Set up your wireless noise cancelling earbuds by charging them, pairing them with a phone or computer, choosing a secure ear tip fit, and checking noise control and playback. This guide is for first-time users and anyone reconnecting a set of earbuds. Allow 10–20 minutes, plus extra charging time if the case or earbuds have low battery.
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TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with LED Display
- ✔ Model: NC9
- ✔ Noise cancellation: Hybrid ANC, up to 45 dB stated
- ✔ Playback per charge: Up to 14 hours ANC off; 10 hours ANC on
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds with Hands-Free Viewing
- ✔ Model: A3959
- ✔ Noise cancellation: ANC up to 42 dB stated
- ✔ Playback per charge: Up to 10 hours; 6 hours with ANC
HAOYUYAN Wireless Earbuds BX17 – Sports Bluetooth Headphones with 80 hrs Playtime, LED Power Display, Noise Cancelling, IPX7 Wate…
- ✔ Model: BX17
- ✔ Playback per earbud charge: Up to 15 hours stated
- ✔ Total playback: Up to 80 hours with case stated
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 10-20 minutes
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Wireless noise cancelling earbuds and charging case
- Phone, tablet, or computer with Bluetooth
- Charging cable and a suitable power adapter, if needed
Knowledge:
- Basic ability to open Bluetooth settings and select a device
- Ability to navigate the earbuds’ companion app, if the manufacturer provides one
Keep the earbuds and case close to your device during pairing. If the earbuds were paired with another nearby device, turn off Bluetooth on that device temporarily so it does not connect first. Button locations and app names vary by model; use the included quick-start sheet for model-specific controls.
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with LED Display
The TOZO NC9 takes the top spot because its stated feature set makes the clearest case for sustained noise cancelling. It lists hybrid ANC up to 45 dB and up to 10 hours per charge with ANC on, alongside transparency mode for times when we need to hear more of our surroundings. That combination makes it a more convincing commute or long-listening pick than the HAOYUYAN BX17, whose supplied description emphasizes workout security and total case playtime but gives no comparable ANC reduction figure.Battery claims need context: TOZO lists up to 60 hours with ANC off and 40 with ANC on, so the largest figure is not the expected ANC-on session length. Still, its stated ANC-on runtime exceeds the P30i’s six hours per charge. The LED case display, six ear-cap sizes and app access to 32 EQ presets also give buyers useful ways to track charge and tune sound. The NC9 is not an automatic fit for everyone, and a reduction rating cannot guarantee the same perceived quiet in every ear. Its case also lacks wireless charging. For a buyer who wants cancellation, awareness mode and substantial stated runtime in one package, though, it is the most rounded choice here.
Pros:
- Hybrid ANC is rated up to 45 dB in the supplied specifications.
- Lists up to 10 hours per charge with ANC enabled.
- Transparency mode supports listening for nearby sounds.
- Six ear-cap sizes and app EQ presets offer fit and sound adjustment options.
Cons:
- The charging case does not support wireless charging.
- The 60-hour total is listed for ANC off; the stated total falls to 40 hours with ANC on.
Best for: Listeners who want hybrid ANC, an awareness mode and a comparatively long stated ANC-on session for commutes or extended listening.
Not ideal for: Buyers who require wireless case charging or prefer a small set of simple controls over app-based EQ options.
Bottom line: We rank the NC9 first for combining stated hybrid ANC, transparency mode and the longest listed ANC-on per-charge runtime in this lineup.
“We rank the NC9 first for combining stated hybrid ANC, transparency mode and the longest listed ANC-on per-charge runtime in this lineup.”
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds with Hands-Free Viewing
The Soundcore P30i is the easiest of these three to recommend to someone who moves between listening, calls and checking a phone. Its ANC is stated to reduce up to 42 dB of ambient sound, and transparency mode provides an option for situations where blocking sound is inconvenient. Four AI-enhanced microphones are another practical distinction: compared with the TOZO NC9, which lists six microphones with ENC, the P30i’s description explicitly connects its microphone system with clear calls. That makes it a stronger on-paper fit for frequent voice conversations.The case is both its signature extra and its main portability compromise. It doubles as a phone stand for hands-free viewing, but the built-in function makes the case bulkier than a simpler charging case. Battery life is also more modest during cancellation: Soundcore lists up to 10 hours per charge without that condition, but six hours with ANC on. The TOZO lists 10 hours with ANC on, so it is the better option for longer quiet sessions. P30i’s 45-hour case-inclusive playback can still suit a day-to-day routine, while Bluetooth 5.4 is the newest listed version here. Buyers should know the case does not offer wireless charging.
Pros:
- ANC is stated to reduce up to 42 dB of ambient sound.
- Transparency mode offers an alternative to noise cancellation.
- Four AI-enhanced microphones are designed to support clear calls.
- The charging case doubles as a phone stand.
Cons:
- Listed per-charge playback drops to six hours with ANC enabled.
- The phone-stand case is bulkier than a basic charging case.
- Wireless charging is not supported.
Best for: People who want noise cancelling earbuds for mixed daily listening and calls, and who would use a case that props up a phone.
Not ideal for: Listeners who need the longest ANC-on session, want a compact case, or rely on wireless charging.
Bottom line: We place the P30i second for its call-focused microphones and versatile case, while its shorter stated ANC-on runtime keeps it behind the NC9 for sustained quiet.
“We place the P30i second for its call-focused microphones and versatile case, while its shorter stated ANC-on runtime keeps it behind the NC9 for sustained quiet.”
HAOYUYAN Wireless Earbuds BX17 – Sports Bluetooth Headphones with 80 hrs Playtime, LED Power Display, Noise Cancelling, IPX7 Wate…
For buyers who put a secure workout fit ahead of a compact everyday design, the HAOYUYAN BX17 has the most specialized role in this group. Its soft ear hooks and multiple tip sizes are intended to help the earbuds stay in place during movement, while IPX7 water resistance suits sweaty sessions and exposure to rain. Those practical fit and protection details are more prominent than on the Soundcore P30i or TOZO NC9, making the BX17 the clearest sports choice here.Its headline battery claim is up to 80 hours with the case, supported by a stated 15 hours per earbud and an eight-charge case. That is substantial total endurance on paper, but it does not tell us how long ANC runs on a single charge: the supplied description gives no ANC-on runtime or noise reduction figure. The NC9 and P30i therefore provide more useful detail for judging noise cancellation itself. Another usability tradeoff is that the product information says volume adjustments require the case button, rather than an earbud control. That may be awkward when the case is tucked away mid-workout. We would choose the BX17 for secure movement and charging intervals; commuters seeking clearly specified ANC performance should compare the NC9 first.
Pros:
- Ear hooks and multiple tip sizes are intended to keep the fit secure during exercise.
- IPX7 protection is suited to sweat and rain exposure.
- The product lists up to 15 hours per earbud charge and 80 hours with the case.
- Type-C charging and LED battery indicators support routine charging checks.
Cons:
- The supplied details do not state an ANC reduction figure or ANC-on battery runtime.
- Volume changes require the charging case button according to the product information.
- An ear-hook design may be less convenient for buyers seeking a small, low-profile earbud.
Best for: Active listeners who prioritize ear hooks, sweat and rain protection, and a large stated case-inclusive battery total.
Not ideal for: Commuters who want a quantified ANC claim or ANC-on runtime, and listeners who need convenient volume control from the earbuds.
Bottom line: We rank the BX17 third overall but first for workout security, since its fit and endurance claims are clearer than its noise-cancelling performance.
“We rank the BX17 third overall but first for workout security, since its fit and endurance claims are clearer than its noise-cancelling performance.”
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Before You Start
Check that your device’s Bluetooth is on and that the earbuds and case have charge. Remove any protective film covering the charging contacts. Do not force the earbuds into the case if they do not sit correctly; check their orientation and the contacts. Noise cancellation reduces some outside sound, but it does not block every sound or replace awareness in traffic or other hazardous places.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Charge and inspect the earbuds
Place both earbuds in the charging case, matching the left and right markings, and connect the case to power if its battery is low. Check that each earbud sits flat and that the case indicator responds. Leave them charging until the indicator or app shows adequate charge for setup.
Tip:If an earbud does not charge, remove it and check for packaging film or debris on the metal contacts. Wipe contacts with a clean, dry cloth; do not use liquid.
Check: The case or app shows that both earbuds are charging or have battery available.
Step 2: Put the earbuds in pairing mode
Open the case near your device. Many earbuds enter pairing mode automatically the first time they are opened. If they do not, follow the model’s instructions, often by holding the case button or touching both earbuds until a light flashes or a voice prompt announces pairing.
Tip:A flashing light or pairing prompt usually means the earbuds are discoverable. A steady light may indicate they are already connected or charging.
Check: The earbuds show a pairing indicator or the device appears in your Bluetooth device list.
Step 3: Connect from Bluetooth settings
Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer. Select the earbuds by their listed name and accept the pairing prompt if one appears. Wait for the status to change to connected. If the list shows separate entries for each earbud, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and select the main headset entry.
Tip:Do not select a similarly named device unless it matches the name printed in the app or product documentation.
Check: Your device lists the earbuds as connected, and any connection tone or voice prompt confirms the link.
Step 4: Install the companion app and check settings
If the manufacturer offers an app, install its official version from your device’s app store and open it with the earbuds connected. Grant only the permissions needed for the features you want. Check for firmware updates and follow the app’s prompts while keeping the earbuds close and charged. Review options for noise cancellation, transparency, touch controls, and automatic pause.
Tip:Keep the earbuds in range and avoid closing the app during a firmware update. An update may take several minutes.
Check: The app recognizes the earbuds and shows their battery or available control settings.
Step 5: Choose and fit the ear tips
Try the installed tips first, then test the included sizes one at a time if they feel loose or uncomfortable. Insert each earbud gently and twist it into the position shown in the instructions. The tip should seal the ear canal without pain. If the app includes a fit test, run it and change tip sizes if the result calls for an adjustment.
Tip:A poor seal can weaken bass and noise cancellation. Avoid pushing the earbud deeply or accepting discomfort just to improve the seal.
Check: The earbuds stay in place when you move your head, feel comfortable, and pass the app’s fit test if available.
Step 6: Set noise control and test playback
Use the app or the earbuds’ controls to select noise cancellation. Play audio at a comfortable volume and check that sound comes from both earbuds. Switch briefly to transparency or ambient mode, if available, and listen for outside sound to become more noticeable. Return to the mode you prefer.
Tip:Test noise control while stationary in a quiet, safe place. ANC performance varies by fit and by the kind of surrounding sound.
Check: Audio plays in both earbuds, and changing the mode produces the expected difference in outside sound.
Step 7: Learn the controls and confirm reconnection
Check the app or product guide for the tap, press, or swipe that controls playback, calls, and noise modes. Try one control at a time at a low volume. Then place the earbuds in the case, close it briefly, reopen it near your device, and confirm they reconnect. If they do not, select them again in Bluetooth settings.
Tip:Touch controls may require a firm tap or a pause between taps. Adjust control assignments in the app if accidental touches are common.
Check: You can start or pause audio, change a noise mode, and reconnect the earbuds after returning them to the case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selecting the wrong similarly named Bluetooth device. —
Compare the Bluetooth list entry with the model name in the app or documentation before pairing.
- Using ear tips that do not seal or feel comfortable. —
Try the supplied sizes and check the fit test if available. Replace tips that feel painful or let the earbuds slip out.
- Expecting ANC to remove every sound. —
Test in a safe setting and remember that voices, sudden noises, and some high-pitched sounds may remain audible.
- Interrupting an update or pairing attempt by moving the earbuds out of range. —
Keep the earbuds close to the device, charged, and in the case or position requested by the app until the process finishes.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The earbuds do not appear in the Bluetooth list.
Solution:
Confirm they have charge, reopen the case, and activate pairing mode using the model’s instructions. Turn Bluetooth off and on on your device, move nearby previously paired devices out of range, and scan again. If needed, reset the earbuds using the manufacturer’s reset procedure.
Problem: The earbuds connect but audio plays from the device speaker.
Solution:
Open the device’s audio output selector and choose the earbuds. Check that media volume is raised and that the earbuds are not connected to another device. Disconnect and reconnect them if the output still does not change.
Problem: Sound is weak or noise cancellation seems ineffective.
Solution:
Reseat the earbuds and try another tip size. Check for debris on the tips or sound openings, confirm ANC is selected in the app, and run the fit test again if available. Compare performance in a quiet place, since ANC results depend on fit and surrounding sound.
Problem: Only one earbud plays or charges.
Solution:
Return both earbuds to the case and check that each is seated on its charging contacts. Clean dry contacts, charge the case, and reconnect. If one remains unresponsive, follow the manufacturer’s reset and support instructions.
What Success Looks Like
The device shows the earbuds as connected, both earbuds play audio, the fit remains comfortable and secure, and the noise control mode changes when you use the app or controls. The earbuds also reconnect after you return them to the case and take them out again.
Next Steps
Store the earbuds in their case between uses and recharge the case before its battery runs low. Clean the tips and charging contacts with a dry, soft cloth as directed by the manufacturer. Recheck the fit if sound or ANC changes, and review the app occasionally for control settings or firmware updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wireless noise cancelling earbuds work without the companion app?
Usually, yes. Pair them through your device’s Bluetooth settings and use the built-in controls. The app may be needed for fit tests, custom controls, updates, or additional sound settings.
Why can I still hear people or sudden sounds with ANC on?
ANC works best on steady, low-frequency noise and does not eliminate every sound. A poor ear tip seal can also reduce its effect. Keep awareness of your surroundings where safety matters.
Can I pair the earbuds with more than one device?
Some models support multipoint connections, while others connect to one device at a time. Check the model’s instructions. If switching fails, disconnect the earbuds from the first device before selecting them on the second.
What should I do if I forget which control changes noise modes?
Check the companion app or the included control guide. If the app allows it, assign noise mode switching to a control you can remember, then test it at a comfortable volume.
