TOZO NC3 Review 2025: The Best Budget ANC Earbuds Under $30?

When I first unboxed the TOZO NC3, I thought, “Here we go, another budget ANC earbud trying too hard.” But since so many readers were asking for a real-world TOZO NC3 review, I decided to give it a proper week of testing.

And let me tell you — these little earbuds surprised me. From noisy subway rides to sweaty gym sessions, the NC3 held its own against pricier rivals. If you’re wondering whether they’re worth it, this hands-on review will answer that for you.

Review Scorecard

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Price: ~$49.99 (Check current price on Amazon)

Pros:

• Strong hybrid ANC for the price
  
• Comfortable fit with transparency mode
  
• Long battery life (up to 55 hours)
  
• Waterproof (IPX8) — sweat and rain safe
  
• Customizable EQ via TOZO app
  

Cons:

• Charging case is on the bulkier side
  
• Touch controls can be oversensitive
  
• ANC doesn’t fully block deep rumbles
  

Key Features & Specifications

One thing this TOZO NC3 review made clear is that TOZO didn’t hold back on features.

• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Cuts up to 45dB, enough to quiet down office chatter, cafés, and subway noise.
  
• 6 Microphones with ENC: Makes calls surprisingly clear, even on busy streets.
  
• Transparency Mode: Lets you hear what’s happening around you without removing the earbuds.
  
• Battery Life: 13 hours per charge (ANC off), 9.5 hours (ANC on). With the case, up to 55 hours. Quick charge gives 1 hour in just 10 minutes.
  
• TOZO App (32 EQ Presets): Choose from bass-heavy, vocal-focused, or custom EQ profiles and share them in the global “EQ zone.”
  
• Waterproofing: IPX8 — safe against sweat and light rain.
  

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with low-latency support for gaming and video.

Call Quality & Microphones

With six built-in microphones, calls are surprisingly crisp. During a coffee shop Zoom call, my colleague said, “You sound really clear — no background noise at all!” Even walking outdoors past honking cars, the earbuds kept my voice clean. Very loud music occasionally sneaks through, but honestly, that’s expected in this price range.

Battery Life

Battery life is where these earbuds shine. With ANC off, I got 13 hours per charge, extended to 55 hours with the case. Turn ANC on, and it’s 9.5 hours per charge, 40 hours with the case. And get this: a 10-minute quick charge gives about an hour of listening — perfect for those mornings when you forget to charge overnight.

TOZO App & EQ Presets

The TOZO app is surprisingly fun. It has 32 EQ presets and lets you make your own. I spent an hour experimenting with jazz, pop, rock, and cinematic modes. Each preset subtly improves clarity or bass depending on the genre. Sharing my custom EQs with friends in the “EQ zone” was a neat little bonus — almost like trading Pokémon cards but for your ears.

Waterproofing & Connectivity

Honestly, I didn’t worry about sweat or sudden rain thanks to the IPX8 waterproof rating. I even got caught in a drizzle, and the earbuds kept going like nothing happened. Pairing is a breeze, too — Bluetooth 5.3 stayed rock-solid. I streamed YouTube and played a quick game, phone tucked in my backpack, and not once did the connection drop or lag. It just works.

Design & Build Quality

The NC3 earbuds look sleeker than I expected for this price. They have a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the earbuds sit comfortably in the ear.The charging case feels sturdy but is a bit chunky. On the plus side, the magnets are strong — I never worried about the buds falling out in my bag. Touch controls are responsive, though sometimes too sensitive. Brushing your ear can accidentally pause your music.

Setup & Ease of Use

Pairing was instant. As soon as I opened the case, my phone detected “TOZO NC3.” No hiccups.

Switching between ANC, transparency, and normal mode is smooth. I loved transparency mode more than I thought — it let me order coffee or hear announcements on the train without yanking the earbuds out.

Performance & Daily Use in My TOZO NC3 Review

Sound quality? Surprisingly solid. The bass has punch, mids are balanced, and vocals sound clean. Not audiophile-level detail, but way better than you’d expect under $50.

ANC works well for everyday life — cafés, chatter, traffic. Low-frequency rumbles (like a bus engine) sneak in a little, but music still feels immersive.

During my runs, the earbuds stayed put, even with sweat. Streaming YouTube and playing a quick mobile game felt seamless. Bluetooth 5.3 kept everything in sync, no lag, no dropouts. Even with my phone zipped inside my backpack, the connection didn’t break once.

Battery Life & Durability

If battery life is your top concern, you’ll be impressed. I charged them once on Monday morning, used them all week (2–3 hours a day), and still had juice left on Friday. Quick charging saved me more than once — a 10-minute top-up before a call gave me an extra hour.

Durability-wise, the IPX8 waterproof rating isn’t just marketing fluff. I tested them in light rain and during sweaty workouts — they kept working like nothing happened.

Extra Features

• EQ Zone Sharing: I had fun swapping EQ profiles with other TOZO users.
  
• Low Latency Mode: A nice bonus for gaming — audio syncs up well with visuals.
  
• Voice Clarity in Calls: Six mics keep your voice clean, even in busy environments.
  

Comparisons & Alternatives

If you’re weighing your options, here are some realistic comparisons:

• Anker Soundcore Life P3 – Strong bass and comparable ANC, but not as waterproof.
  
• EarFun Air Pro 3 – Better ANC, but pricier and bulkier.
  
• TOZO NC2 – Previous model with weaker ANC and shorter battery life.
  

The TOZO NC3 balances features and price better than most.

Who Should Buy the TOZO NC3

• Commuters tired of background noise
  
• Gym-goers needing sweatproof, secure earbuds
  
• Budget buyers wanting ANC under $50
  
• Casual gamers who want low-latency audio
  
• Students or remote workers who need reliable call quality
  
• Anyone who wants a customizable sound profile
  

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict

After spending a week testing these earbuds in every possible scenario, my TOZO NC3 review ends with this: they’re a steal for the price. Strong ANC, long battery life, customizable EQ, and waterproofing make them perfect for commuters, students, and fitness enthusiasts.

They’re not flawless — the case is chunky and ANC struggles with deep rumbles. But at under $50, that’s a trade-off I can live with.

Check current price on Amazon.

Why You Can Trust Us: I’ve personally tested over 250+ audio products, from high-end ANC headphones to budget-friendly wireless earbuds, using real-life commuting, workouts, and remote work scenarios to judge sound quality, durability, and usability.

FAQs

Q1: Can the TOZO NC3 handle running and workouts?
Yes. With IPX8 waterproofing and a snug fit, they’re perfect for gym sessions or jogging.

Q2: Does the quick charge actually work?
Definitely. A 10-minute charge gave me about an hour of playback.

Q3: How does ANC compare to premium brands?
Not as powerful as Bose or Sony, but for cafés, offices, and commuting, it’s surprisingly effective.

Q4: Can I customize sound?
Yes. The TOZO app offers 32 EQ presets and custom EQ sharing in the global EQ zone.

Q5: Are they good for gaming?
Yes, low latency mode makes them suitable for casual gaming without noticeable lag.

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