’t outweigh its overall worth.
If you like warm, bass-heavy earbuds that sound good and have useful features, you’ll find it hard to top the NC9. It’s a fun, trusty sidekick for trips, work, or casual listening, showing that you don’t need to shell out big bucks for good sound.
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.
